Changes

==PAPER 186: JUST BEFORE THE CRUCIFIXION==

==PAPER 186: JUST BEFORE THE CRUCIFIXION==

186:0.1 As [[Jesus]] and his [[accusers]] started off to see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod], [[the Master]] turned to the [[John, the Apostle|Apostle John]] and said: " John, you can do no more for me. Go to my [[mother]] and bring her to see me ere I die. " When [[John, the Apostle|John]] heard his Master's request, although [[reluctant]] to leave him [[alone]] among his [[enemies]], he hastened off to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany], where the entire [[family]] of [[Jesus]] was assembled in waiting at the [[home]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha Martha] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_of_Bethany Mary], the sisters of [[Lazarus]] whom [[Jesus]] [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_168 raised from the dead].

186:0.1 As [[Jesus]] and his [[accusers]] started off to see [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod], [[the Master]] turned to the [[John, the Apostle|Apostle John]] and said: " John, you can do no more for me. Go to my [[mother]] and bring her to see me ere I die. " When [[John, the Apostle|John]] heard his Master's request, although [[reluctant]] to leave him [[alone]] among his [[enemies]], he hastened off to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany], where the entire [[family]] of [[Jesus]] was assembled in waiting at the [[home]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha Martha] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_of_Bethany Mary], the sisters of [[Lazarus]] whom [[Jesus]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_168 raised from the dead].

186:0.2 Several times during the [[morning]], [[messengers]] had brought news to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha Martha] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_of_Bethany Mary] concerning the [[progress]] of [[Jesus]]' [[trial]]. But the [[family]] of [[Jesus]] did not reach [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany] until just a few minutes before [[John, the Apostle|John]] arrived bearing the request of [[Jesus]] to see his [[mother]] before he was put to [[death]]. After [[John Zebedee]] had told them all that had happened since the midnight [[arrest]] of [[Jesus]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] his [[mother]] went at once in the company of [[John, the Apostle|John]] to see her eldest son. By the time [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] and [[John, the Apostle|John]] reached [[Jerusalem|the city]], [[Jesus]], accompanied by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_soldiers Roman soldiers] who were to [[crucify]] him, had already arrived at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvary Golgotha].

186:0.2 Several times during the [[morning]], [[messengers]] had brought news to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha Martha] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_of_Bethany Mary] concerning the [[progress]] of [[Jesus]]' [[trial]]. But the [[family]] of [[Jesus]] did not reach [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany] until just a few minutes before [[John, the Apostle|John]] arrived bearing the request of [[Jesus]] to see his [[mother]] before he was put to [[death]]. After [[John Zebedee]] had told them all that had happened since the midnight [[arrest]] of [[Jesus]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] his [[mother]] went at once in the company of [[John, the Apostle|John]] to see her eldest son. By the time [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] and [[John, the Apostle|John]] reached [[Jerusalem|the city]], [[Jesus]], accompanied by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_soldiers Roman soldiers] who were to [[crucify]] him, had already arrived at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvary Golgotha].

186:0.3 When [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary the mother of Jesus] started out with [[John, the Apostle|John]] to go to her son, his sister Ruth refused to remain behind with the rest of the [[family]]. Since she was [[determined]] to accompany her [[mother]], her [[brother]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] went with her. The rest of [[the Master]]'s [[family]] remained in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany] under the direction of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James], and almost every hour the [[messengers]] of [[David Zebedee]] brought them reports concerning the [[progress]] of that terrible business of [[Crucifixion|putting to death]] their eldest [[brother]], [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]].

186:0.3 When [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary the mother of Jesus] started out with [[John, the Apostle|John]] to go to her son, his sister Ruth refused to remain behind with the rest of the [[family]]. Since she was [[determined]] to accompany her [[mother]], her [[brother]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] went with her. The rest of [[the Master]]'s [[family]] remained in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany] under the direction of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James], and almost every hour the [[messengers]] of [[David Zebedee]] brought them reports concerning the [[progress]] of that terrible business of [[Crucifixion|putting to death]] their eldest [[brother]], [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]].

==186:1. THE END OF JUDAS ISCARIOT==

==186:1. THE END OF JUDAS ISCARIOT==

186:1.1 It was about half past eight o'clock this Friday [[morning]] when the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hearing_(law) hearing] of [[Jesus]] before [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilate Pilate] was ended and [[the Master]] was placed in the [[custody]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_soldiers Roman soldiers] who were to [[crucify]] him. As soon as the [[Romans]] took [[possession]] of [[Jesus]], the captain of the Jewish guards marched with his men back to their [[temple]] [[headquarters]]. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen_Gadol chief priest] and his [[Sanhedrist]] [[associates]] followed close behind the guards, going directly to their usual [[meeting]] place in the hall of hewn stone in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple]. Here they found many other [[members]] of the [[Sanhedrin]] waiting to [[learn]] what had been done with [[Jesus]]. As [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caiaphas Caiaphas] was [[engaged]] in making his report to the [[Sanhedrin]] regarding the [[trial]] and [[condemnation]] of [[Jesus]], [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] [[appeared]] before them to claim his [[reward]] for the part he had played in his Master's [[arrest]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentence_(law) sentence] of [[death]].

186:1.1 It was about half past eight o'clock this Friday [[morning]] when the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hearing_(law) hearing] of [[Jesus]] before [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilate Pilate] was ended and [[the Master]] was placed in the [[custody]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_soldiers Roman soldiers] who were to [[crucify]] him. As soon as the [[Romans]] took [[possession]] of [[Jesus]], the captain of the Jewish guards marched with his men back to their [[temple]] [[headquarters]]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen_Gadol chief priest] and his [[Sanhedrist]] [[associates]] followed close behind the guards, going directly to their usual [[meeting]] place in the hall of hewn stone in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple]. Here they found many other [[members]] of the [[Sanhedrin]] waiting to [[learn]] what had been done with [[Jesus]]. As [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caiaphas Caiaphas] was [[engaged]] in making his report to the [[Sanhedrin]] regarding the [[trial]] and [[condemnation]] of [[Jesus]], [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] [[appeared]] before them to claim his [[reward]] for the part he had played in his Master's [[arrest]] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentence_(law) sentence] of [[death]].

