Changes

140:8.1 [[Jesus]] well knew that his [[apostles]] were not fully [[assimilating]] his teachings. He [[decided]] to give some special instruction to [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [[James, the Apostle|James]], and [[John, the Apostle|John]], [[hoping]] they would be able to [[clarify]] the [[ideas]] of their [[associates]]. He saw that, while some features of the [[idea]] of a [[spiritual]] kingdom were being grasped by [[the twelve]], they [[steadfastly]] [[persisted]] in attaching these new spiritual teachings directly onto their old and entrenched [[literal]] [[concepts]] of [[the kingdom]] of heaven as a restoration of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davidic_line David's throne]] and the re-establishment of [[Israel]] as a [[temporal]] [[power]] on [[earth]]. Accordingly, on Thursday afternoon [[Jesus]] went out from the shore in a boat with [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [[James, the Apostle|James]], and [[John, the Apostle|John]] to talk over the affairs of [[the kingdom]]. This was a four hours' [[teaching]] [[conference]], [[embracing]] scores of questions and answers, and may most profitably be put in this [[record]] by reorganizing the summary of this momentous afternoon as it was given by [[Peter, the Apostle|Simon Peter]] to his [[brother]], [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]], the following [[morning]]:

140:8.1 [[Jesus]] well knew that his [[apostles]] were not fully [[assimilating]] his teachings. He [[decided]] to give some special instruction to [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [[James, the Apostle|James]], and [[John, the Apostle|John]], [[hoping]] they would be able to [[clarify]] the [[ideas]] of their [[associates]]. He saw that, while some features of the [[idea]] of a [[spiritual]] kingdom were being grasped by [[the twelve]], they [[steadfastly]] [[persisted]] in attaching these new spiritual teachings directly onto their old and entrenched [[literal]] [[concepts]] of [[the kingdom]] of heaven as a restoration of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davidic_line David's throne]] and the re-establishment of [[Israel]] as a [[temporal]] [[power]] on [[earth]]. Accordingly, on Thursday afternoon [[Jesus]] went out from the shore in a boat with [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [[James, the Apostle|James]], and [[John, the Apostle|John]] to talk over the affairs of [[the kingdom]]. This was a four hours' [[teaching]] [[conference]], [[embracing]] scores of questions and answers, and may most profitably be put in this [[record]] by reorganizing the summary of this momentous afternoon as it was given by [[Peter, the Apostle|Simon Peter]] to his [[brother]], [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]], the following [[morning]]:

140:8.2 1. ''Doing the Father's will''. [[Jesus]]' teaching to [[trust]] in the overcare of the [[heavenly Father]] was not a blind and [[passive]] [[fatalism]]. He quoted with approval, on this afternoon, an old [[Hebrew]] saying: " He who will not work shall not eat. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=2nd_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Thessalonians] He pointed to his own [[experience]] as sufficient [[commentary]] on his teachings. His [[precepts]] about [[trusting]] [[the Father]] must not be adjudged by the [[social]] or [[economic]] conditions of [[modern]] times or any other age. His instruction [[embraces]] the [[ideal]] principles of living near [[God]] in all ages and [[Paper 49 - The Inhabited Worlds|on all worlds]].

140:8.2 1. ''Doing the Father's will''. [[Jesus]]' teaching to [[trust]] in the overcare of the [[heavenly Father]] was not a blind and [[passive]] [[fatalism]]. He quoted with approval, on this afternoon, an old [[Hebrew]] saying: " He who will not work shall not eat. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=2nd_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Thessalonians] He pointed to his own [[experience]] as sufficient [[commentary]] on his teachings. His [[precepts]] about [[trusting]] [[the Father]] must not be adjudged by the [[social]] or [[economic]] conditions of [[modern]] times or any other age. His instruction [[embraces]] the [[ideal]] principles of living near [[God]] in all ages and [[Paper 49 - The Inhabited Worlds|on all worlds]].

