Changes

177:0.2 After breakfast [[the Master]] informed [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] that he [[intended]] to be [[absent]] for the day and suggested that [[the apostles]] be [[permitted]] to spend the [[time]] in [[accordance]] with their own [[choosing]], except that under no circumstances should they go within the gates of [[Jerusalem]].

177:0.2 After breakfast [[the Master]] informed [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] that he [[intended]] to be [[absent]] for the day and suggested that [[the apostles]] be [[permitted]] to spend the [[time]] in [[accordance]] with their own [[choosing]], except that under no circumstances should they go within the gates of [[Jerusalem]].

177:0.3 When [[Jesus]] made ready to go into the hills [[alone]], [[David Zebedee]] accosted him, saying: " You well know, Master, that the [[Pharisees]] and rulers seek to destroy you, and yet you make ready to go alone into the hills. To do this is [[folly]]; I will therefore send [[three]] men with you well [[prepared]] to see that no harm befalls you. " [[Jesus]] looked over the three well-armed and [[stalwart]] [[Galilean]]s and said to [[David Zebedee|David]]: " You mean well, but you [[err]] in that you fail to [[understand]] that the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] needs no one to [[defend]] him. No man will lay hands on me until that hour when I am ready to lay down my life in [[conformity]] to [[the Father|my Father]]'s will. These men may not accompany me. I [[desire]] to go [[alone]], that I may [[commune]] with [[the Father]]. "

177:0.3 When [[Jesus]] made ready to go into the hills [[alone]], [[David Zebedee]] accosted him, saying: " You well know, Master, that the [[Pharisees]] and rulers seek to destroy you, and yet you make ready to go alone into the hills. To do this is [[folly]]; I will therefore send [[three]] men with you well [[prepared]] to see that no harm befalls you. " [[Jesus]] looked over the three well-armed and [[stalwart]] [[Galilean]]s and said to [[David Zebedee|David]]: " You mean well, but you [[err]] in that you fail to [[understand]] that the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] needs no one to [[defend]] him. No man will lay hands on me until that hour when I am ready to lay down my life in [[conformity]] to [[the Father|my Father]]'s will. These men may not accompany me. I [[desire]] to go [[alone]], that I may [[commune]] with [[the Father]]. "

177:0.4 Upon [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Senses#Audition hearing] these [[words]], [[David Zebedee|David]] and his armed guards withdrew; but as [[Jesus]] started off alone, [[John Mark]] came forward with a small basket containing [[food]] and [[water]] and suggested that, if he [[intended]] to be away all day, he might find himself [[hungry]]. [[The Master]] smiled on John and reached down to take the basket.

177:0.4 Upon [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Senses#Audition hearing] these [[words]], [[David Zebedee|David]] and his armed guards withdrew; but as [[Jesus]] started off alone, [[John Mark]] came forward with a small basket containing [[food]] and [[water]] and suggested that, if he [[intended]] to be away all day, he might find himself [[hungry]]. [[The Master]] smiled on John and reached down to take the basket.

==177:1. ONE DAY ALONE WITH GOD==

==177:1. ONE DAY ALONE WITH GOD==

177:1.3 [[Jesus]] did not return to the camp that evening until after [[Twilight|sunset]]. [[The Master]] spent this last day of [[quiet]] on [[earth]] [[visiting]] with this [[truth]]-[[hungry]] [[youth]] and talking with his [[Paradise Father]]. This [[event]] has become known on high as " the day which a [[young man]] spent with [[God]] in the hills. " Forever this occasion exemplifies the willingness of the [[Creator]] to [[fellowship]] the [[creature]]. Even a [[youth]], if the [[desire]] of the [[heart]] is really [[supreme]], can command the [[attention]] and [[enjoy]] the loving [[companionship]] of the [[God]] of a [[universe]], actually [[experience]] the unforgettable [[ecstasy]] of being [[alone]] with [[God]] in the hills, and for a whole day. And such was the [[unique]] [[experience]] of [[John Mark]] on this Wednesday in the hills of [[Judea]].

177:1.3 [[Jesus]] did not return to the camp that evening until after [[Twilight|sunset]]. [[The Master]] spent this last day of [[quiet]] on [[earth]] [[visiting]] with this [[truth]]-[[hungry]] [[youth]] and talking with his [[Paradise Father]]. This [[event]] has become known on high as " the day which a [[young man]] spent with [[God]] in the hills. " Forever this occasion exemplifies the willingness of the [[Creator]] to [[fellowship]] the [[creature]]. Even a [[youth]], if the [[desire]] of the [[heart]] is really [[supreme]], can command the [[attention]] and [[enjoy]] the loving [[companionship]] of the [[God]] of a [[universe]], actually [[experience]] the unforgettable [[ecstasy]] of being [[alone]] with [[God]] in the hills, and for a whole day. And such was the [[unique]] [[experience]] of [[John Mark]] on this Wednesday in the hills of [[Judea]].

177:1.4 [[Jesus]] visited much with [[John Mark|John]], talking [[free]]ly about the affairs of this world and the next. [[John Mark|John]] told [[Jesus]] how much he [[regretted]] that he had not been old enough to be one of [[the apostles]] and [[expressed]] his great [[appreciation]] that he had been [[permitted]] to follow on with them since their first preaching at the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethabara Jordan ford] near [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jericho Jericho], except for the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_155#155:4._ON_THE_WAY_TO_PHOENICIA trip to Phoenicia]. [[Jesus]] [[warned]] the lad not to become [[discouraged]] by impending [[events]] and [[assured]] him he would live to become a mighty [[messenger]] of [[the kingdom]].

177:1.4 [[Jesus]] visited much with [[John Mark|John]], talking [[free]]ly about the affairs of this world and the next. [[John Mark|John]] told [[Jesus]] how much he [[regretted]] that he had not been old enough to be one of [[the apostles]] and [[expressed]] his great [[appreciation]] that he had been [[permitted]] to follow on with them since their first preaching at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethabara Jordan ford] near [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jericho Jericho], except for the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_155#155:4._ON_THE_WAY_TO_PHOENICIA trip to Phoenicia]. [[Jesus]] [[warned]] the lad not to become [[discouraged]] by impending [[events]] and [[assured]] him he would live to become a mighty [[messenger]] of [[the kingdom]].

177:1.5 [[John Mark]] was thrilled by the [[memory]] of this day with [[Jesus]] in the hills, but he never forgot [[the Master]]'s final [[admonition]], [[spoken]] just as they were about to return to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gethsemane Gethsemane] camp, when he said: " Well, [[John Mark|John]], we have had a good [[visit]], a real day of [[rest]], but see to it that you tell no man the things which I told you. " And [[John Mark]] never did [[reveal]] anything that transpired on this day which he spent with [[Jesus]] in the hills.

177:1.5 [[John Mark]] was thrilled by the [[memory]] of this day with [[Jesus]] in the hills, but he never forgot [[the Master]]'s final [[admonition]], [[spoken]] just as they were about to return to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gethsemane Gethsemane] camp, when he said: " Well, [[John Mark|John]], we have had a good [[visit]], a real day of [[rest]], but see to it that you tell no man the things which I told you. " And [[John Mark]] never did [[reveal]] anything that transpired on this day which he spent with [[Jesus]] in the hills.