186:1.2 All of these [[Jews]] [[Contempt|loathed]] [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]]; they looked upon the [[betrayer]] with only [[feelings]] of utter [[contempt]]. Throughout the [[trial]] of [[Jesus]] before [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caiaphas Caiaphas] and during his [[appearance]] before [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilate Pilate], [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] was pricked in his [[conscience]] about his [[traitorous]] [[conduct]]. And he was also beginning to become somewhat [[disillusioned]] regarding the [[reward]] he was to [[receive]] as payment for his [[services]] as [[Jesus]]' [[betrayer]]. He did not like the coolness and aloofness of the [[Jewish]] [[authorities]]; nevertheless, he [[expected]] to be liberally rewarded for his [[cowardly]] [[conduct]]. He [[anticipated]] being called before the full meeting of the [[Sanhedrin]] and there hearing himself eulogized while they conferred upon him suitable [[honors]] in token of the great [[service]] which he [[flattered]] himself he had rendered his [[nation]]. [[Imagine]], therefore, the great [[surprise]] of this [[egotistic]] [[traitor]] when a [[servant]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen_Gadol high priest], tapping him on the shoulder, called him just outside the hall and said: " [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]], I have been [[appointed]] to pay you for the [[betrayal]] of [[Jesus]]. Here is your [[reward]]. " And thus [[speaking]], the [[servant]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caiaphas Caiaphas] handed [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] a bag containing thirty pieces of silver—the current price of a [[good]], healthy [[slave]].

186:1.2 All of these [[Jews]] [[Contempt|loathed]] [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]]; they looked upon the [[betrayer]] with only [[feelings]] of utter [[contempt]]. Throughout the [[trial]] of [[Jesus]] before [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caiaphas Caiaphas] and during his [[appearance]] before [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilate Pilate], [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] was pricked in his [[conscience]] about his [[traitorous]] [[conduct]]. And he was also beginning to become somewhat [[disillusioned]] regarding the [[reward]] he was to [[receive]] as payment for his [[services]] as [[Jesus]]' [[betrayer]]. He did not like the coolness and aloofness of the [[Jewish]] [[authorities]]; nevertheless, he [[expected]] to be liberally rewarded for his [[cowardly]] [[conduct]]. He [[anticipated]] being called before the full meeting of the [[Sanhedrin]] and there hearing himself eulogized while they conferred upon him suitable [[honors]] in token of the great [[service]] which he [[flattered]] himself he had rendered his [[nation]]. [[Imagine]], therefore, the great [[surprise]] of this [[egotistic]] [[traitor]] when a [[servant]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen_Gadol high priest], tapping him on the shoulder, called him just outside the hall and said: " [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]], I have been [[appointed]] to pay you for the [[betrayal]] of [[Jesus]]. Here is your [[reward]]. " And thus [[speaking]], the [[servant]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caiaphas Caiaphas] handed [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] a bag containing thirty pieces of silver—the current price of a [[good]], healthy [[slave]].

186:1.3 [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] was stunned, dumfounded. He rushed back to enter the hall but was debarred by the doorkeeper. He wanted to [[appeal]] to the [[Sanhedrin]], but they would not admit him. [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] could not [[believe]] that these rulers of the [[Jews]] would allow him to [[betray]] his [[friends]] and his [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_(form_of_address) Master] and then offer him as a [[reward]] thirty pieces of silver. He was [[humiliated]], [[disillusioned]], and utterly crushed. He walked away from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple], as it were, in a [[trance]]. He [[automatically]] dropped the money bag in his deep pocket, that same pocket wherein he had so long carried the bag containing the [[Apostles|apostolic]] [[funds]]. And he wandered out through the [[city]] after the crowds who were on their way to [[witness]] the [[crucifixion]]s.

186:1.3 [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] was stunned, dumfounded. He rushed back to enter the hall but was debarred by the doorkeeper. He wanted to [[appeal]] to the [[Sanhedrin]], but they would not admit him. [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] could not [[believe]] that these rulers of the [[Jews]] would allow him to [[betray]] his [[friends]] and his [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_(form_of_address) Master] and then offer him as a [[reward]] thirty pieces of silver. He was [[humiliated]], [[disillusioned]], and utterly crushed. He walked away from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple], as it were, in a [[trance]]. He [[automatically]] dropped the money bag in his deep pocket, that same pocket wherein he had so long carried the bag containing the [[Apostles|apostolic]] [[funds]]. And he wandered out through the [[city]] after the crowds who were on their way to [[witness]] the [[crucifixion]]s.

186:1.4 From a distance [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] saw them raise the cross piece with [[Jesus]] nailed thereon, and upon [[sight]] of this he rushed back to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple] and, forcing his way past the doorkeeper, found himself standing in the [[presence]] of the [[Sanhedrin]], which was still in session. The [[betrayer]] was well-nigh breathless and highly distraught, but he managed to stammer out these [[words]]: " I have [[sinned]] in that I have [[betrayed]] [[innocent]] [[blood]]. You have insulted me. You have offered me as a [[reward]] for my [[service]], [[money]]—the price of a [[slave]]. I [[repent]] that I have done this; here is your [[money]]. I want to [[escape]] the [[guilt]] of this [[deed]]. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_27]

186:1.4 From a distance [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] saw them raise the cross piece with [[Jesus]] nailed thereon, and upon [[sight]] of this he rushed back to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple] and, forcing his way past the doorkeeper, found himself standing in the [[presence]] of the [[Sanhedrin]], which was still in session. The [[betrayer]] was well-nigh breathless and highly distraught, but he managed to stammer out these [[words]]: " I have [[sinned]] in that I have [[betrayed]] [[innocent]] [[blood]]. You have insulted me. You have offered me as a [[reward]] for my [[service]], [[money]]—the price of a [[slave]]. I [[repent]] that I have done this; here is your [[money]]. I want to [[escape]] the [[guilt]] of this [[deed]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_27]

186:1.5 When the rulers of the [[Jews]] heard [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]], they scoffed at him. One of them sitting near where [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] stood, motioned that he should leave the hall and said: " Your Master has already been put to [[death]] by the [[Romans]], and as for your [[guilt]], what is that to us? See you to that—and begone! "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_27]

186:1.5 When the rulers of the [[Jews]] heard [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]], they scoffed at him. One of them sitting near where [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] stood, motioned that he should leave the hall and said: " Your Master has already been put to [[death]] by the [[Romans]], and as for your [[guilt]], what is that to us? See you to that—and begone! "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_27]

186:1.6 As [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] left the [[Sanhedrin]] chamber, he removed the thirty pieces of silver from the bag and threw them broadcast over [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple] floor. When the [[betrayer]] left the [[temple]], he was almost beside himself. [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] was now passing through the [[experience]] of the [[realization]] of the true [[nature]] of [[sin]]. All the glamor, [[fascination]], and [[intoxication]] of wrongdoing had vanished. Now the evildoer stood [[alone]] and [[face]] to face with the [[judgment]] [[verdict]] of his [[disillusioned]] and [[disappointed]] [[soul]]. [[Sin]] was bewitching and [[adventurous]] in the committing, but now must the [[harvest]] of the [[naked]] and unromantic [[facts]] be faced.

