Jesus at Twelve — Robert Davis

Jesus At Twelve is a factual novel which concerns the life of Jesus when He was twelve years old. The facts are taken from in depth historical studies. It is written so the average Christian does not have any problem understanding the text even though it contains research on Bible college level. Jesus is portrayed as a normal boy who plays with his friends but with an extraordinary discernment and wisdom. The political climate and spiritual aspects of the day are demonstrated in the story. The center of the narrative is the festival of Passover. The reader walks to Jerusalem and celebrates the Passover with Jesus and His family. They get a look into the possibilities of Jesus' visit with the teachers of the Law. This includes some of the actual discussions of Hillel, the head rabbi of the Pharisaical Sanhedrin the year Jesus was there. The walk back, the descriptions of the average homes, and glances at the carpentry business give more insight to the life Jesus lead while on earth. The reader joins Jesus and His family as they observe the Sabbath, one of the mainstays of Judaism Nazareth is only a short walk from Sepphoris, the capitol of Galilee. Jesus accompanies His earthly father Joseph to this Roman designed city where He observes the practice of the theatre. Details such as the Mosaic floor are drawn from actual excavations of this theatre. Two of well-known rabbis of the time who lived close to Nazareth visit Jesus' school and, like Hillel, some of their actual teachings are included. The reader will leave this book with an understanding of Jesus as a boy most never dreamed possible.