The Childhood and Youth of Jesus · Part 2 · Chapter 256

The power of love. Joseph's house becomes known. Joseph's wisdom embarrasses the famous and rich people of the city. The positive aftermath. 17 July 1844

01] But this divine gift made the thieves fall on their faces and they cried out:

02] "Such kindness, such generosity, it does not exist anymore among men; only the immortal gods can reward their enemies still!

03] We deserve only punishment here for committing a great sin against you high gods!

04] Yet instead of giving us our well-deserved punishment, you pay us and bless us for our wicked deeds!

05] Are you not gods therefore? – Yes, you are certainly the highest lords of the heavens; for this is shown by your actions, never witnessed before by men like us! –

06] Therefore honour, praise and glory to you from all men on earth!

07] And the thrones of the princes of the earth and all her crowns shall bow down forever in front of your great glory!"–

08] At this moment the thieves rose to their feet and went away full of awe and gratitude –

09] and then made it known in the whole city; and all the residents were shaking due to such closeness of the gods and went furtively about and did not dare to work from sheer awe.

10] But soon the prominent citizens of the city came to see Joseph and asked him if it was really true what the mob in the half- burnt down city was shouting about.

11] And Joseph spoke: "Concerning the good deed done for them, their shouting is appropriate,

12] for my wife has indeed treated them so!

13] But that they consider us gods, is a bad testimony for you – you famous and rich people;

14] for through that, the mob reveals your great hardheartedness, because it does not see anything godlike in you!

15] Do as my wife has done, and what my whole house is doing and the mob will soon stop considering the occupants of my house as gods!"

16] When the famous and rich citizens of the city heard Joseph's speech, they were shocked and embarrassed and went away.

17] And they were convinced that Joseph was merely a good and wise man, but certainly no god.

18] From then onwards, Joseph's house was left in peace.

19] And his family still lived there undisturbed for another half year and was respected and esteemed by everyone.

20] The Infant also did not perform any miracles during this time and everything went its natural way. But Jonathan spent more time with Joseph than at home; for here he felt most blessed in his soul. – –