186:1.6 As [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] left the [[Sanhedrin]] chamber, he removed the thirty pieces of silver from the bag and threw them broadcast over [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple] floor. When the [[betrayer]] left the [[temple]], he was almost beside himself. [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] was now passing through the [[experience]] of the [[realization]] of the true [[nature]] of [[sin]]. All the glamor, [[fascination]], and [[intoxication]] of wrongdoing had vanished. Now the evildoer stood [[alone]] and [[face]] to face with the [[judgment]] [[verdict]] of his [[disillusioned]] and [[disappointed]] [[soul]]. [[Sin]] was bewitching and [[adventurous]] in the committing, but now must the [[harvest]] of the [[naked]] and unromantic [[facts]] be faced.

186:1.7 This onetime [[ambassador]] of [[the kingdom]] of heaven on [[earth]] now walked through the streets of [[Jerusalem]], [[forsaken]] and [[alone]]. His [[despair]] was desperate and well-nigh [[absolute]]. On he [[journeyed]] through the [[city]] and outside the walls, on down into the terrible [[solitude]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gehenna valley of Hinnom], where he climbed up the steep rocks and, taking the girdle of his cloak, fastened one end to a small tree, tied the other about his neck, and cast himself over the precipice. Ere he was [[dead]], the knot which his nervous hands had tied gave way, and the [[betrayer]]'s [[body]] was dashed to pieces as it fell on the jagged rocks below.[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Acts_of_the_Apostles#Acts.1]

186:1.7 This onetime [[ambassador]] of [[the kingdom]] of heaven on [[earth]] now walked through the streets of [[Jerusalem]], [[forsaken]] and [[alone]]. His [[despair]] was desperate and well-nigh [[absolute]]. On he [[journeyed]] through the [[city]] and outside the walls, on down into the terrible [[solitude]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gehenna valley of Hinnom], where he climbed up the steep rocks and, taking the girdle of his cloak, fastened one end to a small tree, tied the other about his neck, and cast himself over the precipice. Ere he was [[dead]], the knot which his nervous hands had tied gave way, and the [[betrayer]]'s [[body]] was dashed to pieces as it fell on the jagged rocks below.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Acts_of_the_Apostles#Acts.1]

==186:2. THE MASTER'S ATTITUDE==

==186:2. THE MASTER'S ATTITUDE==

186:2.1 When [[Jesus]] was [[arrested]], he knew that his [[work]] on [[earth]], in the likeness of [[mortal]] [[flesh]], was finished. He fully [[understood]] the sort of [[death]] he would die, and he was little concerned with the details of his so-called [[trials]].

186:2.1 When [[Jesus]] was [[arrested]], he knew that his [[work]] on [[earth]], in the likeness of [[mortal]] [[flesh]], was finished. He fully [[understood]] the sort of [[death]] he would die, and he was little concerned with the details of his so-called [[trials]].

186:2.2 Before the [[Sanhedrist]] [[court]] [[Jesus]] declined to make replies to the [[testimony]] of [[perjured]] [[witnesses]]. There was but one [[question]] which would always elicit an answer, whether asked by [[friend]] or [[foe]], and that was the one concerning the [[nature]] and [[divinity]] of his [[mission]] on [[earth]]. When asked if he were the [[Creator Son|Son of God]], he unfailingly made reply. He [[steadfastly]] refused to [[speak]] when in the [[presence]] of the [[curious]] and [[wicked]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod]. Before [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilate Pilate] he [[spoke]] only when he [[thought]] that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilate Pilate] or some other [[sincere]] [[person]] might be helped to a better [[knowledge]] of the [[truth]] by what he said. [[Jesus]] had taught his [[apostles]] the uselessness of casting their pearls before swine, and he now [[dared]] to [[practice]] what he had taught. His [[conduct]] at this time [[Demonstration|exemplified]] the patient submission of the [[human]] [[nature]] coupled with the [[majestic]] [[silence]] and [[solemn]] [[dignity]] of the [[divine]] [[nature]]. He was altogether willing to [[discuss]] with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilate Pilate] any [[question]] related to the [[political]] charges brought against him—any [[question]] which he [[recognized]] as belonging to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_governor governor]'s [[jurisdiction]].

186:2.2 Before the [[Sanhedrist]] [[court]] [[Jesus]] declined to make replies to the [[testimony]] of [[perjured]] [[witnesses]]. There was but one [[question]] which would always elicit an answer, whether asked by [[friend]] or [[foe]], and that was the one concerning the [[nature]] and [[divinity]] of his [[mission]] on [[earth]]. When asked if he were the [[Creator Son|Son of God]], he unfailingly made reply. He [[steadfastly]] refused to [[speak]] when in the [[presence]] of the [[curious]] and [[wicked]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod]. Before [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilate Pilate] he [[spoke]] only when he [[thought]] that [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilate Pilate] or some other [[sincere]] [[person]] might be helped to a better [[knowledge]] of the [[truth]] by what he said. [[Jesus]] had taught his [[apostles]] the uselessness of casting their pearls before swine, and he now [[dared]] to [[practice]] what he had taught. His [[conduct]] at this time [[Demonstration|exemplified]] the patient submission of the [[human]] [[nature]] coupled with the [[majestic]] [[silence]] and [[solemn]] [[dignity]] of the [[divine]] [[nature]]. He was altogether willing to [[discuss]] with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilate Pilate] any [[question]] related to the [[political]] charges brought against him—any [[question]] which he [[recognized]] as belonging to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_governor governor]'s [[jurisdiction]].

186:2.3 [[Jesus]] was convinced that it was the will of [[the Father]] that he submit himself to the [[natural]] and ordinary [[course]] of [[human]] [[events]] just as every other [[mortal]] [[creature]] must, and therefore he refused to employ even his [[purely]] [[human]] [[powers]] of [[persuasive]] [[eloquence]] to [[influence]] the outcome of the [[machinations]] of his socially nearsighted and [[spiritually]] blinded fellow [[mortals]]. Although [[Jesus]] lived and died on [[Urantia]], his whole [[human]] [[career]], from first to last, was a [[spectacle]] [[designed]] to [[influence]] and instruct the entire [[universe]] of [[Nebadon|his creation]] and unceasing upholding.

186:2.3 [[Jesus]] was convinced that it was the will of [[the Father]] that he submit himself to the [[natural]] and ordinary [[course]] of [[human]] [[events]] just as every other [[mortal]] [[creature]] must, and therefore he refused to employ even his [[purely]] [[human]] [[powers]] of [[persuasive]] [[eloquence]] to [[influence]] the outcome of the [[machinations]] of his socially nearsighted and [[spiritually]] blinded fellow [[mortals]]. Although [[Jesus]] lived and died on [[Urantia]], his whole [[human]] [[career]], from first to last, was a [[spectacle]] [[designed]] to [[influence]] and instruct the entire [[universe]] of [[Nebadon|his creation]] and unceasing upholding.

186:2.4 These shortsighted [[Jews]] clamored unseemlily for [[the Master]]'s [[death]] while he stood there in awful [[silence]] looking upon the [[death]] scene of a [[nation]]—his [[earthly]] [[father]]'s own people.

