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==142:6. THE VISIT WITH NICODEMUS==

==142:6. THE VISIT WITH NICODEMUS==

142:6.1 One evening at the home of Flavius there came to see Jesus one Nicodemus, a wealthy and elderly member of the Jewish Sanhedrin. He had heard much about the teachings of this Galilean, and so he went one afternoon to hear him as he taught in the temple courts. He would have gone often to hear Jesus teach, but he feared to be seen by the people in attendance upon his teaching, for already were the rulers of the Jews so at variance with Jesus that no member of the Sanhedrin would want to be identified in any open manner with him. Accordingly, Nicodemus had arranged with Andrew to see Jesus privately and after nightfall on this particular evening. Peter, James, and John were in Flavius's garden when the interview began, but later they all went into the house where the discourse continued.

142:6.1 One evening at the [[home]] of Flavius there came to see [[Jesus]] one [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicodemus Nicodemus], a [[wealthy]] and elderly member of the Jewish [[Sanhedrin]]. He had heard much about the teachings of this [[Galilean]], and so he went one afternoon to hear him as he taught in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple temple courts]. He would have gone often to hear [[Jesus]] teach, but he [[fear]]ed to be seen by the people in attendance upon his teaching, for already were the rulers of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews] so at [[Opposition|variance]] with [[Jesus]] that no member of the [[Sanhedrin]] would want to be identified in any open [[manner]] with him. Accordingly, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicodemus Nicodemus] had arranged with [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] to see [[Jesus]] [[private]]ly and after nightfall on this particular evening. [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [[James, the Apostle|James]], and [[John, the Apostle|John]] were in Flavius's [[garden]] when the interview began, but later they all went into the house where the [[discourse]] continued.

142:6.2 In receiving Nicodemus, Jesus showed no particular deference; in talking with him, there was no compromise or undue persuasiveness. The Master made no attempt to repulse his secretive caller, nor did he employ sarcasm. In all his dealings with the distinguished visitor, Jesus was calm, earnest, and dignified. Nicodemus was not an official delegate of the Sanhedrin; he came to see Jesus wholly because of his personal and sincere interest in the Master's teachings.

142:6.2 In receiving [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nidodemus Nicodemus], [[Jesus]] showed no particular [[Favor|deference]]; in talking with him, there was no [[compromise]] or undue persuasiveness. [[The Master]] made no attempt to repulse his [[secret]]ive caller, nor did he employ [[sarcasm]]. In all his dealings with the distinguished [[visitor]], [[Jesus]] was calm, [[earnest]], and [[dignified]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicodemus Nicodemus] was not an official [[delegate]] of the [[Sanhedrin]]; he came to see [[Jesus]] wholly because of his [[personal]] and [[sincere]] interest in [[the Master]]'s teachings.

142:6.3 Upon being presented by Flavius, Nicodemus said: " Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher sent by God, for no mere man could so teach unless God were with him. And I am desirous of knowing more about your teachings regarding the coming kingdom. "

142:6.3 Upon being presented by Flavius, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicodemus Nicodemus] said: " [[Rabbi]], we know that you are a teacher sent by [[God]], for no mere man could so teach unless God were with him. And I am desirous of knowing more about your teachings regarding the coming [[The Kingdom|kingdom]]. "

142:6.4 Jesus answered Nicodemus: " Verily, verily, I say to you, Nicodemus, except a man be born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God. " Then replied Nicodemus: " But how can a man be born again when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born. "

142:6.4 [[Jesus]] answered [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicodemus Nicodemus]: " Verily, verily, I say to you, Nicodemus, except a man be [[born]] from above, he cannot see [[the kingdom]] of God. " Then replied [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicodemus Nicodemus]: " But how can a man be [[born]] again when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his [[mother]]'s [[womb]] to be born. "

