Changes

==PAPER 169: LAST TEACHING AT PELLA==

==PAPER 169: LAST TEACHING AT PELLA==

169:0.1 Late on Monday evening, March 6, [[Jesus]] and the ten [[apostles]] arrived at the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan Pella] camp. This was the last week of [[Jesus]]' [[sojourn]] there, and he was very [[active]] in teaching [[the multitude]] and instructing [[the apostles]]. He [[preached]] every afternoon to the crowds and each night answered [[questions]] for the [[apostles]] and certain of the more advanced [[disciples]] residing at the camp.

169:0.1 Late on Monday evening, March 6, [[Jesus]] and the ten [[apostles]] arrived at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan Pella] camp. This was the last week of [[Jesus]]' [[sojourn]] there, and he was very [[active]] in teaching [[the multitude]] and instructing [[the apostles]]. He [[preached]] every afternoon to the crowds and each night answered [[questions]] for the [[apostles]] and certain of the more advanced [[disciples]] residing at the camp.

169:0.2 Word regarding the [[resurrection of Lazarus]] had reached the encampment two days before [[the Master]]'s arrival, and the entire assembly was agog. Not since the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_152#152:2._FEEDING_THE_FIVE_THOUSAND feeding of the five thousand] had anything occurred which so aroused the [[imagination]] of [[the people]]. And thus it was at the very height of the second phase of the public ministry of [[the kingdom]] that [[Jesus]] [[planned]] to teach this one short week at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan Pella] and then to begin the [[tour]] of southern [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perea_(Holy_Land) Perea] which led right up to the final and [[tragic]] [[experiences]] of the last week in [[Jerusalem]].

169:0.2 Word regarding the [[resurrection of Lazarus]] had reached the encampment two days before [[the Master]]'s arrival, and the entire assembly was agog. Not since the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_152#152:2._FEEDING_THE_FIVE_THOUSAND feeding of the five thousand] had anything occurred which so aroused the [[imagination]] of [[the people]]. And thus it was at the very height of the second phase of the public ministry of [[the kingdom]] that [[Jesus]] [[planned]] to teach this one short week at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan Pella] and then to begin the [[tour]] of southern [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perea_(Holy_Land) Perea] which led right up to the final and [[tragic]] [[experiences]] of the last week in [[Jerusalem]].

169:0.3 The [[Pharisees]] and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen_Gadol chief priests] had begun to formulate their [[charges]] and to crystallize their accusations. They objected to [[the Master]]'s teachings on these grounds:

169:0.3 The [[Pharisees]] and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen_Gadol chief priests] had begun to formulate their [[charges]] and to crystallize their accusations. They objected to [[the Master]]'s teachings on these grounds:

*1. 169:0.4 He is a [[friend]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tax_collector publicans] and [[sinners]]; he [[receives]] the ungodly and even eats with them.

*1. 169:0.4 He is a [[friend]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tax_collector publicans] and [[sinners]]; he [[receives]] the ungodly and even eats with them.

*2. 169:0.5 He is a [[blasphemer]]; he talks about [[God]] as being his [[Father]] and [[thinks]] he is [[equal]] with [[God]].

*2. 169:0.5 He is a [[blasphemer]]; he talks about [[God]] as being his [[Father]] and [[thinks]] he is [[equal]] with [[God]].

*3. 169:0.6 He is a lawbreaker. He heals [[disease]] on the [[Sabbath]] and in many other ways flouts the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism#Jewish_observances sacred law of Israel].

*3. 169:0.6 He is a lawbreaker. He heals [[disease]] on the [[Sabbath]] and in many other ways flouts the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism#Jewish_observances sacred law of Israel].

*4. 169:0.7 He is in league with [[devils]]. He works [[wonders]] and does seeming [[miracles]] by the [[power]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beelzebub Beelzebub], the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_77#77:7._THE_REBEL_MIDWAYERS prince of devils].