177:1.6 Throughout the few remaining hours of [[Jesus]]' [[earth]] life [[John Mark]] never [[permitted]] [[the Master]] for long to get out of his [[sight]]. Always was the [[Youth|lad]] in hiding near by; he [[slept]] only when [[Jesus]] slept.

177:1.6 Throughout the few remaining hours of [[Jesus]]' [[earth]] life [[John Mark]] never [[permitted]] [[the Master]] for long to get out of his [[sight]]. Always was the [[Youth|lad]] in hiding near by; he [[slept]] only when [[Jesus]] slept.

177:2.1 In the [[course]] of this day's [[visiting]] with [[John Mark]], [[Jesus]] spent considerable [[time]] [[comparing]] their early [[childhood]] and later boyhood [[experiences]]. Although [[John Mark|John]]'s [[parents]] possessed more [[Wealth|of this world's goods]] than had [[Jesus]]' [[parents]], there was much [[experience]] in their boyhood which was very similar. [[Jesus]] said many things which helped [[John Mark|John]] better to [[understand]] his [[parents]] and other members of his [[family]]. When the lad asked [[the Master]] how he could know that he would turn out to be a " mighty [[messenger]] of [[the kingdom]], " [[Jesus]] said:

177:2.1 In the [[course]] of this day's [[visiting]] with [[John Mark]], [[Jesus]] spent considerable [[time]] [[comparing]] their early [[childhood]] and later boyhood [[experiences]]. Although [[John Mark|John]]'s [[parents]] possessed more [[Wealth|of this world's goods]] than had [[Jesus]]' [[parents]], there was much [[experience]] in their boyhood which was very similar. [[Jesus]] said many things which helped [[John Mark|John]] better to [[understand]] his [[parents]] and other members of his [[family]]. When the lad asked [[the Master]] how he could know that he would turn out to be a " mighty [[messenger]] of [[the kingdom]], " [[Jesus]] said:

177:2.2 " I know you will [[prove]] [[loyal]] to the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] because I can depend upon your present [[faith]] and [[love]] when these [[qualities]] are grounded upon such an early [[training]] as has been your portion at [[home]]. You are the product of a [[home]] where the [[parents]] bear each other a [[sincere]] [[affection]], and therefore you have not been overloved so as injuriously to exalt your [[concept]] of [[self]]-importance. Neither has your [[personality]] suffered [[distortion]] in [[consequence]] of your [[parents]]' loveless [[Competition|maneuvering]] for your [[confidence]] and [[loyalty]], the one against the other. You have [[enjoyed]] that parental [[love]] which insures laudable [[self]]-[[confidence]] and which fosters [[normal]] [[feelings]] of [[security]]. But you have also been fortunate in that your [[parents]] possessed [[wisdom]] as well as [[love]]; and it was [[wisdom]] which led them to withhold most forms of indulgence and many [[luxuries]] which [[wealth]] can buy while they sent you to the [[synagogue]] [[school]] along with your [[neighborhood]] playfellows, and they also [[encouraged]] you to [[learn]] how to live in this world by [[permitting]] you to have [[original]] [[experience]]. You came over to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethabara Jordan], where we [[preached]] and [[John the Baptist|John]]'s [[disciples]] [[baptized]], with your young [[friend]] Amos. Both of you [[desired]] to go with us. When you returned to [[Jerusalem]], your [[parents]] consented; Amos's parents refused; they [[loved]] their son so much that they [[Prohibition|denied]] him the [[blessed]] [[experience]] which you have had, even such as you this day [[enjoy]]. By running away from [[home]], Amos could have joined us, but in so doing he would have wounded [[love]] and [[sacrificed]] [[loyalty]]. Even if such a [[course]] had been [[wise]], it would have been a terrible price to pay for [[experience]], [[independence]], and [[liberty]]. [[Wise]] [[parents]], such as yours, see to it that their [[children]] do not have to wound [[love]] or stifle [[loyalty]] in order to [[develop]] [[independence]] and [[enjoy]] [[invigorating]] [[liberty]] when they have grown up to your age.

177:2.2 " I know you will [[prove]] [[loyal]] to the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] because I can depend upon your present [[faith]] and [[love]] when these [[qualities]] are grounded upon such an early [[training]] as has been your portion at [[home]]. You are the product of a [[home]] where the [[parents]] bear each other a [[sincere]] [[affection]], and therefore you have not been overloved so as injuriously to exalt your [[concept]] of [[self]]-importance. Neither has your [[personality]] suffered [[distortion]] in [[consequence]] of your [[parents]]' loveless [[Competition|maneuvering]] for your [[confidence]] and [[loyalty]], the one against the other. You have [[enjoyed]] that parental [[love]] which insures laudable [[self]]-[[confidence]] and which fosters [[normal]] [[feelings]] of [[security]]. But you have also been fortunate in that your [[parents]] possessed [[wisdom]] as well as [[love]]; and it was [[wisdom]] which led them to withhold most forms of indulgence and many [[luxuries]] which [[wealth]] can buy while they sent you to the [[synagogue]] [[school]] along with your [[neighborhood]] playfellows, and they also [[encouraged]] you to [[learn]] how to live in this world by [[permitting]] you to have [[original]] [[experience]]. You came over to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethabara Jordan], where we [[preached]] and [[John the Baptist|John]]'s [[disciples]] [[baptized]], with your young [[friend]] Amos. Both of you [[desired]] to go with us. When you returned to [[Jerusalem]], your [[parents]] consented; Amos's parents refused; they [[loved]] their son so much that they [[Prohibition|denied]] him the [[blessed]] [[experience]] which you have had, even such as you this day [[enjoy]]. By running away from [[home]], Amos could have joined us, but in so doing he would have wounded [[love]] and [[sacrificed]] [[loyalty]]. Even if such a [[course]] had been [[wise]], it would have been a terrible price to pay for [[experience]], [[independence]], and [[liberty]]. [[Wise]] [[parents]], such as yours, see to it that their [[children]] do not have to wound [[love]] or stifle [[loyalty]] in order to [[develop]] [[independence]] and [[enjoy]] [[invigorating]] [[liberty]] when they have grown up to your age.

177:2.3 " [[Love]], John, is the [[supreme]] [[reality]] of the [[universe]] when [[bestowed]] by all-[[wise]] [[beings]], but it is a [[dangerous]] and oftentimes semi[[selfish]] [[trait]] as it is [[manifested]] in the [[experience]] of [[mortal]] [[parents]]. When you get [[married]] and have [[children]] of your own to rear, make sure that your [[love]] is [[admonished]] by [[wisdom]] and [[guided]] by [[intelligence]].

177:2.3 " [[Love]], John, is the [[supreme]] [[reality]] of the [[universe]] when [[bestowed]] by all-[[wise]] [[beings]], but it is a [[dangerous]] and oftentimes semi[[selfish]] [[trait]] as it is [[manifested]] in the [[experience]] of [[mortal]] [[parents]]. When you get [[married]] and have [[children]] of your own to rear, make sure that your [[love]] is [[admonished]] by [[wisdom]] and [[guided]] by [[intelligence]].