186:2.4 These shortsighted [[Jews]] clamored unseemlily for [[the Master]]'s [[death]] while he stood there in awful [[silence]] looking upon the [[death]] scene of a [[nation]]—his [[earthly]] [[father]]'s own people.

186:2.5 [[Jesus]] had acquired that [[type]] of [[human]] [[character]] which could preserve its [[composure]] and [[assert]] its [[dignity]] in the [[face]] of continued and gratuitous [[insult]]. He could not be [[intimidated]]. When first [[assaulted]] by the [[servant]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annas Annas], he had only suggested the propriety of calling [[witnesses]] who might duly [[testify]] against him.

186:2.5 [[Jesus]] had acquired that [[type]] of [[human]] [[character]] which could preserve its [[composure]] and [[assert]] its [[dignity]] in the [[face]] of continued and gratuitous [[insult]]. He could not be [[intimidated]]. When first [[assaulted]] by the [[servant]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annas Annas], he had only suggested the propriety of calling [[witnesses]] who might duly [[testify]] against him.

186:2.6 From first to last, in his so-called [[trial]] before [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilate Pilate], the onlooking [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_39 celestial hosts] could not refrain from broadcasting to the [[universe]] the depiction of the scene of " [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pialte Pilate] on [[trial]] before [[Jesus]]. "

186:2.6 From first to last, in his so-called [[trial]] before [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilate Pilate], the onlooking [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_39 celestial hosts] could not refrain from broadcasting to the [[universe]] the depiction of the scene of " [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pialte Pilate] on [[trial]] before [[Jesus]]. "

186:2.7 When before [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caiaphas Caiaphas], and when all the [[perjured]] [[testimony]] had broken down, [[Jesus]] did not [[hesitate]] to answer the [[question]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen_Gadol chief priest], thereby providing in his own [[testimony]] that which they [[desired]] as a basis for [[convicting]] him of [[blasphemy]].

186:2.7 When before [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caiaphas Caiaphas], and when all the [[perjured]] [[testimony]] had broken down, [[Jesus]] did not [[hesitate]] to answer the [[question]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen_Gadol chief priest], thereby providing in his own [[testimony]] that which they [[desired]] as a basis for [[convicting]] him of [[blasphemy]].

186:2.8 [[The Master]] never displayed the least interest in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilate Pilate]'s well-meant but halfhearted [[efforts]] to [[effect]] his [[Liberty|release]]. He really [[pitied]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilate Pilate] and [[sincerely]] endeavored to [[enlighten]] his [[darkened]] [[mind]]. He was wholly [[passive]] to all the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_governor Roman governor]'s [[appeals]] to the [[Jews]] to withdraw their [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminal_charge criminal charges] against him. Throughout the whole sorrowful [[ordeal]] he bore himself with [[simple]] [[dignity]] and unostentatious [[majesty]]. He would not so much as cast [[reflections]] of insincerity upon his would-be [[murderers]] when they asked if he were " [[king]] of the [[Jews]]. " With but little qualifying [[explanation]] he accepted the designation, knowing that, while they had [[chosen]] to [[reject]] him, he would be the last to afford them real [[national]] [[leadership]], even in a [[spiritual]] sense.

186:2.8 [[The Master]] never displayed the least interest in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilate Pilate]'s well-meant but halfhearted [[efforts]] to [[effect]] his [[Liberty|release]]. He really [[pitied]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilate Pilate] and [[sincerely]] endeavored to [[enlighten]] his [[darkened]] [[mind]]. He was wholly [[passive]] to all the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_governor Roman governor]'s [[appeals]] to the [[Jews]] to withdraw their [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminal_charge criminal charges] against him. Throughout the whole sorrowful [[ordeal]] he bore himself with [[simple]] [[dignity]] and unostentatious [[majesty]]. He would not so much as cast [[reflections]] of insincerity upon his would-be [[murderers]] when they asked if he were " [[king]] of the [[Jews]]. " With but little qualifying [[explanation]] he accepted the designation, knowing that, while they had [[chosen]] to [[reject]] him, he would be the last to afford them real [[national]] [[leadership]], even in a [[spiritual]] sense.

186:2.9 [[Jesus]] said little during these [[trials]], but he said enough to show all [[mortals]] the kind of [[human]] [[character]] man can [[perfect]] in [[partnership]] with [[God]] and to [[reveal]] to all the [[universe]] the [[manner]] in which [[God]] can become [[manifest]] in the life of the [[creature]] when such a [[creature]] truly chooses to [[do the will of the Father]], thus becoming an [[active]] [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:6._THE_FAITH_SONS_OF_GOD son of the living God].

186:2.9 [[Jesus]] said little during these [[trials]], but he said enough to show all [[mortals]] the kind of [[human]] [[character]] man can [[perfect]] in [[partnership]] with [[God]] and to [[reveal]] to all the [[universe]] the [[manner]] in which [[God]] can become [[manifest]] in the life of the [[creature]] when such a [[creature]] truly chooses to [[do the will of the Father]], thus becoming an [[active]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:6._THE_FAITH_SONS_OF_GOD son of the living God].

186:2.10 His [[love]] for [[ignorant]] [[mortals]] is fully disclosed by his [[patience]] and great [[self]]-[[possession]] in the face of the jeers, blows, and buffetings of the coarse [[soldiers]] and the unthinking [[servants]]. He was not even [[angry]] when they blindfolded him and, derisively striking him in the [[face]], exclaimed: " [[Prophesy]] to us who it was that struck you. "

186:2.10 His [[love]] for [[ignorant]] [[mortals]] is fully disclosed by his [[patience]] and great [[self]]-[[possession]] in the face of the jeers, blows, and buffetings of the coarse [[soldiers]] and the unthinking [[servants]]. He was not even [[angry]] when they blindfolded him and, derisively striking him in the [[face]], exclaimed: " [[Prophesy]] to us who it was that struck you. "

186:2.11 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilate Pilate] [[spoke]] more truly than he knew when, after [[Jesus]] had been [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scourge scourged], he presented him before [[the multitude]], exclaiming, " Behold the man! " Indeed, the [[fear]]-ridden [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_governor Roman governor] little [[dreamed]] that at just that [[moment]] the [[universe]] stood at [[attention]], gazing upon this [[unique]] scene of its beloved [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21#21:3._LOCAL_UNIVERSE_SOVEREIGNTY Sovereign] thus subjected in [[humiliation]] to the taunts and blows of his [[darkened]] and degraded [[mortal]] subjects. And as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilate Pilate] [[spoke]], there [[echoed]] throughout all [[Nebadon]], " Behold [[God]] and [[man]]! " Throughout a [[universe]], untold millions have ever since that day continued to behold that man, while the [[God]] of [[Havona]], the [[supreme]] ruler of the [[universe of universes]], [[accepts]] the man of [[Nazareth]] as the [[satisfaction]] of the [[ideal]] of the [[mortal]] [[creatures]] of this [[local universe]] of [[time and space]]. In his matchless life he never [[failed]] to [[reveal]] [[God]] to man. Now, in these final [[episodes]] of his [[mortal]] [[career]] and in his subsequent [[death]], he made a new and [[touching]] [[revelation]] of man to God.