142:6.5 Jesus said: " Nevertheless, I declare to you, except a man be born of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the spirit is spirit. But you should not marvel that I said you must be born from above. When the wind blows, you hear the rustle of the leaves, but you do not see the wind—whence it comes or whither it goes—and so it is with everyone born of the spirit. With the eyes of the flesh you can behold the manifestations of the spirit, but you cannot actually discern the spirit. "

142:6.5 [[Jesus]] said: " Nevertheless, I [[declare]] to you, except a man be [[born]] of the [[spirit]], he cannot enter into [[the kingdom]] of God. That which is [[born]] of the flesh is [[flesh]], and that which is born of the [[spirit]] is spirit. But you should not [[marvel]] that I said you must be [[born]] from above. When the [[wind]] blows, you [[hear]] the rustle of the leaves, but you do not see the wind—whence it comes or whither it goes—and so it is with everyone [[born]] of the [[spirit]]. With the eyes of the [[flesh]] you can behold the [[manifestations]] of the [[spirit]], but you cannot actually [[discern]] the spirit. "

142:6.6 Nicodemus replied: " But I do not understand—how can that be? " Said Jesus: " Can it be that you are a teacher in Israel and yet ignorant of all this? It becomes, then, the duty of those who know about the realities of the spirit to reveal these things to those who discern only the manifestations of the material world. But will you believe us if we tell you of the heavenly truths? Do you have the courage, Nicodemus, to believe in one who has descended from heaven, even the Son of Man? "

142:6.6 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicodemus Nicodemus] replied: " But I do not [[understand]]—how can that be? " Said [[Jesus]]: " Can it be that you are a [[teacher]] in [[Israel]] and yet [[ignorant]] of all this? It becomes, then, the [[duty]] of those who know about the [[realities]] of the [[spirit]] to [[reveal]] these things to those who [[discern]] only the [[manifestations]] of the [[material]] world. But will you [[believe]] us if we tell you of the heavenly [[truths]]? Do you have the [[courage]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicodemus Nicodemus], to [[believe]] in one who has [[descended]] from [[heaven]], even the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man]? "

142:6.7 And Nicodemus said: " But how can I begin to lay hold upon this spirit which is to remake me in preparation for entering into the kingdom? " Jesus answered: " Already does the spirit of the Father in heaven indwell you. If you would be led by this spirit from above, very soon would you begin to see with the eyes of the spirit, and then by the wholehearted choice of spirit guidance would you be born of the spirit since your only purpose in living would be to do the will of your Father who is in heaven. And so finding yourself born of the spirit and happily in the kingdom of God, you would begin to bear in your daily life the abundant fruits of the spirit. "

142:6.7 And [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicodemus Nicodemus] said: " But how can I begin to lay hold upon this [[spirit]] which is to remake me in [[preparation]] for entering into [[the kingdom]]? " [[Jesus]] answered: " Already does [[Thought Adjuster|the spirit]] of [[the Father]] in heaven indwell you. If you would be [[led]] by this [[spirit]] from above, very soon would you begin to see with the eyes of [[Thought Adjuster|the spirit]], and then by the wholehearted [[choice]] of [[spirit]] [[guidance]] would you be [[born]] of the [[spirit]] since your only [[purpose]] in living would be to [[do the will of your Father]] who is in [[heaven]]. And so finding yourself [[born]] of the [[spirit]] and [[happily]] in [[the kingdom]] of God, you would begin to bear in your daily life the [[abundant]] [[fruits of the spirit]]. "

142:6.8 Nicodemus was thoroughly sincere. He was deeply impressed but went away bewildered. Nicodemus was accomplished in self-development, in self-restraint, and even in high moral qualities. He was refined, egoistic, and altruistic; but he did not know how to submit his will to the will of the divine Father as a little child is willing to submit to the guidance and leading of a wise and loving earthly father, thereby becoming in reality a son of God, a progressive heir of the eternal kingdom.

