View source for 181:2 Farewell Personal Admonitions

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181:2.1 [[The Master]] had finished giving his [[farewell]] instructions and imparting his final [[admonitions]] to [[the apostles]] as a [[group]]. He then addressed himself to saying [[good-bye]] [[individually]] and to giving each a [[word]] of [[personal]] [[advice]], together with his parting [[blessing]]. [[The apostles]] were still seated about the table as when they first sat down to partake of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_supper Last Supper], and as [[the Master]] went around the table talking to them, each man rose to his feet when [[Jesus]] addressed him.

181:2.2 To [[John, the Apostle|John]], [[Jesus]] said: " You, [[John, the Apostle|John]], are the youngest of my brethren. You have been very near me, and while I [[love]] you all with the same love which a [[father]] bestows upon his sons, you were designated by [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] as one of the [[three]] who should always be near me. Besides this, you have [[Representative|acted for me]] and must continue so to [[act]] in many matters concerning my [[earthly]] [[family]]. And I go to [[the Father]], [[John, the Apostle|John]], having full [[confidence]] that you will continue to watch over those who are mine in the [[flesh]]. See to it that their present [[confusion]] regarding my [[mission]] does not in any way prevent your extending to them all [[sympathy]], [[counsel]], and help even as you know I would if I were to remain in the [[flesh]]. And when they all come to see the [[light]] and enter fully into [[the kingdom]], while you all will welcome them [[joyously]], I depend upon you, [[John, the Apostle|John]], to [[welcome]] them for me.

181:2.3 " And now, as I enter upon the closing hours of my [[earthly]] [[career]], remain near at hand that I may leave any [[message]] with you regarding my [[family]]. As concerns the [[work]] put in my hands by [[the Father]], it is now finished except for my [[death]] in the [[flesh]], and I am ready to drink this last cup. But as for the [[responsibilities]] left to me by my earthly [[father]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph], while I have attended to these during my life, I must now depend upon you to [[act]] in my stead in all these matters. And I have [[chosen]] you to do this for me, [[John, the Apostle|John]], because you are the youngest and will therefore very likely outlive these other [[apostles]].

181:2.4 " Once we called you and your brother [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sons_of_Thunder_%28Christianity%29#Boanerges_.28.CE.92.CE.BF.CE.B1.CE.BD.CE.B7.CF.81.CE.B3.CE.B5.CF.82.29 sons of thunder][https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_mark#Chapter_3]. You started out with us [[strong]]-minded and [[intolerant]], but you have changed much since you wanted me to call fire down upon the heads of [[ignorant]] and thoughtless unbelievers. And you must [[change]] yet more. You should become the [[apostle]] of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_180#180:1._THE_NEW_COMMANDMENT new commandment] which I have this night given you. [[Dedicate]] your life to [[teaching]] your brethren how to [[love]] one another, even as I have loved you. "

181:2.5 As [[John Zebedee]] stood there in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cenacle upper chamber], the [[tears]] rolling down his cheeks, he looked into [[the Master]]'s [[face]] and said: " And so I will, my Master, but how can I [[learn]] to [[love]] my brethren more? " And then answered [[Jesus]]: " You will learn to love your brethren more when you first [[learn]] to [[love]] their [[Father]] in [[heaven]] more, and after you have become truly more interested in their [[welfare]] in [[time]] and in [[eternity]]. And all such [[human]] interest is fostered by [[understanding]] [[sympathy]], [[unselfish]] [[service]], and unstinted [[forgiveness]]. No man should despise your [[youth]], but I [[exhort]] you always to give due [[consideration]] to the [[fact]] that age oftentimes [[represents]] [[experience]], and that nothing in [[human]] affairs can take the place of [[actual]] [[experience]]. Strive to live peaceably with all men, especially your [[friends]] in the brotherhood of [[the heavenly kingdom]]. And, [[John, the Apostle|John]], always remember, strive not with the [[souls]] you would win for [[the kingdom]]. "

181:2.6 And then [[the Master]], passing around his own seat, paused a [[moment]] by the side of the place of [[Judas Iscariot]]. [[The apostles]] were rather [[surprised]] that Judas had not returned before this, and they were very [[curious]] to know the significance of [[Jesus]]' sad [[countenance]] as he stood by the [[betrayer]]'s vacant seat. But none of them, except possibly [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]], entertained even the slightest [[thought]] that their [[treasurer]] had gone out to [[betray]] his Master, as [[Jesus]] had intimated to them earlier in the evening and during [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_179#179:4._LAST_WORDS_TO_THE_BETRAYER the supper]. So much had been going on that, for the [[time]] being, they had quite forgotten about [[the Master]]'s [[announcement]] that one of them would [[betray]] him.

