Difference between revisions of "140:6 The Evening of the Ordination"
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140:6.1 Sunday evening, on reaching the [[home]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee] from the highlands north of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum], [[Jesus]] and [[the twelve]] partook of a [[simple]] meal. Afterward, while [[Jesus]] went for a walk along the beach, the twelve talked among themselves. After a brief [[conference]], while the twins built a small [[fire]] to give them [[warmth]] and more [[light]], [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] went out to find [[Jesus]], and when he had overtaken him, he said: " Master, my brethren are unable to [[comprehend]] what you have said about [[the kingdom]]. We do not feel able to begin this [[work]] until you have given us further instruction. I have come to ask you to join us in the [[garden]] and help us to [[understand]] the [[meaning]] of your [[words]]. " And [[Jesus]] went with [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] to meet with the [[apostles]]. | 140:6.1 Sunday evening, on reaching the [[home]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee] from the highlands north of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum], [[Jesus]] and [[the twelve]] partook of a [[simple]] meal. Afterward, while [[Jesus]] went for a walk along the beach, the twelve talked among themselves. After a brief [[conference]], while the twins built a small [[fire]] to give them [[warmth]] and more [[light]], [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] went out to find [[Jesus]], and when he had overtaken him, he said: " Master, my brethren are unable to [[comprehend]] what you have said about [[the kingdom]]. We do not feel able to begin this [[work]] until you have given us further instruction. I have come to ask you to join us in the [[garden]] and help us to [[understand]] the [[meaning]] of your [[words]]. " And [[Jesus]] went with [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] to meet with the [[apostles]]. | ||
| − | 140:6.2 When he had entered the [[garden]], he gathered [[the apostles]] around him and taught them further, saying: " You find it [[difficult]] to [[receive]] my [[message]] because you would build the new teaching directly upon the old, but I [[declare]] that you must be reborn. You must start out afresh as little [[children]] and be willing to [[trust]] my teaching and [[believe]] in [[God]]. The new [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] cannot be made to [[conform]] to that which is. You have wrong [[ideas]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] and his [[mission]] on [[earth]]. But do not make the mistake of [[thinking]] that I have come to set aside [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torah the law] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Prophets the prophets]; I have not come to destroy but to fulfill, to enlarge and [[illuminate]]. I come not to transgress [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torah the law] but rather to write these new commandments on the tablets of your [[hearts]].[ | + | 140:6.2 When he had entered the [[garden]], he gathered [[the apostles]] around him and taught them further, saying: " You find it [[difficult]] to [[receive]] my [[message]] because you would build the new teaching directly upon the old, but I [[declare]] that you must be reborn. You must start out afresh as little [[children]] and be willing to [[trust]] my teaching and [[believe]] in [[God]]. The new [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] cannot be made to [[conform]] to that which is. You have wrong [[ideas]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] and his [[mission]] on [[earth]]. But do not make the mistake of [[thinking]] that I have come to set aside [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torah the law] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Prophets the prophets]; I have not come to destroy but to fulfill, to enlarge and [[illuminate]]. I come not to transgress [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torah the law] but rather to write these new commandments on the tablets of your [[hearts]].[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Matthew#Chapter_5] |
| − | 140:6.3 " I demand of you a [[righteousness]] that shall exceed the righteousness of those who seek to obtain [[the Father]]'s [[favor]] by almsgiving, [[prayer]], and [[fasting]]. If you would enter [[the kingdom]], you must have a [[righteousness]] that consists in [[love]], [[mercy]], and [[truth]]—the [[sincere]] [[desire]] [[to do the will of my Father]] in [[heaven]]. "[ | + | 140:6.3 " I demand of you a [[righteousness]] that shall exceed the righteousness of those who seek to obtain [[the Father]]'s [[favor]] by almsgiving, [[prayer]], and [[fasting]]. If you would enter [[the kingdom]], you must have a [[righteousness]] that consists in [[love]], [[mercy]], and [[truth]]—the [[sincere]] [[desire]] [[to do the will of my Father]] in [[heaven]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Matthew#Chapter_5] |
