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==PAPER 137: TARRYING TIME IN GALILEE==

==PAPER 137: TARRYING TIME IN GALILEE==

137:0.1 Early on Saturday morning, February 23, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/26_AD A.D. 26], [[Jesus]] came down from the hills to rejoin [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s company encamped at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perea_%28Holy_Land%29 Pella]. All that day [[Jesus]] mingled with the multitude. He ministered to a lad who had [[injured]] himself in a fall and [[journeyed]] to the near-by village of Pella to deliver the boy safely into the hands of his [[parents]].

137:0.1 Early on Saturday morning, February 23, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/26_AD A.D. 26], [[Jesus]] came down from the hills to rejoin [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s company encamped at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perea_%28Holy_Land%29 Pella]. All that day [[Jesus]] mingled with the multitude. He ministered to a lad who had [[injured]] himself in a fall and [[journeyed]] to the near-by village of Pella to deliver the boy safely into the hands of his [[parents]].

==137:1. CHOOSING THE FIRST FOUR APOSTLES==

==137:1. CHOOSING THE FIRST FOUR APOSTLES==

137:1.1 During this [[Sabbath]] two of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s leading [[disciples]] spent much time with [[Jesus]]. Of all John's followers one named [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] was the most [[profoundly]] impressed with [[Jesus]]; he accompanied him on the trip to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan Pella] with the [[injured]] boy. On the way back to John's rendezvous he asked [[Jesus]] many questions, and just before reaching their destination, the [[two]] paused for a short talk, during which [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] said: " I have observed you ever since you came to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum], and I believe you are the new Teacher, and though I do not [[understand]] all your teaching, I have fully made up my [[mind]] to follow you; I would sit at your feet and learn the whole [[truth]] about the new kingdom. " And [[Jesus]], with hearty [[assurance]], welcomed Andrew as the first of his [[apostles]], that group of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12_%28number%29 twelve] who were to [[labor]] with him in the work of [[establishing]] the new [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God kingdom of God] in the [[hearts]] of men.

137:1.1 During this [[Sabbath]] two of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s leading [[disciples]] spent much time with [[Jesus]]. Of all John's followers one named [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] was the most [[profoundly]] impressed with [[Jesus]]; he accompanied him on the trip to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan Pella] with the [[injured]] boy. On the way back to John's rendezvous he asked [[Jesus]] many questions, and just before reaching their destination, the [[two]] paused for a short talk, during which [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] said: " I have observed you ever since you came to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum], and I believe you are the new Teacher, and though I do not [[understand]] all your teaching, I have fully made up my [[mind]] to follow you; I would sit at your feet and learn the whole [[truth]] about the new kingdom. " And [[Jesus]], with hearty [[assurance]], welcomed Andrew as the first of his [[apostles]], that group of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12_%28number%29 twelve] who were to [[labor]] with him in the work of [[establishing]] the new [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God kingdom of God] in the [[hearts]] of men.

137:1.2 [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] was a [[silent]] [[observer]] of, and [[sincere]] believer in, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s [[work]], and he had a very able and [[enthusiastic]] brother, named [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:2._SIMON_PETER Simon], who was one of John's foremost [[disciples]]. It would not be amiss to say that [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:2._SIMON_PETER Simon] was one of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s chief supporters.

137:1.2 [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] was a [[silent]] [[observer]] of, and [[sincere]] believer in, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s [[work]], and he had a very able and [[enthusiastic]] brother, named [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:2._SIMON_PETER Simon], who was one of John's foremost [[disciples]]. It would not be amiss to say that [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:2._SIMON_PETER Simon] was one of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s chief supporters.

137:1.3 Soon after [[Jesus]] and [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] returned to the camp, Andrew sought out his brother, [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:2._SIMON_PETER Simon], and taking him aside, informed him that he had settled in his own [[mind]] that [[Jesus]] was the great Teacher, and that he had [[pledged]] himself as a [[disciple]]. He went on to say that [[Jesus]] had accepted his proffer of [[service]] and suggested that he (Simon) likewise go to Jesus and offer himself for fellowship in the [[service]] of the new kingdom. Said [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:2._SIMON_PETER Simon]: " Ever since this man came to work in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee]'s shop, I have believed he was sent by [[God]], but what about [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]? Are we to forsake him? Is this the right thing to do? " Whereupon they [[agreed]] to go at once to consult John. John was saddened by the [[thought]] of losing two of his able advisers and most promising [[disciples]], but he bravely answered their [[inquiries]], saying: " This is but the beginning; presently will my work end, and we shall all become his [[disciples]]. " Then [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] beckoned to [[Jesus]] to draw aside while he announced that his [[brother]] desired to join himself to the [[service]] of the new kingdom. And in welcoming [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:2._SIMON_PETER Simon] as his second [[apostle]], Jesus said: " Simon, your [[enthusiasm]] is commendable, but it is [[dangerous]] to the work of the kingdom. I admonish you to become more [[thoughtful]] in your [[speech]]. I would [[change]] your name to [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]]. "

137:1.3 Soon after [[Jesus]] and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] returned to the camp, Andrew sought out his brother, [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:2._SIMON_PETER Simon], and taking him aside, informed him that he had settled in his own [[mind]] that [[Jesus]] was the great Teacher, and that he had [[pledged]] himself as a [[disciple]]. He went on to say that [[Jesus]] had accepted his proffer of [[service]] and suggested that he (Simon) likewise go to Jesus and offer himself for fellowship in the [[service]] of the new kingdom. Said [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:2._SIMON_PETER Simon]: " Ever since this man came to work in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee]'s shop, I have believed he was sent by [[God]], but what about [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]? Are we to forsake him? Is this the right thing to do? " Whereupon they [[agreed]] to go at once to consult John. John was saddened by the [[thought]] of losing two of his able advisers and most promising [[disciples]], but he bravely answered their [[inquiries]], saying: " This is but the beginning; presently will my work end, and we shall all become his [[disciples]]. " Then [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] beckoned to [[Jesus]] to draw aside while he announced that his [[brother]] desired to join himself to the [[service]] of the new kingdom. And in welcoming [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:2._SIMON_PETER Simon] as his second [[apostle]], Jesus said: " Simon, your [[enthusiasm]] is commendable, but it is [[dangerous]] to the work of the kingdom. I admonish you to become more [[thoughtful]] in your [[speech]]. I would [[change]] your name to [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]]. "

137:1.4 The [[parents]] of the [[injured]] lad who lived at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan Pella] had besought [[Jesus]] to spend the night with them, to make their house his [[home]], and he had [[promised]]. Before leaving [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] and his brother, [[Jesus]] said, " Early on the morrow we go into [[Galilee]]. "

137:1.4 The [[parents]] of the [[injured]] lad who lived at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan Pella] had besought [[Jesus]] to spend the night with them, to make their house his [[home]], and he had [[promised]]. Before leaving [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] and his brother, [[Jesus]] said, " Early on the morrow we go into [[Galilee]]. "

137:1.5 After [[Jesus]] had returned to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan Pella] for the night, and while [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] and [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:2._SIMON_PETER Simon] were yet [[discussing]] the [[nature]] of their [[service]] in the [[establishment]] of the forthcoming kingdom, [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:3._JAMES_ZEBEDEE James] and [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:4._JOHN_ZEBEDEE John] the sons of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee] arrived upon the scene, having just returned from their long and futile searching in the hills for [[Jesus]]. When they heard [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:2._SIMON_PETER Simon Peter] tell how he and his brother, [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew], had become the first accepted [[counselors]] of the new kingdom, and that they were to leave with their new Master on the morrow for [[Galilee]], both James and John were sad. They had known [[Jesus]] for some time, and they [[loved]] him. They had searched for him many days in the hills, and now they returned to learn that others had been preferred before them. They [[inquired]] where [[Jesus]] had gone and made haste to find him.

137:1.5 After [[Jesus]] had returned to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan Pella] for the night, and while [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:2._SIMON_PETER Simon] were yet [[discussing]] the [[nature]] of their [[service]] in the [[establishment]] of the forthcoming kingdom, [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:3._JAMES_ZEBEDEE James] and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:4._JOHN_ZEBEDEE John] the sons of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee] arrived upon the scene, having just returned from their long and futile searching in the hills for [[Jesus]]. When they heard [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:2._SIMON_PETER Simon Peter] tell how he and his brother, [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew], had become the first accepted [[counselors]] of the new kingdom, and that they were to leave with their new Master on the morrow for [[Galilee]], both James and John were sad. They had known [[Jesus]] for some time, and they [[loved]] him. They had searched for him many days in the hills, and now they returned to learn that others had been preferred before them. They [[inquired]] where [[Jesus]] had gone and made haste to find him.

137:1.6 [[Jesus]] was asleep when they reached his abode, but they awakened him, saying: " How is it that, while we who have so long lived with you are searching in the hills for you, you prefer others before us and choose [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] and [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:2._SIMON_PETER Simon] as your first associates in the new kingdom? " [[Jesus]] answered them, " Be calm in your [[hearts]] and ask yourselves, `who directed that you should search for the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] when he was about his Father's business?' " After they had recited the details of their long search in the hills, [[Jesus]] further instructed them: " You should learn to search for the [[secret]] of the new kingdom in your [[hearts]] and not in the hills. That which you sought was already present in your [[souls]]. You are indeed my brethren—you needed not to be received by me—already were you of the kingdom, and you should be of good cheer, making ready also to go with us tomorrow into [[Galilee]]. " [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:4._JOHN_ZEBEDEE John] then made [[bold]] to ask, " But, Master, will [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:3._JAMES_ZEBEDEE James] and I be associates with you in the new kingdom, even as Andrew and Simon? " And [[Jesus]], laying a hand on the shoulder of each of them, said: " My brethren, you were already with me in the [[spirit]] of the kingdom, even before these others made request to be received. You, my brethren, have no need to make request for entrance into the kingdom; you have been with me in the kingdom from the beginning. Before men, others may take precedence over you, but in my [[heart]] did I also number you in the [[councils]] of the kingdom, even before you thought to make this request of me. And even so might you have been first before men had you not been absent [[engaged]] in a well-[[intentioned]] but [[self]]-appointed task of seeking for one who was not lost. In the coming kingdom, be not [[mindful]] of those [[things]] which foster your [[anxiety]] but rather at all times concern yourselves only with [[doing the will of the Father]] who is in heaven. "

137:1.6 [[Jesus]] was asleep when they reached his abode, but they awakened him, saying: " How is it that, while we who have so long lived with you are searching in the hills for you, you prefer others before us and choose [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:2._SIMON_PETER Simon] as your first associates in the new kingdom? " [[Jesus]] answered them, " Be calm in your [[hearts]] and ask yourselves, `who directed that you should search for the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] when he was about his Father's business?' " After they had recited the details of their long search in the hills, [[Jesus]] further instructed them: " You should learn to search for the [[secret]] of the new kingdom in your [[hearts]] and not in the hills. That which you sought was already present in your [[souls]]. You are indeed my brethren—you needed not to be received by me—already were you of the kingdom, and you should be of good cheer, making ready also to go with us tomorrow into [[Galilee]]. " [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:4._JOHN_ZEBEDEE John] then made [[bold]] to ask, " But, Master, will [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:3._JAMES_ZEBEDEE James] and I be associates with you in the new kingdom, even as Andrew and Simon? " And [[Jesus]], laying a hand on the shoulder of each of them, said: " My brethren, you were already with me in the [[spirit]] of the kingdom, even before these others made request to be received. You, my brethren, have no need to make request for entrance into the kingdom; you have been with me in the kingdom from the beginning. Before men, others may take precedence over you, but in my [[heart]] did I also number you in the [[councils]] of the kingdom, even before you thought to make this request of me. And even so might you have been first before men had you not been absent [[engaged]] in a well-[[intentioned]] but [[self]]-appointed task of seeking for one who was not lost. In the coming kingdom, be not [[mindful]] of those [[things]] which foster your [[anxiety]] but rather at all times concern yourselves only with [[doing the will of the Father]] who is in heaven. "

137:1.7 [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:3._JAMES_ZEBEDEE James] and [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:4._JOHN_ZEBEDEE John] received the [[rebuke]] in good [[grace]]; never more were they envious of [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] and [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:2._SIMON_PETER Simon]. And they made ready, with their two associate [[apostles]], to depart for [[Galilee]] the next morning. From this day on the term [[apostle]] was employed to distinguish the [[chosen]] [[family]] of [[Jesus]]' advisers from the vast multitude of believing [[disciples]] who subsequently followed him.