181:2.7 [[Jesus]] now went over to [[Simon Zelotes]], who stood up and [[listened]] to this [[admonition]]: " You are a true son of [[Abraham]], but what a [[time]] I have had trying to make you a son of this [[the Kingdom|heavenly kingdom]]. I [[love]] you and so do all of your brethren. I know that you [[love]] me, Simon, and that you also love [[the kingdom]], but you are still set on making this kingdom come [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism according to your liking]. I know full well that you will [[eventually]] grasp the [[spiritual]] [[nature]] and [[meaning]] of my [[gospel]], and that you will do [[valiant]] [[work]] in its [[proclamation]], but I am distressed about what may happen to you when I depart. I would [[rejoice]] to know that you would not falter; I would be made [[happy]] if I could know that, after I go to [[the Father]], you would not cease to be my [[apostle]], and that you would [[acceptably]] deport yourself as an [[ambassador]] of [[the heavenly kingdom]]. "

181:2.8 [[Jesus]] had hardly ceased [[speaking]] to [[Simon Zelotes]] when the fiery [[patriot]], drying his eyes, replied: " Master, have no [[fears]] for my [[loyalty]]. I have turned my back upon [[everything]] that I might [[dedicate]] my life to the [[establishment]] of [[the Kingdom|your kingdom]] on [[earth]], and I will not falter. I have [[survived]] every [[disappointment]] so far, and I will not [[forsake]] you. "

181:2.9 And then, laying his hand on [[Simon Zelotes|Simon]]'s shoulder, [[Jesus]] said: " It is indeed refreshing to hear you talk like that, especially at such a time as this, but, my good [[friend]], you still do not know what you are [[talking]] about. Not for one [[moment]] would I [[doubt]] your [[loyalty]], your [[devotion]]; I know you would not [[hesitate]] to go forth in battle and die for me, as all these others would " (and they all nodded a [[vigorous]] [[approval]]), " but that will not be required of you. I have [[repeatedly]] told you that [[the Kingdom|my kingdom]] is not of this world, and that my [[disciples]] will not fight to [[effect]] its [[establishment]]. I have told you this many times, [[Simon Zelotes|Simon]], but you refuse to face the [[truth]]. I am not concerned with your [[loyalty]] to me and to [[the kingdom]], but what will you do when I go away and you at last [[wake]] up to the [[realization]] that you have [[failed]] to grasp the [[meaning]] of my [[teaching]], and that you must [[adjust]] your misconceptions to the [[reality]] of another and [[spiritual]] order of affairs in [[the kingdom]]? "

181:2.10 [[Simon Zelotes|Simon]] wanted to [[speak]] further, but [[Jesus]] raised his hand and, stopping him, went on to say: " None of my [[apostles]] are more [[sincere]] and [[honest]] at [[heart]] than you, but not one of them will be so upset and [[disheartened]] as you, after my departure. In all of your [[discouragement]] [[Spirit of Truth|my spirit]] shall abide with you, and these, your brethren, will not [[forsake]] you. Do not forget what I have taught you regarding the [[relation]] of [[citizenship]] on [[earth]] to [[sonship]] in [[the Father]]'s [[the Kingdom|spiritual kingdom]]. [[Ponder]] well all that I have said to you about rendering to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesar Caesar] the [[things]] which are Caesar's and to [[God]] that which is God's. [[Dedicate]] your life, [[Simon Zelotes|Simon]], to showing how acceptably [[mortal]] man may fulfill my [[injunction]] concerning the [[simultaneous]] [[recognition]] of [[temporal]] [[duty]] to [[civil]] powers and [[spiritual]] [[service]] in the brotherhood of [[the kingdom]]. If you will be taught by the [[Spirit of Truth]], never will there be [[conflict]] between the requirements of [[citizenship]] on [[earth]] and [[sonship]] in [[heaven]] unless the [[temporal]] rulers [[presume]] to require of you the [[homage]] and [[worship]] which belong only to [[God]].