186:2.11 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilate Pilate] [[spoke]] more truly than he knew when, after [[Jesus]] had been [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scourge scourged], he presented him before [[the multitude]], exclaiming, " Behold the man! " Indeed, the [[fear]]-ridden [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_governor Roman governor] little [[dreamed]] that at just that [[moment]] the [[universe]] stood at [[attention]], gazing upon this [[unique]] scene of its beloved [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21#21:3._LOCAL_UNIVERSE_SOVEREIGNTY Sovereign] thus subjected in [[humiliation]] to the taunts and blows of his [[darkened]] and degraded [[mortal]] subjects. And as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilate Pilate] [[spoke]], there [[echoed]] throughout all [[Nebadon]], " Behold [[God]] and [[man]]! " Throughout a [[universe]], untold millions have ever since that day continued to behold that man, while the [[God]] of [[Havona]], the [[supreme]] ruler of the [[universe of universes]], [[accepts]] the man of [[Nazareth]] as the [[satisfaction]] of the [[ideal]] of the [[mortal]] [[creatures]] of this [[local universe]] of [[time and space]]. In his matchless life he never [[failed]] to [[reveal]] [[God]] to man. Now, in these final [[episodes]] of his [[mortal]] [[career]] and in his subsequent [[death]], he made a new and [[touching]] [[revelation]] of man to God.

==186:3. THE DEPENDABLE DAVID ZEBEDEE==

==186:3. THE DEPENDABLE DAVID ZEBEDEE==

186:3.1 Shortly after [[Jesus]] was turned over to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_soldiers Roman soldiers] at the conclusion of the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_185 hearing before Pilate], a detachment of the temple guards hastened out to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gethsemane Gethsemane] to disperse or [[arrest]] the followers of [[the Master]]. But long before their arrival these followers had scattered. [[The apostles]] had retired to designated hiding places; the [[Greeks]] had separated and gone to various [[homes]] in [[Jerusalem]]; the other [[disciples]] had likewise disappeared. [[David Zebedee]] [[believed]] that [[Jesus]]' [[enemies]] would return; so he early removed some five or six tents up the ravine near where [[the Master]] so often retired to [[pray]] and [[worship]]. Here he [[proposed]] to hide and at the same time maintain a [[center]], or [[co-ordinating]] station, for his [[messenger]] [[service]]. [[David Zebedee|David]] had hardly left the camp when the temple guards arrived. Finding no one there, they contented themselves with burning the camp and then hastened back to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple]. On hearing their report, the [[Sanhedrin]] was [[satisfied]] that the followers of [[Jesus]] were so thoroughly [[frightened]] and subdued that there would be no [[danger]] of an uprising or any attempt to [[rescue]] [[Jesus]] from the hands of his executioners. They were at last able to [[breathe]] easily, and so they [[adjourned]], every man going his way to [[prepare]] for the [[Passover]].

186:3.1 Shortly after [[Jesus]] was turned over to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_soldiers Roman soldiers] at the conclusion of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_185 hearing before Pilate], a detachment of the temple guards hastened out to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gethsemane Gethsemane] to disperse or [[arrest]] the followers of [[the Master]]. But long before their arrival these followers had scattered. [[The apostles]] had retired to designated hiding places; the [[Greeks]] had separated and gone to various [[homes]] in [[Jerusalem]]; the other [[disciples]] had likewise disappeared. [[David Zebedee]] [[believed]] that [[Jesus]]' [[enemies]] would return; so he early removed some five or six tents up the ravine near where [[the Master]] so often retired to [[pray]] and [[worship]]. Here he [[proposed]] to hide and at the same time maintain a [[center]], or [[co-ordinating]] station, for his [[messenger]] [[service]]. [[David Zebedee|David]] had hardly left the camp when the temple guards arrived. Finding no one there, they contented themselves with burning the camp and then hastened back to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple]. On hearing their report, the [[Sanhedrin]] was [[satisfied]] that the followers of [[Jesus]] were so thoroughly [[frightened]] and subdued that there would be no [[danger]] of an uprising or any attempt to [[rescue]] [[Jesus]] from the hands of his executioners. They were at last able to [[breathe]] easily, and so they [[adjourned]], every man going his way to [[prepare]] for the [[Passover]].

186:3.2 As soon as [[Jesus]] was turned over to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_soldiers Roman soldiers] by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilate Pilate] for [[crucifixion]], a [[messenger]] hastened away to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gethsemane Gethsemane] to inform [[David Zebedee|David]], and within five minutes runners were on their way to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan Pella], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amman Philadelphia], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidon Sidon], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shechem Shechem], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebron Hebron], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damascus Damascus], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria]. And these [[messengers]] carried the news that [[Jesus]] was about to be [[crucified]] by the [[Romans]] at the insistent behest of the [[Sanhedrin|rulers]] of the [[Jews]].

186:3.2 As soon as [[Jesus]] was turned over to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_soldiers Roman soldiers] by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilate Pilate] for [[crucifixion]], a [[messenger]] hastened away to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gethsemane Gethsemane] to inform [[David Zebedee|David]], and within five minutes runners were on their way to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan Pella], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amman Philadelphia], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidon Sidon], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shechem Shechem], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebron Hebron], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damascus Damascus], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria]. And these [[messengers]] carried the news that [[Jesus]] was about to be [[crucified]] by the [[Romans]] at the insistent behest of the [[Sanhedrin|rulers]] of the [[Jews]].

186:3.3 Throughout this [[tragic]] day, until the [[message]] finally went forth that [[the Master]] had been laid in the [[tomb]], [[David Zebedee|David]] sent [[messengers]] about every half hour with reports to [[the apostles]], the [[Greeks]], and [[Jesus]]' [[earthly]] [[family]], assembled at the [[home]] of [[Lazarus]] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany]. When the [[messengers]] departed with the [[word]] that [[Jesus]] had been [[buried]], [[David Zebedee|David]] dismissed his corps of local runners for the [[Passover]] [[celebration]] and for the coming [[Sabbath]] of [[rest]], instructing them to report to him [[quietly]] on Sunday morning at the [[home]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicodemus Nicodemus], where he [[proposed]] to go in hiding for a few days with [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] and [[Simon Peter]].

