Today, acknowledging the
miraculous birth of Jesus, reply is on Christ as the head of the church and the
first to provide demonstration of death and burial without corruption. Jesus is
the stand-in and substitute provided from GOD to fulfill the obligation
proclaimed by sacred law to sacrifice and surrender the first born of all
created beings and living creatures. Prophetic demonstration of life being
restored to the dead is first reported in the Old Testament (e.g., see the
prophet Elisha in 2nd Kings 8: 4-6 and 2nd Kings 13: 20-21, King James
Version, KJV). This is not the same as the first and second resurrection that
both pertain to the eternal purpose of judgment. The language of the holy
writings permit the use of the earth and the grave as a figure of the womb; and
we may comprehend Christ as the divine seed planted and “born again” following
his crucifixion. The disciples of Christ enter into his death, his
resurrection, and the judgment against him for sins as well. A fighter in the
“Yahoo! Answers” forum using the ID “fixerken” (Level 7 with 30,210 points, a
member since August 30, 2006) posted the following:
At Col 1:18 (AS) we read: And he is the
head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the
dead;?
that in all things he might have the
preeminence. Firstborn (prō-to'-to-kos) is explained in the Bible concordance as
being: the first born of all that is to follow. The dead (nekros) is explained
in the Bible concordance as meaning: one that has breathed his last, lifeless,
destitute of life, without life, inanimate. Christendom’s clergy says we have a
soul/spirit that leaves our body wouldn’t Col 1:18 show that teaching to be
false? If Christ was the first, what of all those before him that died in good
standing before God?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Verily,
verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have
seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye
believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven,
even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the
serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so
loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in
him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into
the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is
condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten
Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world,
and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For
every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest
his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that
his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. (John 3: 11-21,
King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Wages
of Disobedience (08/04/2017); The Peace of Christmas? (12/25/2016); The Divine
Christmas Gifts (12/26/2016); The Meaning of Christmas? (12/22/2016); Blessing
and Inheritance from Abraham? (06/05/2014); On Christians Executing Judgment
(06/06/2014); The Firstborn, Higher than Kings? (12/18/2012); The Ascension of
Christ? (12/19/2012)
“fixerken”, just as Christian believers, today, are
acknowledging the birth of Jesus Christ as a sacred event (i.e., miracle) in
fulfillment of divine promises and prophecies, Christians acknowledge Jesus
Christ as the “firstborn” (i.e., foremost; primary heir; lawful successor of
GOD, the ruler over existence and life) through the sacred event of resurrection
from the dead. In agreement with The Most High (we also say, the Father), the
church is a new creation established on the earth through the ministry
of the Son of GOD, and the operations of the same Holy Spirit that worked to
found heaven and earth.
Jesus is known as “the faithful witness” for he has
testified (i.e., made statements “under oath” that have power as “evidence in
judgment” (like fingerprints and eyewitness report) because they are “the
truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth”) to mankind of things
delivered to him from the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead), and of
things seen and shared only among the three sacred persons (Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit) that include divine forgiveness of sin, mercy in final judgment,
reconciliation, the coming of the Holy City (New Jerusalem) as well as the
heaven and earth made new.
In accordance to birth order and human reckonings,
Adam was the first man to appear on the earth as an offspring and “son of GOD.”
In accordance with the divine law provided through Moses, Jesus appears as
“firstborn” and the son of Jacob, who became primary heir of Abraham and Isaac
through grace, divine prerogative, and sovereign will. Properly understood, the
heir receives a double-portion of the inheritance that may be shared with many
sons and daughters. Thus, where there are six siblings, there must be seven
shares. The second portion to the heir is not to grant them greater wealth than
the others; it is to ensure the heir may complete the unfinished business of the
deceased. Included may be providing for the burial and memorials; cancelling
debts; and “giving the deceased a new name” (a positive and respectable
reputation).
