Changes

==PAPER 144: AT GILBOA AND IN THE DECAPOLIS==

==PAPER 144: AT GILBOA AND IN THE DECAPOLIS==

144:0.1 September and October were spent in [[retirement]] at a [[secluded]] camp upon the slopes of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Gilboa Mount Gilboa]. The month of September [[Jesus]] spent here alone with his [[apostles]], teaching and instructing them in the [[truths]] of [[the kingdom]].

144:0.1 September and October were spent in [[retirement]] at a [[secluded]] camp upon the slopes of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Gilboa Mount Gilboa]. The month of September [[Jesus]] spent here alone with his [[apostles]], teaching and instructing them in the [[truths]] of [[the kingdom]].

144:0.2 There were a [[number]] of reasons why [[Jesus]] and his [[apostles]] were in [[retirement]] at this time on the borders of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaria Samaria] and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decapolis Decapolis]. The [[Jerusalem]] [[Sanhedrin|religious rulers]] were very [[antagonistic]]; [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod Antipas] still held [[John the Baptist|John]] [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_135#135:11._JOHN_IN_PRISON in prison], [[fearing]] either to release or [[execute]] him, while he continued to entertain [[suspicions]] that [[John the Baptist|John]] and [[Jesus]] were in some way [[associated]]. These conditions made it unwise to [[plan]] for [[aggressive]] work in either [[Judea]] or [[Galilee]]. There was a third reason: the slowly augmenting [[tension]] between the [[leaders]] of [[John the Baptist|John]]'s [[disciples]] and [[the apostles]] of [[Jesus]], which grew worse with the increasing [[number]] of [[Conversion|believers]].

144:0.2 There were a [[number]] of reasons why [[Jesus]] and his [[apostles]] were in [[retirement]] at this time on the borders of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaria Samaria] and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decapolis Decapolis]. The [[Jerusalem]] [[Sanhedrin|religious rulers]] were very [[antagonistic]]; [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod Antipas] still held [[John the Baptist|John]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_135#135:11._JOHN_IN_PRISON in prison], [[fearing]] either to release or [[execute]] him, while he continued to entertain [[suspicions]] that [[John the Baptist|John]] and [[Jesus]] were in some way [[associated]]. These conditions made it unwise to [[plan]] for [[aggressive]] work in either [[Judea]] or [[Galilee]]. There was a third reason: the slowly augmenting [[tension]] between the [[leaders]] of [[John the Baptist|John]]'s [[disciples]] and [[the apostles]] of [[Jesus]], which grew worse with the increasing [[number]] of [[Conversion|believers]].

144:0.3 [[Jesus]] knew that the days of the preliminary [[work]] of teaching and [[preaching]] were about over, that the next move involved the beginning of the full and final [[effort]] of his life on [[earth]], and he did not wish the launching of this undertaking to be in any [[manner]] either trying or [[embarrassing]] to [[John the Baptist|John the Baptist]]. [[Jesus]] had therefore [[decided]] to spend some time in [[retirement]] [[rehearsing]] his [[apostles]] and then to do some [[quiet]] [[work]] in the [[cities]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decapolis Decapolis] until [[John the Baptist|John]] should be either [[executed]] or released to join them in a [[united]] [[effort]].

144:0.3 [[Jesus]] knew that the days of the preliminary [[work]] of teaching and [[preaching]] were about over, that the next move involved the beginning of the full and final [[effort]] of his life on [[earth]], and he did not wish the launching of this undertaking to be in any [[manner]] either trying or [[embarrassing]] to [[John the Baptist|John the Baptist]]. [[Jesus]] had therefore [[decided]] to spend some time in [[retirement]] [[rehearsing]] his [[apostles]] and then to do some [[quiet]] [[work]] in the [[cities]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decapolis Decapolis] until [[John the Baptist|John]] should be either [[executed]] or released to join them in a [[united]] [[effort]].

==144:1. THE GILBOA ENCAMPMENT==

==144:1. THE GILBOA ENCAMPMENT==

144:1.1 As [[time]] passed, [[the twelve]] became more [[devoted]] to [[Jesus]] and increasingly [[committed]] to the [[work]] of [[the kingdom]]. Their [[devotion]] was in large part a matter of [[personal]] [[loyalty]]. They did not grasp his many-sided teaching; they did not fully [[comprehend]] the [[nature]] of [[Jesus]] or the significance of his [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_119#119:7._THE_SEVENTH_AND_FINAL_BESTOWAL bestowal on earth].

144:1.1 As [[time]] passed, [[the twelve]] became more [[devoted]] to [[Jesus]] and increasingly [[committed]] to the [[work]] of [[the kingdom]]. Their [[devotion]] was in large part a matter of [[personal]] [[loyalty]]. They did not grasp his many-sided teaching; they did not fully [[comprehend]] the [[nature]] of [[Jesus]] or the significance of his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_119#119:7._THE_SEVENTH_AND_FINAL_BESTOWAL bestowal on earth].

144:1.2 [[Jesus]] made it [[Clarity|plain]] to his [[apostles]] that they were in [[retirement]] for [[three]] reasons:

144:1.2 [[Jesus]] made it [[Clarity|plain]] to his [[apostles]] that they were in [[retirement]] for [[three]] reasons:

*3. To await the [[fate]] of [[John the Baptist]].

*3. To await the [[fate]] of [[John the Baptist]].

144:1.3 While tarrying on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Gilboa Gilboa], [[Jesus]] told [[the twelve]] much about his [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122 early life] and his [[experiences]] on [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_134#134:8._THE_SOJOURN_ON_MOUNT_HERMON Mount Hermon]; he also [[revealed]] something of what happened in the hills during the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_136#136:3._THE_FORTY_DAYS forty days] [[immediately]] after [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_136#136:2._THE_BAPTISM_OF_JESUS his baptism]. And he directly charged them that they should tell no man about these [[experiences]] until after he had returned to [[the Father]].