137:1.7 [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:3._JAMES_ZEBEDEE James] and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:4._JOHN_ZEBEDEE John] received the [[rebuke]] in good [[grace]]; never more were they envious of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:2._SIMON_PETER Simon]. And they made ready, with their two associate [[apostles]], to depart for [[Galilee]] the next morning. From this day on the term [[apostle]] was employed to distinguish the [[chosen]] [[family]] of [[Jesus]]' advisers from the vast multitude of believing [[disciples]] who subsequently followed him.

137:1.8 Late that evening, [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:3._JAMES_ZEBEDEE James], [[John, the Apostle|John]], [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew], and [[Peter, the Apostle|Simon]] held [[converse]] with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John the Baptist], and with tearful eye but steady [[voice]] the stalwart [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judea Judean] [[prophet]] surrendered two of his leading [[disciples]] to become the [[apostles]] of the [[Galilean]] Prince of the coming kingdom.

137:1.8 Late that evening, [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:3._JAMES_ZEBEDEE James], [[John, the Apostle|John]], [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew], and [[Peter, the Apostle|Simon]] held [[converse]] with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John the Baptist], and with tearful eye but steady [[voice]] the stalwart [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judea Judean] [[prophet]] surrendered two of his leading [[disciples]] to become the [[apostles]] of the [[Galilean]] Prince of the coming kingdom.

==137:2. CHOOSING PHILIP AND NATHANIEL==   

==137:2. CHOOSING PHILIP AND NATHANIEL==   

137:2.1 Sunday morning, February 24, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/26_AD A.D. 26], [[Jesus]] took leave of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John the Baptist] by the river near [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan Pella], never again to see him in the [[flesh]].

137:2.1 Sunday morning, February 24, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/26_AD A.D. 26], [[Jesus]] took leave of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John the Baptist] by the river near [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan Pella], never again to see him in the [[flesh]].

137:2.2 That day, as [[Jesus]] and his four [[disciple]]-[[apostles]] departed for [[Galilee]], there was a great tumult in the camp of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s followers. The first great division was about to take place. The day before, John had made his [[positive]] pronouncement to [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] and Ezra that [[Jesus]] was the Deliverer. Andrew decided to follow [[Jesus]], but Ezra rejected the mild-mannered [[carpenter]] of [[Nazareth]], proclaiming to his associates: " The [[Prophet]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel Daniel] [[declares]] that the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] will come with the clouds of [[heaven]], in [[power]] and great [[glory]]. This [[Galilean]] [[carpenter]], this [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boat_Building boatbuilder], cannot be the Deliverer. Can such a gift of God come out of [[Nazareth]]? This [[Jesus]] is a relative of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John], and through much kindness of [[heart]] has our teacher been [[deceived]]. Let us remain aloof from this false [[Messiah]]. " When John [[rebuked]] Ezra for these utterances, he drew away with many [[disciples]] and hastened south. And this [[group]] continued to [[baptize]] in John's name and [[eventually]] founded a [[sect]] of those who believed in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John] but refused to [[accept]] [[Jesus]]. A [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandaeanism remnant of this group] persists in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia] even to this day.

137:2.2 That day, as [[Jesus]] and his four [[disciple]]-[[apostles]] departed for [[Galilee]], there was a great tumult in the camp of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s followers. The first great division was about to take place. The day before, John had made his [[positive]] pronouncement to [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] and Ezra that [[Jesus]] was the Deliverer. Andrew decided to follow [[Jesus]], but Ezra rejected the mild-mannered [[carpenter]] of [[Nazareth]], proclaiming to his associates: " The [[Prophet]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel Daniel] [[declares]] that the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] will come with the clouds of [[heaven]], in [[power]] and great [[glory]]. This [[Galilean]] [[carpenter]], this [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boat_Building boatbuilder], cannot be the Deliverer. Can such a gift of God come out of [[Nazareth]]? This [[Jesus]] is a relative of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John], and through much kindness of [[heart]] has our teacher been [[deceived]]. Let us remain aloof from this false [[Messiah]]. " When John [[rebuked]] Ezra for these utterances, he drew away with many [[disciples]] and hastened south. And this [[group]] continued to [[baptize]] in John's name and [[eventually]] founded a [[sect]] of those who believed in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John] but refused to [[accept]] [[Jesus]]. A [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandaeanism remnant of this group] persists in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia] even to this day.

137:2.3 While this trouble was brewing among [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s followers, [[Jesus]] and his four [[disciple]]-[[apostles]] were well on their way toward [[Galilee]]. Before they crossed the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_river Jordan], to go by way of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nain,_Israel Nain] to [[Nazareth]], [[Jesus]], looking ahead and up the road, saw one [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:5._PHILIP_THE_CURIOUS Philip] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida] with a [[friend]] coming toward them. [[Jesus]] had known Philip aforetime, and he was also well known to all four of the new [[apostles]]. He was on his way with his friend [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:6._HONEST_NATHANIEL Nathaniel] to visit John at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan Pella] to learn more about the reported coming of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God kingdom of God], and he was delighted to greet [[Jesus]]. Philip had been an admirer of [[Jesus]] ever since he first came to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum]. But [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:6._HONEST_NATHANIEL Nathaniel], who lived at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana] of [[Galilee]], did not know [[Jesus]]. Philip went forward to greet his [[friends]] while [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:6._HONEST_NATHANIEL Nathaniel] rested under the shade of a tree by the roadside.

137:2.3 While this trouble was brewing among [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s followers, [[Jesus]] and his four [[disciple]]-[[apostles]] were well on their way toward [[Galilee]]. Before they crossed the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_river Jordan], to go by way of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nain,_Israel Nain] to [[Nazareth]], [[Jesus]], looking ahead and up the road, saw one [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:5._PHILIP_THE_CURIOUS Philip] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida] with a [[friend]] coming toward them. [[Jesus]] had known Philip aforetime, and he was also well known to all four of the new [[apostles]]. He was on his way with his friend [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:6._HONEST_NATHANIEL Nathaniel] to visit John at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan Pella] to learn more about the reported coming of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God kingdom of God], and he was delighted to greet [[Jesus]]. Philip had been an admirer of [[Jesus]] ever since he first came to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum]. But [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:6._HONEST_NATHANIEL Nathaniel], who lived at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana] of [[Galilee]], did not know [[Jesus]]. Philip went forward to greet his [[friends]] while [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:6._HONEST_NATHANIEL Nathaniel] rested under the shade of a tree by the roadside.

137:2.4 [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] took [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:5._PHILIP_THE_CURIOUS Philip] to one side and proceeded to [[explain]] that they, referring to himself, [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew], [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:3._JAMES_ZEBEDEE James], and [[John, the Apostle|John]], had all become associates of [[Jesus]] in the new kingdom and strongly urged Philip to [[volunteer]] for [[service]]. Philip was in a quandary. What should he do? Here, without a [[moment]]'s warning—on the roadside near the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_river Jordan]—there had come up for [[immediate]] [[decision]] the most momentous question of a lifetime. By this time he was in [[earnest]] converse with [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew], and [[John, the Apostle|John]] while [[Jesus]] was outlining to James the trip through [[Galilee]] and on to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum]. Finally, Andrew suggested to Philip, " Why not ask the Teacher? "

137:2.4 [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] took [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:5._PHILIP_THE_CURIOUS Philip] to one side and proceeded to [[explain]] that they, referring to himself, [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew], [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:3._JAMES_ZEBEDEE James], and [[John, the Apostle|John]], had all become associates of [[Jesus]] in the new kingdom and strongly urged Philip to [[volunteer]] for [[service]]. Philip was in a quandary. What should he do? Here, without a [[moment]]'s warning—on the roadside near the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_river Jordan]—there had come up for [[immediate]] [[decision]] the most momentous question of a lifetime. By this time he was in [[earnest]] converse with [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew], and [[John, the Apostle|John]] while [[Jesus]] was outlining to James the trip through [[Galilee]] and on to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum]. Finally, Andrew suggested to Philip, " Why not ask the Teacher? "

137:2.5 It suddenly dawned on [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:5._PHILIP_THE_CURIOUS Philip] that [[Jesus]] was a really great man, possibly [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Messiah], and he decided to abide by [[Jesus]]' decision in this matter; and he went straight to him, asking, " Teacher, shall I go down to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John] or shall I join my [[friends]] who follow you? " And [[Jesus]] answered, " Follow me. " Philip was thrilled with the [[assurance]] that he had found the Deliverer.

137:2.5 It suddenly dawned on [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:5._PHILIP_THE_CURIOUS Philip] that [[Jesus]] was a really great man, possibly [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Messiah], and he decided to abide by [[Jesus]]' decision in this matter; and he went straight to him, asking, " Teacher, shall I go down to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John] or shall I join my [[friends]] who follow you? " And [[Jesus]] answered, " Follow me. " Philip was thrilled with the [[assurance]] that he had found the Deliverer.

137:2.6 [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:5._PHILIP_THE_CURIOUS Philip] now motioned to the [[group]] to remain where they were while he hurried back to break the news of his [[decision]] to his friend [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:6._HONEST_NATHANIEL Nathaniel], who still tarried behind under the [http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/senior/fruits/mulbe2.htm mulberry tree], turning over in his [[mind]] the many things which he had heard concerning [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John the Baptist], the coming kingdom, and the expected [[Messiah]]. Philip broke in upon these [[meditations]], exclaiming, " I have found the Deliverer, him of whom [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] and the [[prophets]] wrote and whom John has proclaimed. " Nathaniel, looking up, [[inquired]], " Whence comes this teacher? " And Philip replied, " He is [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]], the son of Joseph, the carpenter, more recently residing at Capernaum. " And then, somewhat shocked, Nathaniel asked, " Can any such good thing come out of Nazareth? " But Philip, taking him by the arm, said, " Come and see. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_1]

137:2.6 [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:5._PHILIP_THE_CURIOUS Philip] now motioned to the [[group]] to remain where they were while he hurried back to break the news of his [[decision]] to his friend [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:6._HONEST_NATHANIEL Nathaniel], who still tarried behind under the [https://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/senior/fruits/mulbe2.htm mulberry tree], turning over in his [[mind]] the many things which he had heard concerning [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John the Baptist], the coming kingdom, and the expected [[Messiah]]. Philip broke in upon these [[meditations]], exclaiming, " I have found the Deliverer, him of whom [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] and the [[prophets]] wrote and whom John has proclaimed. " Nathaniel, looking up, [[inquired]], " Whence comes this teacher? " And Philip replied, " He is [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]], the son of Joseph, the carpenter, more recently residing at Capernaum. " And then, somewhat shocked, Nathaniel asked, " Can any such good thing come out of Nazareth? " But Philip, taking him by the arm, said, " Come and see. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_1]

137:2.7 [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:5._PHILIP_THE_CURIOUS Philip] led [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:6._HONEST_NATHANIEL Nathaniel] to [[Jesus]], who, looking benignly into the face of the [[sincere]] doubter, said: " Behold a genuine Israelite, in whom there is no [[deceit]]. Follow me. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_1] And [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:6._HONEST_NATHANIEL Nathaniel], turning to Philip, said: " You are right. He is indeed a master of men. I will also follow, if I am [[worthy]]. " And [[Jesus]] nodded to Nathaniel, again saying, " Follow me. "

137:2.7 [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:5._PHILIP_THE_CURIOUS Philip] led [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:6._HONEST_NATHANIEL Nathaniel] to [[Jesus]], who, looking benignly into the face of the [[sincere]] doubter, said: " Behold a genuine Israelite, in whom there is no [[deceit]]. Follow me. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_1] And [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:6._HONEST_NATHANIEL Nathaniel], turning to Philip, said: " You are right. He is indeed a master of men. I will also follow, if I am [[worthy]]. " And [[Jesus]] nodded to Nathaniel, again saying, " Follow me. "

137:2.8 [[Jesus]] had now assembled one half of his [[future]] corps of [[intimate]] associates, five who had for some time known him and one stranger, [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:6._HONEST_NATHANIEL Nathaniel]. Without further delay they crossed the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_river Jordan] and, going by the village of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nain,_Israel Nain], reached [[Nazareth]] late that evening.

137:2.8 [[Jesus]] had now assembled one half of his [[future]] corps of [[intimate]] associates, five who had for some time known him and one stranger, [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:6._HONEST_NATHANIEL Nathaniel]. Without further delay they crossed the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_river Jordan] and, going by the village of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nain,_Israel Nain], reached [[Nazareth]] late that evening.

137:2.9 They all remained overnight with Joseph in [[Jesus]]' boyhood [[home]]. The associates of Jesus little [[understood]] why their new-found [[teacher]] was so concerned with completely destroying every vestige of his [[writing]] which remained about the [[home]] in the form of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_commandments ten commandments] and other mottoes and sayings. But this proceeding, together with the [[fact]] that they never saw him subsequently [[write]]—except upon the dust or in the sand—made a deep impression upon their [[minds]].

