What was Jesus doing?

[anonymoususer]

How long was Jesus’ public ministry? Was his public ministry about 3 years? What I am trying to understand is this: if Jesus’ public ministry was roughly 3 years (Cana to Crucifixion), what was he doing the other years of his life, before his public ministry? Also, what caused him to begin his public ministry? When did the public ministry begin, with the calling of the apostles?

 

[Della]

anonymoususer:

How long was Jesus’ public ministry? Was his public ministry about 3 years? What I am trying to understand is this: if Jesus’ public ministry was roughly 3 years (Cana to Crucifixion), what was he doing the other years of his life, before his public ministry? Also, what caused him to begin his public ministry? When did the public ministry begin, with the calling of the apostles?

Before his public ministry Jesus was being a good son of Israel by making an living and caring for his widowed mother.

As to why he began his ministry when he did, most Bible scholars believe (with good biblical evidence) that Jesus knew that once he began to preach his Gospel his time would be short. He knew the powers that be would not like it and that they would try in the end to silence him, which is exactly what happened

Most Bible scholars also agree that his public ministry began with his public baptism by John the Baptist, where he was revealed by John to Israel as the “Lamb of God”. After his 40 days in the desert he called disciples to him and performed his first miracle at Cana in Galilee, which was the first time they had seen him do anything supernatural, and which caused them to believe he was the Messiah.

 

[Todd_Easton]

In the footnote in the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible on Luke 3:23, it says:
Luke alone notes Jesus’ adult age, which the Jews generally considered the age of maturity. Earlier emphasis on Jesus’ royal mission links him with David (Luke 1:32; 2:4), who was also thirty when anointed king (2 Samuel 5:4).

Of course, Jesus had to wait for John the Baptist to begin his own public ministry … So, the real question is, why did John the Baptist take so long to start his public ministry?

 

[awalt]

Mary was widowed? I confess I have not kept up with when Joseph died, he was so behind-the-scenes. When did he die, is there anything in the Scriptures about it?

 

[Della]

awalt:

Mary was widowed? I confess I have not kept up with when Joseph died, he was so behind-the-scenes. When did he die, is there anything in the Scriptures about it?

It’s generally assumed that Mary was widowed sometime between the finding of Jesus in the Temple and the beginning of his public career since Joseph is not mentioned again except in reference to his being Jesus’ father. His other male family members are named along with his “sisters” (cousins), but Joseph is not mentioned by name the way a living person would have been.

 

[Christy_Beth]

I agree with the above. Joseph wasn’t named anymore after the incident of Jesus being found in the temple. If Joseph was around, don’t you think he would have been mentioned? NOt only that, but if he HAD been around, or if Jesus had had actual brothers, why did he give the apostle John the care of his mother?

 

[Didi]

I have read that the beginning of Jesus’ ministry occured at the wedding in Cana when He performed His first public miracle by changing water into wine. It was Mary who prompted Him into this miracle, even though He was reluctant “Do you not know that my time has not yet come?” She pressed on by telling the servants “Do whatever He tells you.”

Sometimes it takes a Mom to help the kids grow up!!

 

[RyanL]

Interesting speculation…

As Joseph was a patriark in the royal line of David, Joseph would have had to exit the picture for Jesus to claim His rightful place as King in the Davidic line - ousting the Herods (who at the time were in charge, un-lawfully).

So Joseph would have had to die for Jesus to publicly enter into his Kingship!

Of course, this is all simply my speculation…I have scant Bible evidence to back it up (geneology of Joseph and prophesies of a “Davidic King”)…

RyanL

 

[Ignatius]

anonymoususer:

How long was Jesus’ public ministry? Was his public ministry about 3 years? What I am trying to understand is this: if Jesus’ public ministry was roughly 3 years (Cana to Crucifixion), what was he doing the other years of his life, before his public ministry? Also, what caused him to begin his public ministry? When did the public ministry begin, with the calling of the apostles?

He did what all children do. Holy Scripture tells us that He submitted to His parents Joseph and Mary and grew in strength and wisdom.

 

[Zooey]

RyanL:

Interesting speculation…
As Joseph was a patriark in the royal line of David, Joseph would have had to exit the picture for Jesus to claim His rightful place as King in the Davidic line - ousting the Herods (who at the time were in charge, un-lawfully).
So Joseph would have had to die for Jesus to publicly enter into his Kingship!
Of course, this is all simply my speculation…I have scant Bible evidence to back it up (geneology of Joseph and prophesies of a “Davidic King”)…
RyanL

Oh, wow…I never thought of this, but I think that you’re right. Jesus’ legal right to the throne was through Joseph…
I think that when you add it up, it is the most logical scenario I can see.

 

[MistyF]

I’m reading a book called “Life of Christ” by Fulton Sheen. I’d highly recommend it! He’s a fantastic author - his writing keeps you very involved with what he’s saying, and he thoroughly explains everything, even taking you back to OT references.

 

[Grace_and_Glory]

MistyF:

I’m reading a book called “Life of Christ” by Fulton Sheen. I’d highly recommend it! He’s a fantastic author - his writing keeps you very involved with what he’s saying, and he thoroughly explains everything, even taking you back to OT references.

Excellent book. I second the recommendation. Another good one is To Know Christ Jesus by F.J. Sheed.