181:2.11 " And now, [[Simon Zelotes|Simon]], when you do finally see all of this, and after you have shaken off your [[depression]] and have gone forth [[proclaiming]] this [[gospel]] in great [[power]], never forget that I was with you even through all of your [[season]] of [[discouragement]], and that I will go on with you to the very end. You shall always be my [[apostle]], and after you become willing to see by the eye of the [[spirit]] and more fully to yield your will to the will of [[the Father]] in heaven, then will you return to [[labor]] as my [[ambassador]], and no one shall take away from you the [[authority]] which I have conferred upon you, because of your slowness of [[comprehending]] the [[truths]] I have taught you. And so, [[Simon Zelotes|Simon]], once more I [[warn]] you that they who fight with the [[sword]] perish with the sword, while they who [[labor]] in the [[spirit]] [[achieve]] life everlasting in [[the kingdom]] to come with [[joy]] and [[peace]] in [[the kingdom]] which now is. And when the [[work]] given into your hands is finished on [[earth]], you, [[Simon Zelotes|Simon]], shall sit down with me in [[the Kingdom|my kingdom]] over there. You shall really see [[the kingdom]] you have longed for, but not in this life. Continue to [[believe]] in me and in that which I have [[revealed]] to you, and you shall [[receive]] the gift of [[eternal]] life. "

181:2.12 When [[Jesus]] had finished [[speaking]] to [[Simon Zelotes]], he stepped over to [[Matthew Levi]] and said: " No longer will it devolve upon you to [[provide]] for the [[treasury]] of the apostolic group. Soon, very soon, you will all be scattered; you will not be [[permitted]] to enjoy the [[comforting]] and sustaining [[association]] of even one of your brethren. As you go onward [[preaching]] this [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]], you will have to find for yourselves new [[associates]]. I have sent you forth [[two]] and two during the times of your [[training]], but now that I am leaving you, after you have recovered from the [[shock]], you will go out [[alone]], and to the ends of the [[earth]], [[proclaiming]] this [[Gospel|good news]]: That [[faith]]-quickened [[mortals]] are the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:6._THE_FAITH_SONS_OF_GOD sons of God]. "

181:2.13 Then spoke [[Matthew, the Apostle|Matthew]]: " But, Master, who will send us, and how shall we [[know]] where to go? Will [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] show us the way? " And [[Jesus]] answered: " No, [[Matthew, the Apostle|Levi]], [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] will no longer direct you in the [[proclamation]] of the [[gospel]]. He will, indeed, continue as your [[friend]] and [[counselor]] until that day whereon the new [[teacher]] comes, and then shall the [[Spirit of Truth]] lead each of you abroad to [[labor]] for the extension of [[the kingdom]]. Many [[changes]] have come over you since that day at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Customhouse customhouse] when you first set out to follow me; but many more must come before you will be able to see the [[vision]] of a brotherhood in which [[gentile]] sits alongside [[Jew]] in [[fraternal]] [[association]]. But go on with your urge to win your [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jewish brethren] until you are fully [[satisfied]] and then turn with [[power]] to the [[gentiles]]. One thing you may be certain of, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levi Levi]: You have won the [[confidence]] and [[affection]] of your brethren; they all [[love]] you. " (And all [[ten]] of them [[signified]] their acquiescence in [[the Master]]'s [[words]].)