140:8.3 [[Jesus]] made clear to the [[three]] the [[difference]] between the requirements of [[apostleship]] and [[discipleship]]. And even then he did not forbid the [[exercise]] of [[prudence]] and [[foresight]] by [[the twelve]]. What he [[preached]] against was not forethought but [[anxiety]], worry. He taught the [[active]] and alert submission to [[God]]'s will. In answer to many of their questions regarding [[frugality]] and thriftiness, he [[simply]] called [[attention]] to his life as [[carpenter]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boat_Building boatmaker]], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisherman fisherman]], and to his [[careful]] [[organization]] of [[the twelve]]. He sought to make it [[clear]] that the world is not to be regarded as an enemy; that the [[circumstances]] of life constitute a [[divine]] [[dispensation]] working along with the [[children]] of [[God]].

140:8.3 [[Jesus]] made clear to the [[three]] the [[difference]] between the requirements of [[apostleship]] and [[discipleship]]. And even then he did not forbid the [[exercise]] of [[prudence]] and [[foresight]] by [[the twelve]]. What he [[preached]] against was not forethought but [[anxiety]], worry. He taught the [[active]] and alert submission to [[God]]'s will. In answer to many of their questions regarding [[frugality]] and thriftiness, he [[simply]] called [[attention]] to his life as [[carpenter]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boat_Building boatmaker]], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisherman fisherman]], and to his [[careful]] [[organization]] of [[the twelve]]. He sought to make it [[clear]] that the world is not to be regarded as an enemy; that the [[circumstances]] of life constitute a [[divine]] [[dispensation]] working along with the [[children]] of [[God]].

140:8.4 [[Jesus]] had great [[difficulty]] in getting them to [[understand]] his [[personal]] [[practice]] of [[nonresistance]]. He [[absolutely]] refused to [[defend]] himself, and it [[appeared]] to [[the apostles]] that he would be pleased if they would pursue the same [[policy]]. He taught them not to [[resist]] [[evil]], not to combat injustice or [[injury]], but he did not teach passive [[tolerance]] of wrongdoing. And he made it plain on this afternoon that he approved of the [[social]] [[punishment]] of evildoers and [[criminals]], and that the civil [[government]] must sometimes employ [[force]] for the [[maintenance]] of [[social]] order and in the [[execution]] of [[justice]].

140:8.4 [[Jesus]] had great [[difficulty]] in getting them to [[understand]] his [[personal]] [[practice]] of [[nonresistance]]. He [[absolutely]] refused to [[defend]] himself, and it [[appeared]] to [[the apostles]] that he would be pleased if they would pursue the same [[policy]]. He taught them not to [[resist]] [[evil]], not to combat injustice or [[injury]], but he did not teach passive [[tolerance]] of wrongdoing. And he made it plain on this afternoon that he approved of the [[social]] [[punishment]] of evildoers and [[criminals]], and that the civil [[government]] must sometimes employ [[force]] for the [[maintenance]] of [[social]] order and in the [[execution]] of [[justice]].

140:8.5 He never ceased to warn his [[disciples]] against the [[evil]] [[practice]] of retaliation; he made no allowance for [[revenge]], the [[idea]] of getting even. He deplored the holding of grudges. He disallowed the [[idea]] of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Deutoronomy#Chapter_.19]. He discountenanced the whole [[concept]] of [[private]] and [[personal]] [[revenge]], assigning these matters to civil [[government]], on the one hand, and to the [[judgment]] of [[God]], on the other. He made it clear to the [[three]] that his teachings applied to the [[individual]], not the [[state]]. He summarized his instructions up to that time regarding these matters, as:

140:8.5 He never ceased to warn his [[disciples]] against the [[evil]] [[practice]] of retaliation; he made no allowance for [[revenge]], the [[idea]] of getting even. He deplored the holding of grudges. He disallowed the [[idea]] of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Deutoronomy#Chapter_.19]. He discountenanced the whole [[concept]] of [[private]] and [[personal]] [[revenge]], assigning these matters to civil [[government]], on the one hand, and to the [[judgment]] of [[God]], on the other. He made it clear to the [[three]] that his teachings applied to the [[individual]], not the [[state]]. He summarized his instructions up to that time regarding these matters, as:

140:8.6 [[Love]] your enemies—remember the [[moral]] claims of [[human]] [[brotherhood]].