*4. 169:0.7 He is in league with [[devils]]. He works [[wonders]] and does seeming [[miracles]] by the [[power]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beelzebub Beelzebub], the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_77#77:7._THE_REBEL_MIDWAYERS prince of devils].

==169:1. PARABLE OF THE LOST SON==

==169:1. PARABLE OF THE LOST SON==

169:1.1 On Thursday afternoon [[Jesus]] talked to [[the multitude]] about the " [[Grace]] of [[Salvation]]. " In the [[course]] of this [[sermon]] he retold the story of the lost sheep and the lost coin and then added his favorite [[parable]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prodigal_Son prodigal son]. Said [[Jesus]]:

169:1.1 On Thursday afternoon [[Jesus]] talked to [[the multitude]] about the " [[Grace]] of [[Salvation]]. " In the [[course]] of this [[sermon]] he retold the story of the lost sheep and the lost coin and then added his favorite [[parable]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prodigal_Son prodigal son]. Said [[Jesus]]:

169:1.2 " You have been [[admonished]] by the [[prophets]] from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel Samuel] to [[John the Baptist|John]] that you should [[seek]] for [[God]]—search for [[truth]]. Always have they said, `Seek the Lord while he may be found.'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.55] And all such teaching should be taken to [[heart]]. But I have come to show you that, while you are seeking to find [[God]], God is likewise seeking to find you. Many times have I told you the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_165#165:2._SERMON_ON_THE_GOOD_SHEPHERD story of the good shepherd] who left the ninety and nine sheep in the fold while he went forth searching for the one that was lost, and how, when he had found the straying sheep, he laid it over his shoulder and tenderly carried it back to the fold. And when the lost sheep had been restored to the fold, you remember that the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_shepherd good shepherd] called in his [[friends]] and bade them [[rejoice]] with him over the finding of the sheep that had been lost.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_18] Again I say there is more [[joy]] in [[heaven]] over one [[sinner]] who [[repents]] than over the ninety and nine [[Righteous|just]] [[persons]] who need no [[repentance]]. The [[fact]] that [[souls]] are lost only increases the interest of the [[Universal Father|heavenly Father]]. I have come to this world to do my Father's bidding, and it has truly been said of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] that he is a [[friend]] of publicans and [[sinners]].

169:1.2 " You have been [[admonished]] by the [[prophets]] from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel Samuel] to [[John the Baptist|John]] that you should [[seek]] for [[God]]—search for [[truth]]. Always have they said, `Seek the Lord while he may be found.'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.55] And all such teaching should be taken to [[heart]]. But I have come to show you that, while you are seeking to find [[God]], God is likewise seeking to find you. Many times have I told you the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_165#165:2._SERMON_ON_THE_GOOD_SHEPHERD story of the good shepherd] who left the ninety and nine sheep in the fold while he went forth searching for the one that was lost, and how, when he had found the straying sheep, he laid it over his shoulder and tenderly carried it back to the fold. And when the lost sheep had been restored to the fold, you remember that the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_shepherd good shepherd] called in his [[friends]] and bade them [[rejoice]] with him over the finding of the sheep that had been lost.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_18] Again I say there is more [[joy]] in [[heaven]] over one [[sinner]] who [[repents]] than over the ninety and nine [[Righteous|just]] [[persons]] who need no [[repentance]]. The [[fact]] that [[souls]] are lost only increases the interest of the [[Universal Father|heavenly Father]]. I have come to this world to do my Father's bidding, and it has truly been said of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] that he is a [[friend]] of publicans and [[sinners]].

169:1.3 " You have been taught that [[divine]] [[acceptance]] comes after your [[repentance]] and as a result of all your works of [[sacrifice]] and [[penitence]], but I [[assure]] you that [[the Father]] [[accepts]] you even before you have [[repented]] and sends [[Divine Sons|the Son]] and his [[associates]] to find you and bring you, with [[rejoicing]], back to the fold, [[the kingdom]] of sonship and [[spiritual]] [[progress]]. You are all like sheep which have gone astray, and I have come to seek and to save those who are lost.

