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==PAPER 148: TRAINING EVANGELISTS AT BETHSAIDA==

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148:0.1 From May 3 to October 3, [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/28_AD A.D. 28], [[Jesus]] and the apostolic party were in residence at the [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee] [[home]] at [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida]. Throughout this five months' period of the dry season an enormous camp was maintained by the seaside near the [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee] residence, which had been greatly enlarged to accommodate the growing [[family]] of [[Jesus]]. This seaside camp, occupied by an ever-changing [[population]] of [[truth]] [[seekers]], [[healing]] [[candidates]], and [[curiosity]] devotees, numbered from five hundred to fifteen hundred. This [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tent_city tented city] was under the general supervision of [[David Zebedee]], assisted by the [[The twins|Alpheus twins]]. The encampment was a [[model]] in order and [[sanitation]] as well as in its general [[administration]]. The [[sick]] of [[different]] types were [[segregated]] and were under the supervision of a believer [[physician]], a Syrian named Elman.

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148:0.1 From May 3 to October 3, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/28_AD A.D. 28], [[Jesus]] and the apostolic party were in residence at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee] [[home]] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida]. Throughout this five months' period of the dry season an enormous camp was maintained by the seaside near the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee] residence, which had been greatly enlarged to accommodate the growing [[family]] of [[Jesus]]. This seaside camp, occupied by an ever-changing [[population]] of [[truth]] [[seekers]], [[healing]] [[candidates]], and [[curiosity]] devotees, numbered from five hundred to fifteen hundred. This [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tent_city tented city] was under the general supervision of [[David Zebedee]], assisted by the [[The twins|Alpheus twins]]. The encampment was a [[model]] in order and [[sanitation]] as well as in its general [[administration]]. The [[sick]] of [[different]] types were [[segregated]] and were under the supervision of a believer [[physician]], a Syrian named Elman.

148:0.2 Throughout this period [[the apostles]] would go fishing at least one day a week, selling their catch to [[David Zebedee|David]] for consumption by the seaside encampment. The [[funds]] thus received were turned over to the group treasury. [[The twelve]] were [[permitted]] to spend one week out of each month with their [[families]] or [[friends]].

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148:0.3 While [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] continued in general charge of the apostolic [[activities]], [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] was in full charge of the [[school]] of the [[evangelists]]. [[The apostles]] all did their [[share]] in teaching groups of evangelists each forenoon, and both [[teachers]] and [[pupils]] taught the people during the afternoons. After the evening meal, five nights a week, [[the apostles]] conducted question classes for the benefit of the [[evangelists]]. Once a week [[Jesus]] presided at this question hour, answering the holdover questions from previous sessions.

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148:0.4 In five months several thousand came and went at this encampment. Interested [[persons]] from every part of the [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire Roman Empire] and from the lands east of the [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphrates Euphrates] were in frequent attendance. This was the longest settled and well-[[organized]] period of [[the Master]]'s teaching. [[Jesus]]' immediate [[family]] spent most of this time at either [[Nazareth]] or [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana].

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148:0.4 In five months several thousand came and went at this encampment. Interested [[persons]] from every part of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire Roman Empire] and from the lands east of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphrates Euphrates] were in frequent attendance. This was the longest settled and well-[[organized]] period of [[the Master]]'s teaching. [[Jesus]]' immediate [[family]] spent most of this time at either [[Nazareth]] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana].

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148:0.5 The encampment was not conducted as a [[community]] of common interests, as was the apostolic family. [[David Zebedee]] managed this large [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tent_city tent city] so that it became a self-sustaining [[enterprise]], notwithstanding that no one was ever turned away. This ever-changing camp was an indispensable feature of [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]]'s [[evangelist]]ic [[training]] [[school]].

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148:0.5 The encampment was not conducted as a [[community]] of common interests, as was the apostolic family. [[David Zebedee]] managed this large [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tent_city tent city] so that it became a self-sustaining [[enterprise]], notwithstanding that no one was ever turned away. This ever-changing camp was an indispensable feature of [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]]'s [[evangelist]]ic [[training]] [[school]].

==148:1. A NEW SCHOOL OF THE PROPHETS==

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148:1.1 [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [[James, the Apostle|James]], and [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] were the committee designated by [[Jesus]] to pass upon applicants for admission to the [[school]] of [[evangelists]]. All the [[races]] and [[nationalities]] of the [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire Roman world] and [[the East]], as far as [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_India India], were [[represented]] among the [[students]] in this new [[school]] of the [[prophets]]. This [[school]] was conducted on the [[plan]] of [[learning]] and [[doing]]. What the [[students]] learned during the forenoon they taught to the assembly by the seaside during the afternoon. After supper they informally [[discussed]] both the learning of the forenoon and the [[teaching]] of the afternoon.

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148:1.1 [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [[James, the Apostle|James]], and [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] were the committee designated by [[Jesus]] to pass upon applicants for admission to the [[school]] of [[evangelists]]. All the [[races]] and [[nationalities]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire Roman world] and [[the East]], as far as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_India India], were [[represented]] among the [[students]] in this new [[school]] of the [[prophets]]. This [[school]] was conducted on the [[plan]] of [[learning]] and [[doing]]. What the [[students]] learned during the forenoon they taught to the assembly by the seaside during the afternoon. After supper they informally [[discussed]] both the learning of the forenoon and the [[teaching]] of the afternoon.

148:1.2 Each of the apostolic [[teachers]] taught his own view of the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]]. They made no [[effort]] to teach just alike; there was no [[standardized]] or [[dogmatic]] [[formulation]] of [[theologic]] [[doctrines]]. Though they all taught the same [[truth]], each [[apostle]] presented his own [[personal]] [[interpretation]] of [[the Master]]'s teaching. And [[Jesus]] upheld this presentation of the [[diversity]] of personal [[experience]] in the things of [[the kingdom]], unfailingly [[harmonizing]] and [[co-ordinating]] these many and [[divergent]] views of the [[gospel]] at his weekly question hours. Notwithstanding this great [[degree]] of [[personal]] [[liberty]] in matters of [[teaching]], [[Peter, the Apostle|Simon Peter]] tended to [[dominate]] the [[theology]] of the [[school]] of [[evangelists]]. Next to [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [[James, the Apostle|James Zebedee]] exerted the greatest [[personal]] [[influence]].

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148:1.3 The one hundred and more [[evangelists]] [[trained]] during this five months by the seaside [[represented]] the [[material]] from which (excepting [[Abner]] and [[John the Baptist|John]]'s [[apostles]]) the later [~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_163 seventy gospel teachers] and [[preachers]] were drawn. The [[school]] of [[evangelists]] did not have everything in common to the same [[degree]] as did [[the twelve]].

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148:1.3 The one hundred and more [[evangelists]] [[trained]] during this five months by the seaside [[represented]] the [[material]] from which (excepting [[Abner]] and [[John the Baptist|John]]'s [[apostles]]) the later [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_163 seventy gospel teachers] and [[preachers]] were drawn. The [[school]] of [[evangelists]] did not have everything in common to the same [[degree]] as did [[the twelve]].

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148:1.4 These [[evangelists]], though they taught and [[preached]] the [[gospel]], did not [[baptize]] believers until after they were later [[ordained]] and commissioned by [[Jesus]] as the [~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_163 seventy messengers] of [[the kingdom]]. Only [[seven]] of the large number healed at the sundown scene at this place were to be found among these evangelistic [[students]]. The [~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_146#146:5._BACK_IN_CANA nobleman's son] of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] was one of those [[trained]] for [[gospel]] [[service]] in [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]]'s [[school]].

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148:1.4 These [[evangelists]], though they taught and [[preached]] the [[gospel]], did not [[baptize]] believers until after they were later [[ordained]] and commissioned by [[Jesus]] as the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_163 seventy messengers] of [[the kingdom]]. Only [[seven]] of the large number healed at the sundown scene at this place were to be found among these evangelistic [[students]]. The [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_146#146:5._BACK_IN_CANA nobleman's son] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] was one of those [[trained]] for [[gospel]] [[service]] in [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]]'s [[school]].

==148:2. THE BETHSAIDA HOSPITAL==

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148:2.1 In connection with the seaside encampment, Elman, the Syrian [[physician]], with the [[assistance]] of a corps of twenty-five young [[women]] and twelve [[men]], [[organized]] and conducted for four months what should be regarded as [[the kingdom]]'s first [[hospital]]. At this infirmary, located a short distance to the south of the main [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tent_city tented city], they treated the [[sick]] in [[accordance]] with all known [[material]] [[methods]] as well as by the [[spiritual]] [[practices]] of [[prayer]] and [[faith]] [[encouragement]]. [[Jesus]] [[visited]] the sick of this encampment not less than [[three]] times a week and made [[personal]] contact with each sufferer. As far as we know, no so-called [[miracles]] of [[supernatural]] [[healing]] occurred among the one thousand afflicted and ailing [[persons]] who went away from this infirmary improved or cured. However, the vast [[majority]] of these benefited [[individuals]] ceased not to [[proclaim]] that [[Jesus]] had [[healed]] them.

