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==CHAPTER 42==

==CHAPTER 42==

===WEDNESDAY, THE REST DAY===

===WEDNESDAY, THE REST DAY===

      

      

LITTLE was said during the first half of this morning meal. At last Jesus spoke:

LITTLE was said during the first half of this morning meal.  

 

At last Jesus spoke:

*"I desire that you rest today. Take time to think over all that has happened since we came to Jerusalem and meditate on what is just ahead, of which I have plainly told you. Make sure that the truth abides in your lives, and that you daily grow in grace."

*"I desire that you rest today. Take time to think over all that has happened since we came to Jerusalem and meditate on what is just ahead, of which I have plainly told you. Make sure that the truth abides in your lives, and that you daily grow in grace."

When the lad asked the Master how he could know that he would turn out to be a "mighty messenger of the kingdom," Jesus said:

When the lad asked the Master how he could know that he would turn out to be a "mighty messenger of the kingdom," Jesus said:

*"I know you will prove loyal to the gospel of the kingdom because I can depend upon your present faith and love when these qualities are grounded upon such an early training as has been your portion at home. You are the product of a home where the parents bear each other a sincere affection, and therefore you have not been over-loved so as injuriously to exalt your concept of self-importance. Neither has your personality suffered distortion in consequence of your parents' loveless maneuvering for your confidence and loyalty, the one against the other. You have enjoyed that parental love which insures laudable self-confidence and which fosters normal feelings of security.  

*"I know you will prove loyal to the gospel of the kingdom because I can depend upon your present faith and love when these qualities are grounded upon such an early training as has been your portion at home. You are the product of a home where the parents bear each other a sincere affection, and therefore you have not been over-loved so as injuriously to exalt your concept of self-importance. Neither has your personality suffered distortion in consequence of your parents' loveless maneuvering for your confidence and loyalty, the one against the other. <u>You have enjoyed that '''parental''' love which insures laudable self-confidence and which fosters normal feelings of security.</u>

*<u>“But you have also been fortunate in that your '''parents''' possessed wisdom as well as '''love'''.</u> It was wisdom that led them to withhold most forms of indulgence and many luxuries that wealth can buy while they sent you to the synagogue school along with your neighborhood playfellows, and they also encouraged you to learn how to live in this world by permitting you to have original experience. You came over to the Jordan, where we preached and John's disciples baptized, with your young friend Amos. Both of you desired to go with us. When you returned to Jerusalem, your parents consented. Amos's parents refused.  

*<u>“But you have also been fortunate in that your parents possessed '''wisdom''' as well as '''love'''.</u> It was wisdom that led them to withhold most forms of indulgence and many luxuries that wealth can buy while they sent you to the synagogue school along with your neighborhood playfellows, and they also encouraged you to learn how to live in this world by permitting you to have original experience. You came over to the Jordan, where we preached and John's disciples baptized, with your young friend Amos. Both of you desired to go with us. When you returned to Jerusalem, your parents consented. Amos's parents refused.  

*“They loved their son so much that they denied him the blessed experience that you have had, even such as you this day enjoy. By running away from home, Amos could have joined us, but in so doing he would have wounded love and sacrificed loyalty. Even if such a course had been wise, it would have been a terrible price to pay for experience, independence, and liberty. <u>Wise parents, such as yours, see to it that their '''children''' do not have to wound love or stifle loyalty in order to develop independence and enjoy invigorating liberty when they have grown up to your age.</u>  

*“They loved their son so much that they denied him the blessed experience that you have had, even such as you this day enjoy. By running away from home, Amos could have joined us, but in so doing he would have wounded love and sacrificed loyalty. Even if such a course had been wise, it would have been a terrible price to pay for experience, independence, and liberty. <u>Wise parents, such as yours, see to it that their '''children''' do not have to wound love or stifle loyalty in order to develop independence and enjoy invigorating liberty when they have grown up to your age.</u>