142:6.8 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicodemus Nicodemus] was thoroughly [[sincere]]. He was deeply impressed but went away bewildered. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicodemus Nicodemus] was accomplished in [[self]]-[[development]], in self-restraint, and even in high [[moral]] [[qualities]]. He was refined, [[egoistic]], and [[altruistic]]; but he did not know how to [[Doing the will of God|submit his will to the will of the divine Father]] as a little [[child]] is willing to submit to the [[guidance]] and [[leading]] of a [[wise]] and loving [[earthly]] [[father]], thereby becoming in [[reality]] a [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:5._MORTALS_OF_TIME_AND_SPACE son of God], a [[progressive]] heir of the [[eternal]] kingdom.

142:6.9 But Nicodemus did summon faith enough to lay hold of the kingdom. He faintly protested when his colleagues of the Sanhedrin sought to condemn Jesus without a hearing; and with Joseph of Arimathea, he later boldly acknowledged his faith and claimed the body of Jesus, even when most of the disciples had fled in fear from the scenes of their Master's final suffering and death.

142:6.9 But [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicodemus Nicodemus] did summon [[faith]] enough to lay hold of [[the kingdom]]. He faintly [[protested]] when his [[colleagues]] of the [[Sanhedrin]] sought to [[condemn]] [[Jesus]] without a hearing; and with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_of_Arimathea Joseph of Arimathea], he later boldly acknowledged his [[faith]] and claimed the [[body]] of [[Jesus]], even when most of the [[disciples]] had fled in [[fear]] from the scenes of [[the Master|their Master]]'s [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_186 final suffering] and [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_187 death].

==142:7. THE LESSON ON THE FAMILY==

==142:7. THE LESSON ON THE FAMILY==

142:7.1 After the busy period of teaching and personal work of Passover week in Jerusalem, Jesus spent the next Wednesday at Bethany with his apostles, resting. That afternoon, Thomas asked a question which elicited a long and instructive answer. Said Thomas: " Master, on the day we were set apart as ambassadors of the kingdom, you told us many things, instructed us regarding our personal mode of life, but what shall we teach the multitude? How are these people to live after the kingdom more fully comes? Shall your disciples own slaves? Shall your believers court poverty and shun property? Shall mercy alone prevail so that we shall have no more law and justice? " Jesus and the twelve spent all afternoon and all that evening, after supper, discussing Thomas's questions. For the purposes of this record we present the following summary of the Master's instruction:

142:7.1 After the [[busy]] period of teaching and [[personal]] [[work]] of [[Passover]] week in [[Jerusalem]], [[Jesus]] spent the next Wednesday at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany] with his [[apostles]], [[resting]]. That afternoon, [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]] asked a question which elicited a long and instructive answer. Said Thomas: " Master, on the day we were set apart as [[ambassadors]] of [[the kingdom]], you told us many things, instructed us regarding our [[personal]] mode of life, but what shall we teach the [[multitude]]? How are these people to live after [[the kingdom]] more fully comes? Shall your [[disciples]] own [[slaves]]? Shall your believers court [[poverty]] and shun [[property]]? Shall [[mercy]] alone prevail so that we shall have no more [[law]] and [[justice]]? " [[Jesus]] and [[the twelve]] spent all afternoon and all that evening, after supper, discussing [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]]'s questions. For the [[purposes]] of this [[record]] we present the following summary of [[the Master]]'s instruction:

142:7.2 Jesus sought first to make plain to his apostles that he himself was on earth living a unique life in the flesh, and that they, the twelve, had been called to participate in this bestowal experience of the Son of Man; and as such coworkers, they, too, must share in many of the special restrictions and obligations of the entire bestowal experience. There was a veiled intimation that the Son of Man was the only person who had ever lived on earth who could simultaneously see into the very heart of God and into the very depths of man's soul.

142:7.2 [[Jesus]] sought first to make plain to his [[apostles]] that he himself was on [[earth]] living a [[unique]] life in the [[flesh]], and that they, [[the twelve]], had been called to [[participate]] in this [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 bestowal experience] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man]; and as such coworkers, they, too, must [[share]] in many of the special restrictions and [[obligations]] of the entire [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21#21:4._THE_MICHAEL_BESTOWALS bestowal experience]. There was a veiled intimation that the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] was the only person who had ever lived on [[earth]] who could [[simultaneously]] see into the very [[heart]] of [[God]] and into the very depths of man's [[soul]].