As for us today, those who died from Adam to Moses
and others to the death of Christ, all may come under the atonement and
propitiation for sin accomplished by Jesus dying on the cross, and returning to
heaven as High Priest in the Temple, there. Their salvation is not established
in their having lived responding to the law given Moses. It is by their lives of
faith on the basis of what Adam and Eve overheard spoken to the serpent in the
Garden of Eden. Those who lived acknowledging the redemption declared by GOD
(who does not lie) to be a promise certain of fulfillment, also belong to
Christ, even the Friend of GOD (before Abraham was, I am). Consider again the
following that uses language from the Bible:
Hebrews 1: 1-4, King James Version (KJV): 1 God,
who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by
the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son,
whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3
Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his
person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by
himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high: 4
Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a
more excellent name than they.
(2.) Galatians 4: 4-7, KJV: 4 But when the
fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made
under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive
the adoption of sons. 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit
of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more
a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through
Christ.
(3.) Romans 6: 3-7, KJV: 3 Know ye not, that so
many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was
raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk
in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of
his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his
resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him,
that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve
sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Of course, there is far more that could be said.
(For example, (4.) Galatians 2: 19-21, KJV: 19 For I through the law am dead
to the law, that I might live unto God. 20 I am crucified with Christ:
nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I
now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and
gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if
righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.) Even so,
I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your
faith.
Washington, DC
The first public miracle of Jesus (changing water to wine) is in focus, today. Also, there is more on being brothers to Christ, yet, not being equal to Christ. A “Yahoo Answers” fighter using the ID “Felix” (Level 1 with 87 points, a member since November 29, 2010) posted the following:
Is helping people to get sozzled a worthy miracle?
Jesus.
He goes to a wedding party, they run out of wine, he turns water into wine so they can party further.
If true Jesus is one party dude.
THE BATTLE AXE: Brothers, Not Equals(04/06/2014)—(6.) In the same way, the authority, influence, and power of older brothers and sisters is not the same as that of the youngest sibling, there are no liars, thieves, and unbelievers who are the same (we say, equals) as those having status as joint heirs with Christ, and who are the sons and daughters to GOD through the Holy Spirit imparted in water baptism. Just as believers are set apart by covenant agreement, believers are further set apart (we say, sanctified) by the added divine gifts from the indwelling Spirit bestowed upon believers that serves as power in their work of spreading the Gospel by their lifestyle, preaching, and unselfish service. GOD carefully examines the makeup, and the fruit of (we say, the effects, what is produced by) all his handiwork of Creation (we say, GOD will judge). While righteous judgment must go forth upon all with attention to detail, balance, and impartiality, the outcome is always that those who satisfy the divine standard, and please GOD, are not treated as those who fail to do so. There is a difference, however, one based on divine love, sacred law, fairness, and justice. See again Genesis 18: 24-26, Leviticus 26: 13-35, Deuteronomy 28: 1-3, Matthew 10: 32-33, 2nd Corinthians 5: 10, and Revelation 3: 14-22, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (John 14: 8-17, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Miracles Are From GOD (03/14/2014); Giving Forgiveness? (03/15/2014); Miracles and Visitations? (03/03/2014); All Lying Forbidden? (03/04/2014); Miracles are Sacred Events (12/20/2013); Resisting Sin (12/21/2013); All Things Possible? (09/17/2013); Can One Escape? (09/18/2013); Both Born Holy? (04/29/2013); Scripture at Funerals? (04/30/2013)
“Felix”, here are a few points a person should consider before “closing the book” on the first miracle of the Lord’s prophetic ministry:
(1.) After his public anointing with the help of John the Baptist, Jesus was isolated and “tested” by Satan. Just as the devil is not all-knowing and can not predict the future, Satan does not have the same gift of spiritual discernment that has been given to mankind through the Holy Spirit. The Adversary could not recognize in Christ what the Son of the Highest had displayed when before the host of heaven. Satan wanted to ask “are you the Son of GOD?” without displaying his ignorance and weakness. Satan challenged Christ on the basis of the humanity of Jesus, and appealed to appetite, fear, greed, ignorance of the Scriptures, and pride.