169:1.3 " You have been taught that [[divine]] [[acceptance]] comes after your [[repentance]] and as a result of all your works of [[sacrifice]] and [[penitence]], but I [[assure]] you that [[the Father]] [[accepts]] you even before you have [[repented]] and sends [[Divine Sons|the Son]] and his [[associates]] to find you and bring you, with [[rejoicing]], back to the fold, [[the kingdom]] of sonship and [[spiritual]] [[progress]]. You are all like sheep which have gone astray, and I have come to seek and to save those who are lost.

169:1.4 " And you should also [[remember]] the [[story]] of the [[woman]] who, having had ten pieces of silver made into a necklace of adornment, lost one piece, and how she lit the lamp and diligently swept the house and kept up the search until she found the lost piece of silver. And as soon as she found the coin that was lost, she called together her [[friends]] and [[neighbors]], saying, `[[Rejoice]] with me, for I have found the piece that was lost.'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_15] So again I say, there is always [[joy]] in the [[presence]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_39 the angels of heaven] over one [[sinner]] who [[repents]] and returns to [[the Father]]'s fold. And I tell you this [[story]] to impress upon you that [[the Father]] and [[Eternal Son|his Son]] go forth to search for those who are lost, and in this search we employ all [[influences]] capable of rendering [[assistance]] in our [[diligent]] [[efforts]] to find those who are lost, those who stand in need of [[salvation]]. And so, while the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] goes out in the [[wilderness]] to seek for the sheep gone astray, he also searches for the coin which is lost in the house. The sheep wanders away, unintentionally; the coin is covered by the dust of [[time]] and obscured by the accumulation of the [[things]] of men.

169:1.4 " And you should also [[remember]] the [[story]] of the [[woman]] who, having had ten pieces of silver made into a necklace of adornment, lost one piece, and how she lit the lamp and diligently swept the house and kept up the search until she found the lost piece of silver. And as soon as she found the coin that was lost, she called together her [[friends]] and [[neighbors]], saying, `[[Rejoice]] with me, for I have found the piece that was lost.'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_15] So again I say, there is always [[joy]] in the [[presence]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_39 the angels of heaven] over one [[sinner]] who [[repents]] and returns to [[the Father]]'s fold. And I tell you this [[story]] to impress upon you that [[the Father]] and [[Eternal Son|his Son]] go forth to search for those who are lost, and in this search we employ all [[influences]] capable of rendering [[assistance]] in our [[diligent]] [[efforts]] to find those who are lost, those who stand in need of [[salvation]]. And so, while the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] goes out in the [[wilderness]] to seek for the sheep gone astray, he also searches for the coin which is lost in the house. The sheep wanders away, unintentionally; the coin is covered by the dust of [[time]] and obscured by the accumulation of the [[things]] of men.

169:1.5 " And now I would like to tell you the [[story]] of a thoughtless son of a well-to-do [[farmer]] who deliberately left his [[father]]'s house and went off into a foreign land, where he fell into much [[tribulation]]. You recall that the sheep strayed away without [[intention]], but this [[youth]] left his [[home]] with premeditation. It was like this:

169:1.5 " And now I would like to tell you the [[story]] of a thoughtless son of a well-to-do [[farmer]] who deliberately left his [[father]]'s house and went off into a foreign land, where he fell into much [[tribulation]]. You recall that the sheep strayed away without [[intention]], but this [[youth]] left his [[home]] with premeditation. It was like this:

169:1.6 " A certain man had two sons; one, the younger, was lighthearted and carefree, always seeking for a [[good]] time and shirking [[responsibility]], while his older [[brother]] was serious, [[sober]], hard-working, and willing to bear [[responsibility]]. Now these two brothers did not get along well together; they were always quarreling and bickering. The younger lad was [[cheerful]] and vivacious, but [[indolent]] and unreliable; the older son was steady and industrious, at the same time [[self]]-[[centered]], surly, and [[conceited]]. The younger son enjoyed [[play]] but shunned [[work]]; the older [[devoted]] himself to work but seldom played. This [[association]] became so disagreeable that the younger son came to his [[father]] and said: `Father, give me the third portion of your [[possessions]] which would fall to me and allow me to go out into the world to seek my own fortune.' And when the [[father]] heard this request, knowing how unhappy the [[young man]] was at [[home]] and with his older [[brother]], he divided his [[property]], giving the [[youth]] his share.