177:2.5 For more than an hour [[Jesus]] and [[John Mark|John]] continued this [[discussion]] of [[home]] life. [[The Master]] went on to [[explain]] to [[John Mark|John]] how a child is wholly dependent on his [[parents]] and the [[associated]] [[home]] life for all his early [[concepts]] of everything [[intellectual]], [[social]], [[moral]], and even [[spiritual]] since the [[family]] [[represents]] to the young [[child]] all that he can first know of either [[human]] or [[divine]] [[relationships]]. The [[child]] must derive his first impressions of the [[universe]] from the [[mother]]'s [[care]]; he is wholly dependent on the [[earth]]ly [[father]] for his first [[ideas]] of [[the heavenly Father]]. The [[child]]'s subsequent life is made [[happy]] or unhappy, easy or [[difficult]], in [[accordance]] with his early [[mental]] and [[emotional]] life, conditioned by these [[social]] and [[spiritual]] [[relationships]] of the [[home]]. A [[human being]]'s entire [[afterlife]] is enormously [[influenced]] by what happens during the first few years of [[existence]].

177:2.5 For more than an hour [[Jesus]] and [[John Mark|John]] continued this [[discussion]] of [[home]] life. [[The Master]] went on to [[explain]] to [[John Mark|John]] how a child is wholly dependent on his [[parents]] and the [[associated]] [[home]] life for all his early [[concepts]] of everything [[intellectual]], [[social]], [[moral]], and even [[spiritual]] since the [[family]] [[represents]] to the young [[child]] all that he can first know of either [[human]] or [[divine]] [[relationships]]. The [[child]] must derive his first impressions of the [[universe]] from the [[mother]]'s [[care]]; he is wholly dependent on the [[earth]]ly [[father]] for his first [[ideas]] of [[the heavenly Father]]. The [[child]]'s subsequent life is made [[happy]] or unhappy, easy or [[difficult]], in [[accordance]] with his early [[mental]] and [[emotional]] life, conditioned by these [[social]] and [[spiritual]] [[relationships]] of the [[home]]. A [[human being]]'s entire [[afterlife]] is enormously [[influenced]] by what happens during the first few years of [[existence]].

177:2.6 It is our [[sincere]] [[belief]] that the [[gospel]] of [[Jesus]]' teaching, founded as it is on the [[father]]-[[child]] [[relationship]], can hardly enjoy a world-wide [[acceptance]] until such a time as the [[home]] life of the [[modern]] [[civilized]] peoples [[embraces]] more of [[love]] and more of [[wisdom]]. Notwithstanding that [[parents]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century twentieth century] [[possess]] great [[knowledge]] and increased [[truth]] for improving the [[home]] and ennobling the home life, it remains a [[fact]] that very few [[modern]] homes are such [[good]] places in which to nurture boys and girls as [[Jesus]]' [[home]] in [[Galilee]] and [[John Mark]]'s home in [[Judea]], albeit the [[acceptance]] of [[Jesus]]' [[gospel]] will result in the [[immediate]] improvement of [[home]] life. The [[love]] life of a [[wise]] home and the [[loyal]] [[devotion]] of [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_101#101:1._TRUE_RELIGION true religion] exert a [[profound]] [[reciprocal]] [[influence]] upon each other. Such a [[home]] life enhances [[religion]], and [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_99#99:4._TRANSITION_DIFFICULTIES genuine religion] always [[glorifies]] the [[home]].

177:2.6 It is our [[sincere]] [[belief]] that the [[gospel]] of [[Jesus]]' teaching, founded as it is on the [[father]]-[[child]] [[relationship]], can hardly enjoy a world-wide [[acceptance]] until such a time as the [[home]] life of the [[modern]] [[civilized]] peoples [[embraces]] more of [[love]] and more of [[wisdom]]. Notwithstanding that [[parents]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century twentieth century] [[possess]] great [[knowledge]] and increased [[truth]] for improving the [[home]] and ennobling the home life, it remains a [[fact]] that very few [[modern]] homes are such [[good]] places in which to nurture boys and girls as [[Jesus]]' [[home]] in [[Galilee]] and [[John Mark]]'s home in [[Judea]], albeit the [[acceptance]] of [[Jesus]]' [[gospel]] will result in the [[immediate]] improvement of [[home]] life. The [[love]] life of a [[wise]] home and the [[loyal]] [[devotion]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_101#101:1._TRUE_RELIGION true religion] exert a [[profound]] [[reciprocal]] [[influence]] upon each other. Such a [[home]] life enhances [[religion]], and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_99#99:4._TRANSITION_DIFFICULTIES genuine religion] always [[glorifies]] the [[home]].

177:2.7 It is true that many of the objectionable stunting [[influences]] and other cramping features of these olden [[Jewish]] [[homes]] have been [[virtually]] eliminated from many of the better-regulated [[modern]] [[homes]]. There is, indeed, more [[spontaneous]] [[freedom]] and far more [[personal]] [[liberty]], but this liberty is not restrained by [[love]], [[motivated]] by [[loyalty]], nor directed by the [[intelligent]] [[discipline]] of [[wisdom]]. As long as we teach the child to [[pray]], " [[Our Father]] who is in [[heaven]], " a tremendous [[responsibility]] rests upon all [[earth]]ly [[fathers]] so to live and order their [[homes]] that the [[word]] father becomes worthily [[enshrined]] in the [[minds]] and [[hearts]] of all [[growing]] [[children]].

177:2.7 It is true that many of the objectionable stunting [[influences]] and other cramping features of these olden [[Jewish]] [[homes]] have been [[virtually]] eliminated from many of the better-regulated [[modern]] [[homes]]. There is, indeed, more [[spontaneous]] [[freedom]] and far more [[personal]] [[liberty]], but this liberty is not restrained by [[love]], [[motivated]] by [[loyalty]], nor directed by the [[intelligent]] [[discipline]] of [[wisdom]]. As long as we teach the child to [[pray]], " [[Our Father]] who is in [[heaven]], " a tremendous [[responsibility]] rests upon all [[earth]]ly [[fathers]] so to live and order their [[homes]] that the [[word]] father becomes worthily [[enshrined]] in the [[minds]] and [[hearts]] of all [[growing]] [[children]].

==177:3. THE DAY AT CAMP==

==177:3. THE DAY AT CAMP==

177:3.1 [[The apostles]] spent most of this day walking about on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Mount Olivet] and [[visiting]] with the [[disciples]] who were encamped with them, but early in the afternoon they became very [[Eager|desirous]] of seeing [[Jesus]] return. As the day wore on, they grew increasingly [[anxious]] about his [[safety]]; they felt inexpressibly [[lonely]] without him. There was much [[debating]] throughout the day as to whether [[the Master]] should have been allowed to go off by himself in the hills, accompanied only by an errand boy. Though no man openly so [[expressed]] his [[thoughts]], there was not one of them, save [[Judas Iscariot]], who did not [[wish]] himself in [[John Mark]]'s place.

177:3.1 [[The apostles]] spent most of this day walking about on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Mount Olivet] and [[visiting]] with the [[disciples]] who were encamped with them, but early in the afternoon they became very [[Eager|desirous]] of seeing [[Jesus]] return. As the day wore on, they grew increasingly [[anxious]] about his [[safety]]; they felt inexpressibly [[lonely]] without him. There was much [[debating]] throughout the day as to whether [[the Master]] should have been allowed to go off by himself in the hills, accompanied only by an errand boy. Though no man openly so [[expressed]] his [[thoughts]], there was not one of them, save [[Judas Iscariot]], who did not [[wish]] himself in [[John Mark]]'s place.