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148:2.1 In connection with the seaside encampment, Elman, the Syrian [[physician]], with the [[assistance]] of a corps of twenty-five young [[women]] and twelve [[men]], [[organized]] and conducted for four months what should be regarded as [[the kingdom]]'s first [[hospital]]. At this infirmary, located a short distance to the south of the main [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tent_city tented city], they treated the [[sick]] in [[accordance]] with all known [[material]] [[methods]] as well as by the [[spiritual]] [[practices]] of [[prayer]] and [[faith]] [[encouragement]]. [[Jesus]] [[visited]] the sick of this encampment not less than [[three]] times a week and made [[personal]] contact with each sufferer. As far as we know, no so-called [[miracles]] of [[supernatural]] [[healing]] occurred among the one thousand afflicted and ailing [[persons]] who went away from this infirmary improved or cured. However, the vast [[majority]] of these benefited [[individuals]] ceased not to [[proclaim]] that [[Jesus]] had [[healed]] them.

148:2.2 Many of the [[Healing|cures]] effected by [[Jesus]] in connection with his [[ministry]] in behalf of Elman's patients did, indeed, appear to resemble the working of [[miracles]], but we were instructed that they were only just such [[transformations]] of [[mind]] and [[spirit]] as may occur in the [[experience]] of [[expectant]] and [[faith]]-[[dominated]] [[persons]] who are under the [[immediate]] and [[inspirational]] [[influence]] of a strong, [[positive]], and beneficent [[personality]] whose ministry banishes [[fear]] and destroys [[anxiety]].

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148:2.3 Elman and his associates endeavored to [[teach]] the [[truth]] to these sick ones concerning the " [[Possessed|possession]] of [[evil]] spirits, " but they met with little success. The [[belief]] that [[physical]] [[sickness]] and mental derangement could be caused by the dwelling of a so-called unclean spirit in the [[mind]] or [[body]] of the afflicted person was well-nigh [[universal]].

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148:2.4 In all his [[contact]] with the [[sick]] and afflicted, when it came to the [[technique]] of treatment or the [[revelation]] of the [[unknown]] [[causes]] of [[disease]], [[Jesus]] did not disregard the [~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120#120:2._THE_BESTOWAL_LIMITATIONS instructions] of his [[Paradise]] [[brother]], [[Immanuel]], given [~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120#PAPER_120:_THE_BESTOWAL_OF_MICHAEL_ON_URANTIA ere he embarked] upon the venture of the [[Urantia]] [[incarnation]]. Notwithstanding this, those who ministered to the [[sick]] learned many helpful lessons by [[observing]] the [[manner]] in which [[Jesus]] [[inspired]] the [[faith]] and [[confidence]] of the [[sick]] and [[suffering]].

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148:2.4 In all his [[contact]] with the [[sick]] and afflicted, when it came to the [[technique]] of treatment or the [[revelation]] of the [[unknown]] [[causes]] of [[disease]], [[Jesus]] did not disregard the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120#120:2._THE_BESTOWAL_LIMITATIONS instructions] of his [[Paradise]] [[brother]], [[Immanuel]], given [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120#PAPER_120:_THE_BESTOWAL_OF_MICHAEL_ON_URANTIA ere he embarked] upon the venture of the [[Urantia]] [[incarnation]]. Notwithstanding this, those who ministered to the [[sick]] learned many helpful lessons by [[observing]] the [[manner]] in which [[Jesus]] [[inspired]] the [[faith]] and [[confidence]] of the [[sick]] and [[suffering]].

148:2.5 The camp disbanded a short time before the [[season]] for the increase in chills and fever drew on.

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==148:3. THE FATHER'S BUSINESS==

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148:3.1 Throughout this period [[Jesus]] conducted [[public]] services at the encampment less than a dozen times and [[spoke]] only once in the [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] [[synagogue]], the second [[Sabbath]] before their departure with the newly [[trained]] [[evangelists]] upon their [~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_149 second public preaching tour] of [[Galilee]].

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148:3.1 Throughout this period [[Jesus]] conducted [[public]] services at the encampment less than a dozen times and [[spoke]] only once in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] [[synagogue]], the second [[Sabbath]] before their departure with the newly [[trained]] [[evangelists]] upon their [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_149 second public preaching tour] of [[Galilee]].

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148:3.2 Not since his [[baptism]] had [[the Master]] been so much [[alone]] as during this period of the [[evangelists]]' [[training]] encampment at [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida]. Whenever any one of [[the apostles]] ventured to ask [[Jesus]] why he was absent so much from their midst, he would invariably answer that he was " about [[the Father]]'s business. "

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148:3.2 Not since his [[baptism]] had [[the Master]] been so much [[alone]] as during this period of the [[evangelists]]' [[training]] encampment at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida]. Whenever any one of [[the apostles]] ventured to ask [[Jesus]] why he was absent so much from their midst, he would invariably answer that he was " about [[the Father]]'s business. "

148:3.3 During these periods of [[absence]], [[Jesus]] was accompanied by only two of [[the apostles]]. He had released [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [[James, the Apostle|James]], and [[John, the Apostle|John]] temporarily from their assignment as his [[personal]] companions that they might also [[participate]] in the work of [[training]] the new [[evangelistic]] [[candidates]], numbering more than one hundred. When [[the Master]] [[desired]] to go to the hills about [[the Father]]'s business, he would summon to accompany him any [[two]] of [[the apostles]] who might be at [[liberty]]. In this way each of the twelve enjoyed an [[opportunity]] for close [[association]] and [[intimate]] contact with [[Jesus]].

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148:3.4 It has not been [[revealed]] for the [[purposes]] of this [[record]], but we have been led to [[infer]] that [[the Master]], during many of these [[solitary]] [[seasons]] in the hills, was in direct and [[executive]] [[association]] with many of his [~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_33#PAPER_33:_ADMINISTRATION_OF_THE_LOCAL_UNIVERSE chief directors] of [[universe]] affairs. Ever since about the time of his [[baptism]] this [[incarnated]] [[Master Son|Sovereign]] of [[Nebadon|our universe]] had become increasingly and consciously [[active]] in the direction of certain [[phases]] of [[Paper 33 - Administration of the Local Universe|universe administration]]. And we have always held the [[opinion]] that, in some way not [[revealed]] to his [[immediate]] [[associates]], during these weeks of decreased [[participation]] in the affairs of [[earth]] he was [[engaged]] in the direction of those [~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_35#PAPER_35:_THE_LOCAL_UNIVERSE_SONS_OF_GOD high spirit intelligences] who were charged with the running of a [[Local Universe|vast universe]], and that the [[human]] [[Jesus]] chose to designate such [[activities]] on his part as being " about [[Universal Father|his Father]]'s business. "

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148:3.4 It has not been [[revealed]] for the [[purposes]] of this [[record]], but we have been led to [[infer]] that [[the Master]], during many of these [[solitary]] [[seasons]] in the hills, was in direct and [[executive]] [[association]] with many of his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_33#PAPER_33:_ADMINISTRATION_OF_THE_LOCAL_UNIVERSE chief directors] of [[universe]] affairs. Ever since about the time of his [[baptism]] this [[incarnated]] [[Master Son|Sovereign]] of [[Nebadon|our universe]] had become increasingly and consciously [[active]] in the direction of certain [[phases]] of [[Paper 33 - Administration of the Local Universe|universe administration]]. And we have always held the [[opinion]] that, in some way not [[revealed]] to his [[immediate]] [[associates]], during these weeks of decreased [[participation]] in the affairs of [[earth]] he was [[engaged]] in the direction of those [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_35#PAPER_35:_THE_LOCAL_UNIVERSE_SONS_OF_GOD high spirit intelligences] who were charged with the running of a [[Local Universe|vast universe]], and that the [[human]] [[Jesus]] chose to designate such [[activities]] on his part as being " about [[Universal Father|his Father]]'s business. "

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148:3.5 Many times, when [[Jesus]] was [[alone]] for hours, but when two of his [[apostles]] were near by, they [[observed]] his features undergo rapid and multitudinous [[changes]], although they heard him speak no [[words]]. Neither did they [[observe]] any visible [[manifestation]] of [[celestial]] [[beings]] who might have been in [[communication]] with their [[The Master|Master]], such as some of them did [[witness]] on a [~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_158 subsequent occasion].

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148:3.5 Many times, when [[Jesus]] was [[alone]] for hours, but when two of his [[apostles]] were near by, they [[observed]] his features undergo rapid and multitudinous [[changes]], although they heard him speak no [[words]]. Neither did they [[observe]] any visible [[manifestation]] of [[celestial]] [[beings]] who might have been in [[communication]] with their [[The Master|Master]], such as some of them did [[witness]] on a [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_158 subsequent occasion].