169:1.6 " A certain man had two sons; one, the younger, was lighthearted and carefree, always seeking for a [[good]] time and shirking [[responsibility]], while his older [[brother]] was serious, [[sober]], hard-working, and willing to bear [[responsibility]]. Now these two brothers did not get along well together; they were always quarreling and bickering. The younger lad was [[cheerful]] and vivacious, but [[indolent]] and unreliable; the older son was steady and industrious, at the same time [[self]]-[[centered]], surly, and [[conceited]]. The younger son enjoyed [[play]] but shunned [[work]]; the older [[devoted]] himself to work but seldom played. This [[association]] became so disagreeable that the younger son came to his [[father]] and said: `Father, give me the third portion of your [[possessions]] which would fall to me and allow me to go out into the world to seek my own fortune.' And when the [[father]] heard this request, knowing how unhappy the [[young man]] was at [[home]] and with his older [[brother]], he divided his [[property]], giving the [[youth]] his share.

169:1.7 " Within a few weeks the young man gathered [[together]] all his [[funds]] and set out upon a [[journey]] to a far country, and finding nothing profitable to do which was also [[pleasurable]], he soon [[wast]]ed all his [[inheritance]] in riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a prolonged [[famine]] in that country, and he found himself in want. And so, when he suffered [[hunger]] and his distress was great, he found employment with one of the [[citizens]] of that country, who sent him into the fields to feed [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pigs swine]. And the young man would fain have filled himself with the husks which the swine ate, but no one would give him anything.

169:1.7 " Within a few weeks the young man gathered [[together]] all his [[funds]] and set out upon a [[journey]] to a far country, and finding nothing profitable to do which was also [[pleasurable]], he soon [[wast]]ed all his [[inheritance]] in riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a prolonged [[famine]] in that country, and he found himself in want. And so, when he suffered [[hunger]] and his distress was great, he found employment with one of the [[citizens]] of that country, who sent him into the fields to feed [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pigs swine]. And the young man would fain have filled himself with the husks which the swine ate, but no one would give him anything.

169:1.8 " One day, when he was very [[hungry]], he came to himself and said: `How many hired servants of my [[father]] have bread enough and to spare while I perish with [[hunger]], feeding swine off here in a foreign country! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him: [[Father]], I have [[sinned]] against [[heaven]] and against you. I am no more [[worthy]] to be called your son; only be willing to make me one of your hired servants.' And when the [[young man]] had reached this [[decision]], he arose and started out for his [[father]]'s [[Home|house]].

169:1.8 " One day, when he was very [[hungry]], he came to himself and said: `How many hired servants of my [[father]] have bread enough and to spare while I perish with [[hunger]], feeding swine off here in a foreign country! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him: [[Father]], I have [[sinned]] against [[heaven]] and against you. I am no more [[worthy]] to be called your son; only be willing to make me one of your hired servants.' And when the [[young man]] had reached this [[decision]], he arose and started out for his [[father]]'s [[Home|house]].

169:1.9 " Now this [[father]] had [[grieved]] much for his son; he had missed the [[cheerful]], though thoughtless, lad. This father [[loved]] this son and was always on the lookout for his return, so that on the day he approached his [[home]], even while he was yet afar off, the [[father]] saw him and, being moved with loving [[compassion]], ran out to meet him, and with [[affectionate]] greeting he [[embraced]] and kissed him. And after they had thus met, the son looked up into his father's tearful face and said: `[[Father]], I have [[sinned]] against [[heaven]] and in your [[sight]]; I am no more [[worthy]] to be called a son'—but the lad did not find [[opportunity]] to complete his [[confession]] because the overjoyed [[father]] said to the servants who had by this [[time]] come running up: `Bring quickly his best robe, the one I have saved, and put it on him and put the son's ring on his hand and fetch sandals for his feet.'