177:3.2 It was about midafternoon when [[Nathaniel]] made his [[speech]] on " Supreme Desire " to about half a [[dozen]] of [[the apostles]] and as many [[disciples]], the ending of which was: " What is wrong with most of us is that we are only halfhearted. We fail to [[love]] [[the Master]] as he loves us. If we had all wanted to go with him as much as [[John Mark]] did, he would [[surely]] have taken us all. We stood by while the lad approached [[the Master]] and offered him the basket, but when the Master took hold of it, the lad would not let go. And so [[the Master]] left us here while he went off to the hills with basket, boy, and all. "

177:3.2 It was about midafternoon when [[Nathaniel]] made his [[speech]] on " Supreme Desire " to about half a [[dozen]] of [[the apostles]] and as many [[disciples]], the ending of which was: " What is wrong with most of us is that we are only halfhearted. We fail to [[love]] [[the Master]] as he loves us. If we had all wanted to go with him as much as [[John Mark]] did, he would [[surely]] have taken us all. We stood by while the lad approached [[the Master]] and offered him the basket, but when the Master took hold of it, the lad would not let go. And so [[the Master]] left us here while he went off to the hills with basket, boy, and all. "

177:3.3 About four o'clock, runners came to [[David Zebedee]] bringing him [[word]] from his [[mother]] at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida] and from [[Jesus]]' [[mother]]. Several days previously [[David Zebedee|David]] had made up his [[mind]] that the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen_Gadol chief priests] and rulers were going to [[Murder|kill]] [[Jesus]]. [[David Zebedee|David]] knew they were [[determined]] to destroy [[the Master]], and he was about [[Certainty|convinced]] that [[Jesus]] would neither exert his [[divine]] [[power]] to save himself nor [[permit]] his followers to employ [[force]] in his [[defense]]. Having reached these conclusions, he lost no [[time]] in dispatching a [[messenger]] to his [[mother]], urging her to come at once to [[Jerusalem]] and to bring [[Mother Mary|Mary]] the [[mother]] of [[Jesus]] and every member of his [[family]].

177:3.3 About four o'clock, runners came to [[David Zebedee]] bringing him [[word]] from his [[mother]] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida] and from [[Jesus]]' [[mother]]. Several days previously [[David Zebedee|David]] had made up his [[mind]] that the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen_Gadol chief priests] and rulers were going to [[Murder|kill]] [[Jesus]]. [[David Zebedee|David]] knew they were [[determined]] to destroy [[the Master]], and he was about [[Certainty|convinced]] that [[Jesus]] would neither exert his [[divine]] [[power]] to save himself nor [[permit]] his followers to employ [[force]] in his [[defense]]. Having reached these conclusions, he lost no [[time]] in dispatching a [[messenger]] to his [[mother]], urging her to come at once to [[Jerusalem]] and to bring [[Mother Mary|Mary]] the [[mother]] of [[Jesus]] and every member of his [[family]].

177:3.4 [[David Zebedee|David]]'s [[mother]] did as her son requested, and now the runners came back to David bringing the [[word]] that his [[mother]] and [[Jesus]]' entire [[family]] were on the way to [[Jerusalem]] and should arrive sometime late on the following day or very early the next morning. Since [[David Zebedee|David]] did this on his own [[initiative]], he thought it [[wise]] to keep the matter to himself. He told no one, therefore, that [[Jesus]]' [[family]] was on the way to [[Jerusalem]].

177:3.4 [[David Zebedee|David]]'s [[mother]] did as her son requested, and now the runners came back to David bringing the [[word]] that his [[mother]] and [[Jesus]]' entire [[family]] were on the way to [[Jerusalem]] and should arrive sometime late on the following day or very early the next morning. Since [[David Zebedee|David]] did this on his own [[initiative]], he thought it [[wise]] to keep the matter to himself. He told no one, therefore, that [[Jesus]]' [[family]] was on the way to [[Jerusalem]].

177:3.5 Shortly after noon, more than twenty of the [[Greeks]] who had met with [[Jesus]] and [[the twelve]] at the [[home]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_of_Arimathea Joseph of Arimathea] arrived at the camp, and [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] and [[John, the Apostle|John]] spent several hours in [[conference]] with them. These [[Greeks]], at least some of them, were well advanced in the [[knowledge]] of [[the kingdom]], having been instructed by [[Rodan]] at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria].

177:3.5 Shortly after noon, more than twenty of the [[Greeks]] who had met with [[Jesus]] and [[the twelve]] at the [[home]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_of_Arimathea Joseph of Arimathea] arrived at the camp, and [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] and [[John, the Apostle|John]] spent several hours in [[conference]] with them. These [[Greeks]], at least some of them, were well advanced in the [[knowledge]] of [[the kingdom]], having been instructed by [[Rodan]] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria].

177:3.6 That evening, after returning to the camp, [[Jesus]] [[visited]] with the [[Greeks]], and had it not been that such a [[course]] would have greatly disturbed his [[apostles]] and many of his leading [[disciples]], he would have [[ordained]] these twenty [[Greeks]], even as he had [[the seventy]].

177:3.6 That evening, after returning to the camp, [[Jesus]] [[visited]] with the [[Greeks]], and had it not been that such a [[course]] would have greatly disturbed his [[apostles]] and many of his leading [[disciples]], he would have [[ordained]] these twenty [[Greeks]], even as he had [[the seventy]].

177:3.7 While all of this was going on at the camp, in [[Jerusalem]] the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen_Gadol chief priests] and [[elders]] were [[amazed]] that [[Jesus]] did not return to address [[the multitudes]]. True, the day before, when he left [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple], he had said, " I leave your house to you desolate. " But they could not [[understand]] why he would be willing to forego the great [[advantage]] which he had built up in the [[friendly]] [[attitude]] of the crowds. While they [[feared]] he would stir up a [[tumult]] among [[the people]], [[the Master]]'s last [[words]] to [[the multitude]] had been an [[exhortation]] to [[conform]] in every reasonable [[manner]] with the [[authority]] of those " who sit in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses]' seat. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_23] But it was a [[busy]] day in the [[city]] as they [[simultaneously]] [[prepared]] for the [[Passover]] and [[perfected]] their [[plans]] for [[Murder|destroying]] [[Jesus]].

177:3.7 While all of this was going on at the camp, in [[Jerusalem]] the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen_Gadol chief priests] and [[elders]] were [[amazed]] that [[Jesus]] did not return to address [[the multitudes]]. True, the day before, when he left [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple], he had said, " I leave your house to you desolate. " But they could not [[understand]] why he would be willing to forego the great [[advantage]] which he had built up in the [[friendly]] [[attitude]] of the crowds. While they [[feared]] he would stir up a [[tumult]] among [[the people]], [[the Master]]'s last [[words]] to [[the multitude]] had been an [[exhortation]] to [[conform]] in every reasonable [[manner]] with the [[authority]] of those " who sit in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses]' seat. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_23] But it was a [[busy]] day in the [[city]] as they [[simultaneously]] [[prepared]] for the [[Passover]] and [[perfected]] their [[plans]] for [[Murder|destroying]] [[Jesus]].

177:3.8 Not many people came to the camp, for its [[establishment]] had been kept a well-guarded [[secret]] by all who knew that [[Jesus]] was expecting to stay there in place of going out to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany] every night.