137:2.9 They all remained overnight with Joseph in [[Jesus]]' boyhood [[home]]. The associates of Jesus little [[understood]] why their new-found [[teacher]] was so concerned with completely destroying every vestige of his [[writing]] which remained about the [[home]] in the form of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_commandments ten commandments] and other mottoes and sayings. But this proceeding, together with the [[fact]] that they never saw him subsequently [[write]]—except upon the dust or in the sand—made a deep impression upon their [[minds]].

==137:3. THE VISIT TO CAPERNAUM==

==137:3. THE VISIT TO CAPERNAUM==

137:3.1 The next day [[Jesus]] sent his [[apostles]] on to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana], since all of them were invited to the [[wedding]] of a prominent young [[woman]] of that town, while he [[prepared]] to pay a hurried [[visit]] to his [[mother]] at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum], stopping at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magdala Magdala] to see his brother [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle Jude].

137:3.1 The next day [[Jesus]] sent his [[apostles]] on to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana], since all of them were invited to the [[wedding]] of a prominent young [[woman]] of that town, while he [[prepared]] to pay a hurried [[visit]] to his [[mother]] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum], stopping at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magdala Magdala] to see his brother [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle Jude].

137:3.2 Before leaving [[Nazareth]], the new associates of [[Jesus]] told Joseph and other members of Jesus' [[family]] about the wonderful [[events]] of the then recent [[past]] and gave [[free]] [[expression]] to their [[belief]] that Jesus was the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism long-expected deliverer]. And these members of [[Jesus]]' family talked all this over, and Joseph said: " Maybe, after all, Mother was right—maybe our [[strange]] [[brother]] is the coming king. "

137:3.2 Before leaving [[Nazareth]], the new associates of [[Jesus]] told Joseph and other members of Jesus' [[family]] about the wonderful [[events]] of the then recent [[past]] and gave [[free]] [[expression]] to their [[belief]] that Jesus was the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism long-expected deliverer]. And these members of [[Jesus]]' family talked all this over, and Joseph said: " Maybe, after all, Mother was right—maybe our [[strange]] [[brother]] is the coming king. "

137:3.3 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle Jude] was present at [[Jesus]]' [[baptism]] and, with his brother [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James], had become a firm believer in [[Jesus]]' [[mission]] on [[earth]]. Although both James and Jude were much [[perplexed]] as to the [[nature]] of their brother's [[mission]], their [[mother]] had [[resurrected]] all her early [[hopes]] of [[Jesus]] as the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Messiah], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davidic_Line son of David], and she [[encouraged]] her sons to have [[faith]] in their brother as the deliverer of [[Israel]].

137:3.3 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle Jude] was present at [[Jesus]]' [[baptism]] and, with his brother [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James], had become a firm believer in [[Jesus]]' [[mission]] on [[earth]]. Although both James and Jude were much [[perplexed]] as to the [[nature]] of their brother's [[mission]], their [[mother]] had [[resurrected]] all her early [[hopes]] of [[Jesus]] as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Messiah], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davidic_Line son of David], and she [[encouraged]] her sons to have [[faith]] in their brother as the deliverer of [[Israel]].

137:3.4 [[Jesus]] arrived in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] Monday night, but he did not go to his own [[home]], where lived James and his mother; he went directly to the home of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee]. All his [[friends]] at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] saw a great and pleasant [[change]] in him. Once more he seemed to be comparatively cheerful and more like himself as he was during the earlier years at [[Nazareth]]. For years previous to his [[baptism]] and the [[Solitude|isolation]] periods just before and just after, he had grown increasingly serious and self-contained. Now he seemed quite like his old [[self]] to all of them. There was about him something of [[majestic]] import and exalted aspect, but he was once again lighthearted and [[joyful]].

137:3.4 [[Jesus]] arrived in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] Monday night, but he did not go to his own [[home]], where lived James and his mother; he went directly to the home of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee]. All his [[friends]] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] saw a great and pleasant [[change]] in him. Once more he seemed to be comparatively cheerful and more like himself as he was during the earlier years at [[Nazareth]]. For years previous to his [[baptism]] and the [[Solitude|isolation]] periods just before and just after, he had grown increasingly serious and self-contained. Now he seemed quite like his old [[self]] to all of them. There was about him something of [[majestic]] import and exalted aspect, but he was once again lighthearted and [[joyful]].

137:3.5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_%28mother_of_Jesus%29 Mary] was thrilled with [[expectation]]. She [[anticipated]] that the [[promise]] of [[Gabriel]] was nearing fulfillment. She expected all [[Palestine]] soon to be startled and stunned by the [[miraculous]] [[revelation]] of her son as the [[supernatural]] [[king]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews]. But to all of the many questions which his [[mother]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle Jude], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee] asked, [[Jesus]] only smilingly replied: " It is better that I tarry here for a while; I must do the will of my Father who is in heaven. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_4]

137:3.5 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_%28mother_of_Jesus%29 Mary] was thrilled with [[expectation]]. She [[anticipated]] that the [[promise]] of [[Gabriel]] was nearing fulfillment. She expected all [[Palestine]] soon to be startled and stunned by the [[miraculous]] [[revelation]] of her son as the [[supernatural]] [[king]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews]. But to all of the many questions which his [[mother]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle Jude], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee] asked, [[Jesus]] only smilingly replied: " It is better that I tarry here for a while; I must do the will of my Father who is in heaven. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_4]

137:3.6 On the next day, Tuesday, they all [[journeyed]] over to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana] for the [[wedding]] of Naomi, which was to take place on the following day. And in spite of [[Jesus]]' repeated warnings that they tell no man about him " until the Father's hour shall come, "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_2] they insisted on quietly spreading the news abroad that they had found the Deliverer. They each [[confidently]] [[expected]] that [[Jesus]] would [[inaugurate]] his assumption of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Messianic] [[authority]] at the forthcoming [[wedding]] at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana], and that he would do so with great [[power]] and [[sublime]] grandeur. They remembered what had been told them about the [[phenomena]] attendant upon his [[baptism]], and they believed that his [[future]] [[course]] on [[earth]] would be marked by increasing [[manifestations]] of [[supernatural]] wonders and [[miraculous]] demonstrations. Accordingly, the entire countryside was [[preparing]] to gather together at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana] for the [[wedding]] feast of Naomi and Johab the son of Nathan.

137:3.6 On the next day, Tuesday, they all [[journeyed]] over to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana] for the [[wedding]] of Naomi, which was to take place on the following day. And in spite of [[Jesus]]' repeated warnings that they tell no man about him " until the Father's hour shall come, "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_2] they insisted on quietly spreading the news abroad that they had found the Deliverer. They each [[confidently]] [[expected]] that [[Jesus]] would [[inaugurate]] his assumption of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Messianic] [[authority]] at the forthcoming [[wedding]] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana], and that he would do so with great [[power]] and [[sublime]] grandeur. They remembered what had been told them about the [[phenomena]] attendant upon his [[baptism]], and they believed that his [[future]] [[course]] on [[earth]] would be marked by increasing [[manifestations]] of [[supernatural]] wonders and [[miraculous]] demonstrations. Accordingly, the entire countryside was [[preparing]] to gather together at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana] for the [[wedding]] feast of Naomi and Johab the son of Nathan.

137:3.7 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_%28mother_of_Jesus%29 Mary] had not been so joyous in years. She [[journeyed]] to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana] in the [[spirit]] of the queen mother on the way to [[witness]] the [[coronation]] of her son. Not since he was thirteen years old had [[Jesus]]' [[family]] and [[friends]] seen him so carefree and [[happy]], so [[thoughtful]] and [[understanding]] of the [[wishes]] and [[desires]] of his associates, so [[touch]]ingly [[sympathetic]]. And so they all whispered among themselves, in small [[groups]], wondering what was going to happen. What would this strange [[person]] do next? How would he usher in the [[glory]] of the coming kingdom? And they were all thrilled with the [[thought]] that they were to be present to see the [[revelation]] of the might and [[power]] of Israel's [[God]].

137:3.7 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_%28mother_of_Jesus%29 Mary] had not been so joyous in years. She [[journeyed]] to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana] in the [[spirit]] of the queen mother on the way to [[witness]] the [[coronation]] of her son. Not since he was thirteen years old had [[Jesus]]' [[family]] and [[friends]] seen him so carefree and [[happy]], so [[thoughtful]] and [[understanding]] of the [[wishes]] and [[desires]] of his associates, so [[touch]]ingly [[sympathetic]]. And so they all whispered among themselves, in small [[groups]], wondering what was going to happen. What would this strange [[person]] do next? How would he usher in the [[glory]] of the coming kingdom? And they were all thrilled with the [[thought]] that they were to be present to see the [[revelation]] of the might and [[power]] of Israel's [[God]].

==137:4. THE WEDDING AT CANA==

==137:4. THE WEDDING AT CANA==

137:4.1 By noon on Wednesday almost a thousand guests had arrived in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana], more than four times the number bidden to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_wedding wedding] feast. It was a [[Jewish]] [[custom]] to celebrate weddings on Wednesday, and the invitations had been sent abroad for the wedding one month previously. In the forenoon and early afternoon it [[appeared]] more like a [[public]] reception for [[Jesus]] than a wedding. Everybody wanted to greet this near-famous [[Galilean]], and he was most cordial to all, young and old, Jew and [[gentile]]. And everybody [[rejoice]]d when [[Jesus]] consented to lead the preliminary wedding [[procession]].

137:4.1 By noon on Wednesday almost a thousand guests had arrived in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana], more than four times the number bidden to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_wedding wedding] feast. It was a [[Jewish]] [[custom]] to celebrate weddings on Wednesday, and the invitations had been sent abroad for the wedding one month previously. In the forenoon and early afternoon it [[appeared]] more like a [[public]] reception for [[Jesus]] than a wedding. Everybody wanted to greet this near-famous [[Galilean]], and he was most cordial to all, young and old, Jew and [[gentile]]. And everybody [[rejoice]]d when [[Jesus]] consented to lead the preliminary wedding [[procession]].

137:4.2 [[Jesus]] was now thoroughly [[self-conscious]] regarding his [[human]] [[existence]], his [[divine]] pre-existence, and the [[status]] of his combined, or [[fused]], human and divine [[natures]]. With [[perfect]] [[poise]] he could at one [[moment]] enact the [[human]] role or [[immediately]] assume the [[personality]] [[prerogatives]] of the [[divine]] nature.

137:4.2 [[Jesus]] was now thoroughly [[self-conscious]] regarding his [[human]] [[existence]], his [[divine]] pre-existence, and the [[status]] of his combined, or [[fused]], human and divine [[natures]]. With [[perfect]] [[poise]] he could at one [[moment]] enact the [[human]] role or [[immediately]] assume the [[personality]] [[prerogatives]] of the [[divine]] nature.

137:4.3 As the day wore on, [[Jesus]] became increasingly [[conscious]] that the people were [[expecting]] him to [[perform]] some [[wonder]]; more especially he [[recognized]] that his [[family]] and his six [[disciple]]-[[apostles]] were looking for him appropriately to [[announce]] his forthcoming kingdom by some startling and [[supernatural]] [[manifestation]].

137:4.3 As the day wore on, [[Jesus]] became increasingly [[conscious]] that the people were [[expecting]] him to [[perform]] some [[wonder]]; more especially he [[recognized]] that his [[family]] and his six [[disciple]]-[[apostles]] were looking for him appropriately to [[announce]] his forthcoming kingdom by some startling and [[supernatural]] [[manifestation]].

137:4.4 Early in the afternoon [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] summoned [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James], and together they made bold to approach [[Jesus]] to [[inquire]] if he would admit them to his [[confidence]] to the extent of informing them at what hour and at what point in connection with the [[wedding]] [[ceremonies]] he had [[planned]] to [[manifest]] himself as the " [[supernatural]] one. " No sooner had they spoken of these matters to [[Jesus]] than they saw they had aroused his characteristic [[indignation]]. He said only: " If you love me, then be willing to tarry with me while I wait upon the will of my Father who is in heaven. " But the [[eloquence]] of his [[rebuke]] lay in the [[expression]] of his face.

137:4.4 Early in the afternoon [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] summoned [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James], and together they made bold to approach [[Jesus]] to [[inquire]] if he would admit them to his [[confidence]] to the extent of informing them at what hour and at what point in connection with the [[wedding]] [[ceremonies]] he had [[planned]] to [[manifest]] himself as the " [[supernatural]] one. " No sooner had they spoken of these matters to [[Jesus]] than they saw they had aroused his characteristic [[indignation]]. He said only: " If you love me, then be willing to tarry with me while I wait upon the will of my Father who is in heaven. " But the [[eloquence]] of his [[rebuke]] lay in the [[expression]] of his face.