==148:4. EVIL, SIN, AND INIQUITY==

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148:4.1 It was the [[habit]] of [[Jesus]] two evenings each week to hold special [[converse]] with [[individuals]] who [[desired]] to talk with him, in a certain [[secluded]] and [[sheltered]] corner of the [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee] [[garden]]. At one of these evening [[conversations]] in [[private]] [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]] asked [[the Master]] this question: " Why is it [[necessary]] for men to be [[born]] of the [[spirit]] in order to enter [[the kingdom]]? Is rebirth [[necessary]] to [[escape]] the [[control]] of the [[evil one]]? Master, what is [[evil]]? " When [[Jesus]] heard these questions, he said to [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]]:

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148:4.1 It was the [[habit]] of [[Jesus]] two evenings each week to hold special [[converse]] with [[individuals]] who [[desired]] to talk with him, in a certain [[secluded]] and [[sheltered]] corner of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee] [[garden]]. At one of these evening [[conversations]] in [[private]] [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]] asked [[the Master]] this question: " Why is it [[necessary]] for men to be [[born]] of the [[spirit]] in order to enter [[the kingdom]]? Is rebirth [[necessary]] to [[escape]] the [[control]] of the [[evil one]]? Master, what is [[evil]]? " When [[Jesus]] heard these questions, he said to [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]]:

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148:4.2 " Do not make the mistake of [[confusing]] [[evil]] with the [[evil one]], more correctly the [[iniquitous one]]. He whom you call the [[evil one]] is the son of [[self]]-[[love]], the [[System Sovereign|high administrator]] who knowingly went into [[deliberate]] [[rebellion]] against the [[Law|rule]] of [[Universal Father|my Father]] and his [~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_20 loyal Sons]. But I have already [[vanquished]] these [[sinful]] [[rebels]]. Make [[clear]] in your [[mind]] these [[different]] [[attitudes]] toward [[the Father]] and his [[universe]]. Never [[forget]] these [[laws]] of [[relation]] to [[the Father]]'s will:

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148:4.2 " Do not make the mistake of [[confusing]] [[evil]] with the [[evil one]], more correctly the [[iniquitous one]]. He whom you call the [[evil one]] is the son of [[self]]-[[love]], the [[System Sovereign|high administrator]] who knowingly went into [[deliberate]] [[rebellion]] against the [[Law|rule]] of [[Universal Father|my Father]] and his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_20 loyal Sons]. But I have already [[vanquished]] these [[sinful]] [[rebels]]. Make [[clear]] in your [[mind]] these [[different]] [[attitudes]] toward [[the Father]] and his [[universe]]. Never [[forget]] these [[laws]] of [[relation]] to [[the Father]]'s will:

*1. 148:4.3 " [[Evil]] is the [[unconscious]] or unintended [[transgression]] of the [[divine]] [[law]], [[the Father]]'s will. [[Evil]] is likewise the [[measure]] of the imperfectness of [[obedience]] to [[the Father]]'s will.

*2. 148:4.4 " [[Sin]] is the [[conscious]], knowing, and [[deliberate]] [[transgression]] of the [[divine]] [[law]], [[the Father]]'s will. [[Sin]] is the [[measure]] of unwillingness to be [[divinely]] [[led]] and [[spiritually]] [[Guidance|directed]].

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*3. 148:4.5 " [[Iniquity]] is the willful, [[determined]], and [[persistent]] [[transgression]] of the [[divine]] [[law]], [[the Father]]'s will. [[Iniquity]] is the [[measure]] of the continued [[rejection]] of [[the Father]]'s [[loving]] [[plan]] of [[personality]] [[survival]] and [~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_20 the Sons'] [[merciful]] [[ministry]] of [[salvation]].

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*3. 148:4.5 " [[Iniquity]] is the willful, [[determined]], and [[persistent]] [[transgression]] of the [[divine]] [[law]], [[the Father]]'s will. [[Iniquity]] is the [[measure]] of the continued [[rejection]] of [[the Father]]'s [[loving]] [[plan]] of [[personality]] [[survival]] and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_20 the Sons'] [[merciful]] [[ministry]] of [[salvation]].

148:4.6 " By [[nature]], before the [[rebirth]] of the [[spirit]], [[mortal]] man is subject to [[inherent]] [[evil]] tendencies, but such natural imperfections of [[behavior]] are neither [[sin]] nor [[iniquity]]. [[Mortal]] man is just beginning his [[Ascension Career|long ascent]] to the [[perfection]] of [[the Father]] in [[Paradise]]. To be imperfect or partial in [[natural]] [[endowment]] is not [[sinful]]. [[Man]] is indeed subject to [[evil]], but he is in no sense the child of the [[evil one]] unless he has knowingly and [[deliberately]] [[chosen]] the [[paths]] of [[sin]] and the life of [[iniquity]]. [[Evil]] is [[inherent]] in the [[natural]] order of this world, but [[sin]] is an [[attitude]] of [[conscious]] [[rebellion]] which was brought to this world by those who fell from [[spiritual]] [[light]] into [[gross]] [[darkness]].

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148:4.7 " You are [[confused]], [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]], by the [[doctrines]] of the [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_ancient_Greece Greeks] and the [[errors]] of the [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_religion#Antiquity Persians]. You do not [[understand]] the [[relationships]] of [[evil]] and [[sin]] because you view [[mankind]] as beginning on [[earth]] with a [[perfect]] [~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_73 Adam] and rapidly [[degenerating]], through [[sin]], to man's present deplorable estate. But why do you refuse to [[comprehend]] the [[meaning]] of the [[record]] which [[discloses]] how [[Cain]], the son of [~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_74 Adam], went over into the [[land]] of [[Nod]] and there got himself a [[wife]]?[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_genesis#Chapter_.4] And why do you refuse to [[interpret]] the [[meaning]] of the [[record]] which portrays the [~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_genesis#Chapter_.6 sons of God finding wives for themselves among the daughters of men]?

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148:4.7 " You are [[confused]], [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]], by the [[doctrines]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_ancient_Greece Greeks] and the [[errors]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_religion#Antiquity Persians]. You do not [[understand]] the [[relationships]] of [[evil]] and [[sin]] because you view [[mankind]] as beginning on [[earth]] with a [[perfect]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_73 Adam] and rapidly [[degenerating]], through [[sin]], to man's present deplorable estate. But why do you refuse to [[comprehend]] the [[meaning]] of the [[record]] which [[discloses]] how [[Cain]], the son of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_74 Adam], went over into the [[land]] of [[Nod]] and there got himself a [[wife]]?[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_genesis#Chapter_.4] And why do you refuse to [[interpret]] the [[meaning]] of the [[record]] which portrays the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_genesis#Chapter_.6 sons of God finding wives for themselves among the daughters of men]?

−

148:4.8 " [[Men]] are, indeed, by [[nature]] [[evil]], but not necessarily [[sinful]]. The new [[birth]]—the [[baptism]] of the [[spirit]]—is [[essential]] to [[deliverance]] from [[evil]] and [[necessary]] for entrance into [[the kingdom]] of heaven, but none of this detracts from the [[fact]] that man is the [~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:5._MORTALS_OF_TIME_AND_SPACE son of God]. Neither does this [[inherent]] [[presence]] of [[potential]] [[evil]] mean that man is in some [[mysterious]] way [[estranged]] from [[the Father]] in heaven so that, as an alien, foreigner, or stepchild, he must in some [[manner]] seek for [[legal]] [[adoption]] by [[the Father]]. All such notions are [[born]], first, of your misunderstanding of [[the Father]] and, second, of your [[ignorance]] of the [[origin]], [[nature]], and [[destiny]] of [[man]].

+

148:4.8 " [[Men]] are, indeed, by [[nature]] [[evil]], but not necessarily [[sinful]]. The new [[birth]]—the [[baptism]] of the [[spirit]]—is [[essential]] to [[deliverance]] from [[evil]] and [[necessary]] for entrance into [[the kingdom]] of heaven, but none of this detracts from the [[fact]] that man is the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:5._MORTALS_OF_TIME_AND_SPACE son of God]. Neither does this [[inherent]] [[presence]] of [[potential]] [[evil]] mean that man is in some [[mysterious]] way [[estranged]] from [[the Father]] in heaven so that, as an alien, foreigner, or stepchild, he must in some [[manner]] seek for [[legal]] [[adoption]] by [[the Father]]. All such notions are [[born]], first, of your misunderstanding of [[the Father]] and, second, of your [[ignorance]] of the [[origin]], [[nature]], and [[destiny]] of [[man]].

148:4.9 " The [[Greeks]] and others have taught you that man is [[descending]] from godly [[perfection]] steadily down toward oblivion or destruction; I have come to show that man, by entrance into [[the kingdom]], is [[ascending]] certainly and surely up to [[God]] and [[divine]] [[perfection]]. Any [[being]] who in any [[manner]] falls short of the [[divine]] and [[spiritual]] [[ideals]] of the [[Universal Father|eternal Father]]'s will is [[potentially]] [[evil]], but such [[beings]] are in no sense [[sinful]], much less [[iniquitous]].