177:3.8 Not many people came to the camp, for its [[establishment]] had been kept a well-guarded [[secret]] by all who knew that [[Jesus]] was expecting to stay there in place of going out to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany] every night.

==177:4. JUDAS AND THE CHIEF PRIESTS==

==177:4. JUDAS AND THE CHIEF PRIESTS==

177:4.1 Shortly after [[Jesus]] and [[John Mark]] left the camp, [[Judas Iscariot]] disappeared from among his brethren, not returning until late in the afternoon. This [[confused]] and discontented [[apostle]], notwithstanding his Master's specific request to refrain from entering [[Jerusalem]], went in haste to keep his appointment with [[Jesus]]' [[enemies]] at the [[home]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caiaphas Caiaphas] the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen_Gadol high priest]. This was an informal [[meeting]] of the [[Sanhedrin]] and had been appointed for shortly after 10 o'clock that [[morning]]. This [[meeting]] was called to [[discuss]] the [[nature]] of the charges which should be lodged against [[Jesus]] and to [[decide]] upon the [[procedure]] to be employed in bringing him before the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_governor Roman authorities] for the [[purpose]] of securing the necessary [[civil]] [[confirmation]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_punishment death sentence] which they had already passed upon him.

177:4.1 Shortly after [[Jesus]] and [[John Mark]] left the camp, [[Judas Iscariot]] disappeared from among his brethren, not returning until late in the afternoon. This [[confused]] and discontented [[apostle]], notwithstanding his Master's specific request to refrain from entering [[Jerusalem]], went in haste to keep his appointment with [[Jesus]]' [[enemies]] at the [[home]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caiaphas Caiaphas] the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen_Gadol high priest]. This was an informal [[meeting]] of the [[Sanhedrin]] and had been appointed for shortly after 10 o'clock that [[morning]]. This [[meeting]] was called to [[discuss]] the [[nature]] of the charges which should be lodged against [[Jesus]] and to [[decide]] upon the [[procedure]] to be employed in bringing him before the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_governor Roman authorities] for the [[purpose]] of securing the necessary [[civil]] [[confirmation]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_punishment death sentence] which they had already passed upon him.

177:4.2 On the preceding day [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] had disclosed to some of his [[relatives]] and to certain [[Sadducean]] [[friends]] of his [[father]]'s [[family]] that he had reached the conclusion that, while [[Jesus]] was a well-meaning dreamer and [[idealist]], he was not the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism expected deliverer of Israel]. [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] [[stated]] that he would very much like to find some way of withdrawing [[gracefully]] from the whole [[movement]]. His [[friends]] [[Flattery|flatteringly]] [[assured]] him that his withdrawal would be hailed by the [[Jewish]] rulers as a great [[event]], and that nothing would be too [[good]] for him. They led him to [[believe]] that he would forthwith receive high [[honors]] from the [[Sanhedrin]], and that he would at last be in a position to erase the [[stigma]] of his well-meant but " unfortunate [[association]] with untaught [[Galileans]]. "

177:4.2 On the preceding day [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] had disclosed to some of his [[relatives]] and to certain [[Sadducean]] [[friends]] of his [[father]]'s [[family]] that he had reached the conclusion that, while [[Jesus]] was a well-meaning dreamer and [[idealist]], he was not the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism expected deliverer of Israel]. [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] [[stated]] that he would very much like to find some way of withdrawing [[gracefully]] from the whole [[movement]]. His [[friends]] [[Flattery|flatteringly]] [[assured]] him that his withdrawal would be hailed by the [[Jewish]] rulers as a great [[event]], and that nothing would be too [[good]] for him. They led him to [[believe]] that he would forthwith receive high [[honors]] from the [[Sanhedrin]], and that he would at last be in a position to erase the [[stigma]] of his well-meant but " unfortunate [[association]] with untaught [[Galileans]]. "

177:4.3 [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] could not quite [[believe]] that the mighty works of [[the Master]] had been wrought by the [[power]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beelzebub prince of devils], but he was now fully [[Certainty|convinced]] that [[Jesus]] would not exert his [[power]] in [[self]]-[[aggrandizement]]; he was at last convinced that [[Jesus]] would allow himself to be [[Murder|destroyed]] by the [[Sanhedrin|Jewish rulers]], and he could not [[endure]] the [[humiliating]] [[thought]] of being identified with a [[movement]] of [[defeat]]. He refused to entertain the [[idea]] of [[apparent]] [[failure]]. He thoroughly [[understood]] the sturdy [[character]] of his Master and the keenness of that [[majestic]] and [[merciful]] [[mind]], yet he derived [[pleasure]] from even the partial [[entertainment]] of the suggestion of one of his [[relatives]] that [[Jesus]], while he was a well-meaning [[fanatic]], was probably not really sound of [[mind]]; that he had always [[appeared]] to be a [[strange]] and misunderstood [[person]].

177:4.3 [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] could not quite [[believe]] that the mighty works of [[the Master]] had been wrought by the [[power]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beelzebub prince of devils], but he was now fully [[Certainty|convinced]] that [[Jesus]] would not exert his [[power]] in [[self]]-[[aggrandizement]]; he was at last convinced that [[Jesus]] would allow himself to be [[Murder|destroyed]] by the [[Sanhedrin|Jewish rulers]], and he could not [[endure]] the [[humiliating]] [[thought]] of being identified with a [[movement]] of [[defeat]]. He refused to entertain the [[idea]] of [[apparent]] [[failure]]. He thoroughly [[understood]] the sturdy [[character]] of his Master and the keenness of that [[majestic]] and [[merciful]] [[mind]], yet he derived [[pleasure]] from even the partial [[entertainment]] of the suggestion of one of his [[relatives]] that [[Jesus]], while he was a well-meaning [[fanatic]], was probably not really sound of [[mind]]; that he had always [[appeared]] to be a [[strange]] and misunderstood [[person]].

177:4.4 And now, as never before, [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] found himself becoming strangely resentful that [[Jesus]] had never assigned him a position of greater [[honor]]. All along he had [[appreciated]] the [[honor]] of being the apostolic [[treasurer]], but now he began to [[feel]] that he was not appreciated; that his [[abilities]] were unrecognized. He was suddenly overcome with [[indignation]] that [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [[James, the Apostle|James]], and [[John, the Apostle|John]] should have been [[honored]] with [close [[association]] with [[Jesus]], and at this time, when he was on the way to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen_Gadol high priest]'s [[home]], he was bent on getting even with [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [[James, the Apostle|James]], and [[John, the Apostle|John]] more than he was concerned with any [[thought]] of [[betraying]] [[Jesus]]. But over and above all, just then, a new and [[dominating]] [[thought]] began to occupy the forefront of his [[conscious]] [[mind]]: He had set out to get [[honor]] for himself, and if this could be secured [[simultaneously]] with getting even with those who had contributed to the greatest [[disappointment]] of his life, all the better. He was seized with a terrible [[conspiracy]] of [[confusion]], [[pride]], desperation, and [[determination]]. And so it must be plain that it was not for [[money]] that [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] was then on his way to the [[home]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caiaphas Caiaphas] to arrange for the [[betrayal]] of [[Jesus]].

