Through the challenging experience of supporting his family, Jesus successfully navigated the dangerous and difficult period of puberty, emerging as a noble young man of Nazareth. [1]
Failing the puberty test was the boy’s supreme humiliation, as it meant being excluded from the social aristocracy of the tribe and forced to remain outside the men’s abode with the women and children, a fate considered disgraceful and effeminate. [2] Puberty initiation involved much self-torture and cutting, granting members of secret societies the power of mystery and social aristocracy. [3] At 13, Jesus transitioned from boyhood to young manhood as his voice changed and other signs of manhood emerged. [4] In early societies, puberty was the once common age for marriage, but as civilization advanced, this age has shifted proportionally. [5]