140:8.6 [[Love]] your enemies—remember the [[moral]] claims of [[human]] [[brotherhood]].

140:8.8 Have [[faith]]—[[confidence]] in the eventual triumph of [[divine]] [[justice]] and [[eternal]] [[goodness]].  

140:8.8 Have [[faith]]—[[confidence]] in the eventual triumph of [[divine]] [[justice]] and [[eternal]] [[goodness]].  

140:8.9 2. ''Political attitude''. He cautioned his [[apostles]] to be discreet in their remarks concerning the strained [[relations]] then existing between the [[Jewish]] people and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire Roman government]; he forbade them to become in any way embroiled in these [[difficulties]]. He was always careful to avoid the [[political]] snares of his enemies, ever making reply, " Render to Caesar the things which are Caesar's and to God the things which are God's. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_20] He refused to have his [[attention]] diverted from his [[mission]] of establishing a new way of [[salvation]]; he would not permit himself to be concerned about anything else. In his [[personal]] life he was always duly observant of all civil [[laws]] and regulations; in all his [[public]] teachings he ignored the [[civic]], [[social]], and [[economic]] realms. He told the [[three]] [[apostles]] that he was concerned only with the principles of man's [[Inner Life|inner]] and [[personal]] [[spiritual]] life.

140:8.9 2. ''Political attitude''. He cautioned his [[apostles]] to be discreet in their remarks concerning the strained [[relations]] then existing between the [[Jewish]] people and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire Roman government]; he forbade them to become in any way embroiled in these [[difficulties]]. He was always careful to avoid the [[political]] snares of his enemies, ever making reply, " Render to Caesar the things which are Caesar's and to God the things which are God's. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_20] He refused to have his [[attention]] diverted from his [[mission]] of establishing a new way of [[salvation]]; he would not permit himself to be concerned about anything else. In his [[personal]] life he was always duly observant of all civil [[laws]] and regulations; in all his [[public]] teachings he ignored the [[civic]], [[social]], and [[economic]] realms. He told the [[three]] [[apostles]] that he was concerned only with the principles of man's [[Inner Life|inner]] and [[personal]] [[spiritual]] life.

140:8.10 [[Jesus]] was not, therefore, a [[political]] [[reformer]]. He did not come to reorganize the world; even if he had done this, it would have been applicable only to that day and [[generation]]. Nevertheless, he did show man the best way of living, and no [[generation]] is exempt from the labor of [[discovering]] how best to [[adapt]] [[Jesus]]' life to its own [[problems]]. But never make the mistake of identifying [[Jesus]]' teachings with any [[political]] or [[economic]] theory, with any [[social]] or [[industrial]] system.

140:8.10 [[Jesus]] was not, therefore, a [[political]] [[reformer]]. He did not come to reorganize the world; even if he had done this, it would have been applicable only to that day and [[generation]]. Nevertheless, he did show man the best way of living, and no [[generation]] is exempt from the labor of [[discovering]] how best to [[adapt]] [[Jesus]]' life to its own [[problems]]. But never make the mistake of identifying [[Jesus]]' teachings with any [[political]] or [[economic]] theory, with any [[social]] or [[industrial]] system.