144:1.3 While tarrying on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Gilboa Gilboa], [[Jesus]] told [[the twelve]] much about his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122 early life] and his [[experiences]] on [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_134#134:8._THE_SOJOURN_ON_MOUNT_HERMON Mount Hermon]; he also [[revealed]] something of what happened in the hills during the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_136#136:3._THE_FORTY_DAYS forty days] [[immediately]] after [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_136#136:2._THE_BAPTISM_OF_JESUS his baptism]. And he directly charged them that they should tell no man about these [[experiences]] until after he had returned to [[the Father]].

144:1.4 During these September weeks they [[rested]], [[visited]], recounted their [[experiences]] since [[Jesus]] first called them to [[service]], and [[engaged]] in an [[earnest]] [[effort]] to [[co-ordinate]] what [[the Master]] had so far taught them. In a [[measure]] they all sensed that this would be their last [[opportunity]] for prolonged [[rest]]. They [[realized]] that their next [[public]] [[effort]] in either [[Judea]] or [[Galilee]] would mark the beginning of the final [[proclamation]] of the coming [[The Kingdom|kingdom]], but they had little or no settled [[idea]] as to what [[the kingdom]] would be when it came. [[John, the Apostle|John]] and [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] thought [[the kingdom]] had already come; [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] and [[James, the Apostle|James]] believed that it was yet to come; [[Nathaniel]] and [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]] frankly [[confessed]] they were puzzled; [[Matthew, the Apostle|Matthew]], [[Philip, the Apostle|Philip]], and [[Simon, the Apostle|Simon Zelotes]] were uncertain and [[confused]]; [[the twins]] were blissfully [[ignorant]] of the [[controversy]]; and[[ Judas Iscariot]] was [[silent]], noncommittal.

144:1.4 During these September weeks they [[rested]], [[visited]], recounted their [[experiences]] since [[Jesus]] first called them to [[service]], and [[engaged]] in an [[earnest]] [[effort]] to [[co-ordinate]] what [[the Master]] had so far taught them. In a [[measure]] they all sensed that this would be their last [[opportunity]] for prolonged [[rest]]. They [[realized]] that their next [[public]] [[effort]] in either [[Judea]] or [[Galilee]] would mark the beginning of the final [[proclamation]] of the coming [[The Kingdom|kingdom]], but they had little or no settled [[idea]] as to what [[the kingdom]] would be when it came. [[John, the Apostle|John]] and [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] thought [[the kingdom]] had already come; [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] and [[James, the Apostle|James]] believed that it was yet to come; [[Nathaniel]] and [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]] frankly [[confessed]] they were puzzled; [[Matthew, the Apostle|Matthew]], [[Philip, the Apostle|Philip]], and [[Simon, the Apostle|Simon Zelotes]] were uncertain and [[confused]]; [[the twins]] were blissfully [[ignorant]] of the [[controversy]]; and[[ Judas Iscariot]] was [[silent]], noncommittal.

144:1.5 Much of this time [[Jesus]] was [[alone]] on the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Gilboa mountain] near the camp. Occasionally he took with him [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [[James, the Apostle|James]], or [[John, the Apostle|John]], but more often he went off to [[pray]] or [[commune]] [[alone]]. Subsequent to the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_136#136:2._THE_BAPTISM_OF_JESUS baptism] of [[Jesus]] and the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_136#136:3._THE_FORTY_DAYS forty days] in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perea_(Holy_Land) Perean hills], it is hardly proper to speak of these [[seasons]] of [[communion]] with [[Universal Father|his Father]] as [[prayer]], nor is it [[consistent]] to speak of [[Jesus]] as [[worshiping]], but it is altogether correct to allude to these [[seasons]] as [[personal]] [[communion]] with [[Universal Father|his Father]].

144:1.5 Much of this time [[Jesus]] was [[alone]] on the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Gilboa mountain] near the camp. Occasionally he took with him [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [[James, the Apostle|James]], or [[John, the Apostle|John]], but more often he went off to [[pray]] or [[commune]] [[alone]]. Subsequent to the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_136#136:2._THE_BAPTISM_OF_JESUS baptism] of [[Jesus]] and the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_136#136:3._THE_FORTY_DAYS forty days] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perea_(Holy_Land) Perean hills], it is hardly proper to speak of these [[seasons]] of [[communion]] with [[Universal Father|his Father]] as [[prayer]], nor is it [[consistent]] to speak of [[Jesus]] as [[worshiping]], but it is altogether correct to allude to these [[seasons]] as [[personal]] [[communion]] with [[Universal Father|his Father]].

144:1.6 The central [[theme]] of the [[discussions]] throughout the entire month of September was [[prayer]] and [[worship]]. After they had [[discussed]] [[worship]] for some days, [[Jesus]] finally delivered his [[memorable]] [[discourse]] on [[prayer]] in answer to [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]]'s request: " Master, teach us how to [[pray]]. "

144:1.6 The central [[theme]] of the [[discussions]] throughout the entire month of September was [[prayer]] and [[worship]]. After they had [[discussed]] [[worship]] for some days, [[Jesus]] finally delivered his [[memorable]] [[discourse]] on [[prayer]] in answer to [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]]'s request: " Master, teach us how to [[pray]]. "

144:1.7 [[John the Baptist|John]] had taught his [[disciples]] a [[prayer]], a prayer for [[salvation]] in the coming kingdom. Although [[Jesus]] never [[forbade]] his followers to use [[John the Baptist|John]]'s form of [[prayer]], [[the apostles]] very early [[perceived]] that their Master did not fully approve of the [[practice]] of uttering set and [[formal]] [[prayers]]. Nevertheless, believers constantly requested to be taught how to [[pray]]. [[The twelve]] longed to know what [[form]] of [[petition]] [[Jesus]] would [[approve]]. And it was chiefly because of this need for some [[simple]] [[petition]] for the [[Public|common people]] that [[Jesus]] at this time [[consented]], in answer to [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]]'s request, to teach them a suggestive [[form]] of [[prayer]]. [[Jesus]] gave this lesson one afternoon in the third week of their [[sojourn]] on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Gilboa Mount Gilboa].