181:2.14 " [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levi Levi], I know much about your [[anxieties]], [[sacrifices]], and [[labors]] to keep the [[treasury]] replenished which your brethren do not know, and I am [[rejoiced]] that, though he who carried the bag is [[absent]], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Publican publican] [[ambassador]] is here at my [[farewell]] gathering with the [[messengers]] of [[the kingdom]]. I [[pray]] that you may [[discern]] the [[meaning]] of my teaching with the eyes of the [[spirit]]. And when the new [[teacher]] comes into your [[heart]], follow on as he will lead you and let your brethren see—even all the world—what [[the Father]] can do for a [[hated]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tax_collector tax-gatherer] who [[dared]] to follow the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] and to [[believe]] the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]]. Even from the first, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levi Levi], I [[loved]] you as I did these other [[Galileans]]. Knowing then so well that neither [[the Father]] nor [[Creator Son|the Son]] has [[respect]] of [[persons]], see to it that you make no such [[distinctions]] among those who become [[believers]] in the [[gospel]] through your [[ministry]]. And so, [[Matthew, the Apostle|Matthew]], [[dedicate]] your whole [[future]] life [[service]] to showing all men that [[God]] is no respecter of [[persons]]; that, in the [[sight]] of [[God]] and in the [[fellowship]] of [[the kingdom]], all men are [[equal]], all [[believers]] are the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:6._THE_FAITH_SONS_OF_GOD sons of God]. "

181:2.15 [[Jesus]] then stepped over to [[James Zebedee]], who stood in [[silence]] as [[the Master]] addressed him, saying: " [[James, the Apostle|James]], when you and your younger [[brother]] once came to me seeking preferment in the [[honors]] of [[the kingdom]], and I told you such [[honors]] were for [[the Father]] to [[bestow]], I asked if you were able to drink my cup, and both of you answered that you were. Even if you were not then [[able]], and if you are not now able, you will soon be [[prepared]] for such a [[service]] by the [[experience]] you are about to pass through. By such [[behavior]] you [[angered]] your brethren at that time. If they have not already fully [[forgiven]] you, they will when they see you drink my cup. Whether your [[ministry]] be long or short, [[possess]] your [[soul]] in [[patience]]. When the [[Spirit of Truth|new teacher]] comes, let him teach you the [[poise]] of [[compassion]] and that [[sympathetic]] [[tolerance]] which is born of [[sublime]] [[confidence]] in me and of [[perfect]] submission to [[the Father]]'s will. [[Dedicate]] your life to the [[demonstration]] of that combined [[human]] [[affection]] and [[divine]] [[dignity]] of the [[God]]-knowing and [[Creator Son|Son]]-[[believing]] [[disciple]]. And all who thus live will [[reveal]] the [[gospel]] even in the [[manner]] of their [[death]]. You and your [[brother]] [[John, the Apostle|John]] will go [[different]] ways, and one of you may sit down with me in the [[eternal]] [[the Kingdom|kingdom]] long before the [[other]]. It would help you much if you would [[learn]] that true [[wisdom]] [[embraces]] [[discretion]] as well as [[courage]]. You should learn [[sagacity]] to go along with your [[aggressiveness]]. There will come those [[supreme]] [[moments]] wherein my [[disciples]] will not [[hesitate]] to lay down their lives for this [[gospel]], but in all [[ordinary]] [[circumstances]] it would be far better to placate the [[wrath]] of unbelievers that you might live and continue to [[preach]] the [[Gospel|glad tidings]]. As far as lies in your [[power]], live long on the [[earth]] that your life of many years may be fruitful in [[souls]] won for [[the heavenly kingdom]]. "

181:2.16 When [[the Master]] had finished [[speaking]] to [[James Zebedee]], he stepped around to the end of the table where [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] sat and, looking his [[faithful]] helper in the eyes, said: " [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]], you have [[faithfully]] [[represented]] me as [[acting]] head of the [[ambassadors]] of [[the heavenly kingdom]]. Although you have sometimes [[doubted]] and at other times [[manifested]] [[dangerous]] [[timidity]], still, you have always been [[sincerely]] [[just]] and eminently [[fair]] in dealing with your [[associates]]. Ever since the [[ordination]] of you and your brethren as [[messengers]] of [[the kingdom]], you have been [[self-governing]] in all [[group]] [[administrative]] affairs except that I designated you as the [[Chief|acting head]] of these [[Chosen People|chosen ones]]. In no other [[temporal]] matter have I [[acted]] to direct or to [[influence]] your [[decisions]]. And this I did in order to provide for [[leadership]] in the direction of all your subsequent [[group]] [[deliberations]]. In my [[universe]] and in [[the Father|my Father]]'s [[universe of universes]], our brethren-sons are dealt with as [[individuals]] in all their [[spiritual]] [[relations]], but in all [[group]] [[relationships]] we unfailingly [[provide]] for definite [[leadership]]. [[The Kingdom|Our kingdom]] is a realm of [[order]], and where [[two]] or more [[Free will|will]] [[creatures]] [[act]] in [[co-operation]], there is always provided the [[authority]] of [[leadership]].