| − | 140:6.4 Then said [[Peter, the Apostle|Simon Peter]]: " Master, if you have a new commandment, we would hear it. [[Reveal]] the new way to us. " [[Jesus]] answered Peter: " You have heard it said by those who teach [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torah the law]: `You shall not kill; that whosoever kills shall be subject to [[judgment]].' But I look beyond the [[act]] to uncover the [[motive]]. I [[declare]] to you that every one who is [[angry]] with his [[brother]] is in [[danger]] of condemnation. He who nurses [[hatred]] in his [[heart]] and [[plans]] [[vengeance]] in his [[mind]] stands in danger of [[judgment]]. You must judge your fellows by their [[deeds]]; [[the Father]] in heaven judges by the [[intent]].[ | + | 140:6.4 Then said [[Peter, the Apostle|Simon Peter]]: " Master, if you have a new commandment, we would hear it. [[Reveal]] the new way to us. " [[Jesus]] answered Peter: " You have heard it said by those who teach [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torah the law]: `You shall not kill; that whosoever kills shall be subject to [[judgment]].' But I look beyond the [[act]] to uncover the [[motive]]. I [[declare]] to you that every one who is [[angry]] with his [[brother]] is in [[danger]] of condemnation. He who nurses [[hatred]] in his [[heart]] and [[plans]] [[vengeance]] in his [[mind]] stands in danger of [[judgment]]. You must judge your fellows by their [[deeds]]; [[the Father]] in heaven judges by the [[intent]].[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Matthew#Chapter_5] |
140:6.5 " You have heard the teachers of the law say, `You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that every man who looks upon a woman with intent to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. You can only judge men by their acts, but my Father looks into the hearts of his children and in mercy adjudges them in accordance with their intents and real desires. " | 140:6.5 " You have heard the teachers of the law say, `You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that every man who looks upon a woman with intent to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. You can only judge men by their acts, but my Father looks into the hearts of his children and in mercy adjudges them in accordance with their intents and real desires. " | ||
| − | 140:6.6 [[Jesus]] was minded to go on [[discussing]] the other commandments when [[James, the Apostle|James Zebedee]] interrupted him, asking: " Master, what shall we teach the people regarding [[divorce]]ment? Shall we allow a man to divorce his [[wife]] as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Moses] has directed? " And when [[Jesus]] heard this question, he said: " I have not come to legislate but to [[enlighten]]. I have come not to reform the kingdoms of this world but rather to [[establish]] the [[kingdom of heaven]]. It is not the will of [[the Father]] that I should yield to the [[temptation]] to teach you rules of [[government]], trade, or [[social]] [[behavior]], which, while they might be [[good]] for today, would be far from suitable for the [[society]] of another age. I am on [[earth]] solely to [[comfort]] the [[minds]], liberate the spirits, and save the [[souls]] of men. But I will say, concerning this question of divorcement, that, while [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] looked with [[favor]] upon such things, it was not so in the days of [[Paper 74 - Adam and Eve|Adam]] and in [[the Garden]]. "[ | + | 140:6.6 [[Jesus]] was minded to go on [[discussing]] the other commandments when [[James, the Apostle|James Zebedee]] interrupted him, asking: " Master, what shall we teach the people regarding [[divorce]]ment? Shall we allow a man to divorce his [[wife]] as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Moses] has directed? " And when [[Jesus]] heard this question, he said: " I have not come to legislate but to [[enlighten]]. I have come not to reform the kingdoms of this world but rather to [[establish]] the [[kingdom of heaven]]. It is not the will of [[the Father]] that I should yield to the [[temptation]] to teach you rules of [[government]], trade, or [[social]] [[behavior]], which, while they might be [[good]] for today, would be far from suitable for the [[society]] of another age. I am on [[earth]] solely to [[comfort]] the [[minds]], liberate the spirits, and save the [[souls]] of men. But I will say, concerning this question of divorcement, that, while [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] looked with [[favor]] upon such things, it was not so in the days of [[Paper 74 - Adam and Eve|Adam]] and in [[the Garden]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Matthew#Chapter_5] |
140:6.7 After [[the apostles]] had talked among themselves for a short time, [[Jesus]] went on to say: " Always must you [[recognize]] the two [[viewpoints]] of all [[mortal]] [[conduct]]—the [[human]] and the [[divine]]; the ways of the [[flesh]] and the way of the [[spirit]]; the estimate of [[time]] and the [[viewpoint]] of [[eternity]]. " And though [[the twelve]] could not [[comprehend]] all that he taught them, they were truly helped by this instruction. | 140:6.7 After [[the apostles]] had talked among themselves for a short time, [[Jesus]] went on to say: " Always must you [[recognize]] the two [[viewpoints]] of all [[mortal]] [[conduct]]—the [[human]] and the [[divine]]; the ways of the [[flesh]] and the way of the [[spirit]]; the estimate of [[time]] and the [[viewpoint]] of [[eternity]]. " And though [[the twelve]] could not [[comprehend]] all that he taught them, they were truly helped by this instruction. | ||