177:4.4 And now, as never before, [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] found himself becoming strangely resentful that [[Jesus]] had never assigned him a position of greater [[honor]]. All along he had [[appreciated]] the [[honor]] of being the apostolic [[treasurer]], but now he began to [[feel]] that he was not appreciated; that his [[abilities]] were unrecognized. He was suddenly overcome with [[indignation]] that [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [[James, the Apostle|James]], and [[John, the Apostle|John]] should have been [[honored]] with [close [[association]] with [[Jesus]], and at this time, when he was on the way to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen_Gadol high priest]'s [[home]], he was bent on getting even with [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [[James, the Apostle|James]], and [[John, the Apostle|John]] more than he was concerned with any [[thought]] of [[betraying]] [[Jesus]]. But over and above all, just then, a new and [[dominating]] [[thought]] began to occupy the forefront of his [[conscious]] [[mind]]: He had set out to get [[honor]] for himself, and if this could be secured [[simultaneously]] with getting even with those who had contributed to the greatest [[disappointment]] of his life, all the better. He was seized with a terrible [[conspiracy]] of [[confusion]], [[pride]], desperation, and [[determination]]. And so it must be plain that it was not for [[money]] that [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] was then on his way to the [[home]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caiaphas Caiaphas] to arrange for the [[betrayal]] of [[Jesus]].

177:4.5 As [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] approached the [[home]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caiaphas Caiaphas], he arrived at the final [[decision]] to abandon [[Jesus]] and his fellow [[apostles]]; and having thus made up his [[mind]] to [[Desertion|desert]] the [[cause]] of [[the kingdom]] of heaven, he was [[determined]] to [[secure]] for himself as much as possible of that [[honor]] and [[glory]] which he had [[thought]] would sometime be his when he first identified himself with [[Jesus]] and the new [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]]. All of [[the apostles]] once [[shared]] this [[ambition]] with [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]], but as time passed they [[learned]] to admire [[truth]] and to [[love]] [[Jesus]], at least more than did [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]].

177:4.5 As [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] approached the [[home]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caiaphas Caiaphas], he arrived at the final [[decision]] to abandon [[Jesus]] and his fellow [[apostles]]; and having thus made up his [[mind]] to [[Desertion|desert]] the [[cause]] of [[the kingdom]] of heaven, he was [[determined]] to [[secure]] for himself as much as possible of that [[honor]] and [[glory]] which he had [[thought]] would sometime be his when he first identified himself with [[Jesus]] and the new [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]]. All of [[the apostles]] once [[shared]] this [[ambition]] with [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]], but as time passed they [[learned]] to admire [[truth]] and to [[love]] [[Jesus]], at least more than did [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]].

177:4.6 The [[traitor]] was presented to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caiaphas Caiaphas] and the [[Jewish]] rulers by his cousin, who [[explained]] that [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]], having [[discovered]] his mistake in allowing himself to be misled by the [[subtle]] teaching of [[Jesus]], had arrived at the place where he [[wished]] to make [[public]] and [[formal]] [[renunciation]] of his [[association]] with the [[Galilean]] and at the [[same time]] to ask for reinstatement in the [[confidence]] and fellowship of his [[Judean]] brethren. This [[spokesman]] for [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] went on to [[explain]] that Judas [[recognized]] it would be best for the [[peace]] of [[Israel]] if [[Jesus]] should be taken into [[custody]], and that, as [[evidence]] of his [[sorrow]] in having [[participated]] in such a [[movement]] of [[error]] and as [[proof]] of his [[sincerity]] in now returning to the [[teachings]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses], he had come to offer himself to the [[Sanhedrin]] as one who could so arrange with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centurion captain] holding the orders for [[Jesus]]' [[arrest]] that he could be taken into [[custody]] [[quietly]], thus avoiding any [[danger]] of stirring up [[the multitude]]s or the [[necessity]] of postponing his [[arrest]] until after the [[Passover]].

177:4.6 The [[traitor]] was presented to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caiaphas Caiaphas] and the [[Jewish]] rulers by his cousin, who [[explained]] that [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]], having [[discovered]] his mistake in allowing himself to be misled by the [[subtle]] teaching of [[Jesus]], had arrived at the place where he [[wished]] to make [[public]] and [[formal]] [[renunciation]] of his [[association]] with the [[Galilean]] and at the [[same time]] to ask for reinstatement in the [[confidence]] and fellowship of his [[Judean]] brethren. This [[spokesman]] for [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] went on to [[explain]] that Judas [[recognized]] it would be best for the [[peace]] of [[Israel]] if [[Jesus]] should be taken into [[custody]], and that, as [[evidence]] of his [[sorrow]] in having [[participated]] in such a [[movement]] of [[error]] and as [[proof]] of his [[sincerity]] in now returning to the [[teachings]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses], he had come to offer himself to the [[Sanhedrin]] as one who could so arrange with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centurion captain] holding the orders for [[Jesus]]' [[arrest]] that he could be taken into [[custody]] [[quietly]], thus avoiding any [[danger]] of stirring up [[the multitude]]s or the [[necessity]] of postponing his [[arrest]] until after the [[Passover]].

177:4.7 When his cousin had finished [[speaking]], he presented [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]], who, stepping forward near the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen_Gadol high priest], said: " All that my cousin has [[promised]], I will do, but what are you willing to give me for this [[service]]? " [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] did not seem to [[discern]] the look of [[disdain]] and even [[disgust]] that came over the face of the hardhearted and vainglorious [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caiaphas Caiaphas]; his [[heart]] was too much set on [[self]]-[[glory]] and the craving for the [[satisfaction]] of [[self]]-[[exaltation]].

177:4.7 When his cousin had finished [[speaking]], he presented [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]], who, stepping forward near the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen_Gadol high priest], said: " All that my cousin has [[promised]], I will do, but what are you willing to give me for this [[service]]? " [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] did not seem to [[discern]] the look of [[disdain]] and even [[disgust]] that came over the face of the hardhearted and vainglorious [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caiaphas Caiaphas]; his [[heart]] was too much set on [[self]]-[[glory]] and the craving for the [[satisfaction]] of [[self]]-[[exaltation]].

177:4.8 And then Caiaphas looked down upon the betrayer while he said: " Judas, you go to the captain of the guard and arrange with that officer to bring your Master to us either tonight or tomorrow night, and when he has been delivered by you into our hands, you shall receive your reward for this service. " When Judas heard this, he went forth from the presence of the chief priests and rulers and took counsel with the captain of the temple guards as to the manner in which Jesus was to be apprehended. Judas knew that Jesus was then absent from the camp and had no idea when he would return that evening, and so they agreed among themselves to arrest Jesus the next evening (Thursday) after the people of Jerusalem and all of the visiting pilgrims had retired for the night.

177:4.8 And then [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caiaphas Caiaphas] looked down upon the [[betrayer]] while he said: " [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]], you go to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centurion captain of the guard] and arrange with that officer to bring your Master to us either tonight or tomorrow night, and when he has been delivered by you into our hands, you shall [[receive]] your reward for this [[service]]. " When [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] heard this, he went forth from the [[presence]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen_Gadol chief priests] and rulers and took [[counsel]] with the captain of the [[temple]] guards as to the [[manner]] in which [[Jesus]] was to be apprehended. [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] knew that [[Jesus]] was then absent from the camp and had no [[idea]] when he would return that evening, and so they [[agreed]] among themselves to [[arrest]] [[Jesus]] the next evening (Thursday) after [[the people]] of [[Jerusalem]] and all of the visiting [[pilgrims]] had retired for the night.