140:8.11 3. ''Social attitude''. The Jewish [[rabbis]] had long [[debated]] the question: Who is my [[neighbor]]? [[Jesus]] came presenting the [[idea]] of [[active]] and [[spontaneous]] [[kindness]], a [[love]] of one's fellow men so genuine that it expanded the [[neighborhood]] to include the whole world, thereby making all men one's [[neighbors]]. But with all this, [[Jesus]] was interested only in the [[individual]], not the mass. [[Jesus]] was not a [[sociologist]], but he did labor to break down all forms of [[selfish]] [[isolation]]. He taught [[pure]] [[sympathy]], [[compassion]]. [[Michael]] of [[Nebadon]] is a [[mercy]]-[[dominated]] Son; [[compassion]] is his very [[nature]].

140:8.11 3. ''Social attitude''. The Jewish [[rabbis]] had long [[debated]] the question: Who is my [[neighbor]]? [[Jesus]] came presenting the [[idea]] of [[active]] and [[spontaneous]] [[kindness]], a [[love]] of one's fellow men so genuine that it expanded the [[neighborhood]] to include the whole world, thereby making all men one's [[neighbors]]. But with all this, [[Jesus]] was interested only in the [[individual]], not the mass. [[Jesus]] was not a [[sociologist]], but he did labor to break down all forms of [[selfish]] [[isolation]]. He taught [[pure]] [[sympathy]], [[compassion]]. [[Michael]] of [[Nebadon]] is a [[mercy]]-[[dominated]] Son; [[compassion]] is his very [[nature]].

140:8.12 [[The Master]] did not say that men should never entertain their [[friends]] at meat, but he did say that his followers should make feasts for the [[poor]] and the unfortunate. [[Jesus]] had a firm sense of [[justice]], but it was always tempered with [[mercy]]. He did not teach his [[apostles]] that they were to be imposed upon by [[social]] [[parasites]] or [[professional]] alms-seekers. The nearest he came to making [[sociological]] pronouncements was to say, " [[Judge]] not, that you be not judged. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_6]

140:8.12 [[The Master]] did not say that men should never entertain their [[friends]] at meat, but he did say that his followers should make feasts for the [[poor]] and the unfortunate. [[Jesus]] had a firm sense of [[justice]], but it was always tempered with [[mercy]]. He did not teach his [[apostles]] that they were to be imposed upon by [[social]] [[parasites]] or [[professional]] alms-seekers. The nearest he came to making [[sociological]] pronouncements was to say, " [[Judge]] not, that you be not judged. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_6]

140:8.13 He made it clear that indiscriminate [[kindness]] may be blamed for many [[social]] [[evils]]. The following day [[Jesus]] definitely instructed [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] that no apostolic [[Money|funds]] were to be given out as alms except upon his request or upon the joint [[petition]] of two of the [[apostles]]. In all these matters it was the [[practice]] of [[Jesus]] always to say, " Be as wise as serpents but as harmless as doves. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_10] It seemed to be his [[purpose]] in all [[social]] situations to teach [[patience]], [[tolerance]], and [[forgiveness]].

140:8.13 He made it clear that indiscriminate [[kindness]] may be blamed for many [[social]] [[evils]]. The following day [[Jesus]] definitely instructed [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] that no apostolic [[Money|funds]] were to be given out as alms except upon his request or upon the joint [[petition]] of two of the [[apostles]]. In all these matters it was the [[practice]] of [[Jesus]] always to say, " Be as wise as serpents but as harmless as doves. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_10] It seemed to be his [[purpose]] in all [[social]] situations to teach [[patience]], [[tolerance]], and [[forgiveness]].