| − | 140:6.8 And then said [[Jesus]]: " But you will stumble over my teaching because you are wont to [[interpret]] my [[message]] [[literally]]; you are slow to [[discern]] the spirit of my teaching. Again must you [[remember]] that you are my [[messengers]]; you are beholden to live your lives as I have in spirit lived mine. You are my [[personal]] [[representatives]]; but do not err in [[expecting]] all men to live as you do in every particular. Also must you [[remember]] that I have sheep not of this flock, and that I am beholden to them also, to the end that I must [[provide]] for them the [[pattern]] of [[doing the will of God]] while living the life of the [[mortal]] nature. "[ | + | 140:6.8 And then said [[Jesus]]: " But you will stumble over my teaching because you are wont to [[interpret]] my [[message]] [[literally]]; you are slow to [[discern]] the spirit of my teaching. Again must you [[remember]] that you are my [[messengers]]; you are beholden to live your lives as I have in spirit lived mine. You are my [[personal]] [[representatives]]; but do not err in [[expecting]] all men to live as you do in every particular. Also must you [[remember]] that I have sheep not of this flock, and that I am beholden to them also, to the end that I must [[provide]] for them the [[pattern]] of [[doing the will of God]] while living the life of the [[mortal]] nature. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_10] |
| − | 140:6.9 Then asked [[Nathaniel]]: " Master, shall we give no place to [[justice]]? [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torah The law] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] says, `An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.'[ | + | 140:6.9 Then asked [[Nathaniel]]: " Master, shall we give no place to [[justice]]? [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torah The law] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] says, `An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Deutoronomy#Chapter_.19] What shall we say? " And [[Jesus]] answered: " You shall return [[good]] for [[evil]].[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_5] My [[messengers]] must not strive with men, but be [[gentle]] toward all. [[Measure]] for measure shall not be your rule. The rulers of men may have such [[laws]], but not so in [[the kingdom]]; [[mercy]] always shall determine your [[judgments]] and [[love]] your [[conduct]]. And if these are hard sayings, you can even now turn back. If you find the requirements of [[apostleship]] too hard, you may return to the less [[rigorous]] pathway of [[discipleship]]. " |
140:6.10 On hearing these startling [[words]], [[the apostles]] drew apart by themselves for a while, but they soon returned, and [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] said: " Master, we would go on with you; not one of us would turn back. We are fully [[prepared]] to pay the extra price; we will drink the cup. We would be [[apostles]], not merely [[disciples]]. " | 140:6.10 On hearing these startling [[words]], [[the apostles]] drew apart by themselves for a while, but they soon returned, and [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] said: " Master, we would go on with you; not one of us would turn back. We are fully [[prepared]] to pay the extra price; we will drink the cup. We would be [[apostles]], not merely [[disciples]]. " | ||
| − | 140:6.11 When [[Jesus]] heard this, he said: " Be willing, then, to take up your [[responsibilities]] and follow me. Do your [[good]] [[deeds]] in [[secret]]; when you give alms, let not the left hand know what the right hand does. And when you [[pray]], go apart by yourselves and use not vain repetitions and meaningless phrases. Always [[remember]] that [[the Father]] knows what you need even before you ask him. And be not given to [[fasting]] with a sad countenance to be seen by men. As my chosen [[apostles]], now set apart for the service of [[the kingdom]], lay not up for yourselves [[treasures]] on [[earth]], but by your unselfish [[service]] lay up for yourselves [[treasures]] in [[heaven]], for where your treasures are, there will your [[hearts]] be also.[ | + | 140:6.11 When [[Jesus]] heard this, he said: " Be willing, then, to take up your [[responsibilities]] and follow me. Do your [[good]] [[deeds]] in [[secret]]; when you give alms, let not the left hand know what the right hand does. And when you [[pray]], go apart by yourselves and use not vain repetitions and meaningless phrases. Always [[remember]] that [[the Father]] knows what you need even before you ask him. And be not given to [[fasting]] with a sad countenance to be seen by men. As my chosen [[apostles]], now set apart for the service of [[the kingdom]], lay not up for yourselves [[treasures]] on [[earth]], but by your unselfish [[service]] lay up for yourselves [[treasures]] in [[heaven]], for where your treasures are, there will your [[hearts]] be also.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Matthew#Chapter_6] |
