slim 3

Jesus, by His questions and answers... 

so astonished and embarrassed the doctors and rabbis of all these schools, that they resolved, on the afternoon of the third day, in the public lecture hall of the Temple and in presence of the rabbis most deeply versed in the various sciences 'to humble the Boy Jesus'. 

The scribes and doctors had concerted the plan together. For, although pleased at first, they had in the end become vexed [boos] at Him. 

They met in the public lecture hall...

in the middle of the Temple porch, in front of the Sanctuary... 

in the round place where later Jesus also taught. 

There I saw Jesus sitting in a large chair which He did not, by a great deal, fill. Around Him was a crowd of aged Jews in priestly robes. They were listening attentively, and appeared to be perfectly furious. I feared they would lay hands upon Him. 

On the top of the chair in which Jesus was sitting, were brown heads like those of dogs. They were greenish brown, the upper parts glistening and sparkling with a yellow light. There were similar heads and figures upon several long tables, or benches, that stood in the Temple sideways from this place, covered with offerings. 

The place was very large and so crowded that one could scarcely imagine himself in a church.

As Jesus had in the schools illustrated His answers and explanations by all kinds of examples from nature, art, and science, the scribes and doctors had diligently gathered together masters in all these branches. They now began, one by one, to dispute with Him. 

He remarked that although, properly speaking, such subjects did not appear appropriate to the Temple, yet He would discuss them since such was His Father’s will. 

But they understood not that He referred to His Heavenly Father. They imagined that Joseph had commanded Him to show off His learning.

~bron~