144:1.7 [[John the Baptist|John]] had taught his [[disciples]] a [[prayer]], a prayer for [[salvation]] in the coming kingdom. Although [[Jesus]] never [[forbade]] his followers to use [[John the Baptist|John]]'s form of [[prayer]], [[the apostles]] very early [[perceived]] that their Master did not fully approve of the [[practice]] of uttering set and [[formal]] [[prayers]]. Nevertheless, believers constantly requested to be taught how to [[pray]]. [[The twelve]] longed to know what [[form]] of [[petition]] [[Jesus]] would [[approve]]. And it was chiefly because of this need for some [[simple]] [[petition]] for the [[Public|common people]] that [[Jesus]] at this time [[consented]], in answer to [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]]'s request, to teach them a suggestive [[form]] of [[prayer]]. [[Jesus]] gave this lesson one afternoon in the third week of their [[sojourn]] on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Gilboa Mount Gilboa].

==144:2. THE DISCOURSE ON PRAYER==

==144:2. THE DISCOURSE ON PRAYER==

144:2.2 " [[Prayer]] is entirely a [[personal]] and [[spontaneous]] [[expression]] of the [[attitude]] of the [[soul]] toward the [[spirit]]; [[prayer]] should be the [[communion]] of sonship and the [[expression]] of fellowship. [[Prayer]], when indited by the [[spirit]], [[leads]] to [[co-operative]] [[spiritual]] [[progress]]. The [[ideal]] [[prayer]] is a form of spiritual [[communion]] which leads to [[intelligent]] [[worship]]. True praying is the [[sincere]] [[attitude]] of reaching heavenward for the [[attainment]] of your [[ideals]].

144:2.2 " [[Prayer]] is entirely a [[personal]] and [[spontaneous]] [[expression]] of the [[attitude]] of the [[soul]] toward the [[spirit]]; [[prayer]] should be the [[communion]] of sonship and the [[expression]] of fellowship. [[Prayer]], when indited by the [[spirit]], [[leads]] to [[co-operative]] [[spiritual]] [[progress]]. The [[ideal]] [[prayer]] is a form of spiritual [[communion]] which leads to [[intelligent]] [[worship]]. True praying is the [[sincere]] [[attitude]] of reaching heavenward for the [[attainment]] of your [[ideals]].

144:2.3 " [[Prayer]] is the [[breath]] of the [[soul]] and should [[lead]] you to be [[persistent]] in your attempt to ascertain [[the Father]]'s will. If any one of you has a [[neighbor]], and you go to him at midnight and say: `[[Friend]], lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine on a [[journey]] has come to see me, and I have nothing to set before him'; and if your [[neighbor]] answers, `Trouble me not, for the door is now shut and the [[children]] and I are in bed; therefore I cannot rise and give you bread,'[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_11] you will [[persist]], [[explaining]] that your friend [[hungers]], and that you have no [[food]] to offer him. I say to you, though your [[neighbor]] will not rise and give you bread because he is your [[friend]], yet because of your [[importunity]] he will get up and give you as many loaves as you need. If, then, [[persistence]] will win [[favors]] even from [[mortal]] man, how much more will your [[persistence]] in the [[spirit]] win the bread of life for you from the willing hands of [[the Father]] in [[heaven]]. Again I say to you: Ask and it shall be given you; [[seek]] and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you. For every one who asks [[receives]]; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks the door of [[salvation]] will be opened.[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_7]

144:2.3 " [[Prayer]] is the [[breath]] of the [[soul]] and should [[lead]] you to be [[persistent]] in your attempt to ascertain [[the Father]]'s will. If any one of you has a [[neighbor]], and you go to him at midnight and say: `[[Friend]], lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine on a [[journey]] has come to see me, and I have nothing to set before him'; and if your [[neighbor]] answers, `Trouble me not, for the door is now shut and the [[children]] and I are in bed; therefore I cannot rise and give you bread,'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_11] you will [[persist]], [[explaining]] that your friend [[hungers]], and that you have no [[food]] to offer him. I say to you, though your [[neighbor]] will not rise and give you bread because he is your [[friend]], yet because of your [[importunity]] he will get up and give you as many loaves as you need. If, then, [[persistence]] will win [[favors]] even from [[mortal]] man, how much more will your [[persistence]] in the [[spirit]] win the bread of life for you from the willing hands of [[the Father]] in [[heaven]]. Again I say to you: Ask and it shall be given you; [[seek]] and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you. For every one who asks [[receives]]; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks the door of [[salvation]] will be opened.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_7]

144:2.4 " Which of you who is a [[father]], if his son asks unwisely, would [[hesitate]] to give in [[accordance]] with [[parental]] [[wisdom]] rather than in the terms of the son's faulty [[petition]]? If the [[child]] needs a loaf, will you give him a stone just because he unwisely asks for it? If your son needs a fish, will you give him a watersnake just because it may [[chance]] to come up in the net with the fish and the child foolishly asks for the serpent? If you, then, being [[mortal]] and [[finite]], know how to answer [[prayer]] and give good and appropriate [[gifts]] to your [[children]], how much more shall your [[Universal Father|heavenly Father]] give the [[spirit]] and many additional [[blessings]] to those who ask him? Men ought always to [[pray]] and not become discouraged.[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_11]

144:2.4 " Which of you who is a [[father]], if his son asks unwisely, would [[hesitate]] to give in [[accordance]] with [[parental]] [[wisdom]] rather than in the terms of the son's faulty [[petition]]? If the [[child]] needs a loaf, will you give him a stone just because he unwisely asks for it? If your son needs a fish, will you give him a watersnake just because it may [[chance]] to come up in the net with the fish and the child foolishly asks for the serpent? If you, then, being [[mortal]] and [[finite]], know how to answer [[prayer]] and give good and appropriate [[gifts]] to your [[children]], how much more shall your [[Universal Father|heavenly Father]] give the [[spirit]] and many additional [[blessings]] to those who ask him? Men ought always to [[pray]] and not become discouraged.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_11]

144:2.5 " Let me tell you the story of a certain [[judge]] who lived in a [[wicked]] [[city]]. This judge [[fear]]ed not [[God]] nor had [[respect]] for man. Now there was a needy [[widow]] in that [[city]] who came repeatedly to this unjust [[judge]], saying, `Protect me from my [[adversary]].' For some time he would not give ear to her, but presently he said to himself: `Though I fear not [[God]] nor have regard for man, yet because this [[widow]] ceases not to trouble me, I will [[vindicate]] her lest she wear me out by her continual coming.'[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_18] These [[stories]] I tell you to [[encourage]] you to [[persist]] in [[praying]] and not to intimate that your [[petitions]] will change the [[just]] and [[righteous]] Father above. Your [[persistence]], however, is not to win [[favor]] with [[God]] but to [[change]] your [[earth]] [[attitude]] and to enlarge your [[soul]]'s [[capacity]] for [[spirit]] [[receptivity]].