(2.) Miracles are “prophetic demonstrations” and “sacred events” that describe divine processes (e.g., forgiveness, rebirth, repentance), express eternal purpose (we say, conditions that will fulfill divine intent), and present utterance (breath, spirit, word) from GOD through action, physical objects, and persons (we say, the flesh). Miracles may result through the operations of faith, however, faith does not always result from miracles. Many times the outcomes have been increased confusion, doubt, fear, and skepticism. Even so, miracles may establish an “appetite” for spiritual truth, and may serve as stimulants of curiosity that draw men to GOD as Moses was drawn by the “burning bush.”
(3.) Jesus revealed that the process of GOD for mankind would entail a union of flesh and Spirit. The need of all created beings and living creatures had become so great only a comprehensive transformation could be effective. Thus, men must be “born again” having divine DNA (so to speak); and all the aspects of divine order for the entire universe are now being reconfigured. Included are birth, death, growth, law, love, perfection (we say, maturity), relationship (e.g., as heirs, as servants, as sons, as spouses), and sanctification (we say, cleansing, being set apart to serve GOD).
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Jesus first displayed his divinity by helping those who were disabled, injured, and sick—that is, by addressing the flesh. Yet, the healings and exorcisms (casting out demons) performed by Jesus are not accounted as miracles. In the process of GOD for mankind, the rule is “first, that which is natural, then, that which is spiritual.” The foundations of belief, reverence and worship were to shift away from ceremony, customs, institution, law, ritual, and tradition. Relationship with GOD is to be grounded in ones own endowment of the Spirit of Prophecy (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth). Through Jesus Christ, mankind receives spirit matter from the makeup of GOD that will enable new awareness and self-will.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of divine faith that resides in you.
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. (Isaiah 55: 1-3, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Divine law, eternal life, presumption and sovereign grace are in view, today, and there is more on hierarchy. A writer at “Yahoo! Answers New Zealand” using the ID “Trilobiteme” (Level 5 with 5,100 points, a member since 30 September 2011) posted the following originally asked at Yahoo! Answers United States:
What does God think think of a Christian who tries to live by the law?
THE BATTLE AXE: Hierarchy (11/14/2013)—Intimacy with GOD established through Jesus Christ cannot be broken by time, space or hierarchy. In Christ the streams of priesthood and prophecy are shown to be interwoven and complementary like the two siblings, Aaron and Moses, Jacob and Esau, James and Jesus. Issues of leadership status that come first through the law then through the Holy Spirit are in view. What seems on surface to be a peculiar conflict between priesthood and prophecy can be more correctly seen as amplified and exaggerated when we view the distinctions of collective and individual relationship to GOD in Christ. Consider again: Moses repeatedly appeared alone in the mountain of the Lord as a spokesperson for the people without the presence of a High Priest or Levites; and not for his own selfish benefit. Moses was not separated by defilement, because he was set apart (we say, sanctified) by holiness, and a divine Spirit that abided within him. The congregation and Levites had no part in the work of atonement annually performed by the High Priest (who was set apart by consecration and ordination), and despite their own anointing and inheritance had no part in his work to cleanse the Sanctuary. In the same way, Christ goes forward in the role as a divine High Priest and Judge, and believers have no direct part in the aspect of the judgment work wherein his own blood as the Lamb of GOD is applied, and the Books of Life are altered to register each one whom Jesus has received. (While Satan does have a crucial role in all this as the sacrificial goat to whom the sin of mankind will be transferred (we say, the scapegoat), this necessary duty is not one that bestows upon him authority, exaltation, or promotion.) Both the separation of the Prophet, and the absence of the High Priest, are to be endured by the people through the exercise of faith. The rules for church organization that were introduced for carrying the Gospel to the Gentiles by the Apostle Paul correctly directed believers away from the laws, and keeping of Jewish ceremonies, customs, rites and traditions. However, Paul also introduced practices that could be seen as teaching that prophets are subject to authorities upon the earth, also, and not exclusively to GOD. See Exodus 32: 1, Exodus 33: 11, Acts 7: 37-41, Acts 15: 1-41, 1st Corinthians 14: 31-33 and Hebrews 9: 1-15, King James Version.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them. But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him. (Numbers 15: 29-31, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Law in Christian Belief (09/03/2013); A Need to Know? (09/04/2013); The Benefit of Grace (03/19/2013); Magical Resurrection? (03/20/2013); The Law Not Flawed (12/30/2012); Will GOD Bless My Team? (12/31/2012)
In the same way everyone living in Washington, DC is not a government worker, a legislator, or a lawyer who has thorough knowledge of the 50 volumes of United States Code that is called “the law of the land,” all Christians do not know and practice the things of sacred law that were provided to the Jews, or that are intended for Christian believers, today. Many mistakenly think that “everything Jewish” was ended at the Cross, or when the Temple at Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 A. D.