142:7.3 Very plainly Jesus explained that the kingdom of heaven was an evolutionary experience, beginning here on earth and progressing up through successive life stations to Paradise. In the course of the evening he definitely stated that at some future stage of kingdom development he would revisit this world in spiritual power and divine glory.

142:7.3 Very plainly [[Jesus]] explained that [[the kingdom]] of heaven was an [[evolutionary]] [[experience]], beginning here on [[earth]] and [[progressing]] up through [[successive]] life stations to [[Paradise]]. In the [[course]] of the evening he definitely stated that at some [[future]] stage of kingdom [[development]] he would revisit this world in [[spiritual]] [[power]] and [[divine]] [[glory]].

142:7.4 He next explained that the " kingdom idea " was not the best way to illustrate man's relation to God; that he employed such figures of speech because the Jewish people were expecting the kingdom, and because John had preached in terms of the coming kingdom. Jesus said: " The people of another age will better understand the gospel of the kingdom when it is presented in terms expressive of the family relationship—when man understands religion as the teaching of the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, sonship with God. " Then the Master discoursed at some length on the earthly family as an illustration of the heavenly family, restating the two fundamental laws of living: the first commandment of love for the father, the head of the family, and the second commandment of mutual love among the children, to love your brother as yourself. And then he explained that such a quality of brotherly affection would invariably manifest itself in unselfish and loving social service.

142:7.4 He next [[explained]] that the " kingdom idea " was not the best way to [[illustrate]] man's [[relation]] to [[God]]; that he employed such [[figures of speech]] because the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jewish people] were [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism expecting the kingdom], and because [[John the Baptist|John]] had [[preached]] in terms of the coming kingdom. [[Jesus]] said: " The people of another age will better [[understand]] the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] when it is presented in terms [[expressive]] of the [[family]] [[relationship]]—when man understands [[religion]] as the teaching of the [[fatherhood]] of [[God]] and the brotherhood of man, sonship with God. " Then [[the Master]] [[discoursed]] at some length on the earthly [[family]] as an [[illustration]] of the heavenly family, restating the two [[fundamental]] [[laws]] of living: the first commandment of [[love]] for [[the father]], the head of the [[family]], and the second commandment of [[mutual]] [[love]] among the [[children]], to love your brother as yourself. And then he [[explained]] that such a [[quality]] of brotherly [[affection]] would invariably [[manifest]] itself in [[unselfish]] and loving [[social]] [[service]].

142:7.5 Following that, came the memorable discussion of the fundamental characteristics of family life and their application to the relationship existing between God and man. Jesus stated that a true family is founded on the following seven facts:

142:7.5 Following that, came the memorable [[discussion]] of the [[fundamental]] characteristics of [[family]] life and their application to the [[relationship]] existing between [[God]] and [[man]]. [[Jesus]] stated that a true [[family]] is founded on the following [[seven]] [[facts]]:

*1. 142:7.6 The fact of existence. The relationships of nature and the phenomena of mortal likenesses are bound up in the family: Children inherit certain parental traits. The children take origin in the parents; personality existence depends on the act of the parent. The relationship of father and child is inherent in all nature and pervades all living existences.

*1. 142:7.6 ''The fact of existence''. The [[relationships]] of [[nature]] and the [[phenomena]] of mortal likenesses are bound up in the [[family]]: Children [[inherit]] certain parental [[traits]]. The children take [[origin]] in the [[parents]]; [[personality]] [[existence]] depends on the [[act]] of the [[parent]]. The [[relationship]] of [[father]] and [[child]] is [[inherent]] in all [[nature]] and pervades all living existences.