137:4.5 This move of his [[mother]] was a great [[disappointment]] to the [[human]] [[Jesus]], and he was much sobered by his [[reaction]] to her suggestive [[proposal]] that he permit himself to indulge in some outward [[demonstration]] of his [[divinity]]. That was one of the very things he had [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_136#136:6._THE_SECOND_DECISION decided not to do] when so recently [[Solitude|isolated]] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perea_%28Holy_Land%29 the hills]. For several hours [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] was much [[depressed]]. She said to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James]: " I cannot [[understand]] him; what can it all mean? Is there no end to his strange [[conduct]]? " [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle Jude] tried to [[comfort]] their [[mother]], while [[Jesus]] withdrew for an hour's [[solitude]]. But he returned to the gathering and was once more lighthearted and [[joyous]].

137:4.5 This move of his [[mother]] was a great [[disappointment]] to the [[human]] [[Jesus]], and he was much sobered by his [[reaction]] to her suggestive [[proposal]] that he permit himself to indulge in some outward [[demonstration]] of his [[divinity]]. That was one of the very things he had [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_136#136:6._THE_SECOND_DECISION decided not to do] when so recently [[Solitude|isolated]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perea_%28Holy_Land%29 the hills]. For several hours [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] was much [[depressed]]. She said to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James]: " I cannot [[understand]] him; what can it all mean? Is there no end to his strange [[conduct]]? " [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle Jude] tried to [[comfort]] their [[mother]], while [[Jesus]] withdrew for an hour's [[solitude]]. But he returned to the gathering and was once more lighthearted and [[joyous]].

137:4.6 The [[wedding]] proceeded with a hush of [[Expectation|expectancy]], but the entire [[ceremony]] was finished and not a move, not a [[word]], from the honored guest. Then it was whispered about that the [[carpenter]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boatbuilding boatbuilder], announced by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John] as " [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Deliverer], " would show his hand during the evening festivities, perhaps at the [[wedding]] supper. But all [[Expectation|expectance]] of such a [[demonstration]] was effectually removed from the [[minds]] of his six [[disciple]]-[[apostles]] when he called them together just before the [[wedding]] supper and, in great [[earnest]]ness, said: " Think not that I have come to this place to work some [[wonder]] for the [[gratification]] of the curious or for the [[conviction]] of those who [[doubt]]. Rather are we here to wait upon the will of [[our Father]] who is in heaven. " But when [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] and the others saw him in consultation with his associates, they were fully [[persuaded]] in their own [[minds]] that something extraordinary was about to happen. And they all sat down to enjoy the [[wedding]] supper and the evening of festive good fellowship.

137:4.6 The [[wedding]] proceeded with a hush of [[Expectation|expectancy]], but the entire [[ceremony]] was finished and not a move, not a [[word]], from the honored guest. Then it was whispered about that the [[carpenter]] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boatbuilding boatbuilder], announced by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John] as " [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Deliverer], " would show his hand during the evening festivities, perhaps at the [[wedding]] supper. But all [[Expectation|expectance]] of such a [[demonstration]] was effectually removed from the [[minds]] of his six [[disciple]]-[[apostles]] when he called them together just before the [[wedding]] supper and, in great [[earnest]]ness, said: " Think not that I have come to this place to work some [[wonder]] for the [[gratification]] of the curious or for the [[conviction]] of those who [[doubt]]. Rather are we here to wait upon the will of [[our Father]] who is in heaven. " But when [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] and the others saw him in consultation with his associates, they were fully [[persuaded]] in their own [[minds]] that something extraordinary was about to happen. And they all sat down to enjoy the [[wedding]] supper and the evening of festive good fellowship.

137:4.7 The [[father]] of the bridegroom had provided plenty of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine wine] for all the guests bidden to the [[marriage]] feast, but how was he to know that the [[marriage]] of his son was to become an [[event]] so closely associated with the expected [[manifestation]] of [[Jesus]] as the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Messianic deliverer]? He was delighted to have the [[honor]] of numbering the celebrated [[Galilean]] among his guests, but before the [[wedding]] supper was over, the servants brought him the disconcerting news that the wine was running short. By the time the [[formal]] supper had ended and the guests were strolling about in the [[garden]], the [[mother]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridegroom bridegroom] confided to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] that the supply of wine was exhausted. And Mary [[confidently]] said: " Have no worry—I will speak to my son. He will help us. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_2] And thus did she presume to speak, notwithstanding the [[rebuke]] of but a few hours before.

137:4.7 The [[father]] of the bridegroom had provided plenty of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine wine] for all the guests bidden to the [[marriage]] feast, but how was he to know that the [[marriage]] of his son was to become an [[event]] so closely associated with the expected [[manifestation]] of [[Jesus]] as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Messianic deliverer]? He was delighted to have the [[honor]] of numbering the celebrated [[Galilean]] among his guests, but before the [[wedding]] supper was over, the servants brought him the disconcerting news that the wine was running short. By the time the [[formal]] supper had ended and the guests were strolling about in the [[garden]], the [[mother]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridegroom bridegroom] confided to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] that the supply of wine was exhausted. And Mary [[confidently]] said: " Have no worry—I will speak to my son. He will help us. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_2] And thus did she presume to speak, notwithstanding the [[rebuke]] of but a few hours before.

137:4.8 Throughout a period of many years, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] had always turned to [[Jesus]] for help in every [[crisis]] of their [[home]] life at [[Nazareth]] so that it was only [[natural]] for her to [[think]] of him at this time. But this [[ambitious]] [[mother]] had still other [[motives]] for [[appealing]] to her eldest son on this occasion. As [[Jesus]] was standing alone in a corner of the [[garden]], his mother approached him, saying, " My son, they have no wine. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_2] And [[Jesus]] answered, " My good woman, what have I to do with that? " Said [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary], " But I believe your hour has come; cannot you help us? " [[Jesus]] replied: " Again I declare that I have not come to do things in this wise. Why do you trouble me again with these matters? " And then, breaking down in tears, Mary entreated him, " But, my son, I [[promised]] them that you would help us; won't you please do something for me? " And then spoke Jesus: " Woman, what have you to do with making such [[promises]]? See that you do it not again. We must in all things wait upon the will of [[the Father]] in heaven. "

137:4.8 Throughout a period of many years, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] had always turned to [[Jesus]] for help in every [[crisis]] of their [[home]] life at [[Nazareth]] so that it was only [[natural]] for her to [[think]] of him at this time. But this [[ambitious]] [[mother]] had still other [[motives]] for [[appealing]] to her eldest son on this occasion. As [[Jesus]] was standing alone in a corner of the [[garden]], his mother approached him, saying, " My son, they have no wine. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_2] And [[Jesus]] answered, " My good woman, what have I to do with that? " Said [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary], " But I believe your hour has come; cannot you help us? " [[Jesus]] replied: " Again I declare that I have not come to do things in this wise. Why do you trouble me again with these matters? " And then, breaking down in tears, Mary entreated him, " But, my son, I [[promised]] them that you would help us; won't you please do something for me? " And then spoke Jesus: " Woman, what have you to do with making such [[promises]]? See that you do it not again. We must in all things wait upon the will of [[the Father]] in heaven. "

137:4.9 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] the [[mother]] of [[Jesus]] was crushed; she was stunned! As she stood there before him motionless, with the tears streaming down her face, the [[human]] [[heart]] of [[Jesus]] was overcome with [[compassion]] for the [[woman]] who had borne him in the [[flesh]]; and bending forward, he laid his hand tenderly upon her head, saying: " Now, now, ]]Mother Mary]], [[grieve]] not over my apparently hard sayings, for have I not many times told you that I have come only to do the will of my heavenly Father? Most gladly would I do what you ask of me if it were a part of [[the Father]]'s will—" and [[Jesus]] stopped short, he hesitated. Mary seemed to sense that something was happening. Leaping up, she threw her arms around [[Jesus]]' neck, kissed him, and rushed off to the servants' quarters, saying, " Whatever my son says, that do. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_2] But [[Jesus]] said nothing. He now [[realized]] that he had already said—or rather desirefully [[thought]]—too much.

137:4.9 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] the [[mother]] of [[Jesus]] was crushed; she was stunned! As she stood there before him motionless, with the tears streaming down her face, the [[human]] [[heart]] of [[Jesus]] was overcome with [[compassion]] for the [[woman]] who had borne him in the [[flesh]]; and bending forward, he laid his hand tenderly upon her head, saying: " Now, now, ]]Mother Mary]], [[grieve]] not over my apparently hard sayings, for have I not many times told you that I have come only to do the will of my heavenly Father? Most gladly would I do what you ask of me if it were a part of [[the Father]]'s will—" and [[Jesus]] stopped short, he hesitated. Mary seemed to sense that something was happening. Leaping up, she threw her arms around [[Jesus]]' neck, kissed him, and rushed off to the servants' quarters, saying, " Whatever my son says, that do. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_2] But [[Jesus]] said nothing. He now [[realized]] that he had already said—or rather desirefully [[thought]]—too much.

137:4.10 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] was [[dancing]] with glee. She did not know how the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine wine] would be produced, but she [[confident]]ly believed that she had finally [[persuaded]] her first-born son to [[assert]] his [[authority]], to dare to step forth and claim his position and exhibit his [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Messianic power]. And, because of the [[presence]] and association of certain [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_38 universe powers] and [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_39 personalities], of which all those present were wholly [[ignorant]], she was not to be [[disappointed]]. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine wine] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] [[desired]] and which [[Jesus]], the [[God]]-[[man]], [[humanly]] and [[sympathetic]]ally [[wish]]ed for, was forthcoming.

137:4.10 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] was [[dancing]] with glee. She did not know how the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine wine] would be produced, but she [[confident]]ly believed that she had finally [[persuaded]] her first-born son to [[assert]] his [[authority]], to dare to step forth and claim his position and exhibit his [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Messianic power]. And, because of the [[presence]] and association of certain [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_38 universe powers] and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_39 personalities], of which all those present were wholly [[ignorant]], she was not to be [[disappointed]]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine wine] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] [[desired]] and which [[Jesus]], the [[God]]-[[man]], [[humanly]] and [[sympathetic]]ally [[wish]]ed for, was forthcoming.

137:4.11 Near at hand stood six waterpots of stone, filled with [[water]], holding about twenty gallons apiece. This water was [[intended]] for subsequent use in the final purification [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_wedding ceremonies of the wedding] celebration. The commotion of the servants about these huge stone vessels, under the busy direction of his [[mother]], [[attracted]] [[Jesus]]' [[attention]], and going over, he [[observed]] that they were drawing wine out of them by the pitcherful.

137:4.11 Near at hand stood six waterpots of stone, filled with [[water]], holding about twenty gallons apiece. This water was [[intended]] for subsequent use in the final purification [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_wedding ceremonies of the wedding] celebration. The commotion of the servants about these huge stone vessels, under the busy direction of his [[mother]], [[attracted]] [[Jesus]]' [[attention]], and going over, he [[observed]] that they were drawing wine out of them by the pitcherful.

137:4.12 It was [[gradually]] dawning upon [[Jesus]] what had happened. Of all [[persons]] present at the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_wedding marriage feast] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana], [[Jesus]] was the most [[surprised]]. Others had [[expected]] him to [[work]] a [[wonder]], but that was just what he had [[purpose]]d not to do. And then the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] recalled the [[admonition]] of his [[Personalized Adjuster|Personalized Thought Adjuster]] [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_136#136:5._THE_FIRST_GREAT_DECISION in the hills]. He recounted how [[the Adjuster]] had [[warned]] him about the inability of any [[power]] or [[personality]] to deprive him of the [[creator]] [[prerogative]] of [[independence]] of [[time]]. On this occasion [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_29#29:4._THE_MASTER_PHYSICAL_CONTROLLERS power transformers], [[midwayers]], and all other [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_39 required personalities] were assembled near the [[water]] and other [[necessary]] elements, and in the face of the [[expressed]] wish of the [[Master Son|Universe Creator Sovereign]], there was no escaping the instantaneous [[appearance]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine wine]. And this occurrence was made doubly certain since the [[Personalized Adjuster]] had [[signified]] that the [[execution]] of [[Creator Son|the Son]]'s [[desire]] was in no way a contravention of [[the Father]]'s will.