Divine law will never be an obstacle to the sovereign grace that is establishing eternal life. However, because the law of GOD is spiritual, few agree and understand the benefits, details, and process of divine law until they receive the Holy Spirit provided through the ministry of Jesus Christ. Then it becomes clear that Christ has not abolished divine law establishing relationship to Israel, and needed for the operations that preserve the heavens, the earth, and the fullness of the universe. More than this, the works of the law for salvation—providing standards for behavior and conduct while identifying sin—are seen to be finite and limited. Eternal functions of the law come into view more clearly such as covenant, inheritance, promise, prophecy, sanctification, revelation and unification.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. (For example, while salvation is by grace, and not by perfect obedience to the law, created beings and living creatures will always require discipline, regimen and stable order (forms of law) as part of the framework for their continued existence. This will be particularly so once mortality is ended, and the frameworks of time and space will be altered in accordance with the condition of humans as immortal and incorruptible. Integrity, lawfulness and soundness will always be aspects of all divine operations.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith. Jesus is coming soon, and it continues as a truth of the Gospel, observance of the law does much to prepare mankind for the Savior’s appearing. Grow in grace.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Christian duty and service to sinners are considered, today. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “ignoramus_the_great” (Level 7 with 30,483 points, a member since January 26, 2007) posted the following:
Christians what do you think about Jude 1:22-23 Try to help those who argue against you...?
22 Try to help those who argue against you. Be merciful to those who doubt. 23 Save some by snatching them as from the very flames of hell itself. And as for others, help them to find the Lord by being kind to them, but be careful that you yourselves aren’t pulled along into their sins. Hate every trace of their sin while being merciful to them as sinners.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore into all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28: 19-20, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Bible and Stupid People? (07/17/2013); Destroying Justice (07/18/2013); Loving the Enemy (05/10/2013); Struggling (05/11/2013); A GOD of Love (05/07/2013); Commanding the Storm (05/08/2013)
Many Christian believers respond to the instruction from Jude 1: 21-23 as no less than the “great commission” declared to the apostles granted the role of witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus (see Matthew 28: 19-20, KJV). In general, those who question the authority and reality of the Holy Spirit (also called the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Sprit of Truth) focus upon the specific words of the two passages, and fail to recognize the oneness and sameness of their intent and operation. Similarly, there are many who challenge the spiritual authority and legitimacy of Jude, a sibling of Jesus, and not one widely known as having office in the hierarchy of the early church (e.g., prophet, bishop, deacon, etc.).