140:8.14 The [[family]] occupied the very [[center]] of [[Jesus]]' [[philosophy]] of life—here and hereafter. He based his teachings about [[God]] on the [[family]], while he sought to correct the Jewish tendency to overhonor [[ancestors]]. He exalted [[family]] life as the highest [[human]] [[duty]] but made it plain that [[family]] [[relationships]] must not [[interfere]] with religious [[obligations]]. He called [[attention]] to the [[fact]] that the [[family]] is a [[temporal]] [[institution]]; that it does not [[survive]] [[death]]. [[Jesus]] did not [[hesitate]] to give up his [[family]] when the family ran counter to [[the Father]]'s will. He taught the new and larger brotherhood of man—the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:5._MORTALS_OF_TIME_AND_SPACE sons of God]. In [[Jesus]]' time [[divorce]] [[practices]] were lax in [[Palestine]] and throughout the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire Roman Empire]. He repeatedly refused to lay down [[laws]] regarding [[marriage]] and [[divorce]], but many of [[Jesus]]' [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity early followers] had strong [[opinions]] on [[divorce]] and did not [[hesitate]] to attribute them to him. All of the [[New Testament]] [[writers]] held to these more stringent and advanced [[ideas]] about [[divorce]] except [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Mark John Mark].

140:8.14 The [[family]] occupied the very [[center]] of [[Jesus]]' [[philosophy]] of life—here and hereafter. He based his teachings about [[God]] on the [[family]], while he sought to correct the Jewish tendency to overhonor [[ancestors]]. He exalted [[family]] life as the highest [[human]] [[duty]] but made it plain that [[family]] [[relationships]] must not [[interfere]] with religious [[obligations]]. He called [[attention]] to the [[fact]] that the [[family]] is a [[temporal]] [[institution]]; that it does not [[survive]] [[death]]. [[Jesus]] did not [[hesitate]] to give up his [[family]] when the family ran counter to [[the Father]]'s will. He taught the new and larger brotherhood of man—the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:5._MORTALS_OF_TIME_AND_SPACE sons of God]. In [[Jesus]]' time [[divorce]] [[practices]] were lax in [[Palestine]] and throughout the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire Roman Empire]. He repeatedly refused to lay down [[laws]] regarding [[marriage]] and [[divorce]], but many of [[Jesus]]' [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity early followers] had strong [[opinions]] on [[divorce]] and did not [[hesitate]] to attribute them to him. All of the [[New Testament]] [[writers]] held to these more stringent and advanced [[ideas]] about [[divorce]] except [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Mark John Mark].

140:8.15 4. ''Economic attitude''. [[Jesus]] worked, lived, and traded in the world as he found it. He was not an [[economic]] [[reformer]], although he did frequently call [[attention]] to the injustice of the unequal [[distribution]] of [[wealth]]. But he did not offer any suggestions by way of remedy. He made it plain to the three that, while his [[apostles]] were not to hold property, he was not [[preaching]] against [[wealth]] and [[property]], merely its unequal and unfair [[distribution]]. He [[recognized]] the need for social [[justice]] and industrial [[fairness]], but he offered no rules for their [[attainment]].

140:8.15 4. ''Economic attitude''. [[Jesus]] worked, lived, and traded in the world as he found it. He was not an [[economic]] [[reformer]], although he did frequently call [[attention]] to the injustice of the unequal [[distribution]] of [[wealth]]. But he did not offer any suggestions by way of remedy. He made it plain to the three that, while his [[apostles]] were not to hold property, he was not [[preaching]] against [[wealth]] and [[property]], merely its unequal and unfair [[distribution]]. He [[recognized]] the need for social [[justice]] and industrial [[fairness]], but he offered no rules for their [[attainment]].

140:8.16 He never taught his followers to avoid earthly [[possessions]], only his [[twelve apostles]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_the_Evangelist Luke], the physician, was a strong believer in [[social]] [[equality]], and he did much to [[interpret]] [[Jesus]]' sayings in [[harmony]] with his [[personal]] [[beliefs]]. [[Jesus]] never personally directed his followers to adopt a [[Collective|communal]] mode of life; he made no pronouncement of any sort regarding such matters.

140:8.16 He never taught his followers to avoid earthly [[possessions]], only his [[twelve apostles]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_the_Evangelist Luke], the physician, was a strong believer in [[social]] [[equality]], and he did much to [[interpret]] [[Jesus]]' sayings in [[harmony]] with his [[personal]] [[beliefs]]. [[Jesus]] never personally directed his followers to adopt a [[Collective|communal]] mode of life; he made no pronouncement of any sort regarding such matters.