137:4.12 It was [[gradually]] dawning upon [[Jesus]] what had happened. Of all [[persons]] present at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_wedding marriage feast] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana], [[Jesus]] was the most [[surprised]]. Others had [[expected]] him to [[work]] a [[wonder]], but that was just what he had [[purpose]]d not to do. And then the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] recalled the [[admonition]] of his [[Personalized Adjuster|Personalized Thought Adjuster]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_136#136:5._THE_FIRST_GREAT_DECISION in the hills]. He recounted how [[the Adjuster]] had [[warned]] him about the inability of any [[power]] or [[personality]] to deprive him of the [[creator]] [[prerogative]] of [[independence]] of [[time]]. On this occasion [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_29#29:4._THE_MASTER_PHYSICAL_CONTROLLERS power transformers], [[midwayers]], and all other [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_39 required personalities] were assembled near the [[water]] and other [[necessary]] elements, and in the face of the [[expressed]] wish of the [[Master Son|Universe Creator Sovereign]], there was no escaping the instantaneous [[appearance]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine wine]. And this occurrence was made doubly certain since the [[Personalized Adjuster]] had [[signified]] that the [[execution]] of [[Creator Son|the Son]]'s [[desire]] was in no way a contravention of [[the Father]]'s will.

137:4.13 But this was in no sense a [[miracle]]. No [[Natural Law|law of nature]] was [[modified]], abrogated, or even [[transcended]]. Nothing happened but the abrogation of [[time]] in association with the [[celestial]] assembly of the [[chemical]] elements requisite for the elaboration of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ wine]. At [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana] on this occasion the [[agents]] of the [[Creator Son|Creator]] made wine just as they do by the ordinary [[natural]] [[processes]] except that they did it independently of [[time]] and with the [[intervention]] of [[superhuman]] agencies in the matter of the [[space]] assembly of the necessary [[chemical]] ingredients.

137:4.13 But this was in no sense a [[miracle]]. No [[Natural Law|law of nature]] was [[modified]], abrogated, or even [[transcended]]. Nothing happened but the abrogation of [[time]] in association with the [[celestial]] assembly of the [[chemical]] elements requisite for the elaboration of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ wine]. At [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana] on this occasion the [[agents]] of the [[Creator Son|Creator]] made wine just as they do by the ordinary [[natural]] [[processes]] except that they did it independently of [[time]] and with the [[intervention]] of [[superhuman]] agencies in the matter of the [[space]] assembly of the necessary [[chemical]] ingredients.

137:4.14 Furthermore it was [[evident]] that the enactment of this so-called [[miracle]] was not contrary to the will of the [[Paradise Father]], else it would not have transpired, since [[Jesus]] had already subjected himself in all things to [[the Father]]'s will.

137:4.14 Furthermore it was [[evident]] that the enactment of this so-called [[miracle]] was not contrary to the will of the [[Paradise Father]], else it would not have transpired, since [[Jesus]] had already subjected himself in all things to [[the Father]]'s will.

137:4.15 When the servants drew this new [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine wine] and carried it to the best man, the " ruler of the feast, " and when he had tasted it, he called to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groom bridegroom], saying: " It is the [[custom]] to set out first the good wine and, when the guests have well drunk, to bring forth the inferior fruit of the vine; but you have kept the best of the wine until the last of the feast. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_2]

137:4.15 When the servants drew this new [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine wine] and carried it to the best man, the " ruler of the feast, " and when he had tasted it, he called to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groom bridegroom], saying: " It is the [[custom]] to set out first the good wine and, when the guests have well drunk, to bring forth the inferior fruit of the vine; but you have kept the best of the wine until the last of the feast. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_2]

137:4.16 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] and the [[disciples]] of [[Jesus]] were greatly [[rejoice]]d at the supposed [[miracle]] which they [[thought]] [[Jesus]] had [[intention]]ally [[performed]], but [[Jesus]] withdrew to a sheltered nook of the [[garden]] and [[engaged]] in serious [[thought]] for a few brief moments. He finally [[decided]] that the episode was beyond his [[personal]] [[control]] under the circumstances and, not being adverse to his Father's will, was [[inevitable]]. When he returned to the people, they regarded him with [[awe]]; they all believed in him as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Messiah]. But [[Jesus]] was sorely [[perplexed]], knowing that they believed in him only because of the unusual occurrence which they had just inadvertently beheld. Again [[Jesus]] retired for a season to the housetop that he might think it all over.

137:4.16 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] and the [[disciples]] of [[Jesus]] were greatly [[rejoice]]d at the supposed [[miracle]] which they [[thought]] [[Jesus]] had [[intention]]ally [[performed]], but [[Jesus]] withdrew to a sheltered nook of the [[garden]] and [[engaged]] in serious [[thought]] for a few brief moments. He finally [[decided]] that the episode was beyond his [[personal]] [[control]] under the circumstances and, not being adverse to his Father's will, was [[inevitable]]. When he returned to the people, they regarded him with [[awe]]; they all believed in him as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Messiah]. But [[Jesus]] was sorely [[perplexed]], knowing that they believed in him only because of the unusual occurrence which they had just inadvertently beheld. Again [[Jesus]] retired for a season to the housetop that he might think it all over.

137:4.17 [[Jesus]] now fully [[comprehended]] that he must constantly be on guard lest his indulgence of [[sympathy]] and [[pity]] become [[responsible]] for repeated episodes of this sort. Nevertheless, many similar [[events]] occurred before the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] took final leave of his [[mortal]] life in the [[flesh]].

137:4.17 [[Jesus]] now fully [[comprehended]] that he must constantly be on guard lest his indulgence of [[sympathy]] and [[pity]] become [[responsible]] for repeated episodes of this sort. Nevertheless, many similar [[events]] occurred before the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] took final leave of his [[mortal]] life in the [[flesh]].

==137:5. BACK IN CAPERNAUM==

==137:5. BACK IN CAPERNAUM==

137:5.1 Though many of the guests remained for the full week of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_wedding wedding festivities], [[Jesus]], with his newly chosen [[disciple]]-[[apostles]]—[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James], [[John, the Apostle|John]], [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew], [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:5._PHILIP_THE_CURIOUS Philip], and [[Nathaniel]]—departed very early the next morning for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum], going away without taking leave of anyone. [[Jesus]]' [[family]] and all his [[friends]] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana] were much distressed because he so suddenly left them, and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle Jude], [[Jesus]]' youngest brother, set out in search of him. [[Jesus]] and his [[apostles]] went directly to the [[home]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee] at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida]. On this [[journey]] [[Jesus]] talked over many things of importance to the coming kingdom with his newly [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#PAPER_139:_THE_TWELVE_APOSTLES chosen associates] and especially warned them to make no mention of the turning of the [[water]] into wine. He also advised them to avoid the [[cities]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiberias Tiberias] in their [[future]] [[work]].

137:5.1 Though many of the guests remained for the full week of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_wedding wedding festivities], [[Jesus]], with his newly chosen [[disciple]]-[[apostles]]—[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James], [[John, the Apostle|John]], [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew], [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:5._PHILIP_THE_CURIOUS Philip], and [[Nathaniel]]—departed very early the next morning for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum], going away without taking leave of anyone. [[Jesus]]' [[family]] and all his [[friends]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana] were much distressed because he so suddenly left them, and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle Jude], [[Jesus]]' youngest brother, set out in search of him. [[Jesus]] and his [[apostles]] went directly to the [[home]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida]. On this [[journey]] [[Jesus]] talked over many things of importance to the coming kingdom with his newly [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#PAPER_139:_THE_TWELVE_APOSTLES chosen associates] and especially warned them to make no mention of the turning of the [[water]] into wine. He also advised them to avoid the [[cities]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiberias Tiberias] in their [[future]] [[work]].

137:5.2 After supper that evening, in this [[home]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee] and Salome, there was held one of the most important [[conferences]] of all [[Jesus]]' earthly [[career]]. Only the six [[apostles]] were present at this meeting; [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle Jude] arrived as they were about to separate. These six chosen men had [[journey]]ed from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana] to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida] with [[Jesus]], walking, as it were, on air. They were alive with [[Expectation|expectancy]] and thrilled with the [[thought]] of having been selected as close associates of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man]. But when [[Jesus]] set out to make clear to them who he was and what was to be his [[mission]] on earth and how it might possibly end, they were stunned. They could not grasp what he was telling them. They were speechless; even [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] was crushed beyond [[expression]]. Only the deep-[[thinking]] [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] dared to make reply to [[Jesus]]' [[words]] of [[counsel]]. When Jesus [[perceived]] that they did not [[comprehend]] his [[message]], when he saw that their [[ideas]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Jewish Messiah] were so completely crystallized, he sent them to their rest while he walked and talked with his brother [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle Jude]. And before Jude took leave of [[Jesus]], he said with much feeling: " My [[father]]-[[brother]], I never have [[understood]] you. I do not know of a [[certainty]] whether you are what my [[mother]] has taught us, and I do not fully [[comprehend]] the coming kingdom, but I do know you are a mighty man of [[God]]. I heard the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_136#136:2._THE_BAPTISM_OF_JESUS voice] at the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan Jordan], and I am a believer in you, no matter who you are. " And when he had spoken, he departed, going to his own home at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magdala Magdala].

137:5.2 After supper that evening, in this [[home]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee] and Salome, there was held one of the most important [[conferences]] of all [[Jesus]]' earthly [[career]]. Only the six [[apostles]] were present at this meeting; [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle Jude] arrived as they were about to separate. These six chosen men had [[journey]]ed from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana] to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida] with [[Jesus]], walking, as it were, on air. They were alive with [[Expectation|expectancy]] and thrilled with the [[thought]] of having been selected as close associates of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man]. But when [[Jesus]] set out to make clear to them who he was and what was to be his [[mission]] on earth and how it might possibly end, they were stunned. They could not grasp what he was telling them. They were speechless; even [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] was crushed beyond [[expression]]. Only the deep-[[thinking]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] dared to make reply to [[Jesus]]' [[words]] of [[counsel]]. When Jesus [[perceived]] that they did not [[comprehend]] his [[message]], when he saw that their [[ideas]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Jewish Messiah] were so completely crystallized, he sent them to their rest while he walked and talked with his brother [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle Jude]. And before Jude took leave of [[Jesus]], he said with much feeling: " My [[father]]-[[brother]], I never have [[understood]] you. I do not know of a [[certainty]] whether you are what my [[mother]] has taught us, and I do not fully [[comprehend]] the coming kingdom, but I do know you are a mighty man of [[God]]. I heard the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_136#136:2._THE_BAPTISM_OF_JESUS voice] at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan Jordan], and I am a believer in you, no matter who you are. " And when he had spoken, he departed, going to his own home at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magdala Magdala].

137:5.3 That night [[Jesus]] did not [[sleep]]. Donning his evening wraps, he sat out on the lake shore [[thinking]], thinking until the [[dawn]] of the next day. In the long hours of that night of [[meditation]] [[Jesus]] came clearly to [[comprehend]] that he never would be able to make his followers see him in any other light than as the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism long-expected Messiah]. At last he [[recognized]] that there was no way to launch his [[message]] of the kingdom except as the fulfillment of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s [[prediction]] and as the one for whom the [[Jews]] were looking. After all, though he was not the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davidic_line Davidic type of Messiah], he was truly the fulfillment of the [[prophetic]] utterances of the more [[spiritually]] minded of the olden [[seer]]s. Never again did he wholly deny that he was the [[Messiah]]. He [[decided]] to leave the final untangling of this complicated situation to the outworking of [[the Father]]'s will.

137:5.3 That night [[Jesus]] did not [[sleep]]. Donning his evening wraps, he sat out on the lake shore [[thinking]], thinking until the [[dawn]] of the next day. In the long hours of that night of [[meditation]] [[Jesus]] came clearly to [[comprehend]] that he never would be able to make his followers see him in any other light than as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism long-expected Messiah]. At last he [[recognized]] that there was no way to launch his [[message]] of the kingdom except as the fulfillment of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s [[prediction]] and as the one for whom the [[Jews]] were looking. After all, though he was not the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davidic_line Davidic type of Messiah], he was truly the fulfillment of the [[prophetic]] utterances of the more [[spiritually]] minded of the olden [[seer]]s. Never again did he wholly deny that he was the [[Messiah]]. He [[decided]] to leave the final untangling of this complicated situation to the outworking of [[the Father]]'s will.

137:5.4 The next morning [[Jesus]] joined his [[friends]] at breakfast, but they were a cheerless group. He visited with them and at the end of the meal gathered them about him, saying: " It is my Father's will that we tarry hereabouts for a [[season]]. You have heard [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John] say that he came to [[prepare]] the way for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God the kingdom]; therefore it behooves us to await the completion of John's preaching. When the forerunner of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] shall have finished his work, we will begin the [[proclamation]] of the good tidings of the kingdom. " He directed his [[apostles]] to return to their nets while he made ready to go with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee] to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boatbuilding boatshop], promising to see them the next day at the [[synagogue]], where he was to speak, and appointing a [[conference]] with them that [[Sabbath]] afternoon.