−

148:4.10 " [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]], have you not [[read]] about this in the [[Scriptures]], where it is written: `You are the children of the Lord your God.' `I will be his Father and he shall be my son.'[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Hosea#Chapter_.1] `I have [[chosen]] him to be my son—I will be his Father.' `Bring my sons from far and my daughters from the ends of the [[earth]]; even every one who is called by my [[name]], for I have created them for my [[glory]].'[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.43] `You are the sons of the living God.'[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Hosea#Chapter_.1] `They who have [[Thought Adjuster|the spirit of God]] are indeed the [~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:5._MORTALS_OF_TIME_AND_SPACE sons of God].' While there is a [[material]] part of the [[human]] [[father]] in the [[natural]] child, there is a [[spiritual]] part of the [[heavenly Father]] in every [~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:6._THE_FAITH_SONS_OF_GOD faith son] of [[the kingdom]]. "

+

148:4.10 " [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]], have you not [[read]] about this in the [[Scriptures]], where it is written: `You are the children of the Lord your God.' `I will be his Father and he shall be my son.'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Hosea#Chapter_.1] `I have [[chosen]] him to be my son—I will be his Father.' `Bring my sons from far and my daughters from the ends of the [[earth]]; even every one who is called by my [[name]], for I have created them for my [[glory]].'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.43] `You are the sons of the living God.'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Hosea#Chapter_.1] `They who have [[Thought Adjuster|the spirit of God]] are indeed the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:5._MORTALS_OF_TIME_AND_SPACE sons of God].' While there is a [[material]] part of the [[human]] [[father]] in the [[natural]] child, there is a [[spiritual]] part of the [[heavenly Father]] in every [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:6._THE_FAITH_SONS_OF_GOD faith son] of [[the kingdom]]. "

−

148:4.11 All this and much more [[Jesus]] said to [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]], and much of it the [[apostle]] [[comprehended]], although [[Jesus]] [[admonished]] him to " speak not to the others concerning these matters until [~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_193 after I shall have returned] to [[the Father]]. " And [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]] did not mention this interview until after [[the Master]] had departed from this world.

+

148:4.11 All this and much more [[Jesus]] said to [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]], and much of it the [[apostle]] [[comprehended]], although [[Jesus]] [[admonished]] him to " speak not to the others concerning these matters until [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_193 after I shall have returned] to [[the Father]]. " And [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]] did not mention this interview until after [[the Master]] had departed from this world.

==148:5. THE PURPOSE OF AFFLICTION==

Line 79: Line 79:

148:5.4 " [[Nathaniel]], it is our [[mission]] to help men solve their [[spiritual]] [[problems]] and in this way to quicken their [[minds]] so that they may be the better [[prepared]] and [[inspired]] to go about solving their manifold [[material]] [[problems]]. I know of your [[confusion]] as you have read the [[Scriptures]]. All too often there has prevailed a [[tendency]] to ascribe to [[God]] the [[responsibility]] for [[everything]] which [[ignorant]] man fails to [[understand]]. [[The Father]] is not personally [[responsible]] for all you may fail to [[comprehend]]. Do not [[doubt]] the [[love]] of [[the Father]] just because some just and [[wise]] [[law]] of his [[ordaining]] [[chances]] to [[afflict]] you because you have [[innocently]] or deliberately [[transgressed]] such a [[divine]] ordinance.

−

148:5.5 " But, [[Nathaniel]], there is much in the [[Scriptures]] which would have instructed you if you had only [[read]] with [[discernment]]. Do you not remember that it is written: `My son, despise not the [[chastening]] of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction, for whom the Lord [[loves]] he corrects, even as the [[father]] corrects the son in whom he takes delight.'[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Proverbs#Proverb_.3] `The Lord does not afflict willingly.' `Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now do I keep the [[law]]. Affliction was [[good]] for me that I might thereby [[learn]] the [[divine]] statutes.'[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Psalms#Psalm_119] `I know your [[sorrows]].[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Exodus#Chapter_.3] The [[eternal]] [[God]] is your [[refuge]], while underneath are the everlasting arms.'[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Deutoronomy#Chapter_.33] `The Lord also is a refuge for the oppressed, a haven of rest in times of trouble.'[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Psalms#Psalm_9] `The Lord will [[strengthen]] him upon the bed of [[affliction]]; the Lord will not [[forget]] the sick.'[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Psalms#Psalm_41] `As a [[father]] shows [[compassion]] for his children, so is the Lord [[compassionate]] to those who fear him. He knows your [[body]]; he remembers that you are dust.'[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_103] `He [[heals]] the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.'[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_147] `He is the [[hope]] of the [[poor]], the [[strength]] of the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, and a shadow from the devastating heat.'[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.25] `He gives [[power]] to the faint, and to them who have no might he increases [[strength]].'[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.40] `A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax he will not quench.'[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.42] `When you pass through the waters of [[affliction]], I will be with you, and when the [[rivers]] of [[adversity]] overflow you, I will not forsake you.'[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.43] `He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to [[proclaim]] [[liberty]] to the [[captives]], and to [[comfort]] all who [[mourn]].'[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.61] `There is correction in [[suffering]]; affliction does not spring forth from the dust.' "[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Job#Chapter_.5]

+

148:5.5 " But, [[Nathaniel]], there is much in the [[Scriptures]] which would have instructed you if you had only [[read]] with [[discernment]]. Do you not remember that it is written: `My son, despise not the [[chastening]] of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction, for whom the Lord [[loves]] he corrects, even as the [[father]] corrects the son in whom he takes delight.'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Proverbs#Proverb_.3] `The Lord does not afflict willingly.' `Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now do I keep the [[law]]. Affliction was [[good]] for me that I might thereby [[learn]] the [[divine]] statutes.'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Psalms#Psalm_119] `I know your [[sorrows]].[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Exodus#Chapter_.3] The [[eternal]] [[God]] is your [[refuge]], while underneath are the everlasting arms.'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Deutoronomy#Chapter_.33] `The Lord also is a refuge for the oppressed, a haven of rest in times of trouble.'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Psalms#Psalm_9] `The Lord will [[strengthen]] him upon the bed of [[affliction]]; the Lord will not [[forget]] the sick.'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Psalms#Psalm_41] `As a [[father]] shows [[compassion]] for his children, so is the Lord [[compassionate]] to those who fear him. He knows your [[body]]; he remembers that you are dust.'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_103] `He [[heals]] the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_147] `He is the [[hope]] of the [[poor]], the [[strength]] of the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, and a shadow from the devastating heat.'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.25] `He gives [[power]] to the faint, and to them who have no might he increases [[strength]].'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.40] `A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax he will not quench.'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.42] `When you pass through the waters of [[affliction]], I will be with you, and when the [[rivers]] of [[adversity]] overflow you, I will not forsake you.'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.43] `He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to [[proclaim]] [[liberty]] to the [[captives]], and to [[comfort]] all who [[mourn]].'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.61] `There is correction in [[suffering]]; affliction does not spring forth from the dust.' "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Job#Chapter_.5]

==148:6. THE MISUNDERSTANDING OF SUFFERING—DISCOURSE ON JOB==

−

148:6.1 It was this same evening at [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida] that [[John, the Apostle|John]] also asked [[Jesus]] why so many apparently [[innocent]] people [[suffered]] from so many [[diseases]] and [[experienced]] so many afflictions. In answering [[John, the Apostle|John]]'s questions, among many other things, [[the Master]] said:

+

148:6.1 It was this same evening at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida] that [[John, the Apostle|John]] also asked [[Jesus]] why so many apparently [[innocent]] people [[suffered]] from so many [[diseases]] and [[experienced]] so many afflictions. In answering [[John, the Apostle|John]]'s questions, among many other things, [[the Master]] said:

−

148:6.2 " My son, you do not [[comprehend]] the [[meaning]] of [[adversity]] or the [[mission]] of [[suffering]]. Have you not [[read]] that [[masterpiece]] of [[Semitic]] [[literature]]—the [[Scripture]] [[story]] of the afflictions of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job]? Do you not recall how this [[wonderful]] [[parable]] begins with the [[recital]] of the [[material]] [[prosperity]] of the Lord's servant? You well remember that [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] was [[blessed]] with [[children]], [[wealth]], [[dignity]], position, [[health]], and everything else which men [[value]] in this [[temporal]] life. According to the [[time]]-honored teachings of the [~~http~~://books.google.com/books?id=Zu6EAAAACAAJ&dq=children+of+abraham&hl=en&ei=BiufTfaaJ8TAtgfz7KH1Ag&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAQ children of Abraham] such [[material]] [[prosperity]] was all-sufficient [[evidence]] of [[divine]] [[favor]]. But such material [[possessions]] and such [[temporal]] [[prosperity]] do not indicate [[God]]'s [[favor]]. [[Universal Father|My Father]] in heaven loves the [[poor]] just as much as the [[rich]]; he is no respecter of persons[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Wisdom_of_Jesus,_Son_of_Sirach#Sirach_35].

+

148:6.2 " My son, you do not [[comprehend]] the [[meaning]] of [[adversity]] or the [[mission]] of [[suffering]]. Have you not [[read]] that [[masterpiece]] of [[Semitic]] [[literature]]—the [[Scripture]] [[story]] of the afflictions of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job]? Do you not recall how this [[wonderful]] [[parable]] begins with the [[recital]] of the [[material]] [[prosperity]] of the Lord's servant? You well remember that [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] was [[blessed]] with [[children]], [[wealth]], [[dignity]], position, [[health]], and everything else which men [[value]] in this [[temporal]] life. According to the [[time]]-honored teachings of the [https://books.google.com/books?id=Zu6EAAAACAAJ&dq=children+of+abraham&hl=en&ei=BiufTfaaJ8TAtgfz7KH1Ag&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAQ children of Abraham] such [[material]] [[prosperity]] was all-sufficient [[evidence]] of [[divine]] [[favor]]. But such material [[possessions]] and such [[temporal]] [[prosperity]] do not indicate [[God]]'s [[favor]]. [[Universal Father|My Father]] in heaven loves the [[poor]] just as much as the [[rich]]; he is no respecter of persons[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Wisdom_of_Jesus,_Son_of_Sirach#Sirach_35].