*2. 142:7.7 Security and pleasure. True fathers take great pleasure in providing for the needs of their children. Many fathers are not content with supplying the mere wants of their children but enjoy making provision for their pleasures also.

*2. 142:7.7 ''Security and pleasure''. True [[fathers]] take great [[pleasure]] in providing for the needs of their [[children]]. Many [[fathers]] are not content with supplying the mere wants of their children but enjoy making [[provision]] for their [[pleasures]] also.

*3. 142:7.8 Education and training. Wise fathers carefully plan for the education and adequate training of their sons and daughters. When young they are prepared for the greater responsibilities of later life.

*3. 142:7.8 ''Education and training''. [[Wise]] [[fathers]] carefully [[plan]] for the [[education]] and adequate [[training]] of their sons and daughters. When young they are [[prepared]] for the greater [[responsibilities]] of later life.

*4. 142:7.9 Discipline and restraint. Farseeing fathers also make provision for the necessary discipline, guidance, correction, and sometimes restraint of their young and immature offspring.

*4. 142:7.9 ''Discipline and restraint''. Farseeing [[fathers]] also make [[provision]] for the necessary [[discipline]], [[guidance]], correction, and sometimes restraint of their young and immature offspring.

*5. 142:7.10 Companionship and loyalty. The affectionate father holds intimate and loving intercourse with his children. Always is his ear open to their petitions; he is ever ready to share their hardships and assist them over their difficulties. The father is supremely interested in the progressive welfare of his progeny.

*5. 142:7.10 ''Companionship and loyalty''. The [[affectionate]] [[father]] holds [[intimate]] and loving [[intercourse]] with his [[children]]. Always is his ear open to their [[petitions]]; he is ever ready to [[share]] their hardships and assist them over their [[difficulties]]. The father is supremely interested in the [[progressive]] welfare of his progeny.

*6. 142:7.11 Love and mercy. A compassionate father is freely forgiving; fathers do not hold vengeful memories against their children. Fathers are not like judges, enemies, or creditors. Real families are built upon tolerance, patience, and forgiveness.

*6. 142:7.11 ''Love and mercy''. A [[compassionate]] [[father]] is freely [[forgiving]]; fathers do not hold vengeful [[memories]] against their children. [[Fathers]] are not like [[judges]], enemies, or creditors. Real [[families]] are built upon [[tolerance]], [[patience]], and [[forgiveness]].

*7. 142:7.12 Provision for the future. Temporal fathers like to leave an inheritance for their sons. The family continues from one generation to another. Death only ends one generation to mark the beginning of another. Death terminates an individual life but not necessarily the family.

*7. 142:7.12 ''Provision for the future''. [[Temporal]] [[fathers]] like to leave an inheritance for their sons. The [[family]] continues from one [[generation]] to another. [[Death]] only ends one [[generation]] to mark the beginning of another. Death terminates an [[individual]] life but not necessarily the [[family]].

142:7.13 For hours the Master discussed the application of these features of family life to the relations of man, the earth child, to God, the Paradise Father. And this was his conclusion: " This entire relationship of a son to the Father, I know in perfection, for all that you must attain of sonship in the eternal future I have now already attained. The Son of Man is prepared to ascend to the right hand of the Father, so that in me is the way now open still wider for all of you to see God and, ere you have finished the glorious progression, to become perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. "

142:7.13 For hours [[the Master]] [[discussed]] the application of these features of [[family]] life to the [[relations]] of man, the [[earth]] child, to [[God]], the [[Paradise Father]]. And this was his conclusion: " This entire [[relationship]] of a son to [[the Father]], I know in [[perfection]], for all that you must [[attain]] of sonship in the eternal [[future]] I have now already [[attained]]. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] is [[prepared]] to [[ascend]] to the right hand of [[the Father]], so that in me is the way now open still wider for all of you to see [[God]] and, ere you have finished the [[glorious]] [[progression]], to become [[perfect]], even as your Father in heaven is perfect. "

142:7.14 When the apostles heard these startling words, they recalled the pronouncements which John made at the time of Jesus' baptism, and they also vividly recalled this experience in connection with their preaching and teaching subsequent to the Master's death and resurrection.