169:1.9 " Now this [[father]] had [[grieved]] much for his son; he had missed the [[cheerful]], though thoughtless, lad. This father [[loved]] this son and was always on the lookout for his return, so that on the day he approached his [[home]], even while he was yet afar off, the [[father]] saw him and, being moved with loving [[compassion]], ran out to meet him, and with [[affectionate]] greeting he [[embraced]] and kissed him. And after they had thus met, the son looked up into his father's tearful face and said: `[[Father]], I have [[sinned]] against [[heaven]] and in your [[sight]]; I am no more [[worthy]] to be called a son'—but the lad did not find [[opportunity]] to complete his [[confession]] because the overjoyed [[father]] said to the servants who had by this [[time]] come running up: `Bring quickly his best robe, the one I have saved, and put it on him and put the son's ring on his hand and fetch sandals for his feet.'

169:1.10 " And then, after the [[happy]] [[father]] had led the footsore and weary lad into the house, he called to his servants: `Bring on the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatted_calf fatted calf] and kill it, and let us eat and make [[merry]], for this my son was [[dead]] and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they all gathered about the [[father]] to [[rejoice]] with him over the restoration of his son.

169:1.10 " And then, after the [[happy]] [[father]] had led the footsore and weary lad into the house, he called to his servants: `Bring on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatted_calf fatted calf] and kill it, and let us eat and make [[merry]], for this my son was [[dead]] and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they all gathered about the [[father]] to [[rejoice]] with him over the restoration of his son.

169:1.11 " About this time, while they were [[celebrating]], the elder son came in from his day's [[work]] in the field, and as he drew near the house, he heard the [[music]] and the [[dancing]]. And when he came up to the back door, he called out one of the servants and [[inquired]] as to the [[meaning]] of all this festivity. And then said the servant: `Your long-lost [[brother]] has come [[home]], and your father has killed the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatted_calf fatted calf] to [[rejoice]] over his son's safe return. Come in that you also may greet your [[brother]] and receive him back into your [[father]]'s house.'

169:1.11 " About this time, while they were [[celebrating]], the elder son came in from his day's [[work]] in the field, and as he drew near the house, he heard the [[music]] and the [[dancing]]. And when he came up to the back door, he called out one of the servants and [[inquired]] as to the [[meaning]] of all this festivity. And then said the servant: `Your long-lost [[brother]] has come [[home]], and your father has killed the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatted_calf fatted calf] to [[rejoice]] over his son's safe return. Come in that you also may greet your [[brother]] and receive him back into your [[father]]'s house.'

169:1.12 " But when the older [[brother]] heard this, he was so hurt and [[angry]] he would not go into the house. When his [[father]] heard of his [[resentment]] of the [[welcome]] of his younger brother, he went out to entreat him. But the older son would not yield to his father's [[persuasion]]. He answered his father, saying: `Here these many years have I served you, never [[transgressing]] the least of your commands, and yet you never gave me even a kid that I might make merry with my [[friends]]. I have remained here to care for you all these years, and you never made [[rejoicing]] over my [[faithful]] service, but when this your son returns, having squandered your substance with [[harlots]], you make haste to kill the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatted_calf fatted calf] and make [[merry]] over him.'

169:1.12 " But when the older [[brother]] heard this, he was so hurt and [[angry]] he would not go into the house. When his [[father]] heard of his [[resentment]] of the [[welcome]] of his younger brother, he went out to entreat him. But the older son would not yield to his father's [[persuasion]]. He answered his father, saying: `Here these many years have I served you, never [[transgressing]] the least of your commands, and yet you never gave me even a kid that I might make merry with my [[friends]]. I have remained here to care for you all these years, and you never made [[rejoicing]] over my [[faithful]] service, but when this your son returns, having squandered your substance with [[harlots]], you make haste to kill the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatted_calf fatted calf] and make [[merry]] over him.'

