The parents of Jesus went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover. When Jesus was twelve years old, they took Him with them. When they went home, He tarried behind in Jerusalem, and they knew it not, but supposing Him to be in the company, they went a day’s journey. And they sought for Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances. And when they found Him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for Him. After three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them and asking them questions. And all that heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. And Mary said: Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us? Thy father and I sought Thee sorrowing. Jesus answered: How is it that ye sought me? Knew ye not that I must be in my Father’s house? And He went down with them to Nazareth; and He was obedient to them.—And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men (Luke 2:41-52.)
[56. John Preaches and Baptizes]
John dwelt quietly in the desert till he was thirty years of age. Then the word of God came to him, and he began to preach: Repent ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Even now the axe lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. His manner of living was like that of the prophets of old; he had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his food was locusts and wild honey. People both from Jerusalem and from the country came to him, and they were baptized of him, confessing their sins. Many believed that he was Christ; but he said: I am not Christ. I baptize only with water; but after me cometh One that is greater than I, the latchet of whose shoe I am not worthy to unloose. He shall baptize with the Holy Spirit. He is the Lamb of God that beareth the sins of the world. (Matt. 3:1-11; John 1:19-29.)
John exhorted both high and low to repentance. The tetrarch Herod Antipas had compelled his brother to part from his wife, Herodias, and had himself taken her to wife. John said to him: It is not lawful for thee to have her. Herod became angry for this, and cast John into prison. When Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before him; he was pleased with the dance, and promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she should ask, even the half of his kingdom. She went to the mother, who said: Ask for the head of John on a platter. The king was grieved, but for the sake of his guests he kept his word. John was beheaded, and his head was brought to the princess on a platter. And his disciples came and buried him. (Matt. 14:1-12.)
[57. Jesus Is Baptized]
When Jesus was thirty years old, He came to John at the Jordan to be baptized. John said: I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me? Jesus answered: Suffer it now; for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then John baptized Him. And when Jesus went up from the water, lo, the heavens were opened, and the Spirit of God descended on Him in the form of a dove, and there came a voice out of the heavens, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Matt. 3:13-17.)
[58. Jesus Is Tempted]
Then Jesus was led of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He afterward hungered. And the tempter came and said unto Him: If Thou art the Son of God, command that these stones become bread. Jesus answered: It is written: Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil took Him into the holy city, and he set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said: If Thou art the Son of God, cast Thyself down; for it is written: He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee, and on their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest haply Thou dash Thy foot against a stone. Jesus answered: Again it is written: Thou shalt not try the Lord thy God. Again the devil took Him unto an exceeding high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them, and said: All these things will I give Thee, if Thou wilt fall down and worship me. Jesus answered: Get thee hence, Satan! For it is written: Thou shalt worship the Lord, thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve. (Matt. 4:1-11.)
[59. Jesus Begins His Work]
After Jesus had been baptized and tempted He began His work. For about three years He went from place to place in the country and in the cities; and for the great feasts He went up to Jerusalem. He spoke but a word and the blind saw, the deaf heard, the lame walked, the lepers were cleansed, and the dead were raised. He was God’s only begotten Son, born of the Father from eternity; therefore He could say: I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man cometh to the Father but by me. Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Everywhere the people flocked to Him and heard Him, for as He spoke had no man spoken.