181:2.17 " And now, [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]], since you are the [[chief]] of your brethren by [[authority]] of my [[appointment]], and since you have thus served as my [[personal]] [[representative]], and as I am about to leave you and go to [[the Father|my Father]], I release you from all [[responsibility]] as regards these [[temporal]] and [[administrative]] affairs. From now on you may [[exercise]] no [[jurisdiction]] over your brethren except that which you have [[earned]] in your [[capacity]] as [[spiritual]] [[leader]], and which your brethren therefore [[freely]] [[recognize]]. From this hour you may [[exercise]] no [[authority]] over your brethren unless they restore such [[jurisdiction]] to you by their definite [[legislative]] [[action]] after I shall have gone to [[the Father]]. But this release from [[responsibility]] as the [[administrative]] head of this [[group]] does not in any [[manner]] lessen your [[moral]] [[responsibility]] to do [[everything]] in your power to hold your brethren [[together]] with a firm and loving hand during the trying time just ahead, those days which must [[intervene]] between my [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_187 departure in the flesh] and the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_194 sending of the new teacher] who will live in your [[hearts]], and who [[ultimately]] will lead you into all [[truth]]. As I [[prepare]] to leave you, I would [[liberate]] you from all [[administrative]] [[responsibility]] which had its inception and [[authority]] in my [[presence]] as one among you. Henceforth I shall [[exercise]] only [[spiritual]] [[authority]] over you and among you.

181:2.18 " If your brethren [[desire]] to retain you as their [[counselor]], I direct that you should, in all matters [[temporal]] and [[spiritual]], do your utmost to promote [[peace]] and [[harmony]] among the various [[groups]] of [[sincere]] [[gospel]] [[believers]]. [[Dedicate]] the remainder of your life to promoting the [[practical]] aspects of brotherly [[love]] among your brethren. Be [[kind]] to my [[brothers]] in the [[flesh]] when they come fully to [[believe]] this [[gospel]]; [[manifest]] loving and impartial [[devotion]] to the [[Greeks]] in [[the West]] and to [[Abner]] in [[Levant|the East]]. Although these, my [[apostles]], are soon going to be scattered to the four corners of the [[earth]], there to [[proclaim]] the [[good news]] of the [[salvation]] of [[sonship]] with [[God]], you are to hold them [[together]] during the trying time just ahead, that [[season]] of [[intense]] testing during which you must [[learn]] to [[believe]] this [[gospel]] without my [[personal]] [[presence]] while you [[patiently]] await the arrival of the new [[teacher]], the [[Spirit of Truth]]. And so, [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]], though it may not fall to you to do the great [[works]] as seen by men, be content to be the [[teacher]] and [[counselor]] of those who do such things. Go on with your [[work]] on [[earth]] to the end, and then shall you continue this [[ministry]] in the [[eternal]] [[the Kingdom|kingdom]], for have I not many times told you that I have other sheep not of this flock? "