−

148:6.3 " Although [[transgression]] of [[divine]] [[law]] is sooner or later followed by the [[harvest]] of [[punishment]], while men certainly [[eventually]] do reap what they sow, still you should know that human [[suffering]] is not always a [[punishment]] for antecedent [[sin]]. Both [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] and his [[friends]] failed to find the true answer for their [[perplexities]]. And with the [[light]] you now enjoy you would hardly assign to either [[Satan]] or [[God]] the parts they [[play]] in this [[unique]] [[parable]]. While [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] did not, through [[suffering]], find the resolution of his [[intellectual]] troubles or the solution of his [[philosophical]] [[difficulties]], he did [[achieve]] great [[victories]]; even in the very face of the breakdown of his [[theological]] [[defenses]] he [[ascended]] to those [[spiritual]] heights where he could [[sincerely]] say, `I abhor myself'; then was there granted him the [[salvation]] of a [[vision]] of [[God]]. So even through misunderstood [[suffering]], [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] [[ascended]] to the [[superhuman]] [[plane]] of [[moral]] [[understanding]] and [[spiritual]] [[insight]]. When the [[suffering]] servant obtains a [[vision]] of [[God]], there follows a [[soul]] [[peace]] which passes all [[human]] [[understanding]].

+

148:6.3 " Although [[transgression]] of [[divine]] [[law]] is sooner or later followed by the [[harvest]] of [[punishment]], while men certainly [[eventually]] do reap what they sow, still you should know that human [[suffering]] is not always a [[punishment]] for antecedent [[sin]]. Both [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] and his [[friends]] failed to find the true answer for their [[perplexities]]. And with the [[light]] you now enjoy you would hardly assign to either [[Satan]] or [[God]] the parts they [[play]] in this [[unique]] [[parable]]. While [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] did not, through [[suffering]], find the resolution of his [[intellectual]] troubles or the solution of his [[philosophical]] [[difficulties]], he did [[achieve]] great [[victories]]; even in the very face of the breakdown of his [[theological]] [[defenses]] he [[ascended]] to those [[spiritual]] heights where he could [[sincerely]] say, `I abhor myself'; then was there granted him the [[salvation]] of a [[vision]] of [[God]]. So even through misunderstood [[suffering]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] [[ascended]] to the [[superhuman]] [[plane]] of [[moral]] [[understanding]] and [[spiritual]] [[insight]]. When the [[suffering]] servant obtains a [[vision]] of [[God]], there follows a [[soul]] [[peace]] which passes all [[human]] [[understanding]].

−

148:6.4 " The first of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job]'s [[friends]], [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eliphaz_%28Job%29 Eliphaz], exhorted the sufferer to [[exhibit]] in his [[afflictions]] the same [[fortitude]] he had prescribed for others during the days of his [[prosperity]]. Said this false comforter: `[[Trust]] in your [[religion]], [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job]; [[remember]] that it is the [[wicked]] and not the [[righteous]] who [[suffer]]. You must deserve this [[punishment]], else you would not be afflicted. You well know that no man can be [[righteous]] in [[God]]'s [[sight]]. You know that the [[wicked]] never really prosper. Anyway, man seems [[predestined]] to trouble, and perhaps the Lord is only chastising you for your own [[good]].'[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Job#Chapter_.4] No [[wonder]] poor [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] failed to get much [[comfort]] from such an [[interpretation]] of the [[problem]] of [[human]] [[suffering]].

+

148:6.4 " The first of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job]'s [[friends]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eliphaz_%28Job%29 Eliphaz], exhorted the sufferer to [[exhibit]] in his [[afflictions]] the same [[fortitude]] he had prescribed for others during the days of his [[prosperity]]. Said this false comforter: `[[Trust]] in your [[religion]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job]; [[remember]] that it is the [[wicked]] and not the [[righteous]] who [[suffer]]. You must deserve this [[punishment]], else you would not be afflicted. You well know that no man can be [[righteous]] in [[God]]'s [[sight]]. You know that the [[wicked]] never really prosper. Anyway, man seems [[predestined]] to trouble, and perhaps the Lord is only chastising you for your own [[good]].'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Job#Chapter_.4] No [[wonder]] poor [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] failed to get much [[comfort]] from such an [[interpretation]] of the [[problem]] of [[human]] [[suffering]].

−

148:6.5 " But the [[counsel]] of his second [[friend]], [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bildad Bildad], was even more [[depressing]], notwithstanding its soundness from the [[standpoint]] of the then accepted [[theology]]. Said [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bildad Bildad]: `[[God]] cannot be unjust. Your [[children]] must have been [[sinners]] since they perished; you must be in [[error]], else you would not be so [[afflicted]]. And if you are really [[righteous]], [[God]] will certainly deliver you from your [[afflictions]]. You should [[learn]] from the [[history]] of [[God]]'s dealings with [[man]] that the [[Almighty]] destroys only the [[wicked]].'[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Job#Chapter_.8]

+

148:6.5 " But the [[counsel]] of his second [[friend]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bildad Bildad], was even more [[depressing]], notwithstanding its soundness from the [[standpoint]] of the then accepted [[theology]]. Said [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bildad Bildad]: `[[God]] cannot be unjust. Your [[children]] must have been [[sinners]] since they perished; you must be in [[error]], else you would not be so [[afflicted]]. And if you are really [[righteous]], [[God]] will certainly deliver you from your [[afflictions]]. You should [[learn]] from the [[history]] of [[God]]'s dealings with [[man]] that the [[Almighty]] destroys only the [[wicked]].'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Job#Chapter_.8]

−

148:6.6 " And then you [[remember]] how [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] replied to his [[friends]], saying: `I well know that [[God]] does not hear my [[cry]] for help. How can [[God]] be [[just]] and at the same time so utterly disregard my [[innocence]]? I am [[learning]] that I can get no [[satisfaction]] from [[appealing]] to the [[Almighty]]. Cannot you [[discern]] that [[God]] [[tolerates]] the [[persecution]] of the [[good]] by the [[wicked]]? And since [[man]] is so weak, what [[chance]] has he for [[consideration]] at the hands of an [[omnipotent]] [[God]]? God has made me as I am, and when he thus turns upon me, I am [[defenseless]]. And why did [[God]] ever [[create]] me just to [[suffer]] in this miserable [[Manner|fashion]]?'

+

148:6.6 " And then you [[remember]] how [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] replied to his [[friends]], saying: `I well know that [[God]] does not hear my [[cry]] for help. How can [[God]] be [[just]] and at the same time so utterly disregard my [[innocence]]? I am [[learning]] that I can get no [[satisfaction]] from [[appealing]] to the [[Almighty]]. Cannot you [[discern]] that [[God]] [[tolerates]] the [[persecution]] of the [[good]] by the [[wicked]]? And since [[man]] is so weak, what [[chance]] has he for [[consideration]] at the hands of an [[omnipotent]] [[God]]? God has made me as I am, and when he thus turns upon me, I am [[defenseless]]. And why did [[God]] ever [[create]] me just to [[suffer]] in this miserable [[Manner|fashion]]?'

−

148:6.7 " And who can [[challenge]] the [[attitude]] of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] in view of the [[counsel]] of his [[friends]] and the [[erroneous]] [[ideas]] of [[God]] which occupied his own [[mind]]? Do you not see that [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] longed for a [[human]] [[God]], that he [[hungered]] to [[commune]] with a [[divine]] [[Being]] who [[knows]] man's [[mortal]] estate and [[understands]] that the [[just]] must often [[suffer]] in [[innocence]] as a [[part]] of this first life of the long [[Ascension Career|Paradise ascent]]? Wherefore has the [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] come forth from [[the Father]] to live such a life in the [[flesh]] that he will be able to [[comfort]] and succor all those who must henceforth be called upon to [[endure]] the [[afflictions]] of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job].

+

148:6.7 " And who can [[challenge]] the [[attitude]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] in view of the [[counsel]] of his [[friends]] and the [[erroneous]] [[ideas]] of [[God]] which occupied his own [[mind]]? Do you not see that [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] longed for a [[human]] [[God]], that he [[hungered]] to [[commune]] with a [[divine]] [[Being]] who [[knows]] man's [[mortal]] estate and [[understands]] that the [[just]] must often [[suffer]] in [[innocence]] as a [[part]] of this first life of the long [[Ascension Career|Paradise ascent]]? Wherefore has the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] come forth from [[the Father]] to live such a life in the [[flesh]] that he will be able to [[comfort]] and succor all those who must henceforth be called upon to [[endure]] the [[afflictions]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job].

