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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caiaphas Caiaphas] looked down upon the [[betrayer]] while he said: " [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]], you go to the [http://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 [http://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.

177:4.8 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 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]].

177:4.9 [[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 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.

177:4.10 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 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 [http://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]].

177:4.11 [[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 [http://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]].

177:4.12 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 [[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.

177:5.1 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 [http://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 [http://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."

177:5.2 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 [http://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]].

177:5.3 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]][http://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]].

177:5.5 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]]