As beginners and new believers, a person’s focus may be entirely upon their own salvation. Realization of their own faults, flaws and sins may have come into their awareness with great force and power. As they pray some form of what is called “the sinner’s prayer,” there may be overwhelming guilt and shame. There may be a great humbling of their pride as they confess the terrible damage they may have done to others as well as to themselves. However, the new birth establishes a new self-awareness, and new self-esteem. In addition to aspects of divinity, the content and substance of GOD who is spirit, believers receive new life that is described by holy purpose, obedience to divine law, and sacred work.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. For example, love of GOD and of Christ as Son of the Highest expands and increases only through the growth that comes by regular prayer, study of the holy writings, and service within a community of believers. Born again, one receives such elements of divine DNA as faith, holiness, righteousness, truth, wisdom and wrath against sin. All are not called to be preachers, yet all are given a gospel and a testimony that must be freely shared.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Today, the focus and intent of the Bible comes into view through a question about the siblings of Jesus; and there is more on the statement of Jesus that night cometh. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Kurjack” (Level 2 with 285 points, a member since May 15, 2013) posted the following:
Did Joseph and Mary hire a babysitter when they presented Jesus in the temple?
Luke 2:22 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day.
Did Joseph and Mary hire a babysitter to take care of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon and his sisters? If Joseph and Mary had at least six children other than Jesus, then why did they not bring them when they went to the Jewish Festival? Surely they would have had to have at least one other child by the time Jesus was twelve years old if they were to have at least six children in addition to Jesus.
Additional Details
So I guess that there is no solid answer proves that the Catholics are right that Jesus was an only child.
THE BATTLE AXE: Night Cometh (06/11/2013)— (5) For Jesus, night was that time when he could be alone for communion with the Father in prayer. By declaring to his disciples that “night” was approaching, Jesus further exhorted his followers to be diligent, dutiful and faithful in their ministry as witnesses. Anchored in spiritual truths from GOD, believers are to stay alert, and to be watchful. Thus, his warning against the night is also an encouragement to continue in holy service that will resist and overcome bereavement, imprisonment, opposition, persecution, and divine wrath revealed as tribulation. See Nehemiah 4: 1-23, Matthew 26: 36-45, Mark 13: 31-37 and Luke 21: 5-38, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. (Ecclesiastes 12: 11-14, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Jesus, A Party Animal? (05/03/2013); Jesus Lives! (05/04/2013); Why Jesus Authored No Books? (05/01/2013); Recognizing True Prophets (05/02/2013); The Childhood of Jesus? (03/06/2013); Non-existent Debt? (03/07/2013); Missing Years? (02/25/2011); A Reborn Heart (02/26/2011)
Kurjack, here are some points relied upon by many mature Christian believers to maintain proper focus, and avoid spiritual confusion:
(1) The holy writings are not intended for amusement and entertainment as are secular biography, history, novels and short stories. The Bible focuses upon sacred events, divine operations, and the eternal purposes of divinity as demonstrated and portrayed upon the earth, and through mankind.
(2) Often, what unbelievers call “missing” information has not been included in the divine record because, it merely fosters awareness of the world and the flesh, and does not promote correct focus upon divine intent and sacred process. While many questions a reader might ask are answered by “common sense;” there are others that must be examined, condemned and avoided as carrying no useful information, yet, generating confusion, doubt, waste, and unbelief. Also, what appears as “missing” to those in unbelief, is continually provided through the imparted, indwelling Spirit from GOD.
(3) The Bible is a divine tool given to mankind, and that functions in harmony with ones spirit substance. Data, facts, academic information with intellectual and mental process are not the most essential aspect of the Bible. The Scriptures are to convey and install added spirit content from the make-up and person of GOD. Included are consciousness of GOD, faith, holiness, hope (i.e., expectation), longsuffering, wisdom and wrath against sin.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4) The Scriptures focus upon Jesus as the first-born; and, while there is no direct mention of “bar-mitzvah”, Jesus was at an age to be publicly recognized as a son-of-the law. The law established from the time of Moses demanded attendance of all the first-born at annual festivals acknowledging GOD. By the judgment against the first-born of Egypt, GOD proclaimed his place in covenant relationship as one of authority, awe, and terrible majesty. Every first-born in Israel was to serve as the heir to their own natural father, and would inherit the promises of GOD, including responsibility as caretaker for the promised land, heads of families and households, and peculiar duties of anointed priesthood.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