181:2.19 [[Jesus]] then went over to the [[Alpheus twins]] and, standing between them, said: " My little [[children]], you are one of the [[three]] [[groups]] of [[brothers]] who [[chose]] to follow after me. All six of you have done well to [[work]] in [[peace]] with your own [[flesh]] and blood, but none have done better than you. Hard times are just ahead of us. You may not [[understand]] all that will befall you and your brethren, but never [[doubt]] that you were once called to the [[work]] of [[the kingdom]]. For some time there will be no multitudes to [[manage]], but do not become [[discouraged]]; when your lifework is finished, I will [[receive]] you on high, where in [[glory]] you shall tell of your [[salvation]] to [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_39 seraphic hosts] and to multitudes of the high [[Sons of God]]. [[Dedicate]] your lives to the enhancement of commonplace toil. Show all men on [[earth]] and the [[angels]] of [[heaven]] how [[cheerfully]] and [[courageously]] [[mortal]] man can, after having been called to [[work]] for a [[season]] in the special [[service]] of [[God]], return to the [[labors]] of former days. If, for the [[time]] being, your [[work]] in the outward affairs of [[the kingdom]] should be completed, you should go back to your former [[labors]] with the new [[enlightenment]] of the [[experience]] of [[sonship]] with [[God]] and with the exalted [[realization]] that, to him who is [[God]]-knowing, there is no such thing as common [[labor]] or [[secular]] toil. To you who have worked with me, [[all things]] have become [[sacred]], and all earthly [[labor]] has become a [[service]] even to [[God]] [[the Father]]. And when you hear the news of the [[doings]] of your former apostolic [[associates]], [[rejoice]] with them and continue your daily [[work]] as those who wait upon [[God]] and serve while they wait. You have been my [[apostles]], and you always shall be, and I will remember you in [[the kingdom]] to come. "

181:2.20 And then [[Jesus]] went over to [[Philip, the Apostle|Philip]], who, standing up, heard this [[message]] from his Master: " [[Philip, the Apostle|Philip]], you have asked me many [[foolish]] [[questions]], but I have done my utmost to answer every one, and now would I answer the last of such [[questionings]] which have arisen in your most [[honest]] but unspiritual [[mind]]. All the [[time]] I have been coming around toward you, have you been saying to yourself, `What shall I ever do if [[the Master]] goes away and leaves us [[alone]] in the world?' O, you of little [[faith]] ! And yet you have almost as much as many of your brethren. You have been a good [[steward]], [[Philip, the Apostle|Philip]]. You [[failed]] us only a few times, and one of those failures we utilized to [[manifest]] [[the Father]]'s [[glory]]. Your office of [[stewardship]] is about over. You must soon more fully do the [[work]] you were called to do—the [[preaching]] of this [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]]. [[Philip, the Apostle|Philip]], you have always wanted to be shown, and very soon shall you [[see]] great things. Far better that you should have seen all this by [[faith]], but since you were [[sincere]] even in your [[material]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Senses#Vision sightedness], you will live to see my [[words]] fulfilled. And then, when you are [[blessed]] with [[spiritual]] [[vision]], go forth to your [[work]], [[dedicating]] your life to the [[Purpose|cause]] of [[leading]] [[mankind]] to search for [[God]] and to seek [[eternal]] [[realities]] with the eye of [[spiritual]] [[faith]] and not with the eyes of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_42#10._UNIVERSAL_NONSPIRITUAL_ENERGY_SYSTEMS_.28MATERIAL_MIND_SYSTEMS.29 material mind]. Remember, [[Philip, the Apostle|Philip]], you have a great [[mission]] on [[earth]], for the world is filled with those who look at life just as you have tended to. You have a great [[work]] to do, and when it is finished in [[faith]], you shall come to me in my kingdom, and I will take great [[pleasure]] in showing you that which [[Senses|eye has not seen, ear heard]], nor the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_110#110:1._INDWELLING_THE_MORTAL_MIND mortal mind] [[conceived]]. In the meantime, become as a little [[child]] in [[the kingdom]] of the [[spirit]] and [[permit]] me, as the [[Spirit of Truth|spirit of the new teacher]], to [[lead]] you forward in [[the spiritual kingdom]]. And in this way will I be able to do much for you which I was not able to accomplish when I [[sojourned]] with you as a [[mortal]] of the realm. And always remember, [[Philip, the Apostle|Philip]], he who has seen me has seen [[the Father]]. "