144:2.5 " Let me tell you the story of a certain [[judge]] who lived in a [[wicked]] [[city]]. This judge [[fear]]ed not [[God]] nor had [[respect]] for man. Now there was a needy [[widow]] in that [[city]] who came repeatedly to this unjust [[judge]], saying, `Protect me from my [[adversary]].' For some time he would not give ear to her, but presently he said to himself: `Though I fear not [[God]] nor have regard for man, yet because this [[widow]] ceases not to trouble me, I will [[vindicate]] her lest she wear me out by her continual coming.'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_18] These [[stories]] I tell you to [[encourage]] you to [[persist]] in [[praying]] and not to intimate that your [[petitions]] will change the [[just]] and [[righteous]] Father above. Your [[persistence]], however, is not to win [[favor]] with [[God]] but to [[change]] your [[earth]] [[attitude]] and to enlarge your [[soul]]'s [[capacity]] for [[spirit]] [[receptivity]].

144:2.6 " But when you [[pray]], you [[exercise]] so little [[faith]]. [[Genuine]] faith will remove [[mountain]]s of [[material]] [[difficulty]] which may [[chance]] to lie in the [[path]] of [[soul]] expansion and [[spiritual]] [[progress]]. "

144:2.6 " But when you [[pray]], you [[exercise]] so little [[faith]]. [[Genuine]] faith will remove [[mountain]]s of [[material]] [[difficulty]] which may [[chance]] to lie in the [[path]] of [[soul]] expansion and [[spiritual]] [[progress]]. "

**As we also have forgiven our debtors.

**As we also have forgiven our debtors.

**Save us in [[temptation]], deliver us from [[evil]],

**Save us in [[temptation]], deliver us from [[evil]],

**And increasingly make us [[perfect]] like yourself.[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_11]

**And increasingly make us [[perfect]] like yourself.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_11]

144:3.4 It is not strange that [[the apostles]] [[desired]] [[Jesus]] to teach them a [[model]] [[prayer]] for believers. [[John the Baptist]] had taught his followers several [[prayers]]; all great teachers had [[formulated]] prayers for their [[pupils]]. The religious [[teachers]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews] had some twenty-five or thirty set prayers which they [[recited]] in the [[synagogue]]s and even on the street corners. [[Jesus]] was particularly averse to praying in [[public]]. Up to this time [[the twelve]] had heard him [[pray]] only a few times. They [[observed]] him spending entire nights at [[prayer]] or [[worship]], and they were very [[curious]] to know the [[manner]] or [[form]] of his [[petitions]]. They were really hard pressed to know what to answer [[the multitudes]] when they asked to be taught how to [[pray]] as [[John the Baptist|John]] had taught his [[disciples]].

144:3.4 It is not strange that [[the apostles]] [[desired]] [[Jesus]] to teach them a [[model]] [[prayer]] for believers. [[John the Baptist]] had taught his followers several [[prayers]]; all great teachers had [[formulated]] prayers for their [[pupils]]. The religious [[teachers]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews] had some twenty-five or thirty set prayers which they [[recited]] in the [[synagogue]]s and even on the street corners. [[Jesus]] was particularly averse to praying in [[public]]. Up to this time [[the twelve]] had heard him [[pray]] only a few times. They [[observed]] him spending entire nights at [[prayer]] or [[worship]], and they were very [[curious]] to know the [[manner]] or [[form]] of his [[petitions]]. They were really hard pressed to know what to answer [[the multitudes]] when they asked to be taught how to [[pray]] as [[John the Baptist|John]] had taught his [[disciples]].

144:3.5 [[Jesus]] taught [[the twelve]] always to [[pray]] in [[secret]]; to go off by themselves amidst the [[quiet]] [[surroundings]] of [[nature]] or to go in their rooms and shut the doors when they [[engaged]] in [[prayer]].

144:3.5 [[Jesus]] taught [[the twelve]] always to [[pray]] in [[secret]]; to go off by themselves amidst the [[quiet]] [[surroundings]] of [[nature]] or to go in their rooms and shut the doors when they [[engaged]] in [[prayer]].

144:3.6 After [[Jesus]]' [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_187 death] and [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_193 ascension] to [[the Father]] it became the [[practice]] of many believers to finish this so-called [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord's_Prayer Lord's prayer] by the addition of—" In the [[name]] of the Lord [[Jesus]] [[Christ]]. " Still later on, two lines were lost in copying, and there was added to this [[prayer]] an extra clause, reading: " For yours is [[the kingdom]] and the [[power]] and the [[glory]], forevermore. "

144:3.6 After [[Jesus]]' [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_187 death] and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_193 ascension] to [[the Father]] it became the [[practice]] of many believers to finish this so-called [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord's_Prayer Lord's prayer] by the addition of—" In the [[name]] of the Lord [[Jesus]] [[Christ]]. " Still later on, two lines were lost in copying, and there was added to this [[prayer]] an extra clause, reading: " For yours is [[the kingdom]] and the [[power]] and the [[glory]], forevermore. "

144:3.7 [[Jesus]] gave [[the apostles]] the [[prayer]] in [[collective]] form as they had prayed it in the [[Nazareth]] [[home]]. He never taught a [[formal]] [[personal]] [[prayer]], only [[group]], [[family]], or [[social]] [[petitions]]. And he never [[volunteered]] to do that.

144:3.7 [[Jesus]] gave [[the apostles]] the [[prayer]] in [[collective]] form as they had prayed it in the [[Nazareth]] [[home]]. He never taught a [[formal]] [[personal]] [[prayer]], only [[group]], [[family]], or [[social]] [[petitions]]. And he never [[volunteered]] to do that.