142:7.14 When [[the apostles]] heard these startling [[words]], they recalled the pronouncements which [[John the Baptist|John]] made at the [[time]] of [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_136#136:2._THE_BAPTISM_OF_JESUS Jesus' baptism], and they also vividly recalled this [[experience]] in [[connection]] with their [[preaching]] and teaching subsequent to [[the Master[['s [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_187 death] and [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_189 resurrection].

142:7.15 Jesus is a divine Son, one in the Universal Father' s full confidence. He had been with the Father and comprehended him fully. He had now lived his earth life to the full satisfaction of the Father, and this incarnation in the flesh had enabled him fully to comprehend man. Jesus was the perfection of man; he had attained just such perfection as all true believers are destined to attain in him and through him. Jesus revealed a God of perfection to man and presented in himself the perfected son of the realms to God.

142:7.15 [[Jesus]] is a [[divine Son]], one in the [[Universal Father]]' s full [[confidence]]. He had been with [[the Father]] and [[comprehended]] him fully. He had now lived his [[earth]] life to the full [[satisfaction]] of [[the Father]], and [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_119#119:7._THE_SEVENTH_AND_FINAL_BESTOWAL this incarnation in the flesh] had enabled him fully to [[comprehend]] [[man]]. [[Jesus]] was the [[perfection]] of man; he had [[attained]] just such perfection as all true believers are [[destined]] to [[attain]] in him and through him. [[Jesus]] [[revealed]] a [[God]] of [[perfection]] to man and presented in himself the perfected son of the realms to [[God]].

142:7.16 Although Jesus discoursed for several hours, Thomas was not yet satisfied, for he said: " But, Master, we do not find that the Father in heaven always deals kindly and mercifully with us. Many times we grievously suffer on earth, and not always are our prayers answered. Where do we fail to grasp the meaning of your teaching? "

142:7.16 Although [[Jesus]] [[discoursed]] for several hours, [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]] was not yet [[satisfied]], for he said: " But, Master, we do not find that [[the Father]] in heaven always deals [[kindly]] and [[mercifully]] with us. Many times we grievously [[suffer]] on [[earth]], and not always are our [[prayers]] answered. Where do we fail to grasp the [[meaning]] of your teaching? "

142:7.17 Jesus replied: " Thomas, Thomas, how long before you will acquire the ability to listen with the ear of the spirit? How long will it be before you discern that this kingdom is a spiritual kingdom, and that my Father is also a spiritual being? Do you not understand that I am teaching you as spiritual children in the spirit family of heaven, of which the fatherhead is an infinite and eternal spirit? Will you not allow me to use the earth family as an illustration of divine relationships without so literally applying my teaching to material affairs? In your minds cannot you separate the spiritual realities of the kingdom from the material, social, economic, and political problems of the age? When I speak the language of the spirit, why do you insist on translating my meaning into the language of the flesh just because I presume to employ commonplace and literal relationships for purposes of illustration? My children, I implore that you cease to apply the teaching of the kingdom of the spirit to the sordid affairs of slavery, poverty, houses, and lands, and to the material problems of human equity and justice. These temporal matters are the concern of the men of this world, and while in a way they affect all men, you have been called to represent me in the world, even as I represent my Father. You are spiritual ambassadors of a spiritual kingdom, special representatives of the spirit Father. By this time it should be possible for me to instruct you as full-grown men of the spirit kingdom. Must I ever address you only as children? Will you never grow up in spirit perception? Nevertheless, I love you and will bear with you, even to the very end of our association in the flesh. And even then shall my spirit go before you into all the world. "