140:8.17 [[Jesus]] frequently warned his [[listeners]] against covetousness, declaring that " a man's [[happiness]] consists not in the [[abundance]] of his [[material]] possessions. " He constantly reiterated, " What shall it [[profit]] a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own [[soul]]? "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Matthew#Chapter_16] He made no direct attack on the [[possession]] of [[property]], but he did insist that it is eternally [[essential]] that spiritual [[values]] come first. In his later teachings he sought to correct many erroneous [[Urantia]] views of life by narrating numerous [[parables]] which he presented in the [[course]] of his [[public]] ministry. [[Jesus]] never intended to formulate [[economic]] [[theories]]; he well knew that each age must evolve its own remedies for existing troubles. And if [[Jesus]] were on earth today, living his life in the [[flesh]], he would be a great [[disappointment]] to the [[majority]] of [[good]] [[men]] and [[women]] for the [[simple]] reason that he would not take sides in present-day [[political]], [[social]], or [[economic]] disputes. He would remain grandly aloof while teaching you how to [[perfect]] your [[Inner Life|inner spiritual life]] so as to render you manyfold more competent to attack the solution of your [[purely]] [[human]] [[problems]].

140:8.17 [[Jesus]] frequently warned his [[listeners]] against covetousness, declaring that " a man's [[happiness]] consists not in the [[abundance]] of his [[material]] possessions. " He constantly reiterated, " What shall it [[profit]] a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own [[soul]]? "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Matthew#Chapter_16] He made no direct attack on the [[possession]] of [[property]], but he did insist that it is eternally [[essential]] that spiritual [[values]] come first. In his later teachings he sought to correct many erroneous [[Urantia]] views of life by narrating numerous [[parables]] which he presented in the [[course]] of his [[public]] ministry. [[Jesus]] never intended to formulate [[economic]] [[theories]]; he well knew that each age must evolve its own remedies for existing troubles. And if [[Jesus]] were on earth today, living his life in the [[flesh]], he would be a great [[disappointment]] to the [[majority]] of [[good]] [[men]] and [[women]] for the [[simple]] reason that he would not take sides in present-day [[political]], [[social]], or [[economic]] disputes. He would remain grandly aloof while teaching you how to [[perfect]] your [[Inner Life|inner spiritual life]] so as to render you manyfold more competent to attack the solution of your [[purely]] [[human]] [[problems]].

140:8.18 [[Jesus]] would make all men Godlike and then stand by [[sympathetically]] while these [[sons of God]] solve their own [[political]], [[social]], and [[economic]] [[problems]]. It was not [[wealth]] that he denounced, but what wealth does to the [[majority]] of its devotees. On this Thursday afternoon [[Jesus]] first told his associates that " it is more blessed to give than to receive. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_acts#Acts.20]

140:8.18 [[Jesus]] would make all men Godlike and then stand by [[sympathetically]] while these [[sons of God]] solve their own [[political]], [[social]], and [[economic]] [[problems]]. It was not [[wealth]] that he denounced, but what wealth does to the [[majority]] of its devotees. On this Thursday afternoon [[Jesus]] first told his associates that " it is more blessed to give than to receive. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_acts#Acts.20]

140:8.19 5. ''Personal religion''. You, as did his [[apostles]], should the better [[understand]] Jesus' teachings by his life. He lived a [[perfected]] life on [[Urantia]], and his [[unique]] teachings can only be [[understood]] when that life is visualized in its [[immediate]] background. It is his life, and not his lessons to [[the twelve]] or his [[sermons]] to the multitudes, that will assist most in [[revealing]] [[the Father]]'s [[divine]] [[character]] and loving [[personality]].