==144:6. CONFERENCE WITH JOHN'S APOSTLES==

==144:6. CONFERENCE WITH JOHN'S APOSTLES==

144:6.1 Around the first of October, Philip and some of his fellow apostles were in a near-by village buying food when they met some of the apostles of John the Baptist. As a result of this chance meeting in the market place there came about a three weeks' conference at the Gilboa camp between the apostles of Jesus and the apostles of John, for John had recently appointed twelve of his leaders to be apostles, following the precedent of Jesus. John had done this in response to the urging of Abner, the chief of his loyal supporters. Jesus was present at the Gilboa camp throughout the first week of this joint conference but absented himself the last two weeks.

144:6.1 Around the first of October, [[Philip, the Apostle|Philip]] and some of his fellow [[apostles]] were in a near-by village buying [[food]] when they met some of the apostles of [[John the Baptist]]. As a result of this [[chance]] meeting in the market place there came about a three weeks' [[conference]] at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Gilboa Gilboa] camp between [[the apostles]] of Jesus and [[Abner|the apostles]] of [[John the Baptist|John]], for John had recently appointed twelve of his [[leaders]] to be apostles, following the precedent of [[Jesus]]. John had done this in [[response]] to the urging of [[Abner]], the chief of his [[loyal]] supporters. [[Jesus]] was present at the Gilboa camp throughout the first week of this joint [[conference]] but absented himself the last two weeks.

144:6.2 By the beginning of the second week of this month, Abner had assembled all of his associates at the Gilboa camp and was prepared to go into council with the apostles of Jesus. For three weeks these twenty-four men were in session three times a day and for six days each week. The first week Jesus mingled with them between their forenoon, afternoon, and evening sessions. They wanted the Master to meet with them and preside over their joint deliberations, but he steadfastly refused to participate in their discussions, though he did consent to speak to them on three occasions. These talks by Jesus to the twenty-four were on sympathy, co-operation, and tolerance.

144:6.2 By the beginning of the second week of this month, [[Abner]] had assembled all of his [[associates]] at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Gilboa Gilboa] camp and was [[prepared]] to go into [[council]] with [[the apostles]] of [[Jesus]]. For three weeks these twenty-four men were in session three times a day and for six days each week. The first week [[Jesus]] mingled with them between their forenoon, afternoon, and evening sessions. They wanted [[the Master]] to meet with them and preside over their joint deliberations, but he [[steadfastly]] refused to [[participate]] in their [[discussions]], though he did [[consent]] to speak to them on [[three]] occasions. These talks by [[Jesus]] to the twenty-four were on [[sympathy]], [[co-operation]], and [[tolerance]].

144:6.3 Andrew and Abner alternated in presiding over these joint meetings of the two apostolic groups. These men had many difficulties to discuss and numerous problems to solve. Again and again would they take their troubles to Jesus, only to hear him say: " I am concerned only with your personal and purely religious problems. I am the representative of the Father to the individual, not to the group. If you are in personal difficulty in your relations with God, come to me, and I will hear you and counsel you in the solution of your problem. But when you enter upon the co-ordination of divergent human interpretations of religious questions and upon the socialization of religion, you are destined to solve all such problems by your own decisions. Albeit, I am ever sympathetic and always interested, and when you arrive at your conclusions touching these matters of nonspiritual import, provided you are all agreed, then I pledge in advance my full approval and hearty co-operation. And now, in order to leave you unhampered in your deliberations, I am leaving you for two weeks. Be not anxious about me, for I will return to you. I will be about my Father's business, for we have other realms besides this one. "

144:6.3 [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] and [[Abner]] alternated in presiding over these joint meetings of the two apostolic groups. These men had many [[difficulties]] to [[discuss]] and numerous [[problems]] to solve. Again and again would they take their troubles to [[Jesus]], only to hear him say: " I am concerned only with your [[personal]] and [[purely]] [[religious]] [[problems]]. I am the [[representative]] of [[the Father]] to the [[individual]], not to the [[group]]. If you are in [[personal]] [[difficulty]] in your [[relations]] with [[God]], come to me, and I will hear you and [[counsel]] you in the solution of your [[problem]]. But when you enter upon the [[co-ordination]] of [[divergent]] human [[interpretations]] of religious questions and upon the [[socialization]] of [[religion]], you are [[destined]] to solve all such problems by your own [[decisions]]. Albeit, I am ever [[sympathetic]] and always interested, and when you arrive at your conclusions touching these matters of nonspiritual import, provided you are all [[agreed]], then I [[pledge]] in advance my full [[approval]] and hearty [[co-operation]]. And now, in order to leave you unhampered in your [[deliberations]], I am leaving you for two weeks. Be not [[anxious]] about me, for I will return to you. I will be about my Father's business, for we have [[Paper 49 - The Inhabited Worlds|other realms]] besides this one. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_10]

144:6.4 After thus speaking, Jesus went down the mountainside, and they saw him no more for two full weeks. And they never knew where he went or what he did during these days. It was some time before the twenty-four could settle down to the serious consideration of their problems, they were so disconcerted by the absence of the Master. However, within a week they were again in the heart of their discussions, and they could not go to Jesus for help.

144:6.4 After thus [[speaking]], [[Jesus]] went down the mountainside, and they saw him no more for two full weeks. And they never knew where he went or what he did during these days. It was some time before the twenty-four could settle down to the serious [[consideration]] of their [[problems]], they were so disconcerted by the [[absence]] of [[the Master]]. However, within a week they were again in the [[heart]] of their [[discussions]], and they could not go to [[Jesus]] for help.

144:6.5 The first item the group agreed upon was the adoption of the prayer which Jesus had so recently taught them. It was unanimously voted to accept this prayer as the one to be taught believers by both groups of apostles.

144:6.5 The first item the [[group]] agreed upon was the adoption of the [[prayer]] which Jesus had so recently taught them. It was unanimously [[voted]] to [[accept]] this [[prayer]] as the one to be taught believers by both [[groups]] of [[apostles]].

144:6.6 They next decided that, as long as John lived, whether in prison or out, both groups of twelve apostles would go on with their work, and that joint meetings for one week would be held every three months at places to be agreed upon from time to time.