142:7.17 [[Jesus]] replied: " [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]], Thomas, how long before you will acquire the [[ability]] to [[listen]] with the ear of the spirit? How long will it be before you [[discern]] that this kingdom is a [[spiritual]] kingdom, and that my Father is also a [[spiritual]] [[being]]? Do you not [[understand]] that I am teaching you as [[spiritual]] [[children]] in the spirit [[family]] of [[heaven]], of which the fatherhead is an [[infinite]] and [[eternal]] spirit? Will you not allow me to use the [[earth]] [[family]] as an [[illustration]] of [[divine]] [[relationships]] without so [[literally]] applying my teaching to [[material]] affairs? In your minds cannot you separate the [[spiritual]] [[realities]] of [[the kingdom]] from the [[material]], [[social]], [[economic]], and [[political]] [[problems]] of the age? When I speak the [[language]] of the [[spirit]], why do you insist on [[translating]] my [[meaning]] into the language of the [[flesh]] just because I presume to employ commonplace and [[literal]] [[relationships]] for [[purposes]] of [[illustration]]? My [[children]], I implore that you cease to apply the teaching of [[the kingdom]] of the [[spirit]] to the sordid affairs of [[slavery]], [[poverty]], houses, and [[land]]s, and to the [[material]] [[problems]] of human [[equity]] and [[justice]]. These [[temporal]] matters are the concern of the men of this world, and while in a way they affect all men, you have been called to [[represent]] me in the world, even as I represent my [[Universal Father|Father]]. You are [[spiritual]] [[ambassadors]] of a [[spiritual]] kingdom, special [[representatives]] of the [[Universal Father|spirit Father]]. By this [[time]] it should be possible for me to instruct you as full-grown men of the spirit kingdom. Must I ever address you only as [[children]]? Will you never grow up in spirit [[perception]]? Nevertheless, I [[love]] you and will bear with you, even to the very end of our [[association]] in the [[flesh]]. And even then shall [[Spirit of Truth|my spirit]] go before you into all the world. "

==142:8. IN SOUTHERN JUDEA==

==142:8. IN SOUTHERN JUDEA==

142:8.1 By the end of April the opposition to Jesus among the Pharisees and Sadducees had become so pronounced that the Master and his apostles decided to leave Jerusalem for a while, going south to work in Bethlehem and Hebron. The entire month of May was spent in doing personal work in these cities and among the people of the surrounding villages. No public preaching was done on this trip, only house-to-house visitation. A part of this time, while the apostles taught the gospel and ministered to the sick, Jesus and Abner spent at Engedi, visiting the Nazarite colony. John the Baptist had gone forth from this place, and Abner had been head of this group. Many of the Nazarite brotherhood became believers in Jesus, but the majority of these ascetic and eccentric men refused to accept him as a teacher sent from heaven because he did not teach fasting and other forms of self-denial.

142:8.1 By the end of April the [[opposition]] to [[Jesus]] among the [[Pharisees]] and [[Sadducees]] had become so pronounced that [[the Master]] and his [[apostles]] [[decided]] to leave [[Jerusalem]] for a while, going south to work in [[Bethlehem]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebron Hebron]. The entire month of May was spent in doing [[personal]] work in these [[cities]] and among the people of the surrounding villages. No [[public]] [[preaching]] was done on this trip, only house-to-house [[visitation]]. A part of this time, while [[the apostles]] taught the [[gospel]] and ministered to the sick, [[Jesus]] and [[Abner]] spent at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ein_Gedi Engedi], visiting the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazarite Nazarite] colony. [[John the Baptist]] had gone forth from this place, and [[Abner]] had been head of this [[group]]. Many of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazarite Nazarite] brotherhood became believers in [[Jesus]], but the [[majority]] of these [[ascetic]] and eccentric men refused to [[accept]] him as a [[teacher]] sent from [[heaven]] because he did not teach [[fasting]] and other forms of self-denial.

142:8.2 The people living in this region did not know that Jesus had been born in Bethlehem. They always supposed the Master had been born at Nazareth, as did the vast majority of his disciples, but the twelve knew the facts.