177:4.9 Judas returned to his associates at the camp intoxicated with thoughts of grandeur and glory such as he had not had for many a day. He had enlisted with Jesus hoping some day to become a great man in the new kingdom. He at last realized that there was to be no new kingdom such as he had anticipated. But he rejoiced in being so sagacious as to trade off his disappointment in failing to achieve glory in an anticipated new kingdom for the immediate realization of honor and reward in the old order, which he now believed would survive, and which he was certain would destroy Jesus and all that he stood for. In its last motive of conscious intention, Judas's betrayal of Jesus was the cowardly act of a selfish deserter whose only thought was his own safety and glorification, no matter what might be the results of his conduct upon his Master and upon his former associates.

177:4.9 [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] returned to his [[associates]] at the camp [[intoxicated]] with [[thoughts]] of grandeur and [[glory]] such as he had not had for many a day. He had enlisted with [[Jesus]] [[hoping]] some day to become a great man in [[the Kingdom|the new kingdom]]. He at last [[realized]] that there was to be no new kingdom such as he had [[anticipated]]. But he [[rejoiced]] in being so [[sagacious]] as to trade off his [[disappointment]] in [[failing]] to [[achieve]] [[glory]] in an [[anticipated]] new kingdom for the [[immediate]] [[realization]] of [[honor]] and reward in the old order, which he now believed would [[survive]], and which he was certain would destroy [[Jesus]] and all that he [[stood for]]. In its last [[motive]] of [[conscious]] [[intention]], [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]]'s [[betrayal]] of [[Jesus]] was the [[coward]]ly [[act]] of a [[selfish]] [[deserter]] whose only [[thought]] was his own [[safety]] and [[glorification]], no matter what might be the results of his conduct upon his Master and upon his former [[associates]].

177:4.10 But it was ever just that way. Judas had long been engaged in this deliberate, persistent, selfish, and vengeful consciousness of progressively building up in his mind, and entertaining in his heart, these hateful and evil desires of revenge and disloyalty. Jesus loved and trusted Judas even as he loved and trusted the other apostles, but Judas failed to develop loyal trust and to experience wholehearted love in return. And how dangerous ambition can become when it is once wholly wedded to self-seeking and supremely motivated by sullen and long-suppressed vengeance! What a crushing thing is disappointment in the lives of those foolish persons who, in fastening their gaze on the shadowy and evanescent allurements of time, become blinded to the higher and more real achievements of the everlasting attainments of the eternal worlds of divine values and true spiritual realities. Judas craved worldly honor in his mind and grew to love this desire with his whole heart; the other apostles likewise craved this same worldly honor in their minds, but with their hearts they loved Jesus and were doing their best to learn to love the truths which he taught them.

177:4.10 But it was ever just that way. [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] had long been [[engaged]] in this [[deliberate]], [[persistent]], [[selfish]], and [[vengeful]] [[consciousness]] of [[progressively]] building up in his [[mind]], and [[entertaining]] in his [[heart]], these [[hateful]] and [[evil]] [[desires]] of [[revenge]] and disloyalty. [[Jesus]] [[loved]] and [[trusted]] [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] even as he loved and trusted the other [[apostles]], but [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] [[failed]] to [[develop]] [[loyal]] [[trust]] and to [[experience]] wholehearted [[love]] in return. And how [[dangerous]] [[ambition]] can become when it is once wholly wedded to [[self]]-seeking and supremely [[motivated]] by sullen and long-suppressed [[vengeance]]! What a crushing thing is [[disappointment]] in the lives of those [[foolish]] [[persons]] who, in fastening their gaze on the [[shadowy]] and evanescent allurements of [[time]], become blinded to the higher and more [[real]] [[achievements]] of the everlasting [[attainments]] of the [[eternal]] worlds of [[divine]] [[values]] and true [[spiritual]] [[realities]]. [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] craved worldly [[honor]] in his [[mind]] and grew to [[love]] this [[desire]] with his whole [[heart]]; the other [[apostles]] likewise craved this same worldly [[honor]] in their [[minds]], but with their [[hearts]] they [[loved]] [[Jesus]] and were doing their best to [[learn]] to [[love]] the [[truths]] which he taught them.

177:4.11 Judas did not realize it at this time, but he had been a subconscious critic of Jesus ever since John the Baptist was beheaded by Herod. Deep down in his heart Judas always resented the fact that Jesus did not save John. You should not forget that Judas had been a disciple of John before he became a follower of Jesus. And all these accumulations of human resentment and bitter disappointment which Judas had laid by in his soul in habiliments of hate were now well organized in his subconscious mind and ready to spring up to engulf him when he once dared to separate himself from the supporting influence of his brethren while at the same time exposing himself to the clever insinuations and subtle ridicule of the enemies of Jesus. Every time Judas allowed his hopes to soar high and Jesus would do or say something to dash them to pieces, there was always left in Judas's heart a scar of bitter resentment; and as these scars multiplied, presently that heart, so often wounded, lost all real affection for the one who had inflicted this distasteful experience upon a well-intentioned but cowardly and self-centered personality. Judas did not realize it, but he was a coward. Accordingly was he always inclined to assign to Jesus cowardice as the motive which led him so often to refuse to grasp for power or glory when they were apparently within his easy reach. And every mortal man knows full well how love, even when once genuine, can, through disappointment, jealousy, and long-continued resentment, be eventually turned into actual hate.

177:4.11 [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] did not [[realize]] it at this time, but he had been a [[subconscious]] [[critic]] of [[Jesus]] ever since [[John the Baptist]] was beheaded by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod]. Deep down in his [[heart]] [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] always resented the [[fact]] that [[Jesus]] did not save [[John the Baptist|John]]. You should not forget that [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] had been a [[disciple]] of [[John the Baptist|John]] before he became a follower of [[Jesus]]. And all these accumulations of [[human]] resentment and bitter [[disappointment]] which [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] had laid by in his [[soul]] in habiliments of [[hate]] were now well [[organized]] in his [[subconscious]] [[mind]] and ready to spring up to engulf him when he once [[dared]] to separate himself from the [[supporting]] [[influence]] of his brethren while at the [[same time]] [[exposing]] himself to the [[clever]] insinuations and [[subtle]] [[ridicule]] of the [[enemies]] of [[Jesus]]. Every time [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] allowed his [[hopes]] to soar high and [[Jesus]] would do or say something to dash them to pieces, there was always left in [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]]'s [[heart]] a scar of bitter resentment; and as these scars multiplied, presently that [[heart]], so often wounded, lost all real [[affection]] for the one who had inflicted this distasteful [[experience]] upon a well-[[intentioned]] but [[cowardly]] and [[self]]-centered [[personality]]. [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] did not [[realize]] it, but he was a [[coward]]. Accordingly was he always inclined to assign to [[Jesus]] [[cowardice]] as the [[motive]] which led him so often to refuse to grasp for [[power]] or [[glory]] when they were apparently within his easy reach. And every [[mortal]] man knows full well how [[love]], even when once [[genuine]], can, through [[disappointment]], [[jealousy]], and long-continued resentment, be [[eventually]] turned into actual [[hate]].

177:4.12 At last the chief priests and elders could breathe easily for a few hours. They would not have to arrest Jesus in public, and the securing of Judas as a traitorous ally insured that Jesus would not escape from their jurisdiction as he had so many times in the past.