140:8.19 5. ''Personal religion''. You, as did his [[apostles]], should the better [[understand]] Jesus' teachings by his life. He lived a [[perfected]] life on [[Urantia]], and his [[unique]] teachings can only be [[understood]] when that life is visualized in its [[immediate]] background. It is his life, and not his lessons to [[the twelve]] or his [[sermons]] to the multitudes, that will assist most in [[revealing]] [[the Father]]'s [[divine]] [[character]] and loving [[personality]].

140:8.20 [[Jesus]] did not attack the teachings of the [[Hebrew prophets]] or the [[Greek]] moralists. [[The Master]] recognized the many [[good]] things which these great teachers stood for, but he had come down to [[earth]] to teach something additional, " the voluntary [[conformity]] of man's will to [[God]]'s will. " [[Jesus]] did not want [[simply]] to produce a [[religious]] [[man]], a [[mortal]] wholly occupied with religious [[feelings]] and actuated only by [[spiritual]] [[impulses]]. Could you have had but one look at him, you would have known that [[Jesus]] was a real man of great [[experience]] in the [[things]] of this world. The teachings of [[Jesus]] in this respect have been grossly [[perverted]] and much misrepresented all down through the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_christianity centuries of the Christian era]; you have also held [[perverted]] [[ideas]] about [[the Master]]'s [[meekness]] and [[humility]]. What he aimed at in his life appears to have been a superb [[self]]-[[respect]]. He only advised man to [[humble]] himself that he might become truly exalted; what he really aimed at was true [[humility]] toward [[God]]. He placed great [[value]] upon [[sincerity]]—a [[pure]] [[heart]]. [[Fidelity]] was a cardinal [[virtue]] in his estimate of [[character]], while [[courage]] was the very [[heart]] of his teachings. " [[Fear]] not "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_8] was his watchword, and [[patient]] [[endurance]] his [[ideal]] of [[strength]] of [[character]]. The teachings of [[Jesus]] constitute a [[religion]] of [[valor]], [[courage]], and [[heroism]]. And this is just why he chose as his [[personal]] [[representatives]] twelve commonplace men, the [[majority]] of whom were rugged, [[virile]], and manly [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fishermen fishermen].

140:8.20 [[Jesus]] did not attack the teachings of the [[Hebrew prophets]] or the [[Greek]] moralists. [[The Master]] recognized the many [[good]] things which these great teachers stood for, but he had come down to [[earth]] to teach something additional, " the voluntary [[conformity]] of man's will to [[God]]'s will. " [[Jesus]] did not want [[simply]] to produce a [[religious]] [[man]], a [[mortal]] wholly occupied with religious [[feelings]] and actuated only by [[spiritual]] [[impulses]]. Could you have had but one look at him, you would have known that [[Jesus]] was a real man of great [[experience]] in the [[things]] of this world. The teachings of [[Jesus]] in this respect have been grossly [[perverted]] and much misrepresented all down through the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_christianity centuries of the Christian era]; you have also held [[perverted]] [[ideas]] about [[the Master]]'s [[meekness]] and [[humility]]. What he aimed at in his life appears to have been a superb [[self]]-[[respect]]. He only advised man to [[humble]] himself that he might become truly exalted; what he really aimed at was true [[humility]] toward [[God]]. He placed great [[value]] upon [[sincerity]]—a [[pure]] [[heart]]. [[Fidelity]] was a cardinal [[virtue]] in his estimate of [[character]], while [[courage]] was the very [[heart]] of his teachings. " [[Fear]] not "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_8] was his watchword, and [[patient]] [[endurance]] his [[ideal]] of [[strength]] of [[character]]. The teachings of [[Jesus]] constitute a [[religion]] of [[valor]], [[courage]], and [[heroism]]. And this is just why he chose as his [[personal]] [[representatives]] twelve commonplace men, the [[majority]] of whom were rugged, [[virile]], and manly [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fishermen fishermen].