181:2.21 Then went [[the Master]] over to [[Nathaniel]]. As [[Nathaniel]] stood up, [[Jesus]] bade him be seated and, sitting down by his side, said: " [[Nathaniel]], you have [[learned]] to live above [[prejudice]] and to [[practice]] increased [[tolerance]] since you became my [[apostle]]. But there is much more for you to [[learn]]. You have been a [[blessing]] to your fellows in that they have always been [[admonished]] by your [[consistent]] [[sincerity]]. When I have gone, it may be that your frankness will [[interfere]] with your getting along well with your brethren, both old and new. You should [[learn]] that the [[expression]] of even a [[good]] [[thought]] must be [[modulated]] in [[accordance]] with the [[intellectual]] [[status]] and [[spiritual]] [[development]] of the hearer. [[Sincerity]] is most serviceable in the [[work]] of [[the kingdom]] when it is wedded to [[discretion]].

181:2.22 " If you would [[learn]] to [[work]] with your brethren, you might accomplish more [[permanent]] [[things]], but if you find yourself going off in [[quest]] of those who [[think]] as you do, in that event [[dedicate]] your life to [[proving]] that the [[God]]-[[knowing]] [[disciple]] can become a [[the Kingdom|kingdom]] builder even when [[alone]] in the world and wholly [[isolated]] from his fellow [[believers]]. I know you will be [[faithful]] to the end, and I will some day [[welcome]] you to the enlarged [[service]] of [[Nebadon|my kingdom on high]]. "

181:2.23 Then [[Nathaniel]] [[spoke]], asking [[Jesus]] this question: " I have [[listened]] to your teaching ever since you first called me to the [[service]] of [[the Kingdom|this kingdom]], but I [[honestly]] cannot [[understand]] the full [[meaning]] of all you tell us. I do not know what to [[expect]] next, and I [[think]] most of my brethren are likewise [[perplexed]], but they [[hesitate]] to [[confess]] their [[confusion]]. Can you help me? " [[Jesus]], putting his hand on [[Nathaniel]]'s shoulder, said: " My [[friend]], it is not [[strange]] that you should encounter [[perplexity]] in your attempt to grasp the [[meaning]] of my [[spiritual]] teachings since you are so [[handicapped]] by your [[preconceptions]] of [[Jewish]] [[tradition]] and so [[confused]] by your [[persistent]] [[tendency]] to [[interpret]] my [[gospel]] in [[accordance]] with the teachings of the [[scribes]] and [[Pharisees]].

181:2.24 " I have taught you much by [[word]] of [[Orality|mouth]], and I have lived my life among you. I have done all that can be done to [[enlighten]] your [[minds]] and [[liberate]] your [[souls]], and what you have not been [[able]] to get from my [[teachings]] and my life, you must now [[prepare]] to acquire at the hand of that master of all [[teachers]]—[[actual]] [[experience]]. And in all of this new [[experience]] which now awaits you, I will go before you and the [[Spirit of Truth]] shall be with you. [[Fear]] not; that which you now [[fail]] to [[comprehend]], the new [[teacher]], when he has come, will [[reveal]] to you throughout the remainder of your life on [[earth]] and on through your [[training]] in the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Foreword#XII._THE_TRINITIES eternal ages]. "

181:2.25 And then [[the Master]], turning to all of them, said: " Be not dismayed that you [[fail]] to grasp the full [[meaning]] of the [[gospel]]. You are but [[finite]], [[mortal]] men, and that which I have taught you is [[infinite]], [[divine]], and [[eternal]]. Be [[patient]] and of [[good]] [[courage]] since you have the [[eternal]] ages before you in which to [[continue]] your [[progressive]] [[attainment]] of the [[experience]] of becoming [[perfect]], even as your Father in [[Paradise]] is [[perfect]]. "