169:1.13 " Since this [[father]] truly [[loved]] both of his sons, he tried to [[reason]] with this older one: `But, my son, you have all the while been with me, and all this which I have is yours. You could have had a kid at any time you had made [[friends]] to [[share]] your merriment. But it is only proper that you should now join with me in being glad and merry because of your brother's return. [[Think]] of it, my son, your brother was lost and is found; he has returned alive to us!' "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_15]

169:1.13 " Since this [[father]] truly [[loved]] both of his sons, he tried to [[reason]] with this older one: `But, my son, you have all the while been with me, and all this which I have is yours. You could have had a kid at any time you had made [[friends]] to [[share]] your merriment. But it is only proper that you should now join with me in being glad and merry because of your brother's return. [[Think]] of it, my son, your brother was lost and is found; he has returned alive to us!' "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_15]

169:1.15 [[Jesus]] was very partial to telling these [[three]] [[stories]] at the same time. He presented the story of the lost sheep to show that, when men unintentionally stray away from the path of life, [[the Father]] is mindful of such lost ones and goes out, with [[Divine Sons|his Sons]], the true shepherds of the flock, to seek the lost sheep. He then would recite the [[story]] of the coin lost in the house to [[illustrate]] how thorough is the [[divine]] searching for all who are [[confused]], confounded, or otherwise [[spiritually]] blinded by the [[material]] cares and accumulations of life. And then he would launch forth into the telling of this [[parable]] of the lost son, the [[reception]] of the returning prodigal, to show how complete is the restoration of the lost son into his [[Father]]'s house and [[heart]].

169:1.15 [[Jesus]] was very partial to telling these [[three]] [[stories]] at the same time. He presented the story of the lost sheep to show that, when men unintentionally stray away from the path of life, [[the Father]] is mindful of such lost ones and goes out, with [[Divine Sons|his Sons]], the true shepherds of the flock, to seek the lost sheep. He then would recite the [[story]] of the coin lost in the house to [[illustrate]] how thorough is the [[divine]] searching for all who are [[confused]], confounded, or otherwise [[spiritually]] blinded by the [[material]] cares and accumulations of life. And then he would launch forth into the telling of this [[parable]] of the lost son, the [[reception]] of the returning prodigal, to show how complete is the restoration of the lost son into his [[Father]]'s house and [[heart]].

169:1.16 Many, many times during his years of teaching, [[Jesus]] told and retold this [[story]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parable_of_the_prodigal_son prodigal son]. This [[parable]] and the story of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Samaritan good Samaritan] were his [[favorite]] means of teaching the [[love]] of [[the Father]] and the [[neighbor]]liness of man.

169:1.16 Many, many times during his years of teaching, [[Jesus]] told and retold this [[story]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parable_of_the_prodigal_son prodigal son]. This [[parable]] and the story of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Samaritan good Samaritan] were his [[favorite]] means of teaching the [[love]] of [[the Father]] and the [[neighbor]]liness of man.

==169:2. PARABLE OF THE SHREWD STEWARD==

==169:2. PARABLE OF THE SHREWD STEWARD==

==169:3. THE RICH MAN AND THE BEGGAR==

==169:3. THE RICH MAN AND THE BEGGAR==

169:3.1 When the [[meeting]] became too [[noisy]], [[Simon Peter]], standing up, took [[Control|charge]], saying: " Men and brethren, it is not seemly thus to [[dispute]] among yourselves. [[The Master]] has spoken, and you do well to [[ponder]] his [[words]]. And this is no new [[doctrine]] which he [[proclaimed]] to you. Have you not also heard the [[allegory]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazirite Nazarites] concerning the [[rich]] man and the [[beggar]]? Some of us heard [[John the Baptist]] thunder this [[parable]] of [[warning]] to those who [[love]] riches and [[covet]] dishonest [[wealth]]. And while this olden [[parable]] is not according to the [[gospel]] we [[preach]], you would all do well to heed its lessons until such a time as you [[comprehend]] the new [[light]] of [[the kingdom]] of heaven. The [[story]] as [[John the Baptist|John]] told it was like this:

