The Childhood and Youth of Jesus · Part 2 · Chapter 283

Joseph's sense of propriety. The angry neighbour falls silent. The request of the shepherd boy's father – and the Child's reply. 19 August 1844

01] But as Joseph came into the village and inspected the work,

02] he could hear the uproar emanating from the village, and particularly from the father of the shrivelled boy.

03] And the father immediately went in search of the parents of the killed boy and stirred them up against Joseph.

04] And these in turn ran in haste and desperation towards Joseph and shouted:

05] "Go away from here with your terrible Child. Everything he says happens instantly!

06] For children should always be a blessing from above to man;

07] your Child, however, is only come to be a curse upon us!

08] Therefore go away from here, you bringer of misfortune!"

09] Here the Child said: "If that is the case, what then are you towards Me?

10] Have you, father of Annas, not told the shepherd boy to kill me!?

11] Have you not in fact promised him a good reward if he killed Me, which he certainly would have done, for he cannot be prosecuted due to his age?

12] And see, My early-awakened spirit caused Me to think:

13] I too am still far from being under the law; therefore I can immediately give the boy his well-deserved reward!

14] And if you take Me, or father Joseph to court on My account, then we will also know how to explain the law to you!

15] Look, I have thought just as you did – and also acted upon it! We have followed your own course of action. Why then do you consider it unreasonable?

16] At this speech of the Child, the father of the shrivelled boy was gripped with fear;

17] for he clearly inferred from it that this Child knew the thoughts and the secret decisions of men,

18] and that one should therefore beware of him.

19] Hereupon all the loudmouths left Joseph and the Child.

20] Only the father of the killed boy remained in front of Joseph and wept for his boy and said: "Killing is not an art; but giving life certainly is!

21] Therefore nobody should kill who cannot give life!"

22] And the Child spoke: "I could also do that if I wanted to; but the boy was wicked, that is why I will not!" – At these words, the father pleaded with the boy. But the Child said: "Tomorrow, but not today!" – –