The Childhood and Youth of Jesus · Part 2 · Chapter 167

Joseph's convivial invitation to Jonathan. Jonathan's misgivings and confession of his sins. Joseph's advice. The Infant's favourite food: Jonathan's heart. Jesus' testimonial of Jonathan. 15 March 1844

01] As Jonathan had offered his prayer in such a spirited manner, Joseph spoke to him:

02] "My dear friend, you live alone in your hut with your three assistants.

03] As today is a pre-Sabbath day, you will, in any case, not catch any fish; so stay with me today as well as for the Sabbath tomorrow!"

04] And Jonathan spoke: "Yes, my friend and brother, if it were not for the Child of God, I would have certainly stayed with you;

05] but look, I am a sinful man impure in all the parts of my being!

06] For since I live among heathen, I have hardly thought about Moses' laws and live more according to pagan than Jewish customs.

07] And so I cannot stay where the Almighty Himself lives!"

08] And Joseph spoke: "Brother, your reasoning is fine; but I cannot accept it!

09] For look, the Lord, who has shown such mercy even to all the heathen, will certainly be more merciful towards you, a repentant Jew!

10] You only need to love Him and can be sure that the Lord will also love you beyond measure!

11] For look, the eight children and Eudokia are heathen, and the Infant nevertheless goes about with them and loves them beyond all measure!

12] So He will also welcome you most affectionately and will treat you as He treats his best friends!"

13] After these words, Jonathan took heart and, with Joseph, went down the hill and returned to the house, where the midday meal had long been prepared.

14] Joseph now called everyone to the table. Mary took the Infant and sat, as usual, next to Joseph at the table.

15] The Infant, however, did not want to eat the milk dish that was prepared for him.

16] And this worried Mary, for she thought that the Infant might not be feeling well.

17] But the Infant said: "Why are you worried about Me?

18] See, Jonathan has brought me better food; I will eat this and it will truly satisfy My hunger!"

19] Mary, however immediately thought that the fish, which had been placed on the table last, were implied.

20] The Infant spoke: "Mary, you have misunderstood Me!

21] For I do not mean the fish, although they naturally taste better than this milk from yesterday, which is already sour, and which Joel took instead of fresh milk to make a mush for me.

22] However, the great humility and the deep love of his heart (of Jonathan's, namely), which he has often demonstrated to Me, without knowing Me – that is what I mean!

23] I tell you, Mary, Jonathan is a man of strong limbs but the love in his heart is still more powerful!

24] And this love that he has for Me is the most strengthening food to satisfy My hunger now! – I shall also eat his fish; but I do not like the sour mush!" – This made Jonathan so happy that be began to weep.