144:6.6 They next [[decided]] that, as long as [[John the Baptist|John]] lived, whether in [[prison]] or out, both groups of [[twelve apostles]] would go on with their [[work]], and that joint meetings for one week would be held every three months at places to be [[agreed]] upon from time to time.

144:6.7 But the most serious of all their problems was the question of baptism. Their difficulties were all the more aggravated because Jesus had refused to make any pronouncement upon the subject. They finally agreed: As long as John lived, or until they might jointly modify this decision, only the apostles of John would baptize believers, and only the apostles of Jesus would finally instruct the new disciples. Accordingly, from that time until after the death of John, two of the apostles of John accompanied Jesus and his apostles to baptize believers, for the joint council had unanimously voted that baptism was to become the initial step in the outward alliance with the affairs of the kingdom.

144:6.7 But the most serious of all their [[problems]] was the question of [[baptism]]. Their [[difficulties]] were all the more aggravated because [[Jesus]] had refused to make any [[pronouncement]] upon the subject. They finally [[agreed]]: As long as [[John the Baptist|John]] lived, or until they might jointly [[modify]] this [[decision]], only the apostles of John would [[baptize]] believers, and only [[the apostles]] of [[Jesus]] would finally instruct the new [[disciples]]. Accordingly, from that time until after the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_135#135:12._DEATH_OF_JOHN_THE_BAPTIST death of John], [[two]] of the apostles of John accompanied [[Jesus]] and his [[apostles]] to [[baptize]] believers, for the joint [[council]] had unanimously voted that baptism was to become the initial step in the outward [[alliance]] with the affairs of [[the kingdom]].

144:6.8 It was next agreed, in case of the death of John, that the apostles of John would present themselves to Jesus and become subject to his direction, and that they would baptize no more unless authorized by Jesus or his apostles.

144:6.8 It was next [[agreed]], in case of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_135#135:12._DEATH_OF_JOHN_THE_BAPTIST death of John], that the apostles of John would present themselves to [[Jesus]] and become subject to his direction, and that they would [[baptize]] no more unless [[authorized]] by [[Jesus]] or his [[apostles]].

144:6.9 And then was it voted that, in case of John's death, the apostles of Jesus would begin to baptize with water as the emblem of the baptism of the divine Spirit. As to whether or not repentance should be attached to the preaching of baptism was left optional; no decision was made binding upon the group. John's apostles preached, " Repent and be baptized. " Jesus' apostles proclaimed, " Believe and be baptized. "

144:6.9 And then was it [[voted]] that, in case of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_135#135:12._DEATH_OF_JOHN_THE_BAPTIST John's death], [[the apostles]] of [[Jesus]] would begin to [[baptize]] with [[water]] as the emblem of the baptism of the [[Thought Adjuster|divine Spirit]]. As to whether or not [[repentance]] should be attached to the [[preaching]] of [[baptism]] was left [[optional]]; no [[decision]] was made binding upon the [[group]]. John's apostles [[preached]], " [[Repent]] and be [[baptized]]. " [[Jesus]]' [[apostles]] [[proclaimed]], " Believe and be baptized. "

144:6.10 And this is the story of the first attempt of Jesus' followers to co-ordinate divergent efforts, compose differences of opinion, organize group undertakings, legislate on outward observances, and socialize personal religious practices.

144:6.10 And this is the [[story]] of the first attempt of [[Jesus]]' followers to [[co-ordinate]] [[divergent]] [[efforts]], [[compose]] [[differences]] of [[opinion]], [[organize]] group undertakings, [[legislate]] on outward [[observances]], and [[socialize]] [[personal]] religious [[practices]].

144:6.11 Many other minor matters were considered and their solutions unanimously agreed upon. These twenty-four men had a truly remarkable experience these two weeks when they were compelled to face problems and compose difficulties without Jesus. They learned to differ, to debate, to contend, to pray, and to compromise, and throughout it all to remain sympathetic with the other person's viewpoint and to maintain at least some degree of tolerance for his honest opinions.

144:6.11 Many other minor matters were [[considered]] and their solutions unanimously [[agreed]] upon. These twenty-four men had a truly remarkable [[experience]] these two weeks when they were compelled to face [[problems]] and [[compose]] [[difficulties]] without [[Jesus]]. They learned to differ, to [[debate]], to contend, to [[pray]], and to [[compromise]], and throughout it all to remain [[sympathetic]] with the other person's [[viewpoint]] and to [[maintain]] at least some [[degree]] of [[tolerance]] for his [[honest]] [[opinions]].

144:6.12 On the afternoon of their final discussion of financial questions, Jesus returned, heard of their deliberations, listened to their decisions, and said: " These, then, are your conclusions, and I shall help you each to carry out the spirit of your united decisions. "

144:6.12 On the afternoon of their final [[discussion]] of [[financial]] questions, [[Jesus]] returned, heard of their [[deliberations]], listened to their [[decisions]], and said: " These, then, are your conclusions, and I shall help you each to carry out the spirit of your [[united]] [[decisions]]. "

144:6.13 Two months and a half from this time John was executed, and throughout this period the apostles of John remained with Jesus and the twelve. They all worked together and baptized believers during this season of labor in the cities of the Decapolis. The Gilboa camp was broken up on November 2, A.D. 27.

144:6.13 Two months and a half from this time [[John the Baptist|John]] was executed, and throughout this period the apostles of John remained with [[Jesus]] and [[the twelve]]. They all worked [[together]] and [[baptized]] believers during this [[season]] of [[labor]] in the [[cities]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decapolis Decapolis]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Gilboa Gilboa] camp was broken up on November 2, A.D. 27.

==144:7. IN THE DECAPOLIS CITIES==

==144:7. IN THE DECAPOLIS CITIES==

144:7.1 Throughout the months of November and December, Jesus and the twenty-four worked quietly in the Greek cities of the Decapolis, chiefly in Scythopolis, Gerasa, Abila, and Gadara. This was really the end of that preliminary period of taking over John's work and organization. Always does the socialized religion of a new revelation pay the price of compromise with the established forms and usages of the preceding religion which it seeks to salvage. Baptism was the price which the followers of Jesus paid in order to carry with them, as a socialized religious group, the followers of John the Baptist. John's followers, in joining Jesus' followers, gave up just about everything except water baptism.