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148:6.8 " [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job]'s third [[friend]], [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zophar Zophar], then [[spoke]] still less [[comforting]] [[words]] when he said: `You are [[foolish]] to claim to be [[righteous]], seeing that you are thus [[afflicted]]. But I admit that it is impossible to [[comprehend]] [[God]]'s ways. Perhaps there is some hidden [[purpose]] in all your miseries.' And when [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] had [[listened]] to all [[three]] of his [[friends]], he [[appealed]] directly to [[God]] for help, pleading the [[fact]] that `man, born of woman, is few of days and full of [[trouble]].'[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Job#Chapter_.11]

+

148:6.8 " [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job]'s third [[friend]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zophar Zophar], then [[spoke]] still less [[comforting]] [[words]] when he said: `You are [[foolish]] to claim to be [[righteous]], seeing that you are thus [[afflicted]]. But I admit that it is impossible to [[comprehend]] [[God]]'s ways. Perhaps there is some hidden [[purpose]] in all your miseries.' And when [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] had [[listened]] to all [[three]] of his [[friends]], he [[appealed]] directly to [[God]] for help, pleading the [[fact]] that `man, born of woman, is few of days and full of [[trouble]].'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Job#Chapter_.11]

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148:6.9 " Then began the second session with his friends. [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eliphaz_(Job) Eliphaz] grew more stern, [[accusing]], and [[sarcastic]]. [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bildad Bildad] became [[indignant]] at [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job]'s contempt for his [[friends]]. [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zophar Zophar] reiterated his [[melancholy]] [[advice]]. [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] by this time had become disgusted with his [[friends]] and [[appealed]] again to [[God]], and now he [[appealed]] to a [[just]] [[God]] against the God of injustice embodied in the [[philosophy]] of his [[friends]] and enshrined even in his own [[religious]] [[attitude]]. Next [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] took [[refuge]] in the [[consolation]] of a [[future]] life in which the inequities of [[mortal]] [[existence]] may be more justly rectified. Failure to [[receive]] help from man drives [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] to [[God]]. Then ensues the great [[struggle]] in his [[heart]] between [[faith]] and [[doubt]]. Finally, the [[human]] sufferer begins to see the [[light]] of life; his [[tortured]] [[soul]] [[ascends]] to new heights of [[hope]] and [[courage]]; he may [[suffer]] on and even [[die]], but his [[enlightened]] [[soul]] now utters that cry of [[triumph]], `My Vindicator lives!'[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Job#Chapter_.19]

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148:6.9 " Then began the second session with his friends. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eliphaz_(Job) Eliphaz] grew more stern, [[accusing]], and [[sarcastic]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bildad Bildad] became [[indignant]] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job]'s contempt for his [[friends]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zophar Zophar] reiterated his [[melancholy]] [[advice]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] by this time had become disgusted with his [[friends]] and [[appealed]] again to [[God]], and now he [[appealed]] to a [[just]] [[God]] against the God of injustice embodied in the [[philosophy]] of his [[friends]] and enshrined even in his own [[religious]] [[attitude]]. Next [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] took [[refuge]] in the [[consolation]] of a [[future]] life in which the inequities of [[mortal]] [[existence]] may be more justly rectified. Failure to [[receive]] help from man drives [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] to [[God]]. Then ensues the great [[struggle]] in his [[heart]] between [[faith]] and [[doubt]]. Finally, the [[human]] sufferer begins to see the [[light]] of life; his [[tortured]] [[soul]] [[ascends]] to new heights of [[hope]] and [[courage]]; he may [[suffer]] on and even [[die]], but his [[enlightened]] [[soul]] now utters that cry of [[triumph]], `My Vindicator lives!'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Job#Chapter_.19]

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148:6.10 " [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] was altogether right when he [[challenged]] the [[doctrine]] that [[God]] [[afflicts]] [[children]] in order to punish their [[parents]]. [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] was ever ready to admit that [[God]] is [[righteous]], but he longed for some [[soul]]-[[satisfying]] [[revelation]] of the [[personal]] [[character]] of the [[Eternal]]. And that is our [[mission]] on [[earth]]. No more shall [[suffering]] [[mortals]] be denied the [[comfort]] of [[knowing]] the of [[God]] and [[understanding]] the [[mercy]] of [[the Father]] in heaven. While the [[speech]] of [[God]] spoken from the whirlwind[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Job#Chapter_.38] was a [[majestic]] [[concept]] for the day of its utterance, you have already [[learned]] that [[the Father]] does not thus [[reveal]] himself, but rather that he [[speaks]] within the [[human]] [[heart]] as a still, small [[voice]][~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=First_Book_of_Kings#Chapter_19], saying, `This is the way; walk therein.'[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.30] Do you not [[comprehend]] that [[God]] dwells within you, that he has become what you are that he may make you what he is! "

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148:6.10 " [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] was altogether right when he [[challenged]] the [[doctrine]] that [[God]] [[afflicts]] [[children]] in order to punish their [[parents]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] was ever ready to admit that [[God]] is [[righteous]], but he longed for some [[soul]]-[[satisfying]] [[revelation]] of the [[personal]] [[character]] of the [[Eternal]]. And that is our [[mission]] on [[earth]]. No more shall [[suffering]] [[mortals]] be denied the [[comfort]] of [[knowing]] the of [[God]] and [[understanding]] the [[mercy]] of [[the Father]] in heaven. While the [[speech]] of [[God]] spoken from the whirlwind[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Job#Chapter_.38] was a [[majestic]] [[concept]] for the day of its utterance, you have already [[learned]] that [[the Father]] does not thus [[reveal]] himself, but rather that he [[speaks]] within the [[human]] [[heart]] as a still, small [[voice]][https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=First_Book_of_Kings#Chapter_19], saying, `This is the way; walk therein.'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.30] Do you not [[comprehend]] that [[God]] dwells within you, that he has become what you are that he may make you what he is! "

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148:6.11 Then [[Jesus]] made this final [[statement]]: " [[The Father]] in heaven does not willingly [[afflict]] the [[children]] of men. Man [[suffers]], first, from the [[accidents]] of time and the imperfections of the [[evil]] of an immature [[physical]] [[existence]]. Next, he suffers the inexorable [[consequences]] of [[sin]]—the [[transgression]] of the [[laws]] of life and [[light]]. And finally, man reaps the [[harvest]] of his own [[iniquitous]] [[persistence]] in [[rebellion]] against the [[righteous]] rule of [[heaven]] on [[earth]]. But man's miseries are not a [[personal]] [[visitation]] of [[divine]] [[judgment]]. Man can, and will, do much to lessen his [[temporal]] [[sufferings]]. But once and for all be delivered from the [[superstition]] that [[God]] afflicts man at the behest of the [[evil one]]. [[Study]] the [[Book of Job]] just to [[discover]] how many wrong [[ideas]] of [[God]] even [[good]] men may [[honestly]] entertain; and then note how even the [[painfully]] afflicted [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] found the [[God]] of [[comfort]] and [[salvation]] in spite of such [[erroneous]] teachings. At last his [[faith]] pierced the clouds of [[suffering]] to [[discern]] the [[light]] of life pouring forth from [[the Father]] as [[healing]] [[mercy]] and everlasting [[righteousness]]. "

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148:6.11 Then [[Jesus]] made this final [[statement]]: " [[The Father]] in heaven does not willingly [[afflict]] the [[children]] of men. Man [[suffers]], first, from the [[accidents]] of time and the imperfections of the [[evil]] of an immature [[physical]] [[existence]]. Next, he suffers the inexorable [[consequences]] of [[sin]]—the [[transgression]] of the [[laws]] of life and [[light]]. And finally, man reaps the [[harvest]] of his own [[iniquitous]] [[persistence]] in [[rebellion]] against the [[righteous]] rule of [[heaven]] on [[earth]]. But man's miseries are not a [[personal]] [[visitation]] of [[divine]] [[judgment]]. Man can, and will, do much to lessen his [[temporal]] [[sufferings]]. But once and for all be delivered from the [[superstition]] that [[God]] afflicts man at the behest of the [[evil one]]. [[Study]] the [[Book of Job]] just to [[discover]] how many wrong [[ideas]] of [[God]] even [[good]] men may [[honestly]] entertain; and then note how even the [[painfully]] afflicted [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_%28Biblical_figure%29 Job] found the [[God]] of [[comfort]] and [[salvation]] in spite of such [[erroneous]] teachings. At last his [[faith]] pierced the clouds of [[suffering]] to [[discern]] the [[light]] of life pouring forth from [[the Father]] as [[healing]] [[mercy]] and everlasting [[righteousness]]. "

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148:6.12 John pondered these sayings in his [[heart]] for many days. His entire [[afterlife]] was markedly changed as a result of this [[conversation]] with [[the Master]] in the [[garden]], and he did much, in later times, to cause the other [[apostles]] to [[change]] their [[viewpoints]] regarding the [[source]], [[nature]], and [[purpose]] of commonplace [[human]] [[afflictions]]. But [[John, the Apostle|John]] never spoke of this [[conference]] until after [[the Master]] had [~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_193 departed].

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148:6.12 John pondered these sayings in his [[heart]] for many days. His entire [[afterlife]] was markedly changed as a result of this [[conversation]] with [[the Master]] in the [[garden]], and he did much, in later times, to cause the other [[apostles]] to [[change]] their [[viewpoints]] regarding the [[source]], [[nature]], and [[purpose]] of commonplace [[human]] [[afflictions]]. But [[John, the Apostle|John]] never spoke of this [[conference]] until after [[the Master]] had [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_193 departed].

==148:7. THE MAN WITH THE WITHERED HAND==

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148:7.1 The second [[Sabbath]] before the departure of [[the apostles]] and the new corps of [[evangelists]] on the [~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_149 second preaching tour] of [[Galilee]], [[Jesus]] spoke in the [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] [[synagogue]] on the " [[Joys]] of [[Righteous]] Living. " When [[Jesus]] had finished speaking, a large [[group]] of those who were maimed, halt, [[sick]], and afflicted crowded up around him, seeking [[healing]]. Also in this [[group]] were the [[apostles]], many of the new [[evangelists]], and the [[Pharisees|Pharisaic]] [[spies]] from [[Jerusalem]]. Everywhere that [[Jesus]] went (except when in the hills about [[the Father]]'s business) the six [[Jerusalem]] [[spies]] were sure to follow.