137:5.4 The next morning [[Jesus]] joined his [[friends]] at breakfast, but they were a cheerless group. He visited with them and at the end of the meal gathered them about him, saying: " It is my Father's will that we tarry hereabouts for a [[season]]. You have heard [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John] say that he came to [[prepare]] the way for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God the kingdom]; therefore it behooves us to await the completion of John's preaching. When the forerunner of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] shall have finished his work, we will begin the [[proclamation]] of the good tidings of the kingdom. " He directed his [[apostles]] to return to their nets while he made ready to go with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee] to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boatbuilding boatshop], promising to see them the next day at the [[synagogue]], where he was to speak, and appointing a [[conference]] with them that [[Sabbath]] afternoon.

==137:6. THE EVENTS OF A SABBATH DAY==

==137:6. THE EVENTS OF A SABBATH DAY==

137:6.1 [[Jesus]]' first [[public]] [[appearance]] following [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_136#136:2._THE_BAPTISM_OF_JESUS his baptism] was in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] [[synagogue]] on [[Sabbath]], March 2, A.D. The synagogue was crowded to overflowing. The [[story]] of the [[baptism]] in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_river Jordan] was now [[augmented]] by the fresh news from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana] about the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_137#137:4._THE_WEDDING_AT_CANA water and the wine]. [[Jesus]] gave seats of [[honor]] to his [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139 six apostles], and seated with them were his [[brothers]] in the flesh [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle Jude]. His [[mother]], having returned to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] the evening before, was also present, being seated in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechitzah women's section] of the [[synagogue]]. The entire [[audience]] was on edge; they [[expected]] to behold some extraordinary [[manifestation]] of [[supernatural]] [[power]] which would be a fitting [[testimony]] to the [[nature]] and [[authority]] of him who was that day to speak to them. But they were destined to [[disappointment]].

137:6.1 [[Jesus]]' first [[public]] [[appearance]] following [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_136#136:2._THE_BAPTISM_OF_JESUS his baptism] was in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] [[synagogue]] on [[Sabbath]], March 2, A.D. The synagogue was crowded to overflowing. The [[story]] of the [[baptism]] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_river Jordan] was now [[augmented]] by the fresh news from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana] about the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_137#137:4._THE_WEDDING_AT_CANA water and the wine]. [[Jesus]] gave seats of [[honor]] to his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139 six apostles], and seated with them were his [[brothers]] in the flesh [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle Jude]. His [[mother]], having returned to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] the evening before, was also present, being seated in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechitzah women's section] of the [[synagogue]]. The entire [[audience]] was on edge; they [[expected]] to behold some extraordinary [[manifestation]] of [[supernatural]] [[power]] which would be a fitting [[testimony]] to the [[nature]] and [[authority]] of him who was that day to speak to them. But they were destined to [[disappointment]].

137:6.2 When [[Jesus]] stood up, the ruler of the [[synagogue]] handed him the [[Scripture]] roll, and he read from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah Prophet Isaiah]: " Thus says the Lord: `The [[heaven]] is my throne, and the [[earth]] is my footstool. Where is the house that you built for me? And where is the place of my dwelling? All these things have my hands made,' says the Lord. `But to this man will I look, even to him who is poor and of a [[Repentance|contrite]] spirit, and who trembles at my [[word]].' Hear the word of the Lord, you who tremble and fear: `Your brethren hated you and cast you out for my name's sake.' But let the Lord be glorified. He shall appear to you in [[joy]], and all others shall be ashamed. A [[voice]] from the [[city]], a voice from the [[temple]], a voice from the Lord says: `Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.' Who has heard such a thing? Shall the [[earth]] be made to bring forth in one day? Or can a [[nation]] be born at once? But thus says the Lord: `Behold I will extend [[peace]] like a [[river]], and the [[glory]] of even the [[gentiles]] shall be like a flowing stream. As one whom his [[mother]] [[comfort]]s, so will I comfort you. And you shall be comforted even in [[Jerusalem]]. And when you see these things, your [[heart]] shall [[rejoice]].' "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.66]

137:6.2 When [[Jesus]] stood up, the ruler of the [[synagogue]] handed him the [[Scripture]] roll, and he read from the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah Prophet Isaiah]: " Thus says the Lord: `The [[heaven]] is my throne, and the [[earth]] is my footstool. Where is the house that you built for me? And where is the place of my dwelling? All these things have my hands made,' says the Lord. `But to this man will I look, even to him who is poor and of a [[Repentance|contrite]] spirit, and who trembles at my [[word]].' Hear the word of the Lord, you who tremble and fear: `Your brethren hated you and cast you out for my name's sake.' But let the Lord be glorified. He shall appear to you in [[joy]], and all others shall be ashamed. A [[voice]] from the [[city]], a voice from the [[temple]], a voice from the Lord says: `Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.' Who has heard such a thing? Shall the [[earth]] be made to bring forth in one day? Or can a [[nation]] be born at once? But thus says the Lord: `Behold I will extend [[peace]] like a [[river]], and the [[glory]] of even the [[gentiles]] shall be like a flowing stream. As one whom his [[mother]] [[comfort]]s, so will I comfort you. And you shall be comforted even in [[Jerusalem]]. And when you see these things, your [[heart]] shall [[rejoice]].' "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.66]

137:6.3 When he had finished this [[reading]], [[Jesus]] handed the roll back to its keeper. Before sitting down, he simply said: " Be [[patient]] and you shall see the [[glory]] of [[God]]; even so shall it be with all those who tarry with me and thus learn to [[do the will of my Father]] who is in heaven. " And the people went to their [[homes]], wondering what was the [[meaning]] of all this.

137:6.3 When he had finished this [[reading]], [[Jesus]] handed the roll back to its keeper. Before sitting down, he simply said: " Be [[patient]] and you shall see the [[glory]] of [[God]]; even so shall it be with all those who tarry with me and thus learn to [[do the will of my Father]] who is in heaven. " And the people went to their [[homes]], wondering what was the [[meaning]] of all this.

137:6.4 That afternoon [[Jesus]] and his [[apostles]], with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle Jude], entered a boat and pulled down the shore a little way, where they anchored while he talked to them about the coming kingdom. And they [[understood]] more than they had on Thursday night.

137:6.4 That afternoon [[Jesus]] and his [[apostles]], with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle Jude], entered a boat and pulled down the shore a little way, where they anchored while he talked to them about the coming kingdom. And they [[understood]] more than they had on Thursday night.

137:6.5 [[Jesus]] instructed them to take up their regular [[duties]] until " the hour of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God the kingdom] comes. " And to [[encourage]] them, he set an example by going back regularly to [[work]] in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boatbuilding boatshop]. In [[explaining]] that they should spend three hours every evening in [[study]] and [[preparation]] for their [[future]] [[work]], [[Jesus]] further said: " We will all remain hereabout until [[the Father]] bids me call you. Each of you must now return to his accustomed [[work]] just as if nothing had happened. Tell no man about me and remember that [[The Kingdom of Heaven|my kingdom]] is not to come with [[noise]] and glamor, but rather must it come through the great [[change]] which my Father will have wrought in your [[hearts]] and in the hearts of those who shall be called to join you in the [[councils]] of [[the kingdom]]. You are now my [[friends]]; I [[trust]] you and I [[love]] you; you are soon to become my [[personal]] associates. Be [[patient]], be [[gentle]]. Be ever [[obedient]] to [[the Father]]'s will. Make yourselves ready for [[the call]] of [[the kingdom]]. While you will [[experience]] great [[joy]] in the [[service]] of my Father, you should also be [[prepared]] for trouble, for I [[warn]] you that it will be only through much [[tribulation]] that many will enter [[the kingdom]].[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_acts#Acts.14] But those who have found the kingdom, their [[joy]] will be full, and they shall be called the [[Blessed|blest]] of all the [[earth]]. But do not entertain [[false]] [[hope]]; the world will stumble at my [[words]]. Even you, my [[friends]], do not fully [[perceive]] what I am unfolding to your [[confused]] [[minds]]. Make no mistake; we go forth to [[labor]] for a generation of sign seekers. They will demand [[wonder]]-working as the [[proof]] that I am sent by my Father, and they will be slow to [[recognize]] in the [[revelation]] of my Father's [[love]] the credentials of my mission. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Matthew#Chapter_12]

137:6.5 [[Jesus]] instructed them to take up their regular [[duties]] until " the hour of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God the kingdom] comes. " And to [[encourage]] them, he set an example by going back regularly to [[work]] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boatbuilding boatshop]. In [[explaining]] that they should spend three hours every evening in [[study]] and [[preparation]] for their [[future]] [[work]], [[Jesus]] further said: " We will all remain hereabout until [[the Father]] bids me call you. Each of you must now return to his accustomed [[work]] just as if nothing had happened. Tell no man about me and remember that [[The Kingdom of Heaven|my kingdom]] is not to come with [[noise]] and glamor, but rather must it come through the great [[change]] which my Father will have wrought in your [[hearts]] and in the hearts of those who shall be called to join you in the [[councils]] of [[the kingdom]]. You are now my [[friends]]; I [[trust]] you and I [[love]] you; you are soon to become my [[personal]] associates. Be [[patient]], be [[gentle]]. Be ever [[obedient]] to [[the Father]]'s will. Make yourselves ready for [[the call]] of [[the kingdom]]. While you will [[experience]] great [[joy]] in the [[service]] of my Father, you should also be [[prepared]] for trouble, for I [[warn]] you that it will be only through much [[tribulation]] that many will enter [[the kingdom]].[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_acts#Acts.14] But those who have found the kingdom, their [[joy]] will be full, and they shall be called the [[Blessed|blest]] of all the [[earth]]. But do not entertain [[false]] [[hope]]; the world will stumble at my [[words]]. Even you, my [[friends]], do not fully [[perceive]] what I am unfolding to your [[confused]] [[minds]]. Make no mistake; we go forth to [[labor]] for a generation of sign seekers. They will demand [[wonder]]-working as the [[proof]] that I am sent by my Father, and they will be slow to [[recognize]] in the [[revelation]] of my Father's [[love]] the credentials of my mission. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Matthew#Chapter_12]

137:6.6 That evening, when they had returned to the [[land]], before they went their way, [[Jesus]], standing by the water's edge, prayed: " My Father, I thank you for these little ones who, in spite of their [[doubts]], even now believe. And for their sakes have I set myself apart [[to do your will]]. And now may they [[learn]] to be one, even as we are one. "

137:6.6 That evening, when they had returned to the [[land]], before they went their way, [[Jesus]], standing by the water's edge, prayed: " My Father, I thank you for these little ones who, in spite of their [[doubts]], even now believe. And for their sakes have I set myself apart [[to do your will]]. And now may they [[learn]] to be one, even as we are one. "

==137:7. FOUR MONTHS OF TRAINING==

==137:7. FOUR MONTHS OF TRAINING==

137:7.1 For four long months—March, April, May, and June—this [[tarrying]] time continued; [[Jesus]] held over one hundred long and [[earnest]], though cheerful and [[joyous]], sessions with these [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139 six associates] and his own [[brother]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James]. Owing to sickness in his [[family]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle Jude] seldom was able to attend these classes. James, [[Jesus]]' [[brother]], did not lose [[faith]] in him, but during these months of delay and inaction [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] nearly despaired of her son. Her [[faith]], raised to such heights at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana], now sank to new low levels. She could only fall back on her so oft-repeated exclamation: " I cannot [[understand]] him. I cannot figure out what it all means. " But [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James]'s [[wife]] did much to bolster [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary]'s [[courage]].

137:7.1 For four long months—March, April, May, and June—this [[tarrying]] time continued; [[Jesus]] held over one hundred long and [[earnest]], though cheerful and [[joyous]], sessions with these [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139 six associates] and his own [[brother]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James]. Owing to sickness in his [[family]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle Jude] seldom was able to attend these classes. James, [[Jesus]]' [[brother]], did not lose [[faith]] in him, but during these months of delay and inaction [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] nearly despaired of her son. Her [[faith]], raised to such heights at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana], now sank to new low levels. She could only fall back on her so oft-repeated exclamation: " I cannot [[understand]] him. I cannot figure out what it all means. " But [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James]'s [[wife]] did much to bolster [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary]'s [[courage]].

137:7.2 Throughout these four months these [[seven]] believers, one his own [[brother]] in the [[flesh]], were getting acquainted with [[Jesus]]; they were getting used to the [[idea]] of living with this [[God]]-[[man]]. Though they called him [[Rabbi]], they were learning not to be afraid of him. [[Jesus]] possessed that matchless [[grace]] of [[personality]] which enabled him so to live among them that they were not dismayed by his [[divinity]]. They found it really easy to be " friends with God, "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_15] [[God]] [[incarnate]] in the likeness of [[mortal]] flesh. This time of [[waiting]] severely tested the entire [[group]] of believers. Nothing, absolutely nothing, [[miraculous]] happened. Day by day they went about their ordinary [[work]], while night after night they sat at [[Jesus]]' feet. And they were held [[together]] by his matchless [[personality]] and by the [[gracious]] [[words]] which he spoke to them evening upon evening.