169:3.1 When the [[meeting]] became too [[noisy]], [[Simon Peter]], standing up, took [[Control|charge]], saying: " Men and brethren, it is not seemly thus to [[dispute]] among yourselves. [[The Master]] has spoken, and you do well to [[ponder]] his [[words]]. And this is no new [[doctrine]] which he [[proclaimed]] to you. Have you not also heard the [[allegory]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazirite Nazarites] concerning the [[rich]] man and the [[beggar]]? Some of us heard [[John the Baptist]] thunder this [[parable]] of [[warning]] to those who [[love]] riches and [[covet]] dishonest [[wealth]]. And while this olden [[parable]] is not according to the [[gospel]] we [[preach]], you would all do well to heed its lessons until such a time as you [[comprehend]] the new [[light]] of [[the kingdom]] of heaven. The [[story]] as [[John the Baptist|John]] told it was like this:

169:3.2 " There was a certain [[rich]] man named [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus_and_Dives Dives], who, being clothed in purple and fine linen, lived in [[mirth]] and [[splendor]] every day. And there was a certain [[beggar]] named Lazarus, who laid at this [[rich]] man's gate, covered with sores and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the [[rich]] man's table; yes, even the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass that the [[beggar]] died and was carried away by the [[angels]] to rest in [[Abraham]]'s [[bosom]]. And then, presently, this [[rich]] man also [[died]] and was [[buried]] with great pomp and regal [[splendor]]. When the [[rich]] man departed from this world, he [[waked]] up in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hades Hades], and finding himself in torment, he lifted up his eyes and beheld [[Abraham]] afar off and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus_and_Dives Lazarus] in his [[bosom]]. And then Dives cried aloud: `Father [[Abraham]], have [[mercy]] on me and send over [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus_and_Dives Lazarus] that he may dip the tip of his finger in [[water]] to cool my tongue, for I am in great [[anguish]] because of my [[punishment]].' And then [[Abraham]] replied: `My son, you should [[remember]] that in your lifetime you enjoyed the [[good]] things while [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus_and_Dives Lazarus] in like [[manner]] [[suffered]] the [[evil]]. But now all this is [[changed]], seeing that Lazarus is [[comforted]] while you are tormented. And besides, between us and you there is a great gulf so that we cannot go to you, neither can you come over to us.' Then said [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus_and_Dives Dives] to [[Abraham]]: `I [[pray]] you send Lazarus back to my [[father]]'s [[Home|house]], inasmuch as I have five [[brothers]], that he may so [[testify]] as to [[prevent]] my brothers from coming to this place of [[torment]].' But [[Abraham]] said: `My son, they have [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] and the [[prophets]]; let them hear them.' And then answered Dives: `No, No, Father [[Abraham]]! but if one go to them from the [[dead]], they will [[repent]].' And then said [[Abraham]]: `If they hear not [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] and the [[prophets]], neither will they be [[persuaded]] even if one were to rise from the [[dead]].' "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_16]