140:8.21 [[Jesus]] had little to say about the [[social]] [[vices]] of his day; seldom did he make [[reference]] to [[moral]] delinquency. He was a [[positive]] teacher of true [[virtue]]. He studiously avoided the [[negative]] [[method]] of imparting instruction; he refused to advertise [[evil]]. He was not even a [[moral]] [[reformer]]. He well knew, and so taught his [[apostles]], that the [[sensual]] urges of [[mankind]] are not suppressed by either religious [[rebuke]] or [[legal]] prohibitions. His few denunciations were largely directed against [[pride]], cruelty, [[oppression]], and [[hypocrisy]].

140:8.21 [[Jesus]] had little to say about the [[social]] [[vices]] of his day; seldom did he make [[reference]] to [[moral]] delinquency. He was a [[positive]] teacher of true [[virtue]]. He studiously avoided the [[negative]] [[method]] of imparting instruction; he refused to advertise [[evil]]. He was not even a [[moral]] [[reformer]]. He well knew, and so taught his [[apostles]], that the [[sensual]] urges of [[mankind]] are not suppressed by either religious [[rebuke]] or [[legal]] prohibitions. His few denunciations were largely directed against [[pride]], cruelty, [[oppression]], and [[hypocrisy]].

140:8.23 The one thing which [[John, the Apostle|John]] gained from this day's teaching was that the [[heart]] of [[Jesus]]' [[religion]] consisted in the acquirement of a [[compassionate]] [[character]] coupled with a [[personality]] [[motivated]] to [[do the will of the Father]] in heaven.

140:8.23 The one thing which [[John, the Apostle|John]] gained from this day's teaching was that the [[heart]] of [[Jesus]]' [[religion]] consisted in the acquirement of a [[compassionate]] [[character]] coupled with a [[personality]] [[motivated]] to [[do the will of the Father]] in heaven.

140:8.24 [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] grasped the [[idea]] that the [[gospel]] they were about to [[proclaim]] was really a fresh beginning for the whole [[Humanity|human race]]. He conveyed this impression subsequently to [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]], who formulated therefrom his [[doctrine]] of [[Christ]] as " the second [[Adam]]. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=1st_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians#1st_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians.2C_XV]

140:8.24 [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] grasped the [[idea]] that the [[gospel]] they were about to [[proclaim]] was really a fresh beginning for the whole [[Humanity|human race]]. He conveyed this impression subsequently to [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]], who formulated therefrom his [[doctrine]] of [[Christ]] as " the second [[Adam]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=1st_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians#1st_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians.2C_XV]

140:8.25 [[James, the Apostle|James]] grasped the thrilling [[truth]] that [[Jesus]] wanted his [[children]] on [[earth]] to live as though they were already [[citizens]] of the completed heavenly kingdom.

140:8.25 [[James, the Apostle|James]] grasped the thrilling [[truth]] that [[Jesus]] wanted his [[children]] on [[earth]] to live as though they were already [[citizens]] of the completed heavenly kingdom.

140:8.32 [[The Master]] came to [[create]] in man a new [[spirit]], a new will—to impart a new [[capacity]] for knowing the [[truth]], experiencing [[compassion]], and [[choosing]] [[goodness]]—the will to be in [[harmony]] with God's will, coupled with the [[eternal]] urge to become [[perfect]], even as [[the Father]] in heaven is [[perfect]].

140:8.32 [[The Master]] came to [[create]] in man a new [[spirit]], a new will—to impart a new [[capacity]] for knowing the [[truth]], experiencing [[compassion]], and [[choosing]] [[goodness]]—the will to be in [[harmony]] with God's will, coupled with the [[eternal]] urge to become [[perfect]], even as [[the Father]] in heaven is [[perfect]].

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<center>[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_140 Go to Paper 140]</center>

<center>[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Urantia_Text_-_Contents Go to Table of Contents]</center>

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[[Category:Paper 140 - The Ordination of the Twelve]]

[[Category:Paper 140 - The Ordination of the Twelve]]