144:7.1 Throughout the months of November and December, [[Jesus]] and the twenty-four worked [[quietly]] in the [[Greek]] [[cities]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decapolis Decapolis], chiefly in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scythopolis Scythopolis], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerasa Gerasa], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abila_(Decapolis) Abila], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gadara Gadara]. This was really the end of that preliminary period of taking over [[John the Baptist|John]]'s [[work]] and [[organization]]. Always does the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_99 socialized religion] of a new [[revelation]] pay the price of [[compromise]] with the [[established]] [[forms]] and usages of the preceding [[religion]] which it seeks to salvage. [[Baptism]] was the price which the followers of [[Jesus]] paid in order to carry with them, as a socialized [[religious]] [[group]], the followers of [[John the Baptist]]. John's followers, in joining [[Jesus]]' followers, gave up just about everything except water [[baptism]].

144:7.2 Jesus did little public teaching on this mission to the cities of the Decapolis. He spent considerable time teaching the twenty-four and had many special sessions with John's twelve apostles. In time they became more understanding as to why Jesus did not go to visit John in prison, and why he made no effort to secure his release. But they never could understand why Jesus did no marvelous works, why he refused to produce outward signs of his divine authority. Before coming to the Gilboa camp, they had believed in Jesus mostly because of John's testimony, but soon they were beginning to believe as a result of their own contact with the Master and his teachings.

144:7.2 [[Jesus]] did little public teaching on this [[mission]] to the [[cities]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decapolis Decapolis]. He spent considerable time teaching the twenty-four and had many special sessions with John's [[twelve apostles]]. In time they became more [[understanding]] as to why [[Jesus]] did not go to visit [[John the Baptist|John]] in [[prison]], and why he made no [[effort]] to secure his release. But they never could [[understand]] why [[Jesus]] did no [[marvelous]] works, why he refused to produce outward [[signs]] of his [[divine]] [[authority]]. Before coming to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Gilboa Gilboa] camp, they had believed in [[Jesus]] mostly because of [[John the Baptist|John]]'s [[testimony]], but soon they were beginning to believe as a result of their own contact with [[the Master]] and his teachings.

144:7.3 For these two months the group worked most of the time in pairs, one of Jesus' apostles going out with one of John's. The apostle of John baptized, the apostle of Jesus instructed, while they both preached the gospel of the kingdom as they understood it. And they won many souls among these gentiles and apostate Jews.

144:7.3 For these two months the [[group]] worked most of the time in pairs, one of [[Jesus]]' [[apostles]] going out with one of [[John the Baptist|John]]'s. The apostle of John [[baptized]], the apostle of [[Jesus]] instructed, while they both preached the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] as they [[understood]] it. And they won many [[souls]] among these [[gentiles]] and [[apostate]] [[Jews]].

144:7.4 Abner, the chief of John's apostles, became a devout believer in Jesus and was later on made the head of a group of seventy teachers whom the Master commissioned to preach the gospel.

144:7.4 [[Abner]], the chief of [[John the Baptist|John]]'s apostles, became a [[devout]] believer in [[Jesus]] and was later on made the head of a [[group]] of seventy teachers whom [[the Master]] commissioned to [[preach]] the [[gospel]].

==144:8. IN CAMP NEAR PELLA==

==144:8. IN CAMP NEAR PELLA==

144:8.1 The latter part of December they all went over near the Jordan, close by Pella, where they again began to teach and preach. Both Jews and gentiles came to this camp to hear the gospel. It was while Jesus was teaching the multitude one afternoon that some of John's special friends brought the Master the last message which he ever had from the Baptist.

144:8.1 The latter part of December they all went over near the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_river Jordan], close by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan Pella], where they again began to [[teach]] and [[preach]]. Both [[Jews]] and [[gentiles]] came to this camp to hear the [[gospel]]. It was while [[Jesus]] was teaching [[the multitude]] one afternoon that some of [[John the Baptist|John]]'s special [[friends]] brought [[the Master]] the last [[message]] which he ever had from the [[John the Baptist|Baptist]].

144:8.2 John had now been in prison a year and a half, and most of this time Jesus had labored very quietly; so it was not strange that John should be led to wonder about the kingdom. John's friends interrupted Jesus' teaching to say to him: " John the Baptist has sent us to ask—are you truly the Deliverer, or shall we look for another? "

144:8.2 [[John the Baptist|John]] had now been in [[prison]] a year and a half, and most of this time [[Jesus]] had [[labored]] very [[quietly]]; so it was not strange that John should be led to [[wonder]] about [[the kingdom]]. John's [[friends]] interrupted [[Jesus]]' teaching to say to him: " [[John the Baptist]] has sent us to ask—are you truly the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Deliverer], or shall we look for another? "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_7]

144:8.3 Jesus paused to say to John's friends: " Go back and tell John that he is not forgotten. Tell him what you have seen and heard, that the poor have good tidings preached to them. " And when Jesus had spoken further to the messengers of John, he turned again to the multitude and said: " Do not think that John doubts the gospel of the kingdom. He makes inquiry only to assure his disciples who are also my disciples. John is no weakling. Let me ask you who heard John preach before Herod put him in prison: What did you behold in John—a reed shaken with the wind? A man of changeable moods and clothed in soft raiment? As a rule they who are gorgeously appareled and who live delicately are in kings' courts and in the mansions of the rich. But what did you see when you beheld John? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and much more than a prophet. Of John it was written: `Behold, I send my messenger before your face; he shall prepare the way before you.'

