As an actor, playwright and author, it’s important for me to know many details about a character.  I like to know where they lived – what was happening in his world – what was the political climate – what does the script say about the character – what do others think of that person – does he have any unusual habits or idiosyncrasies?  What was the costume of the era? There are so many facets of a human being that affect who they are and how they come across to others.

In Jesus’ case, we have a whole segment of his life which remains unknown.  From the time He remained at the temple to teach the scholars about the scriptures until the day of His baptism by John the Baptist, we have lost 18 years of his growing into a man.  We can make some judgments based on the history at that time.  We can speculate.  We can make our own story.  We can go to the scriptures, as He did, and realize that during those years of growing in wisdom and stature He became well-liked by those He met, but it would not always be that way.

We don’t always fill in the blanks of a life.  Sometimes there are memories of special events or funny situations – unusual happenings and areas of concern, but for the most part, our growing up years can be quite uneventful.  It is my belief that Jesus was and still is the true Son of God – but also true man without sin.  He had miraculous powers, but He didn’t abuse them.  He had great compassion for those He came into contact with and put no one on a different level than another.  He showed anger, pain, frustration, patience, calm, peace and every emotion known to man, yet He never fell into sin.  He was the perfect example of how we should live as servants, encouragers, inspirers, teachers, leaders in the workplace, at home and within our own country.

This study is merely a character analysis, in light of the events happening during Jesus’ time as a man.  There may be some speculation included from time to time, but I in no way wish to alter the truth of God’s Holy Word.  Come with me as we take a walk back in time and try to discover more about the Savior of mankind and His time.