186:3.3 Throughout this [[tragic]] day, until the [[message]] finally went forth that [[the Master]] had been laid in the [[tomb]], [[David Zebedee|David]] sent [[messengers]] about every half hour with reports to [[the apostles]], the [[Greeks]], and [[Jesus]]' [[earthly]] [[family]], assembled at the [[home]] of [[Lazarus]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany]. When the [[messengers]] departed with the [[word]] that [[Jesus]] had been [[buried]], [[David Zebedee|David]] dismissed his corps of local runners for the [[Passover]] [[celebration]] and for the coming [[Sabbath]] of [[rest]], instructing them to report to him [[quietly]] on Sunday morning at the [[home]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicodemus Nicodemus], where he [[proposed]] to go in hiding for a few days with [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] and [[Simon Peter]].

186:3.4 This peculiar-minded [[David Zebedee]] was the only one of the [[leading]] [[disciples]] of [[Jesus]] who was inclined to take a [[literal]] and plain matter-of-[[fact]] view of [[the Master]]'s [[assertion]] that he would die and " rise again on the third day. " [[David Zebedee|David]] had once heard him make this [[prediction]] and, being of a [[literal]] turn of [[mind]], now [[proposed]] to assemble his [[messengers]] early Sunday morning at the [[home]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicodemus Nicodemus] so that they would be on hand to spread the news in case [[Jesus]] [[Resurrection|rose]] from the [[dead]]. [[David Zebedee|David]] soon [[discovered]] that none of [[Jesus]]' followers were looking for him to return so soon from the [[grave]]; therefore did he say little about his [[belief]] and nothing about the mobilization of all his [[messenger]] force on early Sunday morning except to the runners who had been dispatched on Friday forenoon to distant [[cities]] and [[believer]] [[centers]].

186:3.4 This peculiar-minded [[David Zebedee]] was the only one of the [[leading]] [[disciples]] of [[Jesus]] who was inclined to take a [[literal]] and plain matter-of-[[fact]] view of [[the Master]]'s [[assertion]] that he would die and " rise again on the third day. " [[David Zebedee|David]] had once heard him make this [[prediction]] and, being of a [[literal]] turn of [[mind]], now [[proposed]] to assemble his [[messengers]] early Sunday morning at the [[home]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicodemus Nicodemus] so that they would be on hand to spread the news in case [[Jesus]] [[Resurrection|rose]] from the [[dead]]. [[David Zebedee|David]] soon [[discovered]] that none of [[Jesus]]' followers were looking for him to return so soon from the [[grave]]; therefore did he say little about his [[belief]] and nothing about the mobilization of all his [[messenger]] force on early Sunday morning except to the runners who had been dispatched on Friday forenoon to distant [[cities]] and [[believer]] [[centers]].

186:3.5 And so these followers of [[Jesus]], scattered throughout [[Jerusalem]] and its environs, that night partook of the [[Passover]] and the following day remained in [[seclusion]].

186:3.5 And so these followers of [[Jesus]], scattered throughout [[Jerusalem]] and its environs, that night partook of the [[Passover]] and the following day remained in [[seclusion]].

==186:4. PREPARATION FOR THE CRUCIFIXION==

==186:4. PREPARATION FOR THE CRUCIFIXION==

186:4.1 After [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilate Pilate] had washed his hands before [[the multitude]], thus seeking to [[escape]] the [[guilt]] of delivering up an [[innocent]] man to be [[crucified]] just because he [[feared]] to resist the clamor of the [[Sanhedrin|rulers of the Jews]], he ordered [[the Master]] turned over to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_soldiers Roman soldiers] and gave the [[word]] to their captain that he was to be [[crucified]] [[immediately]]. Upon taking charge of [[Jesus]], the [[soldiers]] led him back into the [[courtyard]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Praetorium praetorium], and after removing the robe which [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod] had put on him, they dressed him in his own [[garments]]. These [[soldiers]] mocked and derided him, but they did not inflict further [[physical]] [[Abuse|punishment]]. [[Jesus]] was now [[alone]] with these [[Roman]] [[soldiers]]. His [[friends]] were in [[hiding]]; his [[enemies]] had gone their way; even [[John Zebedee]] was no longer by his side.

186:4.1 After [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilate Pilate] had washed his hands before [[the multitude]], thus seeking to [[escape]] the [[guilt]] of delivering up an [[innocent]] man to be [[crucified]] just because he [[feared]] to resist the clamor of the [[Sanhedrin|rulers of the Jews]], he ordered [[the Master]] turned over to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_soldiers Roman soldiers] and gave the [[word]] to their captain that he was to be [[crucified]] [[immediately]]. Upon taking charge of [[Jesus]], the [[soldiers]] led him back into the [[courtyard]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Praetorium praetorium], and after removing the robe which [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod] had put on him, they dressed him in his own [[garments]]. These [[soldiers]] mocked and derided him, but they did not inflict further [[physical]] [[Abuse|punishment]]. [[Jesus]] was now [[alone]] with these [[Roman]] [[soldiers]]. His [[friends]] were in [[hiding]]; his [[enemies]] had gone their way; even [[John Zebedee]] was no longer by his side.

186:4.2 It was a little after eight o'clock when [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilate Pilate] turned [[Jesus]] over to the [[soldiers]] and a little before nine o'clock when they started for the scene of the [[crucifixion]]. During this period of more than half an hour [[Jesus]] never spoke a [[word]]. The [[executive]] [[business]] of a [[Nebadon|great universe]] was practically at a standstill. [[Gabriel]] and the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_33 chief rulers] of [[Nebadon]] were either assembled here on [[Urantia]], or else they were closely attending upon the [[Reflectivity|space reports]] of the [[archangels]] in an [[effort]] to keep advised as to what was happening to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] on [[Urantia]].

186:4.2 It was a little after eight o'clock when [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilate Pilate] turned [[Jesus]] over to the [[soldiers]] and a little before nine o'clock when they started for the scene of the [[crucifixion]]. During this period of more than half an hour [[Jesus]] never spoke a [[word]]. The [[executive]] [[business]] of a [[Nebadon|great universe]] was practically at a standstill. [[Gabriel]] and the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_33 chief rulers] of [[Nebadon]] were either assembled here on [[Urantia]], or else they were closely attending upon the [[Reflectivity|space reports]] of the [[archangels]] in an [[effort]] to keep advised as to what was happening to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] on [[Urantia]].

186:4.3 By the time the [[soldiers]] were ready to depart with [[Jesus]] for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvary Golgotha], they had begun to be impressed by his unusual [[composure]] and extraordinary [[dignity]], by his uncomplaining [[silence]].

186:4.3 By the time the [[soldiers]] were ready to depart with [[Jesus]] for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvary Golgotha], they had begun to be impressed by his unusual [[composure]] and extraordinary [[dignity]], by his uncomplaining [[silence]].

186:4.4 Much of the [[delay]] in starting off with [[Jesus]] for the site of the [[crucifixion]] was due to the last-minute [[decision]] of the captain to take along two thieves who had been [[condemned]] to die; since [[Jesus]] was to be [[crucified]] that [[morning]], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_centurion Roman captain] thought these two might just as well die with him as wait for the end of the [[Passover]] festivities.