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148:7.1 The second [[Sabbath]] before the departure of [[the apostles]] and the new corps of [[evangelists]] on the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_149 second preaching tour] of [[Galilee]], [[Jesus]] spoke in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] [[synagogue]] on the " [[Joys]] of [[Righteous]] Living. " When [[Jesus]] had finished speaking, a large [[group]] of those who were maimed, halt, [[sick]], and afflicted crowded up around him, seeking [[healing]]. Also in this [[group]] were the [[apostles]], many of the new [[evangelists]], and the [[Pharisees|Pharisaic]] [[spies]] from [[Jerusalem]]. Everywhere that [[Jesus]] went (except when in the hills about [[the Father]]'s business) the six [[Jerusalem]] [[spies]] were sure to follow.

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148:7.2 The [[leader]] of the spying [[Pharisees]], as [[Jesus]] stood talking to the people, induced a [[man]] with a withered hand to approach him and ask if it would be lawful to be [[healed]] on the [[Sabbath]] day or should he seek help on another day. When [[Jesus]] saw the man, heard his [[words]], and [[perceived]] that he had been sent by the [[Pharisees]], he said: " Come forward while I ask you a question. If you had a sheep and it should fall into a pit on the [[Sabbath]] day, would you reach down, lay hold on it, and lift it out? Is it [[lawful]] to do such things on the [[Sabbath]] day? " And the man answered: " Yes, Master, it would be lawful thus to do well on the [[Sabbath]] day. "[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_6] Then said [[Jesus]], speaking to all of them: " I know wherefore you have sent this man into my [[presence]]. You would find [[cause]] for [[offense]] in me if you could [[tempt]] me to show [[mercy]] on the [[Sabbath]] day. In [[silence]] you all [[agreed]] that it was [[lawful]] to lift the unfortunate sheep out of the pit, even on the [[Sabbath]], and I call you to [[witness]] that it is lawful to [[exhibit]] [[loving]]-[[kindness]] on the [[Sabbath]] day not only to animals but also to men. How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! I [[proclaim]] that it is lawful to do [[good]] to men on the [[Sabbath]] day. " And as they all stood before him in [[silence]], [[Jesus]], addressing the man with the withered hand, said: " Stand up here by my side that all may see you. And now that you may know that it is [[Universal Father|my Father]]'s will that you do [[good]] on the Sabbath day, if you have the [[faith]] to be [[healed]], I bid you stretch out your hand. "[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_6]

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148:7.2 The [[leader]] of the spying [[Pharisees]], as [[Jesus]] stood talking to the people, induced a [[man]] with a withered hand to approach him and ask if it would be lawful to be [[healed]] on the [[Sabbath]] day or should he seek help on another day. When [[Jesus]] saw the man, heard his [[words]], and [[perceived]] that he had been sent by the [[Pharisees]], he said: " Come forward while I ask you a question. If you had a sheep and it should fall into a pit on the [[Sabbath]] day, would you reach down, lay hold on it, and lift it out? Is it [[lawful]] to do such things on the [[Sabbath]] day? " And the man answered: " Yes, Master, it would be lawful thus to do well on the [[Sabbath]] day. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_6] Then said [[Jesus]], speaking to all of them: " I know wherefore you have sent this man into my [[presence]]. You would find [[cause]] for [[offense]] in me if you could [[tempt]] me to show [[mercy]] on the [[Sabbath]] day. In [[silence]] you all [[agreed]] that it was [[lawful]] to lift the unfortunate sheep out of the pit, even on the [[Sabbath]], and I call you to [[witness]] that it is lawful to [[exhibit]] [[loving]]-[[kindness]] on the [[Sabbath]] day not only to animals but also to men. How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! I [[proclaim]] that it is lawful to do [[good]] to men on the [[Sabbath]] day. " And as they all stood before him in [[silence]], [[Jesus]], addressing the man with the withered hand, said: " Stand up here by my side that all may see you. And now that you may know that it is [[Universal Father|my Father]]'s will that you do [[good]] on the Sabbath day, if you have the [[faith]] to be [[healed]], I bid you stretch out your hand. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_6]

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148:7.3 And as this man stretched forth his withered hand, it was made [[whole]]. The people were [[minded]] to turn upon the [[Pharisees]], but [[Jesus]] bade them be calm, saying: " I have just told you that it is [[lawful]] to do [[good]] on the [[Sabbath]], to save life, but I did not instruct you to do harm and give way to the [[desire]] to [[kill]]. " The [[anger]]ed [[Pharisees]] went away, and notwithstanding it was the [[Sabbath]] day, they hastened forthwith to [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiberias Tiberias] and took [[counsel]] with [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod], doing [[everything]] in their [[power]] to arouse his [[prejudice]] in order to secure the [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herodians Herodians] as allies against [[Jesus]]. But [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod] refused to take [[action]] against [[Jesus]], advising that they carry their [[complaint]]s to [[Jerusalem]].

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148:7.3 And as this man stretched forth his withered hand, it was made [[whole]]. The people were [[minded]] to turn upon the [[Pharisees]], but [[Jesus]] bade them be calm, saying: " I have just told you that it is [[lawful]] to do [[good]] on the [[Sabbath]], to save life, but I did not instruct you to do harm and give way to the [[desire]] to [[kill]]. " The [[anger]]ed [[Pharisees]] went away, and notwithstanding it was the [[Sabbath]] day, they hastened forthwith to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiberias Tiberias] and took [[counsel]] with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod], doing [[everything]] in their [[power]] to arouse his [[prejudice]] in order to secure the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herodians Herodians] as allies against [[Jesus]]. But [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod] refused to take [[action]] against [[Jesus]], advising that they carry their [[complaint]]s to [[Jerusalem]].

148:7.4 This is the first case of a [[miracle]] to be wrought by [[Jesus]] in [[response]] to the [[challenge]] of his enemies. And [[the Master]] [[performed]] this so-called [[miracle]], not as a [[demonstration]] of his [[healing]] [[power]], but as an effective [[protest]] against making the [[Sabbath]] [[rest]] of [[religion]] a veritable [[bondage]] of meaningless restrictions upon all [[mankind]]. This man returned to his [[work]] as a stone mason, proving to be one of those whose [[healing]] was followed by a life of [[thanksgiving]] and [[righteousness]].

Line 119: Line 119:

==148:8. LAST WEEK AT BETHSAIDA==

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148:8.1 The last week of the sojourn at Bethsaida the Jerusalem spies became much divided in their attitude toward Jesus and his teachings. Three of these Pharisees were tremendously impressed by what they had seen and heard. Meanwhile, at Jerusalem, Abraham, a young and influential member of the Sanhedrin, publicly espoused the teachings of Jesus and was baptized in the pool of Siloam by Abner. All Jerusalem was agog over this event, and messengers were immediately dispatched to Bethsaida recalling the six spying Pharisees.

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148:8.1 The last week of the [[sojourn]] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida] the [[Jerusalem]] [[spies]] became much divided in their [[attitude]] toward [[Jesus]] and his teachings. [[Three]] of these [[Pharisees]] were tremendously impressed by what they had seen and heard. Meanwhile, at [[Jerusalem]], Abraham, a young and [[influential]] member of the [[Sanhedrin]], publicly espoused the teachings of [[Jesus]] and was [[baptized]] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool_of_Siloam pool of Siloam] by [[Abner]]. All [[Jerusalem]] was agog over this [[event]], and [[messengers]] were immediately dispatched to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida] recalling the six [[Spies|spying]] [[Pharisees]].

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148:8.2 The Greek philosopher who had been won for the kingdom on the previous tour of Galilee returned with certain wealthy Jews of Alexandria, and once more they invited Jesus to come to their city for the purpose of establishing a joint school of philosophy and religion as well as an infirmary for the sick. But Jesus courteously declined the invitation.

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148:8.2 The [[Greek]] [[philosopher]] who had been won for [[the kingdom]] on the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_146 previous tour of Galilee] returned with certain [[wealthy]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Jews_in_Egypt#Ptolemaic_and_Roman_.28400_BC_to_641_AD.29 Jews of Alexandria], and once more they [[invited]] [[Jesus]] to come to their [[city]] for the [[purpose]] of [[establishing]] a joint [[school]] of [[philosophy]] and [[religion]] as well as an [[infirmary]] for the [[sick]]. But [[Jesus]] courteously declined the [[invitation]].

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148:8.3 About this time there arrived at the Bethsaida encampment a trance prophet from Bagdad, one Kirmeth. This supposed prophet had peculiar visions when in trance and dreamed fantastic dreams when his sleep was disturbed. He created a considerable disturbance at the camp, and Simon Zelotes was in favor of dealing rather roughly with the self-deceived pretender, but Jesus intervened and allowed him entire freedom of action for a few days. All who heard his preaching soon recognized that his teaching was not sound as judged by the gospel of the kingdom. He shortly returned to Bagdad, taking with him only a half dozen unstable and erratic souls. But before Jesus interceded for the Bagdad prophet, David Zebedee, with the assistance of a self-appointed committee, had taken Kirmeth out into the lake and, after repeatedly plunging him into the water, had advised him to depart hence—to organize and build a camp of his own.