142:8.2 The people living in this region did not know that [[Jesus]] had been [[born]] in [[Bethlehem]]. They always supposed [[the Master]] had been born at [[Nazareth]], as did the vast [[majority]] of his [[disciples]], but [[the twelve]] knew the [[facts]].

142:8.3 This sojourn in the south of Judea was a restful and fruitful season of labor; many souls were added to the kingdom. By the first days of June the agitation against Jesus had so quieted down in Jerusalem that the Master and the apostles returned to instruct and comfort believers.

142:8.3 This [[sojourn]] in the south of [[Judea]] was a [[restful]] and fruitful [[season]] of [[labor]]; many [[souls]] were added to [[the kingdom]]. By the first days of June the [[agitation]] against [[Jesus]] had so [[quieted]] down in [[Jerusalem]] that [[the Master]] and [[the apostles]] returned to instruct and [[comfort]] believers.

142:8.4 Although Jesus and the apostles spent the entire month of June in or near Jerusalem, they did no public teaching during this period. They lived for the most part in tents, which they pitched in a shaded park, or garden, known in that day as Gethsemane. This park was situated on the western slope of the Mount of Olives not far from the brook Kidron. The Sabbath week ends they usually spent with Lazarus and his sisters at Bethany. Jesus entered within the walls of Jerusalem only a few times, but a large number of interested inquirers came out to Gethsemane to visit with him. One Friday evening Nicodemus and one Joseph of Arimathea ventured out to see Jesus but turned back through fear even after they were standing before the entrance to the Master's tent. And, of course, they did not perceive that Jesus knew all about their doings.

142:8.4 Although [[Jesus]] and [[the apostles]] spent the entire month of June in or near [[Jerusalem]], they did no [[public]] teaching during this period. They lived for the most part in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tents tents], which they pitched in a shaded park, or [[garden]], known in that day as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gethsemane Gethsemane]. This park was situated on the western slope of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Mount of Olives] not far from the brook [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kidron_Valley Kidron]. The [[Sabbath]] week ends they usually spent with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus Lazarus] and his sisters at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany]. [[Jesus]] entered within the walls of [[Jerusalem]] only a few times, but a large number of interested [[inquirers]] came out to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gethsemane Gethsemane] to [[visit]] with him. One Friday evening [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicodemus Nicodemus] and one [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_of_Arimathea Joseph of Arimathea] ventured out to see [[Jesus]] but turned back through [[fear]] even after they were standing before the entrance to [[the Master]]'s tent. And, of [[course]], they did not [[perceive]] that [[Jesus]] knew all about their doings.

142:8.5 When the rulers of the Jews learned that Jesus had returned to Jerusalem, they prepared to arrest him; but when they observed that he did no public preaching, they concluded that he had become frightened by their previous agitation and decided to allow him to carry on his teaching in this private manner without further molestation. And thus affairs moved along quietly until the last days of June, when one Simon, a member of the Sanhedrin, publicly espoused the teachings of Jesus, after so declaring himself before the rulers of the Jews. Immediately a new agitation for Jesus' apprehension sprang up and grew so strong that the Master decided to retire into the cities of Samaria and the Decapolis.

142:8.5 When the [[Sanhedrin|rulers of the Jews]] learned that [[Jesus]] had returned to [[Jerusalem]], they [[prepared]] to [[arrest]] him; but when they [[observed]] that he did no [[public]] [[preaching]], they concluded that he had become frightened by their previous [[agitation]] and decided to allow him to carry on his teaching in this [[private]] manner without further molestation. And thus affairs moved along [[quietly]] until the last days of June, when one Simon, a member of the [[Sanhedrin]], [[public]]ly espoused the teachings of [[Jesus]], after so declaring himself before the [[rulers of the Jews]]. [[Immediately]] a new [[agitation]] for [[Jesus]]' apprehension sprang up and grew so strong that [[the Master]] decided to retire into the cities of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaria Samaria] and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decapolis Decapolis].

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

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