186:4.4 Much of the [[delay]] in starting off with [[Jesus]] for the site of the [[crucifixion]] was due to the last-minute [[decision]] of the captain to take along two thieves who had been [[condemned]] to die; since [[Jesus]] was to be [[crucified]] that [[morning]], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_centurion Roman captain] thought these two might just as well die with him as wait for the end of the [[Passover]] festivities.

186:4.5 As soon as the thieves could be made ready, they were led into the [[courtyard]], where they gazed upon [[Jesus]], one of them for the first time, but the other had often heard him [[speak]], both in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple] and many months before at the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan Pella] camp.

186:4.5 As soon as the thieves could be made ready, they were led into the [[courtyard]], where they gazed upon [[Jesus]], one of them for the first time, but the other had often heard him [[speak]], both in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple] and many months before at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan Pella] camp.

==186:5. JESUS' DEATH IN RELATION TO THE PASSOVER==

==186:5. JESUS' DEATH IN RELATION TO THE PASSOVER==

186:5.1 There is no direct [[relation]] between the [[death]] of [[Jesus]] and the [[Jewish]] [[Passover]]. True, [[the Master]] did lay down his life in the [[flesh]] on this day, the day of the [[preparation]] for the [[Jewish]] [[Passover]], and at about the time of the [[sacrificing]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korban_Pesach Passover lambs] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple]. But this [[coincidental]] occurrence does not in any [[manner]] indicate that the [[death]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] on [[earth]] has any [[connection]] with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korban Jewish sacrificial system]. [[Jesus]] was a [[Jew]], but as the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] he was a [[mortal]] of the realms. The [[events]] already narrated and leading up to this hour of [[the Master]]'s impending [[crucifixion]] are sufficient to indicate that his [[death]] at about this time was a [[purely]] [[natural]] and man-managed affair.

186:5.1 There is no direct [[relation]] between the [[death]] of [[Jesus]] and the [[Jewish]] [[Passover]]. True, [[the Master]] did lay down his life in the [[flesh]] on this day, the day of the [[preparation]] for the [[Jewish]] [[Passover]], and at about the time of the [[sacrificing]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korban_Pesach Passover lambs] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple]. But this [[coincidental]] occurrence does not in any [[manner]] indicate that the [[death]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] on [[earth]] has any [[connection]] with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korban Jewish sacrificial system]. [[Jesus]] was a [[Jew]], but as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] he was a [[mortal]] of the realms. The [[events]] already narrated and leading up to this hour of [[the Master]]'s impending [[crucifixion]] are sufficient to indicate that his [[death]] at about this time was a [[purely]] [[natural]] and man-managed affair.

186:5.2 It was [[man]] and not [[God]] who [[planned]] and [[executed]] the [[Crucifixion|death]] of [[Jesus]] on [[the cross]]. True, [[the Father]] refused to [[interfere]] with the march of [[human]] [[events]] on [[Urantia]], but [[the Father]] in [[Paradise]] did not [[decree]], demand, or require the [[death]] of his [[Creator Son|Son]] as it was carried out on [[earth]]. It is a [[fact]] that in some [[manner]], sooner or later, [[Jesus]] would have had to divest himself of his [[mortal]] [[body]], his [[incarnation]] in the flesh, but he could have [[executed]] such a task in countless ways without dying on a cross between two thieves. All of this was [[man]]'s doing, not [[God]]'s.

186:5.2 It was [[man]] and not [[God]] who [[planned]] and [[executed]] the [[Crucifixion|death]] of [[Jesus]] on [[the cross]]. True, [[the Father]] refused to [[interfere]] with the march of [[human]] [[events]] on [[Urantia]], but [[the Father]] in [[Paradise]] did not [[decree]], demand, or require the [[death]] of his [[Creator Son|Son]] as it was carried out on [[earth]]. It is a [[fact]] that in some [[manner]], sooner or later, [[Jesus]] would have had to divest himself of his [[mortal]] [[body]], his [[incarnation]] in the flesh, but he could have [[executed]] such a task in countless ways without dying on a cross between two thieves. All of this was [[man]]'s doing, not [[God]]'s.

186:5.3 At the time of [[the Master]]'s [[baptism]] he had already completed the [[technique]] of the required [[experience]] on [[earth]] and in the [[flesh]] which was [[necessary]] for the completion of his [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_119#119:7._THE_SEVENTH_AND_FINAL_BESTOWAL seventh and last universe bestowal]. At this very time [[Jesus]]' [[duty]] on [[earth]] was done. All the life he lived thereafter, and even the [[manner]] of his [[death]], was a [[purely]] [[personal]] [[ministry]] on his part for the [[welfare]] and uplifting of his [[mortal]] [[creatures]] on this world and on [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_49 other worlds].

186:5.3 At the time of [[the Master]]'s [[baptism]] he had already completed the [[technique]] of the required [[experience]] on [[earth]] and in the [[flesh]] which was [[necessary]] for the completion of his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_119#119:7._THE_SEVENTH_AND_FINAL_BESTOWAL seventh and last universe bestowal]. At this very time [[Jesus]]' [[duty]] on [[earth]] was done. All the life he lived thereafter, and even the [[manner]] of his [[death]], was a [[purely]] [[personal]] [[ministry]] on his part for the [[welfare]] and uplifting of his [[mortal]] [[creatures]] on this world and on [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_49 other worlds].

186:5.4 The [[gospel]] of the good news that [[mortal]] [[man]] may, by [[faith]], become [[spirit]]-[[conscious]] that he is a [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:6._THE_FAITH_SONS_OF_GOD son of God], is not dependent on the [[death]] of [[Jesus]]. True, indeed, all this [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] has been tremendously [[illuminated]] by [[the Master]]'s [[death]], but even more so by his life.

186:5.4 The [[gospel]] of the good news that [[mortal]] [[man]] may, by [[faith]], become [[spirit]]-[[conscious]] that he is a [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:6._THE_FAITH_SONS_OF_GOD son of God], is not dependent on the [[death]] of [[Jesus]]. True, indeed, all this [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] has been tremendously [[illuminated]] by [[the Master]]'s [[death]], but even more so by his life.

186:5.5 All that the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] said or did on [[earth]] greatly embellished the [[doctrines]] of [[sonship]] with [[God]] and of the brotherhood of men, but these [[essential]] [[relationships]] of [[God]] and men are [[inherent]] in the [[universe]] [[facts]] of [[God]]'s [[love]] for his [[creatures]] and the innate [[mercy]] of the [[divine Sons]]. These [[touching]] and [[divinely]] [[beautiful]] [[relations]] between man and his Maker on [[Urantia|this world]] and on [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_49 all others] throughout the [[universe of universes]] have existed from [[eternity]]; and they are not in any sense dependent on these [[periodic]] [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_20#20:5._BESTOWAL_OF_THE_PARADISE_SONS_OF_GOD bestowal enactments] of the [[Creator Sons of God]], who thus [[assume]] the [[nature]] and likeness of their created [[intelligences]] as a part of the price which they must pay for the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21#21:3._LOCAL_UNIVERSE_SOVEREIGNTY final acquirement of unlimited sovereignty] over their respective [[local universe]]s.