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148:8.3 About this time there arrived at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida] encampment a [[trance]] [[prophet]] from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagdad Bagdad], one Kirmeth. This supposed [[prophet]] had peculiar [[visions]] when in [[trance]] and dreamed [[fantastic]] [[dreams]] when his [[sleep]] was disturbed. He created a considerable disturbance at the camp, and [[Simon Zelotes]] was in [[favor]] of dealing rather roughly with the [[self]]-[[deceived]] pretender, but [[Jesus]] [[intervened]] and allowed him entire [[freedom]] of [[action]] for a few days. All who heard his [[preaching]] soon [[recognized]] that his teaching was not sound as [[judged]] by the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]]. He shortly returned to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagdad Bagdad], taking with him only a half dozen unstable and erratic [[souls]]. But before [[Jesus]] interceded for the Bagdad [[prophet]], [[David Zebedee]], with the [[assistance]] of a self-appointed committee, had taken Kirmeth out into the lake and, after repeatedly plunging him into the [[water]], had advised him to depart hence—to [[organize]] and build a camp of his own.

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148:8.4 On this same day, Beth-Marion, a Phoenician woman, became so fanatical that she went out of her head and, after almost drowning from trying to walk on the water, was sent away by her friends.

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148:8.4 On this same day, Beth-Marion, a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenicia Phoenician] [[woman]], became so [[fanatical]] that she went out of her head and, after almost drowning from trying to walk on the [[water]], was sent away by her [friends].

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148:8.5 The new Jerusalem convert, Abraham the Pharisee, gave all of his worldly goods to the apostolic treasury, and this contribution did much to make possible the immediate sending forth of the one hundred newly trained evangelists. Andrew had already announced the closing of the encampment, and everybody prepared either to go home or else to follow the evangelists into Galilee.

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148:8.5 The new [[Jerusalem]] convert, Abraham the [[Pharisee]], gave all of his [[Money|worldly goods]] to the apostolic [[treasury]], and this contribution did much to make possible the [[immediate]] sending forth of the one hundred newly [[trained]] [[evangelists]]. [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] had already announced the closing of the encampment, and everybody [[prepared]] either to go [[home]] or else to follow the [[evangelists]] into [[Galilee]].

==148:9. HEALING THE PARALYTIC==

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148:9.1 On Friday afternoon, October 1, when Jesus was holding his last meeting with the apostles, evangelists, and other leaders of the disbanding encampment, and with the six Pharisees from Jerusalem seated in the front row of this assembly in the spacious and enlarged front room of the Zebedee home, there occurred one of the strangest and most unique episodes of all Jesus' earth life. The Master was, at this time, speaking as he stood in this large room, which had been built to accommodate these gatherings during the rainy season. The house was entirely surrounded by a vast concourse of people who were straining their ears to catch some part of Jesus' discourse.

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148:9.1 On Friday afternoon, October 1, when [[Jesus]] was holding his last meeting with [[the apostles]], [[evangelists]], and other [[leaders]] of the disbanding encampment, and with the six [[Pharisees]] from [[Jerusalem]] seated in the front row of this assembly in the spacious and enlarged front room of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee] [[home]], there occurred one of the strangest and most [[unique]] [[episodes]] of all [[Jesus]]' [[earth]] life. [[The Master]] was, at this time, [[speaking]] as he stood in this large room, which had been built to [[accommodate]] these gatherings during the rainy [[season]]. The house was entirely [[surrounded]] by a vast concourse of people who were straining their ears to catch some part of [[Jesus]]' [[discourse]].

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148:9.2 While the house was thus thronged with people and entirely surrounded by eager listeners, a man long afflicted with paralysis was carried down from Capernaum on a small couch by his friends. This paralytic had heard that Jesus was about to leave Bethsaida, and having talked with Aaron the stone mason, who had been so recently made whole, he resolved to be carried into Jesus' presence, where he could seek healing. His friends tried to gain entrance to Zebedee's house by both the front and back doors, but too many people were crowded together. But the paralytic refused to accept defeat; he directed his friends to procure ladders by which they ascended to the roof of the room in which Jesus was speaking, and after loosening the tiles, they boldly lowered the sick man on his couch by ropes until the afflicted one rested on the floor immediately in front of the Master. When Jesus saw what they had done, he ceased speaking, while those who were with him in the room marveled at the perseverance of the sick man and his friends. Said the paralytic: " Master, I would not disturb your teaching, but I am determined to be made whole. I am not like those who received healing and immediately forgot your teaching. I would be made whole that I might serve in the kingdom of heaven. " Now, notwithstanding that this man's affliction had been brought upon him by his own misspent life, Jesus, seeing his faith, said to the paralytic: " Son, fear not; your sins are forgiven. Your faith shall save you. "

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148:9.2 While the house was thus thronged with people and entirely [[surrounded]] by eager [[listeners]], a man long afflicted with [[paralysis]] was carried down from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] on a small couch by his [[friends]]. This paralytic had heard that [[Jesus]] was about to leave [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida], and having talked with Aaron the stone mason, who had been so recently made [[whole]], he resolved to be carried into [[Jesus]]' [[presence]], where he could seek [[healing]]. His [[friends]] tried to gain entrance to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee]'s house by both the front and back doors, but too many people were crowded [[together]]. But the paralytic refused to [[accept]] defeat; he directed his [[friends]] to procure ladders by which they [[ascended]] to the roof of the room in which [[Jesus]] was speaking, and after loosening the tiles, they boldly lowered the sick man on his couch by ropes until the afflicted one rested on the floor [[immediately]] in front of [[the Master]]. When [[Jesus]] saw what they had done, he ceased [[speaking]], while those who were with him in the room [[marveled]] at the [[perseverance]] of the sick man and his [[friends]]. Said the paralytic: " Master, I would not disturb your [[teaching]], but I am [[determined]] to be made [[whole]]. I am not like those who [[received]] [[healing]] and [[immediately]] forgot your teaching. I would be made whole that I might serve in [[the kingdom]] of heaven. " Now, notwithstanding that this man's affliction had been brought upon him by his own misspent life, [[Jesus]], seeing his [[faith]], said to the paralytic: " Son, fear not; your sins are [[forgiven]]. Your [[faith]] shall save you. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_5]

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148:9.3 When the Pharisees from Jerusalem, together with other scribes and lawyers who sat with them, heard this pronouncement by Jesus, they began to say to themselves: " How dare this man thus speak? Does he not understand that such words are blasphemy? Who can forgive sin but God? " Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus reasoned within their own minds and among themselves, spoke to them, saying: " Why do you so reason in your hearts? Who are you that you sit in judgment over me? What is the difference whether I say to this paralytic, your sins are forgiven, or arise, take up your bed, and walk? But that you who witness all this may finally know that the Son of Man has authority and power on earth to forgive sins, I will say to this afflicted man, Arise, take up your bed, and go to your own house. " And when Jesus had thus spoken, the paralytic arose, and as they made way for him, he walked out before them all. And those who saw these things were amazed. Peter dismissed the assemblage, while many prayed and glorified God, confessing that they had never before seen such strange happenings.

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148:9.3 When the [[Pharisees]] from [[Jerusalem]], together with other [[scribes]] and lawyers who sat with them, heard this pronouncement by [[Jesus]], they began to say to themselves: " How dare this man thus speak? Does he not understand that such words are blasphemy? Who can forgive sin but God? "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_5] [[Jesus]], [[perceiving]] in his [[spirit]] that they thus reasoned within their own [[minds]] and among themselves, spoke to them, saying: " Why do you so [[reason]] in your [[hearts]]? Who are you that you sit in [[judgment]] over me? What is the [[difference]] whether I say to this paralytic, your [[sins]] are [[forgiven]], or arise, take up your bed, and walk? But that you who [[witness]] all this may finally know that the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] has [[authority]] and [[power]] on [[earth]] to [[forgive]] [[sins]], I will say to this afflicted man, Arise, take up your bed, and go to your own house. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_5] And when [[Jesus]] had thus spoken, the paralytic arose, and as they made way for him, he walked out before them all. And those who saw these [[things]] were [[amazed]]. [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] dismissed the assemblage, while many [[prayed]] and [[glorified]] [[God]], [[confessing]] that they had never before seen such [[strange]] happenings.

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148:9.4 And it was about this time that the messengers of the Sanhedrin arrived to bid the six spies return to Jerusalem. When they heard this message, they fell to earnest debate among themselves; and after they had finished their discussions, the leader and two of his associates returned with the messengers to Jerusalem, while three of the spying Pharisees confessed faith in Jesus and, going immediately to the lake, were baptized by Peter and fellowshipped by the apostles as children of the kingdom.

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148:9.4 And it was about this time that the [[messengers]] of the [[Sanhedrin]] arrived to bid the six [[spies]] return to [[Jerusalem]]. When they heard this [[message]], they fell to [[earnest]] [[debate]] among themselves; and after they had finished their [[discussions]], the [[leader]] and two of his [[associates]] returned with the [[messengers]] to [[Jerusalem]], while three of the spying [[Pharisees]] [[confessed]] [[faith]] in [[Jesus]] and, going [[immediately]] to the lake, were [[baptized]] by [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] and fellowshipped by [[the apostles]] as [[children]] of [[the kingdom]].

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

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