137:7.2 Throughout these four months these [[seven]] believers, one his own [[brother]] in the [[flesh]], were getting acquainted with [[Jesus]]; they were getting used to the [[idea]] of living with this [[God]]-[[man]]. Though they called him [[Rabbi]], they were learning not to be afraid of him. [[Jesus]] possessed that matchless [[grace]] of [[personality]] which enabled him so to live among them that they were not dismayed by his [[divinity]]. They found it really easy to be " friends with God, "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_15] [[God]] [[incarnate]] in the likeness of [[mortal]] flesh. This time of [[waiting]] severely tested the entire [[group]] of believers. Nothing, absolutely nothing, [[miraculous]] happened. Day by day they went about their ordinary [[work]], while night after night they sat at [[Jesus]]' feet. And they were held [[together]] by his matchless [[personality]] and by the [[gracious]] [[words]] which he spoke to them evening upon evening.

137:7.3 This period of [[waiting]] and [[teaching]] was especially hard on [[Peter, the Apostle|Simon Peter]]. He repeatedly sought to [[persuade]] [[Jesus]] to launch forth with the preaching of [[the kingdom]] in [[Galilee]] while [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_135 John] continued to preach in [[Judea]]. But [[Jesus]]' reply to [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] ever was: " Be patient, Simon. Make [[progress]]. We shall be none too ready when [[the Father]] calls. " And [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] would calm Peter now and then with his more seasoned and [[philosophic]] [[counsel]]. Andrew was tremendously impressed with the [[human]] naturalness of [[Jesus]]. He never grew weary of [[contemplating]] how one who could live so near [[God]] could be so [[friend]]ly and [[considerate]] of men.

137:7.3 This period of [[waiting]] and [[teaching]] was especially hard on [[Peter, the Apostle|Simon Peter]]. He repeatedly sought to [[persuade]] [[Jesus]] to launch forth with the preaching of [[the kingdom]] in [[Galilee]] while [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_135 John] continued to preach in [[Judea]]. But [[Jesus]]' reply to [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] ever was: " Be patient, Simon. Make [[progress]]. We shall be none too ready when [[the Father]] calls. " And [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] would calm Peter now and then with his more seasoned and [[philosophic]] [[counsel]]. Andrew was tremendously impressed with the [[human]] naturalness of [[Jesus]]. He never grew weary of [[contemplating]] how one who could live so near [[God]] could be so [[friend]]ly and [[considerate]] of men.

137:7.4 Throughout this entire period [[Jesus]] spoke in the [[synagogue]] but twice. By the end of these many weeks of waiting the reports about his [[baptism]] and the wine of [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_137#137:4._THE_WEDDING_AT_CANA Cana] had begun to [[quiet]] down. And [[Jesus]] saw to it that no more apparent [[miracles]] happened during this time. But even though they lived so quietly at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida], reports of the [[strange]] doings of [[Jesus]] had been carried to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod Antipas], who in turn sent [[spies]] to ascertain what he was about. But [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod] was more concerned about the preaching of [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_135 John]. He decided not to molest [[Jesus]], whose work continued along so [[quietly]] at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum].

137:7.4 Throughout this entire period [[Jesus]] spoke in the [[synagogue]] but twice. By the end of these many weeks of waiting the reports about his [[baptism]] and the wine of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_137#137:4._THE_WEDDING_AT_CANA Cana] had begun to [[quiet]] down. And [[Jesus]] saw to it that no more apparent [[miracles]] happened during this time. But even though they lived so quietly at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida], reports of the [[strange]] doings of [[Jesus]] had been carried to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod Antipas], who in turn sent [[spies]] to ascertain what he was about. But [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod] was more concerned about the preaching of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_135 John]. He decided not to molest [[Jesus]], whose work continued along so [[quietly]] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum].

137:7.5 In this time of waiting [[Jesus]] endeavored to teach his associates what their [[attitude]] should be toward the various [[religious]] [[groups]] and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_political_parties_in_the_Palestinian_National_Authority political parties of Palestine]. [[Jesus]]' words always were, " We are seeking to win all of them, but we are not of any of them. "

137:7.5 In this time of waiting [[Jesus]] endeavored to teach his associates what their [[attitude]] should be toward the various [[religious]] [[groups]] and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_political_parties_in_the_Palestinian_National_Authority political parties of Palestine]. [[Jesus]]' words always were, " We are seeking to win all of them, but we are not of any of them. "

137:7.6 The [[scribes]] and [[rabbis]], taken together, were called [[Pharisees]]. They referred to themselves as the " associates. " In many ways they were the [[progressive]] group among the [[Jews]], having adopted many teachings not clearly found in the [[Hebrew Bible|Hebrew scriptures]], such as [[belief]] in the [[resurrection]] of the [[dead]], a [[doctrine]] only mentioned by a later [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel prophet, Daniel].

137:7.6 The [[scribes]] and [[rabbis]], taken together, were called [[Pharisees]]. They referred to themselves as the " associates. " In many ways they were the [[progressive]] group among the [[Jews]], having adopted many teachings not clearly found in the [[Hebrew Bible|Hebrew scriptures]], such as [[belief]] in the [[resurrection]] of the [[dead]], a [[doctrine]] only mentioned by a later [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel prophet, Daniel].

137:7.7 The [[Sadducees]] consisted of the [[priesthood]] and certain [[wealth]]y Jews. They were not such sticklers for the details of [[law]] enforcement. The [[Pharisees]] and Sadducees were really religious parties, rather than [[sects]].

137:7.7 The [[Sadducees]] consisted of the [[priesthood]] and certain [[wealth]]y Jews. They were not such sticklers for the details of [[law]] enforcement. The [[Pharisees]] and Sadducees were really religious parties, rather than [[sects]].

137:7.8 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essenes Essenes] were a true religious sect, originating during the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maccabees#The_revolt Maccabean revolt], whose requirements were in some respects more exacting than those of the [[Pharisees]]. They had adopted many [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_religion#Antiquity Persian beliefs] and [[practices]], lived as a brotherhood in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monastery monasteries], refrained from [[marriage]], and had all things in common. They specialized in teachings about [[angels]].

137:7.8 The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essenes Essenes] were a true religious sect, originating during the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maccabees#The_revolt Maccabean revolt], whose requirements were in some respects more exacting than those of the [[Pharisees]]. They had adopted many [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_religion#Antiquity Persian beliefs] and [[practices]], lived as a brotherhood in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monastery monasteries], refrained from [[marriage]], and had all things in common. They specialized in teachings about [[angels]].

137:7.9 The [[Zealots]] were a group of [[intense]] Jewish [[patriots]]. They advocated that any and all [[methods]] were justified in the [[struggle]] to [[escape]] the bondage of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire Roman yoke].

137:7.9 The [[Zealots]] were a group of [[intense]] Jewish [[patriots]]. They advocated that any and all [[methods]] were justified in the [[struggle]] to [[escape]] the bondage of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire Roman yoke].

137:7.10 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herodians Herodians] were a purely [[political]] party that [[advocate]]d [[emancipation]] from the direct Roman rule by a restoration of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herodian_Dynasty Herodian dynasty].

137:7.10 The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herodians Herodians] were a purely [[political]] party that [[advocate]]d [[emancipation]] from the direct Roman rule by a restoration of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herodian_Dynasty Herodian dynasty].

137:7.11 In the very midst of [[Palestine]] there lived the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaritan Samaritans], with whom " the Jews had no dealings, "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_4] notwithstanding that they held many [[views]] similar to the Jewish teachings.

137:7.11 In the very midst of [[Palestine]] there lived the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaritan Samaritans], with whom " the Jews had no dealings, "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_4] notwithstanding that they held many [[views]] similar to the Jewish teachings.

137:7.12 All of these parties and [[sects]], including the smaller [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazarite Nazarite brotherhood], believed in the sometime coming of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Messiah]. They all looked for a national deliverer. But [[Jesus]] was very positive in making it clear that he and his [[disciples]] would not become allied to any of these [[schools]] of [[thought]] or [[practice]]. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] was to be neither a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazarite Nazarite] nor an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essene Essene].

137:7.12 All of these parties and [[sects]], including the smaller [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazarite Nazarite brotherhood], believed in the sometime coming of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Messiah]. They all looked for a national deliverer. But [[Jesus]] was very positive in making it clear that he and his [[disciples]] would not become allied to any of these [[schools]] of [[thought]] or [[practice]]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] was to be neither a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazarite Nazarite] nor an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essene Essene].

137:7.13 While [[Jesus]] later directed that the [[apostles]] should go forth, as [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_135 John] had, preaching the [[gospel]] and instructing believers, he laid emphasis on the [[proclamation]] of the " good tidings of the kingdom of heaven. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_8] He unfailingly impressed upon his associates that they must " show forth [[love]], [[compassion]], and [[sympathy]]. " He early taught his followers that the [[kingdom of heaven]] was a [[spiritual]] [[experience]] having to do with the [[enthronement]] of [[God]] in the [[hearts]] of men.

137:7.13 While [[Jesus]] later directed that the [[apostles]] should go forth, as [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_135 John] had, preaching the [[gospel]] and instructing believers, he laid emphasis on the [[proclamation]] of the " good tidings of the kingdom of heaven. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_8] He unfailingly impressed upon his associates that they must " show forth [[love]], [[compassion]], and [[sympathy]]. " He early taught his followers that the [[kingdom of heaven]] was a [[spiritual]] [[experience]] having to do with the [[enthronement]] of [[God]] in the [[hearts]] of men.

137:7.14 As they thus tarried before [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_141 embarking on their active public preaching], [[Jesus]] and the [[seven]] spent two evenings each week at the [[synagogue]] in the [[study]] of the [[Hebrew scriptures]]. In later years after [[seasons]] of [[intense]] [[public]] work, the [[apostles]] looked back upon these four months as the most precious and profitable of all their association with [[the Master]]. [[Jesus]] taught these men all they could assimilate. He did not make the mistake of overteaching them. He did not precipitate [[confusion]] by the presentation of [[truth]] too far beyond their [[capacity]] to [[comprehend]].

137:7.14 As they thus tarried before [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_141 embarking on their active public preaching], [[Jesus]] and the [[seven]] spent two evenings each week at the [[synagogue]] in the [[study]] of the [[Hebrew scriptures]]. In later years after [[seasons]] of [[intense]] [[public]] work, the [[apostles]] looked back upon these four months as the most precious and profitable of all their association with [[the Master]]. [[Jesus]] taught these men all they could assimilate. He did not make the mistake of overteaching them. He did not precipitate [[confusion]] by the presentation of [[truth]] too far beyond their [[capacity]] to [[comprehend]].

==137:8. SERMON ON THE KINGDOM==

==137:8. SERMON ON THE KINGDOM==

137:8.1 On [[Sabbath]], June 22, shortly before they went out on their first preaching tour and about ten days after [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_135 John]'s im[[prison]]ment, [[Jesus]] occupied the [[synagogue]] [[pulpit]] for the second time since bringing his [[apostles]] to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum].

137:8.1 On [[Sabbath]], June 22, shortly before they went out on their first preaching tour and about ten days after [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_135 John]'s im[[prison]]ment, [[Jesus]] occupied the [[synagogue]] [[pulpit]] for the second time since bringing his [[apostles]] to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum].

137:8.2 A few days before the preaching of this sermon on " The Kingdom, " as [[Jesus]] was at work in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boat_Building boatshop], [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter] brought him the news of [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_135#135:11._JOHN_IN_PRISON John's arrest]. [[Jesus]] laid down his [[tools]] once more, removed his apron, and said to [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]]: " [[The Father]]'s hour has come. Let us make ready to [[proclaim]] the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]]. "

137:8.2 A few days before the preaching of this sermon on " The Kingdom, " as [[Jesus]] was at work in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boat_Building boatshop], [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] brought him the news of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_135#135:11._JOHN_IN_PRISON John's arrest]. [[Jesus]] laid down his [[tools]] once more, removed his apron, and said to [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]]: " [[The Father]]'s hour has come. Let us make ready to [[proclaim]] the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]]. "

137:8.3 [[Jesus]] did his last [[work]] at the [[carpenter]] bench on this Tuesday, June [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/18_AD 18, A.D]. [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] rushed out of the shop and by midafternoon had rounded up all of his associates, and leaving them in a grove by the shore, he went in [[quest]] of [[Jesus]]. But he could not find him, for [[the Master]] had gone to a [[different]] grove to [[pray]]. And they did not see him until late that evening when he returned to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee]'s house and asked for [[food]]. The next day he sent his brother [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] to ask for the [[privilege]] of speaking in the [[synagogue]] the coming [[Sabbath]] day. And the ruler of the synagogue was much pleased that [[Jesus]] was again willing to conduct the service.