| − | 140:6.12 " The lamp of the [[body]] is the eye; if, therefore, your eye is [[generous]], your whole body will be full of [[light]]. But if your eye is [[selfish]], the whole body will be filled with [[darkness]]. If the very [[light]] which is in you is turned to [[darkness]], how great is that darkness! "[ | + | 140:6.12 " The lamp of the [[body]] is the eye; if, therefore, your eye is [[generous]], your whole body will be full of [[light]]. But if your eye is [[selfish]], the whole body will be filled with [[darkness]]. If the very [[light]] which is in you is turned to [[darkness]], how great is that darkness! "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_11] |
| − | 140:6.13 And then [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]] asked Jesus if they should " continue having everything in common. " Said the Master: " Yes, my brethren, I would that we should live together as one understanding family. You are intrusted with a great [[work]], and I crave your undivided [[service]]. You know that it has been well said: `No man can serve two masters.' You cannot [[sincerely]] [[worship]] [[God]] and at the same time wholeheartedly serve [[Money|mammon]]. Having now enlisted unreservedly in the [[work]] of [[the kingdom]], be not [[anxious]] for your lives; much less be concerned with what you shall eat or what you shall drink; nor yet for your [[bodies]], what clothing you shall wear.[ | + | 140:6.13 And then [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]] asked Jesus if they should " continue having everything in common. " Said the Master: " Yes, my brethren, I would that we should live together as one understanding family. You are intrusted with a great [[work]], and I crave your undivided [[service]]. You know that it has been well said: `No man can serve two masters.' You cannot [[sincerely]] [[worship]] [[God]] and at the same time wholeheartedly serve [[Money|mammon]]. Having now enlisted unreservedly in the [[work]] of [[the kingdom]], be not [[anxious]] for your lives; much less be concerned with what you shall eat or what you shall drink; nor yet for your [[bodies]], what clothing you shall wear.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_12] Already have you learned that willing hands and [[earnest]] [[hearts]] shall not go [[hungry]]. And now, when you [[prepare]] to [[devote]] all of your [[energies]] to the work of [[the kingdom]], be [[assured]] that [[the Father]] will not be unmindful of your needs. Seek first [[the kingdom]] of [[God]], and when you have found entrance thereto, all things needful shall be added to you. Be not, therefore, unduly [[anxious]] for the [[future|morrow]]. Sufficient for the day is the trouble thereof. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_6] |
140:6.14 When [[Jesus]] saw they were disposed to stay up all night to ask questions, he said to them: " My brethren, you are earthen vessels; it is best for you to go to your [[rest]] so as to be ready for the morrow's [[work]]. " But [[sleep]] had departed from their eyes. [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] ventured to request of his Master that " I have just a little [[private]] talk with you. Not that I would have [[secrets]] from my brethren, but I have a troubled spirit, and if, perchance, I should deserve a [[rebuke]] from my Master, I could the better [[endure]] it alone with you. " And [[Jesus]] said, " Come with me, Peter "—leading the way into the house. When [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] returned from the [[presence]] of his Master much [[cheered]] and greatly [[encouraged]], [[James, the Apostle|James]] decided to go in to talk with [[Jesus]]. And so on through the early hours of the morning, the other [[apostles]] went in one by one to talk with [[the Master]]. When they had all held [[personal]] [[conferences]] with him save the twins, who had fallen [[asleep]], [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] went in to [[Jesus]] and said: " Master, the twins have fallen asleep in the [[garden]] by the [[fire]]; shall I arouse them to [[inquire]] if they would also talk with you? " And Jesus smilingly said to Andrew, " They do well—trouble them not. " And now the night was passing; the [[light]] of another day was [[dawning]]. | 140:6.14 When [[Jesus]] saw they were disposed to stay up all night to ask questions, he said to them: " My brethren, you are earthen vessels; it is best for you to go to your [[rest]] so as to be ready for the morrow's [[work]]. " But [[sleep]] had departed from their eyes. [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] ventured to request of his Master that " I have just a little [[private]] talk with you. Not that I would have [[secrets]] from my brethren, but I have a troubled spirit, and if, perchance, I should deserve a [[rebuke]] from my Master, I could the better [[endure]] it alone with you. " And [[Jesus]] said, " Come with me, Peter "—leading the way into the house. When [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] returned from the [[presence]] of his Master much [[cheered]] and greatly [[encouraged]], [[James, the Apostle|James]] decided to go in to talk with [[Jesus]]. And so on through the early hours of the morning, the other [[apostles]] went in one by one to talk with [[the Master]]. When they had all held [[personal]] [[conferences]] with him save the twins, who had fallen [[asleep]], [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] went in to [[Jesus]] and said: " Master, the twins have fallen asleep in the [[garden]] by the [[fire]]; shall I arouse them to [[inquire]] if they would also talk with you? " And Jesus smilingly said to Andrew, " They do well—trouble them not. " And now the night was passing; the [[light]] of another day was [[dawning]]. | ||