144:8.3 [[Jesus]] paused to say to [[John the Baptist|John]]'s [[friends]]: " Go back and tell John that he is not [[forgotten]]. Tell him what you have seen and heard, that the [[poor]] have good tidings [[preached]] to them. " And when [[Jesus]] had spoken further to the [[messengers]] of [[John the Baptist|John]], he turned again to [[the multitude]] and said: " Do not think that John [[doubts]] the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]]. He makes [[inquiry]] only to [[assure]] his [[disciples]] who are also my disciples. [[John the Baptist|John]] is no weakling. Let me ask you who heard John [[preach]] before [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod] put him in [[prison]]: What did you behold in John—a reed shaken with the [[wind]]? A man of changeable [[moods]] and clothed in soft raiment? As a rule they who are gorgeously [[Dress|appareled]] and who live delicately are in [[kings]]' [[courts]] and in the [[mansions]] of the [[rich]]. But what did you see when you beheld [[John the Baptist|John]]? A [[prophet]]? Yes, I say to you, and much more than a [[prophet]]. Of John it was written: `Behold, I send my [[messenger]] before your face; he shall [[prepare]] the way before you.'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_7]

144:8.4 " Verily, verily, I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen a greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is but small in the kingdom of heaven is greater because he has been born of the spirit and knows that he has become a son of God. "

144:8.4 " Verily, verily, I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen a greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is but small in the kingdom of heaven is greater because he has been born of the spirit and knows that he has become a son of God. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_7]

144:8.5 Many who heard Jesus that day submitted themselves to John's baptism, thereby publicly professing entrance into the kingdom. And the apostles of John were firmly knit to Jesus from that day forward. This occurrence marked the real union of John's and Jesus' followers.

144:8.5 Many who heard [[Jesus]] that day submitted themselves to [[John the Baptist|John]]'s [[baptism]], thereby [[publicly]] professing entrance into [[the kingdom]]. And the apostles of John were firmly knit to [[Jesus]] from that day forward. This [[occurrence]] marked the real [[union]] of [[John the Baptist|John]]'s and [[Jesus]]' followers.

144:8.6 After the messengers had conversed with Abner, they departed for Machaerus to tell all this to John. He was greatly comforted, and his faith was strengthened by the words of Jesus and the message of Abner.

144:8.6 After the [[messengers]] had [[conversed]] with [[Abner]], they departed for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machaerus Machaerus] to tell all this to [[John the Baptist|John]]. He was greatly [[comforted]], and his [[faith]] was [[strengthened]] by the [[words]] of [[Jesus]] and the [[message]] of [[Abner]].

144:8.7 On this afternoon Jesus continued to teach, saying: " But to what shall I liken this generation? Many of you will receive neither John's message nor my teaching. You are like the children playing in the market place who call to their fellows and say: `We piped for you and you did not dance; we wailed and you did not mourn.' And so with some of you. John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said he had a devil. The Son of Man comes eating and drinking, and these same people say: `Behold, a gluttonous man and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!' Truly, wisdom is justified by her children.

144:8.7 On this afternoon [[Jesus]] continued to teach, saying: " But to what shall I liken this [[generation]]? Many of you will [[receive]] neither [[John the Baptist|John]]'s [[message]] nor my teaching. You are like the [[children]] playing in the [[market]] place who call to their fellows and say: `We piped for you and you did not [[dance]]; we wailed and you did not [[mourn]].' And so with some of you. [[John the Baptist|John]] came neither eating nor drinking, and they said he had a [[devil]]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] comes eating and drinking, and these same people say: `Behold, a gluttonous man and a winebibber, a [[friend]] of publicans and [[sinners]]!' Truly, [[wisdom]] is justified by her [[children]].[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_7]

144:8.8 " It would appear that the Father in heaven has hidden some of these truths from the wise and haughty, while he has revealed them to babes. But the Father does all things well; the Father reveals himself to the universe by the methods of his own choosing. Come, therefore, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and you shall find rest for your souls. Take upon you the divine yoke, and you will experience the peace of God, which passes all understanding. "

144:8.8 " It would appear that [[the Father]] in heaven has hidden some of these [[truths]] from the [[wise]] and haughty, while he has [[revealed]] them to babes. But [[the Father]] does all things well; the Father [[reveals]] himself to the [[universe]] by the [[methods]] of his own [[choosing]]. Come, therefore, all you who [[labor]] and are heavy laden, and you shall find rest for your [[souls]]. Take upon you the [[divine]] yoke, and you will [[experience]] the [[peace]] of [[God]], which passes all [[understanding]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_11]

==144:9. DEATH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST==   

==144:9. DEATH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST==   

144:9.1 John the Baptist was executed by order of Herod Antipas on the evening of January 10, A.D. 28. The next day a few of John's disciples who had gone to Machaerus heard of his execution and, going to Herod, made request for his body, which they put in a tomb, later giving it burial at Sebaste, the home of Abner. The following day, January 12, they started north to the camp of John's and Jesus' apostles near Pella, and they told Jesus about the death of John. When Jesus heard their report, he dismissed the multitude and, calling the twenty-four together, said: " John is dead. Herod has beheaded him. Tonight go into joint council and arrange your affairs accordingly. There shall be delay no longer. The hour has come to proclaim the kingdom openly and with power. Tomorrow we go into Galilee. "

144:9.1 [[John the Baptist]] was [[executed]] by order of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod Antipas] on the evening of January 10, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/28_AD A.D. 28]. The next day a few of John's [[disciples]] who had gone to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machaerus Machaerus] heard of his [[execution]] and, going to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod], made request for his [[body]], which they put in a [[tomb]], later giving it [[burial]] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebaste Sebaste], the [[home]] of [[Abner]]. The following day, January 12, they started north to the camp of John's and Jesus' [[apostles]] near [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan Pella], and they told [[Jesus]] about the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_135#135:12._DEATH_OF_JOHN_THE_BAPTIST death of John]. When [[Jesus]] heard their report, he dismissed [[the multitude]] and, calling the twenty-four [[together]], said: " [[John the Baptist|John]] is dead. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod] has beheaded him. Tonight go into joint [[council]] and arrange your affairs accordingly. There shall be delay no longer. The hour has come to [[proclaim]] [[the kingdom]] openly and with [[power]]. Tomorrow we go into [[Galilee]]. "

144:9.2 Accordingly, early on the morning of January 13, A.D. 28, Jesus and the apostles, accompanied by some twenty-five disciples, made their way to Capernaum and lodged that night in Zebedee's house.

144:9.2 Accordingly, early on the morning of January 13, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/28_AD A.D. 28], [[Jesus]] and [[the apostles]], accompanied by some twenty-five [[disciples]], made their way to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] and lodged that night in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee]'s house.

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

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