137:8.3 [[Jesus]] did his last [[work]] at the [[carpenter]] bench on this Tuesday, June [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/18_AD 18, A.D]. [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] rushed out of the shop and by midafternoon had rounded up all of his associates, and leaving them in a grove by the shore, he went in [[quest]] of [[Jesus]]. But he could not find him, for [[the Master]] had gone to a [[different]] grove to [[pray]]. And they did not see him until late that evening when he returned to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee]'s house and asked for [[food]]. The next day he sent his brother [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] to ask for the [[privilege]] of speaking in the [[synagogue]] the coming [[Sabbath]] day. And the ruler of the synagogue was much pleased that [[Jesus]] was again willing to conduct the service.

137:8.4 Before [[Jesus]] preached this memorable sermon on the [[kingdom of God]], the first pretentious [[effort]] of his [[public]] [[career]], he read from the [[Scriptures]] these passages: " You shall be to me a kingdom of priests, a holy people.[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Exodus#Chapter_.19] Yahweh is our judge, Yahweh is our lawgiver, Yahweh is our king; he will save us.[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.33] Yahweh is my king and my God.[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_84] He is a great king over all the earth.[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_47] Loving-kindness is upon Israel in this kingdom. Blessed be the glory of the Lord for he is our King. "

137:8.4 Before [[Jesus]] preached this memorable sermon on the [[kingdom of God]], the first pretentious [[effort]] of his [[public]] [[career]], he read from the [[Scriptures]] these passages: " You shall be to me a kingdom of priests, a holy people.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Exodus#Chapter_.19] Yahweh is our judge, Yahweh is our lawgiver, Yahweh is our king; he will save us.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.33] Yahweh is my king and my God.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_84] He is a great king over all the earth.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_47] Loving-kindness is upon Israel in this kingdom. Blessed be the glory of the Lord for he is our King. "

137:8.5 When he had finished [[reading]], [[Jesus]] said:

137:8.5 When he had finished [[reading]], [[Jesus]] said:

137:8.6 " I have come to [[proclaim]] the [[establishment]] of [[the Father]]'s kingdom. And this kingdom shall include the [[worshiping]] [[souls]] of [[Jew]] and [[gentile]], [[rich]] and [[poor]], free and bond, for my Father is no respecter of persons; his [[love]] and his [[mercy]] are over all.

137:8.6 " I have come to [[proclaim]] the [[establishment]] of [[the Father]]'s kingdom. And this kingdom shall include the [[worshiping]] [[souls]] of [[Jew]] and [[gentile]], [[rich]] and [[poor]], free and bond, for my Father is no respecter of persons; his [[love]] and his [[mercy]] are over all.

137:8.7 " [[The Father]] in heaven sends his [[Thought Adjuster|spirit]] to indwell the minds of men, and when I shall have finished my [[work]] on earth, likewise shall the [[Spirit of Truth]] be poured out upon all flesh. And the [[Thought Adjuster|spirit of my Father]] and the [[Spirit of Truth]] shall [[establish]] you in the coming kingdom of [[spiritual]] [[understanding]] and [[divine]] [[righteousness]]. My kingdom is not of this world. The Son of Man will not lead forth armies in battle for the establishment of a throne of power or a kingdom of worldly glory. When my kingdom shall have come, you shall know the Son of Man as the Prince of Peace, the revelation of the everlasting Father. The children of this world fight for the establishment and enlargement of the kingdoms of this world, but my disciples shall enter the kingdom of heaven by their moral decisions and by their spirit victories; and when they once enter therein, they shall find joy, righteousness, and eternal life.

137:8.7 " [[The Father]] in heaven sends his [[Thought Adjuster|spirit]] to indwell the minds of men, and when I shall have finished my [[work]] on earth, likewise shall the [[Spirit of Truth]] be poured out upon all flesh. And the [[Thought Adjuster|spirit of my Father]] and the [[Spirit of Truth]] shall [[establish]] you in the coming kingdom of [[spiritual]] [[understanding]] and [[divine]] [[righteousness]]. My kingdom is not of this world. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] will not lead forth [[Military|armies]] in battle for the [[establishment]] of a throne of [[power]] or a kingdom of worldly [[glory]]. When my kingdom shall have come, you shall know the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] as the Prince of Peace, the [[revelation]] of the everlasting [[Universal Father|Father]]. The children of this world fight for the establishment and enlargement of the kingdoms of this world, but my [[disciples]] shall enter the [[kingdom of heaven]] by their [[moral]] [[decisions]] and by their [[spirit]] [[victories]]; and when they once enter therein, they shall find [[joy]], [[righteousness]], and [[eternal]] life.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_18]

137:8.8 " Those who first seek to enter the kingdom, thus beginning to strive for a nobility of character like that of my Father, shall presently possess all else that is needful. But I say to you in all sincerity: Unless you seek entrance into the kingdom with the faith and trusting dependence of a little child, you shall in no wise gain admission.

137:8.8 " Those who first seek to enter the kingdom, thus beginning to strive for a [[nobility]] of [[character]] like that of my Father, shall presently possess all else that is needful. But I say to you in all [[sincerity]]: Unless you seek entrance into the kingdom with the [[faith]] and trusting dependence of a little [[child]], you shall in no wise gain admission.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_9]

137:8.9 " Be not deceived by those who come saying here is the kingdom or there is the kingdom, for my Father's kingdom concerns not things visible and material. And this kingdom is even now among you, for where the spirit of God teaches and leads the soul of man, there in reality is the kingdom of heaven. And this kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

137:8.9 " Be not deceived by those who come saying here is the kingdom or there is the kingdom, for my Father's kingdom concerns not [[things]] visible and [[material]]. And this kingdom is even now among you, for where the spirit of [[God]] teaches and [[leads]] the [[soul]] of man, there in [[reality]] is the [[kingdom of heaven]]. And this kingdom of God is [[righteousness]], [[peace]], and [[joy]] in the [[Holy Spirit]].

137:8.10 " John did indeed baptize you in token of repentance and for the remission of your sins, but when you enter the heavenly kingdom, you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

137:8.10 " [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_135 John] did indeed [[baptize]] you in token of [[repentance]] and for the remission of your [[sins]], but when you enter the heavenly kingdom, you will be baptized with the [[Holy Spirit]].[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Acts_of_the_Apostles#Acts.1]

137:8.11 " In my Father's kingdom there shall be neither Jew nor gentile, only those who seek perfection through service, for I declare that he who would be great in my Father's kingdom must first become server of all. If you are willing to serve your fellows, you shall sit down with me in my kingdom, even as, by serving in the similitude of the creature, I shall presently sit down with my Father in his kingdom.

137:8.11 " In [[my Father]]'s kingdom there shall be neither [[Jew]] nor [[gentile]], only those who seek [[perfection]] through [[service]], for I [[declare]] that he who would be great in my Father's kingdom must first become server of all. If you are willing to serve your fellows, you shall sit down with me in my kingdom, even as, by serving in the similitude of the [[creature]], I shall presently sit down with my Father in his kingdom.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_22]

137:8.12 " This new kingdom is like a seed growing in the good soil of a field. It does not attain full fruit quickly. There is an interval of time between the establishment of the kingdom in the soul of man and that hour when the kingdom ripens into the full fruit of everlasting righteousness and eternal salvation.

137:8.12 " This new kingdom is like a [[seed]] growing in the good soil of a field. It does not attain full fruit quickly. There is an interval of [[time]] between the [[establishment]] of the kingdom in the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_111#111:2._NATURE_OF_THE_SOUL soul of man] and that hour when the kingdom ripens into the full fruit of everlasting [[righteousness]] and [[eternal]] [[salvation]].[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_8]

137:8.13 " And this kingdom which I declare to you is not a reign of power and plenty. The kingdom of heaven is not a matter of meat and drink but rather a life of progressive righteousness and increasing joy in the perfecting service of my Father who is in heaven. For has not the Father said of his children of the world, `It is my will that they should eventually be perfect, even as I am perfect.'

137:8.13 " And this kingdom which I [[declare]] to you is not a reign of [[power]] and plenty. The [[kingdom of heaven]] is not a matter of meat and drink but rather a life of [[progressive]] [[righteousness]] and increasing [[joy]] in the perfecting [[service]] of my Father who is in heaven. For has not [[the Father]] said of his children of the world, `It is my will that they should [[eventually]] be perfect, even as I am perfect.'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Deutoronomy#Chapter_.18]

137:8.14 " I have come to preach the glad tidings of the kingdom. I have not come to add to the heavy burdens of those who would enter this kingdom. I proclaim the new and better way, and those who are able to enter the coming kingdom shall enjoy the divine rest. And whatever it shall cost you in the things of the world, no matter what price you may pay to enter the kingdom of heaven, you shall receive manyfold more of joy and spiritual progress in this world, and in the age to come eternal life.

137:8.14 " I have come to preach the glad tidings of [[the kingdom]]. I have not come to add to the heavy burdens of those who would enter this kingdom. I [[proclaim]] the new and better way, and those who are able to enter the coming kingdom shall enjoy the [[divine]] rest. And whatever it shall cost you in the [[things]] of the world, no matter what price you may pay to enter the [[kingdom of heaven]], you shall receive manyfold more of [[joy]] and spiritual [[progress]] in this world, and in the age to come [[eternal]] life.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_19]

137:8.15 " Entrance into the Father's kingdom waits not upon marching armies, upon overturned kingdoms of this world, nor upon the breaking of captive yokes. The kingdom of heaven is at hand, and all who enter therein shall find abundant liberty and joyous salvation.

137:8.15 " Entrance into [[the Father]]'s kingdom waits not upon marching armies, upon overturned kingdoms of this world, nor upon the breaking of captive yokes. The [[kingdom of heaven]] is at hand, and all who enter therein shall find abundant [[liberty]] and [[joy]]ous [[salvation]].

137:8.16 " This kingdom is an everlasting dominion. Those who enter the kingdom shall ascend to my Father; they will certainly attain the right hand of his glory in Paradise. And all who enter the kingdom of heaven shall become the sons of God, and in the age to come so shall they ascend to the Father. And I have not come to call the would-be righteous but sinners and all who hunger and thirst for the righteousness of divine perfection.

137:8.16 " This kingdom is an everlasting [[dominion]]. Those who enter the kingdom shall [[ascend]] to [[my Father]]; they will certainly [[attain]] the right hand of his [[glory]] in [[Paradise]]. And all who enter the [[kingdom of heaven]] shall become the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:5._MORTALS_OF_TIME_AND_SPACE sons of God], and in the age to come so shall they [[ascend]] to the Father.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark#Chapter_16] And I have not come to call the would-be [[righteous]] but sinners and all who [[hunger]] and [[thirst]] for the [[righteousness]] of [[divine]] [[perfection]].[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_5]

137:8.17 " John came preaching repentance to prepare you for the kingdom; now have I come proclaiming faith, the gift of God, as the price of entrance into the kingdom of heaven. If you would but believe that my Father loves you with an infinite love, then you are in the kingdom of God. "

137:8.17 " [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_135 John] came preaching [[repentance]] to [[prepare]] you for the kingdom; now have I come proclaiming [[faith]], the gift of [[God]], as the price of entrance into the [[kingdom of heaven]]. If you would but believe that [[my Father]] [[loves]] you with an [[infinite]] love, then you are in the [[kingdom of God]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Ephesians#The_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Ephesians.2C_II]

137:8.18 When he had thus spoken, he sat down. All who heard him were astonished at his words. His disciples marveled. But the people were not prepared to receive the good news from the lips of this God-man. About one third who heard him believed the message even though they could not fully comprehend it; about one third prepared in their hearts to reject such a purely spiritual concept of the expected kingdom, while the remaining one third could not grasp his teaching, many truly believing that he " was beside himself. "

137:8.18 When he had thus spoken, he sat down. All who heard him were astonished at his [[words]]. His [[disciples]] marveled. But the people were not [[prepared]] to receive the good news from the lips of this God-man. About one third who heard him believed the [[message]] even though they could not fully [[comprehend]] it; about one third prepared in their [[hearts]] to reject such a [[purely]] [[spiritual]] [[concept]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism expected kingdom], while the remaining one third could not grasp his teaching, many truly believing that he " was beside himself.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark#Chapter_3] "

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[[Category: PART IV: The Life and Teachings of Jesus]]

[[Category: PART IV: The Life and Teachings of Jesus]]