| − | <center>[ | + | <center>[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_140 Go to Paper 140]</center> |
| − | <center>[ | + | <center>[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Urantia_Text_-_Contents Go to Table of Contents]</center> |
[[Category:Paper 140 - The Ordination of the Twelve]] | [[Category:Paper 140 - The Ordination of the Twelve]] | ||
[[Category: Apostleship]] | [[Category: Apostleship]] | ||
Revision as of 21:40, 12 December 2020
140:6.1 Sunday evening, on reaching the home of Zebedee from the highlands north of Capernaum, Jesus and the twelve partook of a simple meal. Afterward, while Jesus went for a walk along the beach, the twelve talked among themselves. After a brief conference, while the twins built a small fire to give them warmth and more light, Andrew went out to find Jesus, and when he had overtaken him, he said: " Master, my brethren are unable to comprehend what you have said about the kingdom. We do not feel able to begin this work until you have given us further instruction. I have come to ask you to join us in the garden and help us to understand the meaning of your words. " And Jesus went with Andrew to meet with the apostles.
140:6.2 When he had entered the garden, he gathered the apostles around him and taught them further, saying: " You find it difficult to receive my message because you would build the new teaching directly upon the old, but I declare that you must be reborn. You must start out afresh as little children and be willing to trust my teaching and believe in God. The new gospel of the kingdom cannot be made to conform to that which is. You have wrong ideas of the Son of Man and his mission on earth. But do not make the mistake of thinking that I have come to set aside the law and the prophets; I have not come to destroy but to fulfill, to enlarge and illuminate. I come not to transgress the law but rather to write these new commandments on the tablets of your hearts.[1]
140:6.3 " I demand of you a righteousness that shall exceed the righteousness of those who seek to obtain the Father's favor by almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. If you would enter the kingdom, you must have a righteousness that consists in love, mercy, and truth—the sincere desire to do the will of my Father in heaven. "[2]
140:6.4 Then said Simon Peter: " Master, if you have a new commandment, we would hear it. Reveal the new way to us. " Jesus answered Peter: " You have heard it said by those who teach the law: `You shall not kill; that whosoever kills shall be subject to judgment.' But I look beyond the act to uncover the motive. I declare to you that every one who is angry with his brother is in danger of condemnation. He who nurses hatred in his heart and plans vengeance in his mind stands in danger of judgment. You must judge your fellows by their deeds; the Father in heaven judges by the intent.[3]
140:6.5 " You have heard the teachers of the law say, `You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that every man who looks upon a woman with intent to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. You can only judge men by their acts, but my Father looks into the hearts of his children and in mercy adjudges them in accordance with their intents and real desires. "
140:6.6 Jesus was minded to go on discussing the other commandments when James Zebedee interrupted him, asking: " Master, what shall we teach the people regarding divorcement? Shall we allow a man to divorce his wife as Moses has directed? " And when Jesus heard this question, he said: " I have not come to legislate but to enlighten. I have come not to reform the kingdoms of this world but rather to establish the kingdom of heaven. It is not the will of the Father that I should yield to the temptation to teach you rules of government, trade, or social behavior, which, while they might be good for today, would be far from suitable for the society of another age. I am on earth solely to comfort the minds, liberate the spirits, and save the souls of men. But I will say, concerning this question of divorcement, that, while Moses looked with favor upon such things, it was not so in the days of Adam and in the Garden. "[4]
140:6.7 After the apostles had talked among themselves for a short time, Jesus went on to say: " Always must you recognize the two viewpoints of all mortal conduct—the human and the divine; the ways of the flesh and the way of the spirit; the estimate of time and the viewpoint of eternity. " And though the twelve could not comprehend all that he taught them, they were truly helped by this instruction.