186:5.5 All that the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] said or did on [[earth]] greatly embellished the [[doctrines]] of [[sonship]] with [[God]] and of the brotherhood of men, but these [[essential]] [[relationships]] of [[God]] and men are [[inherent]] in the [[universe]] [[facts]] of [[God]]'s [[love]] for his [[creatures]] and the innate [[mercy]] of the [[divine Sons]]. These [[touching]] and [[divinely]] [[beautiful]] [[relations]] between man and his Maker on [[Urantia|this world]] and on [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_49 all others] throughout the [[universe of universes]] have existed from [[eternity]]; and they are not in any sense dependent on these [[periodic]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_20#20:5._BESTOWAL_OF_THE_PARADISE_SONS_OF_GOD bestowal enactments] of the [[Creator Sons of God]], who thus [[assume]] the [[nature]] and likeness of their created [[intelligences]] as a part of the price which they must pay for the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21#21:3._LOCAL_UNIVERSE_SOVEREIGNTY final acquirement of unlimited sovereignty] over their respective [[local universe]]s.

186:5.6 [[The Father]] in [[heaven]] loved [[mortal]] [[man]] on [[earth]] just as much before the life and [[death]] of [[Jesus]] on [[Urantia]] as he did after this [[transcendent]] exhibition of the co[[partnership]] of [[man]] and [[God]]. This mighty [[transaction]] of the [[incarnation]] of the [[God]] of [[Nebadon]] as a man on [[Urantia]] could not augment the [[attributes]] of the [[eternal]], [[infinite]], and [[universal Father]], but it did enrich and [[enlighten]] all other [[administrators]] and [[creatures]] of the [[universe]] of [[Nebadon]]. While [[the Father]] in heaven [[loves]] us no more because of [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 this bestowal of Michael], all other [[celestial]] [[intelligences]] do. And this is because [[Jesus]] not only made a [[revelation]] of [[God]] to [[man]], but he also likewise made a new [[revelation]] of [[man]] to [[the Gods]] and to the [[celestial]] [[intelligences]] of the [[universe of universes]].

186:5.6 [[The Father]] in [[heaven]] loved [[mortal]] [[man]] on [[earth]] just as much before the life and [[death]] of [[Jesus]] on [[Urantia]] as he did after this [[transcendent]] exhibition of the co[[partnership]] of [[man]] and [[God]]. This mighty [[transaction]] of the [[incarnation]] of the [[God]] of [[Nebadon]] as a man on [[Urantia]] could not augment the [[attributes]] of the [[eternal]], [[infinite]], and [[universal Father]], but it did enrich and [[enlighten]] all other [[administrators]] and [[creatures]] of the [[universe]] of [[Nebadon]]. While [[the Father]] in heaven [[loves]] us no more because of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 this bestowal of Michael], all other [[celestial]] [[intelligences]] do. And this is because [[Jesus]] not only made a [[revelation]] of [[God]] to [[man]], but he also likewise made a new [[revelation]] of [[man]] to [[the Gods]] and to the [[celestial]] [[intelligences]] of the [[universe of universes]].

186:5.7 [[Jesus]] is not about to die as a [[sacrifice]] for [[sin]]. He is not going to [[atone]] for the inborn [[moral]] [[guilt]] of the [[human]] [[race]]. [[Mankind]] has no such [[racial]] [[guilt]] before [[God]]. [[Guilt]] is purely a matter of [[personal]] [[sin]] and knowing, deliberate [[rebellion]] against the will of [[the Father]] and the [[administration]] of [[Divine Sons|his Sons]].

186:5.7 [[Jesus]] is not about to die as a [[sacrifice]] for [[sin]]. He is not going to [[atone]] for the inborn [[moral]] [[guilt]] of the [[human]] [[race]]. [[Mankind]] has no such [[racial]] [[guilt]] before [[God]]. [[Guilt]] is purely a matter of [[personal]] [[sin]] and knowing, deliberate [[rebellion]] against the will of [[the Father]] and the [[administration]] of [[Divine Sons|his Sons]].

186:5.8 [[Sin]] and [[rebellion]] have nothing to do with the fundamental [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_20#20:5._BESTOWAL_OF_THE_PARADISE_SONS_OF_GOD bestowal plan] of the [[Paradise Sons of God]], albeit it does [[appear]] to us that the salvage [[plan]] is a provisional feature of the [[bestowal]] [[plan]].

186:5.8 [[Sin]] and [[rebellion]] have nothing to do with the fundamental [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_20#20:5._BESTOWAL_OF_THE_PARADISE_SONS_OF_GOD bestowal plan] of the [[Paradise Sons of God]], albeit it does [[appear]] to us that the salvage [[plan]] is a provisional feature of the [[bestowal]] [[plan]].

186:5.9 The [[salvation]] of [[God]] for the [[mortals]] of [[Urantia]] would have been just as [[effective]] and unerringly certain if [[Jesus]] had not been put to [[death]] by the [[cruel]] hands of [[ignorant]] [[mortals]]. If [[the Master]] had been favorably [[received]] by the [[mortals]] of [[earth]] and had departed from [[Urantia]] by the [[voluntary]] relinquishment of his life in the [[flesh]], the [[fact]] of the [[love]] of [[God]] and the [[mercy]] of [[Creator Son|the Son]]—the [[fact]] of [[sonship]] with [[God]]—would have in no wise been affected. You [[mortals]] are the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:6._THE_FAITH_SONS_OF_GOD sons of God], and only one thing is required to make such a [[truth]] factual in your [[personal]] [[experience]], and that is your [[spirit]]-[[born]] [[faith]].

186:5.9 The [[salvation]] of [[God]] for the [[mortals]] of [[Urantia]] would have been just as [[effective]] and unerringly certain if [[Jesus]] had not been put to [[death]] by the [[cruel]] hands of [[ignorant]] [[mortals]]. If [[the Master]] had been favorably [[received]] by the [[mortals]] of [[earth]] and had departed from [[Urantia]] by the [[voluntary]] relinquishment of his life in the [[flesh]], the [[fact]] of the [[love]] of [[God]] and the [[mercy]] of [[Creator Son|the Son]]—the [[fact]] of [[sonship]] with [[God]]—would have in no wise been affected. You [[mortals]] are the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:6._THE_FAITH_SONS_OF_GOD sons of God], and only one thing is required to make such a [[truth]] factual in your [[personal]] [[experience]], and that is your [[spirit]]-[[born]] [[faith]].

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

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