177:4.12 At last the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen_Gadol chief priests] and [[elders]] could [[breathe]] easily for a few hours. They would not have to [[arrest]] [[Jesus]] in [[public]], and the securing of [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] as a [[traitorous]] ally insured that [[Jesus]] would not [[escape]] from their [[jurisdiction]] as he had so many times in the [[past]].

==177:5. THE LAST SOCIAL HOUR==

==177:5. THE LAST SOCIAL HOUR==

177:5.1 Since it was Wednesday, this evening at the camp was a social hour. The Master endeavored to cheer his downcast apostles, but that was well-nigh impossible. They were all beginning to realize that disconcerting and crushing events were impending. They could not be cheerful, even when the Master recounted their years of eventful and loving association. Jesus made careful inquiry about the families of all of the apostles and, looking over toward David Zebedee, asked if anyone had heard recently from his mother, his youngest sister, or other members of his family. David looked down at his feet; he was afraid to answer.

177:5.1 Since it was Wednesday, this evening at the camp was a [[social]] hour. [[The Master]] endeavored to [[Encourage|cheer]] his [[downcast]] [[apostles]], but that was well-nigh impossible. They were all beginning to [[realize]] that disconcerting and crushing [[events]] were impending. They could not be cheerful, even when [[the Master]] recounted their years of [[eventful]] and loving [[association]]. [[Jesus]] made careful [[inquiry]] about the [[families]] of all of [[the apostles]] and, looking over toward [[David Zebedee]], asked if anyone had heard recently from his [[Mother Mary|mother]], his youngest sister, or other members of his [[family]]. [[David Zebedee|David]] looked down at his feet; he was [[afraid]] to answer.

177:5.2 This was the occasion of Jesus' warning his followers to beware of the support of the multitude. He recounted their experiences in Galilee when time and again great throngs of people enthusiastically followed them around and then just as ardently turned against them and returned to their former ways of believing and living. And then he said: " And so you must not allow yourselves to be deceived by the great crowds who heard us in the temple, and who seemed to believe our teachings. These multitudes listen to the truth and believe it superficially with their minds, but few of them permit the word of truth to strike down into the heart with living roots. Those who know the gospel only in the mind, and who have not experienced it in the heart, cannot be depended upon for support when real trouble comes. When the rulers of the Jews reach an agreement to destroy the Son of Man, and when they strike with one accord, you will see the multitude either flee in dismay or else stand by in silent amazement while these maddened and blinded rulers lead the teachers of the gospel truth to their death. And then, when adversity and persecution descend upon you, still others whom you think love the truth will be scattered, and some will renounce the gospel and desert you. Some who have been very close to us have already made up their minds to desert. You have rested today in preparation for those times which are now upon us. Watch, therefore, and pray that on the morrow you may be strengthened for the days that are just ahead. "

177:5.2 This was the occasion of [[Jesus]]' [[warning]] his followers to [[beware]] of the [[support]] of [[the multitude]]. He recounted their [[experiences]] in [[Galilee]] when time and again great throngs of people [[enthusiastically]] followed them around and then just as ardently turned against them and returned to their former ways of [[believing]] and living. And then he said: " And so you must not allow yourselves to be [[deceived]] by the great crowds who heard us in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple], and who seemed to [[believe]] our teachings. These multitudes [[listen]] to the [[truth]] and believe it superficially with their [[minds]], but few of them [[permit]] the [[word]] of [[truth]] to strike down into the [[heart]] with living [[roots]]. Those who know the [[gospel]] only in the [[mind]], and who have not [[experienced]] it in the [[heart]], cannot be depended upon for [[support]] when real [[trouble]] comes. When the rulers of the [[Jews]] reach an [[agreement]] to [[Murder|destroy]] the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man], and when they strike with one accord, you will see [[the multitude]] either flee in dismay or else stand by in [[silent]] [[amazement]] while these maddened and blinded rulers [[lead]] the [[teachers]] of the [[gospel]] [[truth]] to their [[death]]. And then, when [[adversity]] and [[persecution]] [[descend]] upon you, still others whom you [[think]] [[love]] the [[truth]] will be scattered, and some will [[renounce]] the [[gospel]] and [[Desertion|desert]] you. Some who have been very close to us have already made up their [[minds]] to [[Desertion|desert]]. You have [[rested]] today in [[preparation]] for those times which are now upon us. Watch, therefore, and [[pray]] that on the morrow you may be [[strengthened]] for the days that are just ahead."

177:5.3 The atmosphere of the camp was charged with an inexplicable tension. Silent messengers came and went, communicating with only David Zebedee. Before the evening had passed, certain ones knew that Lazarus had taken hasty flight from Bethany. John Mark was ominously silent after returning to camp, notwithstanding he had spent the whole day in the Master's company. Every effort to persuade him to talk only indicated clearly that Jesus had told him not to talk.

177:5.3 The [[atmosphere]] of the camp was [[charged]] with an inexplicable [[tension]]. [[Silent]] [[messengers]] came and went, [[communicating]] with only [[David Zebedee]]. Before the evening had passed, certain ones knew that [[Lazarus]] had taken hasty flight from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany]. [[John Mark]] was ominously [[silent]] after returning to camp, notwithstanding he had spent the whole day in [[the Master]]'s company. Every [[effort]] to [[persuade]] him to talk only indicated clearly that [[Jesus]] had told him not to [[talk]].

177:5.4 Even the Master's good cheer and his unusual sociability frightened them. They all felt the certain drawing upon them of the terrible isolation which they realized was about to descend with crashing suddenness and inescapable terror. They vaguely sensed what was coming, and none felt prepared to face the test. The Master had been away all day; they had missed him tremendously.

177:5.4 Even [[the Master]]'s [[good]] [[cheer]] and his unusual sociability [[frightened]] them. They all felt the [[certain]] drawing upon them of the terrible [[isolation]] which they [[realized]] was about to [[descend]] with crashing suddenness and inescapable [[terror]]. They vaguely sensed what was coming, and none felt [[prepared]] to face the test. [[The Master]] had been away all day; they had missed him tremendously.

177:5.5 This Wednesday evening was the low-tide mark of their spiritual status up to the actual hour of the Master's death. Although the next day was one more day nearer the tragic Friday, still, he was with them, and they passed through its anxious hours more gracefully.

177:5.5 This Wednesday evening was the low-[[tide]] mark of their [[spiritual]] [[status]] up to the [[actual]] hour of [[the Master]]'s [[death]][https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_187]. Although the next day was one more day nearer the [[tragic]] Friday, still, he was with them, and they passed through its [[anxious]] hours more [[gracefully]].

177:5.6 It was just before midnight when Jesus, knowing this would be the last night he would ever sleep through with his chosen family on earth, said, as he dispersed them for the night: " Go to your sleep, my brethren, and peace be upon you till we rise on the morrow, one more day to do the Father's will and experience the joy of knowing that we are his sons. "

177:5.6 It was just before midnight when [[Jesus]], knowing this would be the last night he would ever [[sleep]] through with his chosen [[family]] on [[earth]], said, as he [[dispersed]] them for the night: " Go to your [[sleep]], my brethren, and [[peace]] be upon you till we rise on the morrow, one more day to do [[the Father]]'s will and [[experience]] the [[joy]] of [[knowing]] that we are his sons. "

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

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