140:6.8 And then said Jesus: " But you will stumble over my teaching because you are wont to interpret my message literally; you are slow to discern the spirit of my teaching. Again must you remember that you are my messengers; you are beholden to live your lives as I have in spirit lived mine. You are my personal representatives; but do not err in expecting all men to live as you do in every particular. Also must you remember that I have sheep not of this flock, and that I am beholden to them also, to the end that I must provide for them the pattern of doing the will of God while living the life of the mortal nature. "[5]
140:6.9 Then asked Nathaniel: " Master, shall we give no place to justice? The law of Moses says, `An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.'[6] What shall we say? " And Jesus answered: " You shall return good for evil.[7] My messengers must not strive with men, but be gentle toward all. Measure for measure shall not be your rule. The rulers of men may have such laws, but not so in the kingdom; mercy always shall determine your judgments and love your conduct. And if these are hard sayings, you can even now turn back. If you find the requirements of apostleship too hard, you may return to the less rigorous pathway of discipleship. "
140:6.10 On hearing these startling words, the apostles drew apart by themselves for a while, but they soon returned, and Peter said: " Master, we would go on with you; not one of us would turn back. We are fully prepared to pay the extra price; we will drink the cup. We would be apostles, not merely disciples. "
140:6.11 When Jesus heard this, he said: " Be willing, then, to take up your responsibilities and follow me. Do your good deeds in secret; when you give alms, let not the left hand know what the right hand does. And when you pray, go apart by yourselves and use not vain repetitions and meaningless phrases. Always remember that the Father knows what you need even before you ask him. And be not given to fasting with a sad countenance to be seen by men. As my chosen apostles, now set apart for the service of the kingdom, lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, but by your unselfish service lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, for where your treasures are, there will your hearts be also.[8]
140:6.12 " The lamp of the body is the eye; if, therefore, your eye is generous, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is selfish, the whole body will be filled with darkness. If the very light which is in you is turned to darkness, how great is that darkness! "[9]
140:6.13 And then Thomas asked Jesus if they should " continue having everything in common. " Said the Master: " Yes, my brethren, I would that we should live together as one understanding family. You are intrusted with a great work, and I crave your undivided service. You know that it has been well said: `No man can serve two masters.' You cannot sincerely worship God and at the same time wholeheartedly serve mammon. Having now enlisted unreservedly in the work of the kingdom, be not anxious for your lives; much less be concerned with what you shall eat or what you shall drink; nor yet for your bodies, what clothing you shall wear.[10] Already have you learned that willing hands and earnest hearts shall not go hungry. And now, when you prepare to devote all of your energies to the work of the kingdom, be assured that the Father will not be unmindful of your needs. Seek first the kingdom of God, and when you have found entrance thereto, all things needful shall be added to you. Be not, therefore, unduly anxious for the morrow. Sufficient for the day is the trouble thereof. "[11]
140:6.14 When Jesus saw they were disposed to stay up all night to ask questions, he said to them: " My brethren, you are earthen vessels; it is best for you to go to your rest so as to be ready for the morrow's work. " But sleep had departed from their eyes. Peter ventured to request of his Master that " I have just a little private talk with you. Not that I would have secrets from my brethren, but I have a troubled spirit, and if, perchance, I should deserve a rebuke from my Master, I could the better endure it alone with you. " And Jesus said, " Come with me, Peter "—leading the way into the house. When Peter returned from the presence of his Master much cheered and greatly encouraged, James decided to go in to talk with Jesus. And so on through the early hours of the morning, the other apostles went in one by one to talk with the Master. When they had all held personal conferences with him save the twins, who had fallen asleep, Andrew went in to Jesus and said: " Master, the twins have fallen asleep in the garden by the fire; shall I arouse them to inquire if they would also talk with you? " And Jesus smilingly said to Andrew, " They do well—trouble them not. " And now the night was passing; the light of another day was dawning.