181:2.26 And then [[Jesus]] went over to [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]], who, standing up, heard him say: " [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]], you have often lacked [[faith]]; however, when you have had your [[seasons]] with [[doubt]], you have never lacked [[courage]]. I know well that the [[false]] [[prophets]] and spurious [[teachers]] will not [[deceive]] you. After I have gone, your brethren will the more [[appreciate]] your [[critical]] way of viewing new teachings. And when you all are scattered to the ends of the [[earth]] in the times to come, remember that you are still my [[ambassador]]. [[Dedicate]] your life to the great [[work]] of showing how the [[critical]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_42#10._UNIVERSAL_NONSPIRITUAL_ENERGY_SYSTEMS_.28MATERIAL_MIND_SYSTEMS.29 material mind] of man can [[triumph]] over the [[inertia]] of [[intellectual]] [[doubting]] when faced by the [[demonstration]] of the [[manifestation]] of living [[truth]] as it operates in the [[experience]] of [[spirit]]-[[born]] [[men]] and [[women]] who yield the [[fruits of the spirit]] in their lives, and who [[love]] one another, even as I have loved you. [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]], I am glad you joined us, and I know, after a short period of [[perplexity]], you will go on in the [[service]] of [[the kingdom]]. Your [[doubts]] have [[perplexed]] your brethren, but they have never [[troubled]] me. I have [[confidence]] in you, and I will go before you even to the uttermost parts of the [[earth]]. "

181:2.27 Then [[the Master]] went over to [[Simon Peter]], who stood up as [[Jesus]] addressed him: " [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], I know you [[love]] me, and that you will [[dedicate]] your life to the [[public]] [[proclamation]] of this [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] to [[Jew]] and [[gentile]], but I am distressed that your years of such close [[association]] with me have not done more to help you [[think]] before you [[speak]]. What [[experience]] must you pass through before you will [[learn]] to set a guard upon your lips? How much [[trouble]] have you made for us by your thoughtless [[speaking]], by your [[presumptuous]] [[self]]-[[confidence]]! And you are [[destined]] to make much more [[trouble]] for yourself if you do not master this [[frailty]]. You know that your brethren [[love]] you in spite of this [[weakness]], and you should also [[understand]] that this shortcoming in no way impairs my [[affection]] for you, but it lessens your usefulness and never ceases to make [[trouble]] for you. But you will undoubtedly [[receive]] great help from the [[experience]] you will pass through this very night. And what I now say to you, [[Simon Peter]], I likewise say to all your brethren here assembled: This night you will all be in great [[danger]] of stumbling over me. You know it is [[written]], `The [[shepherd]] will be smitten and the sheep will be scattered abroad.' When I am [[absent]], there is great [[danger]] that some of you will succumb to [[doubts]] and stumble because of what befalls me. But I [[promise]] you now that I will come back to you for a little while, and that I will then go before you into [[Galilee]]. "

181:2.28 Then said [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], placing his hand on [[Jesus]]' shoulder: " No matter if all my brethren should succumb to [[doubts]] because of you, I [[promise]] that I will not stumble over anything you may do. I will go with you and, if need be, die for you. "

181:2.29 As [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] stood there before his [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_(form_of_address) Master], all atremble with [[intense]] [[emotion]] and overflowing with [[genuine]] [[love]] for him, [[Jesus]] looked straight into his moistened eyes as he said: " [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], verily, verily, I say to you, this night the [[Acme|cock]] will not crow until you have [[denied]] me [[three]] or four times. And thus what you have [[failed]] to learn from [[peaceful]] [[association]] with me, you will [[learn]] through much [[trouble]] and many [[sorrows]]. And after you have really [[learned]] this needful lesson, you should [[strengthen]] your brethren and go on living a life [[dedicated]] to [[preaching]] this [[gospel]], though you may fall into [[prison]] and, perhaps, follow me in paying the [[supreme]] price of loving [[service]] in the building of [[the Father]]'s kingdom.

181:2.30 " But remember my [[promise]]: When I am raised up, I will tarry with you for a [[season]] before I go to [[the Father]]. And even this night will I make supplication to [[the Father]] that he [[strengthen]] each of you for that which you must now so soon pass through. I [[love]] you all with the love wherewith [[the Father]] [[loves]] me, and therefore should you henceforth [[love]] one another, even as I have loved you. "

181:2.31 And then, when they had [[sung]] a [[hymn]], they departed for the camp on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Mount of Olives].

<center>[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_181 Go to Paper 181]</center>
<center>[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Urantia_Text_-_Contents Go to Table of Contents]</center>

[[Category:Paper 181 - Final Admonitions and Warnings]]
[[Category: Goodbye]]