169:3.2 " There was a certain [[rich]] man named [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus_and_Dives Dives], who, being clothed in purple and fine linen, lived in [[mirth]] and [[splendor]] every day. And there was a certain [[beggar]] named Lazarus, who laid at this [[rich]] man's gate, covered with sores and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the [[rich]] man's table; yes, even the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass that the [[beggar]] died and was carried away by the [[angels]] to rest in [[Abraham]]'s [[bosom]]. And then, presently, this [[rich]] man also [[died]] and was [[buried]] with great pomp and regal [[splendor]]. When the [[rich]] man departed from this world, he [[waked]] up in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hades Hades], and finding himself in torment, he lifted up his eyes and beheld [[Abraham]] afar off and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus_and_Dives Lazarus] in his [[bosom]]. And then Dives cried aloud: `Father [[Abraham]], have [[mercy]] on me and send over [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus_and_Dives Lazarus] that he may dip the tip of his finger in [[water]] to cool my tongue, for I am in great [[anguish]] because of my [[punishment]].' And then [[Abraham]] replied: `My son, you should [[remember]] that in your lifetime you enjoyed the [[good]] things while [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus_and_Dives Lazarus] in like [[manner]] [[suffered]] the [[evil]]. But now all this is [[changed]], seeing that Lazarus is [[comforted]] while you are tormented. And besides, between us and you there is a great gulf so that we cannot go to you, neither can you come over to us.' Then said [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus_and_Dives Dives] to [[Abraham]]: `I [[pray]] you send Lazarus back to my [[father]]'s [[Home|house]], inasmuch as I have five [[brothers]], that he may so [[testify]] as to [[prevent]] my brothers from coming to this place of [[torment]].' But [[Abraham]] said: `My son, they have [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] and the [[prophets]]; let them hear them.' And then answered Dives: `No, No, Father [[Abraham]]! but if one go to them from the [[dead]], they will [[repent]].' And then said [[Abraham]]: `If they hear not [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] and the [[prophets]], neither will they be [[persuaded]] even if one were to rise from the [[dead]].' "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_16]

169:3.3 After [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] had recited this ancient [[parable]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazirite Nazarite] brotherhood, and since the crowd had [[quieted]] down, [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] arose and dismissed them for the night. Although both [[the apostles]] and his [[disciples]] frequently asked [[Jesus]] questions about the [[parable]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus_and_Dives Dives and Lazarus], he never [[consented]] to make [[comment]] thereon.

169:3.3 After [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] had recited this ancient [[parable]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazirite Nazarite] brotherhood, and since the crowd had [[quieted]] down, [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] arose and dismissed them for the night. Although both [[the apostles]] and his [[disciples]] frequently asked [[Jesus]] questions about the [[parable]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus_and_Dives Dives and Lazarus], he never [[consented]] to make [[comment]] thereon.

==169:4. THE FATHER AND HIS KINGDOM==

==169:4. THE FATHER AND HIS KINGDOM==

169:4.1 [[Jesus]] always had [[trouble]] trying to [[explain]] to [[the apostles]] that, while they [[proclaimed]] the [[establishment]] of [[the kingdom]] of [[God]], [[the Father]] in [[heaven]] was not a [[king]]. At the time [[Jesus]] lived on earth and taught in the [[flesh]], the people of [[Urantia]] knew mostly of [[kings]] and [[emperors]] in the [[governments]] of the [[nations]], and the [[Jews]] had long [[contemplated]] the coming of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the kingdom] of God. For these and other reasons, [[the Master]] [[thought]] best to designate the spiritual brotherhood of man as [[the kingdom]] of heaven and the [[spirit]] head of this brotherhood as [[the Father]] in heaven. Never did [[Jesus]] refer to his Father as a [[king]]. In his [[intimate]] [[dialogue|talks]] with [[the apostles]] he always referred to himself as the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] and as their [[elder]] [[brother]]. He depicted all his followers as servants of [[mankind]] and [[messengers]] of the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]].

169:4.1 [[Jesus]] always had [[trouble]] trying to [[explain]] to [[the apostles]] that, while they [[proclaimed]] the [[establishment]] of [[the kingdom]] of [[God]], [[the Father]] in [[heaven]] was not a [[king]]. At the time [[Jesus]] lived on earth and taught in the [[flesh]], the people of [[Urantia]] knew mostly of [[kings]] and [[emperors]] in the [[governments]] of the [[nations]], and the [[Jews]] had long [[contemplated]] the coming of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the kingdom] of God. For these and other reasons, [[the Master]] [[thought]] best to designate the spiritual brotherhood of man as [[the kingdom]] of heaven and the [[spirit]] head of this brotherhood as [[the Father]] in heaven. Never did [[Jesus]] refer to his Father as a [[king]]. In his [[intimate]] [[dialogue|talks]] with [[the apostles]] he always referred to himself as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] and as their [[elder]] [[brother]]. He depicted all his followers as servants of [[mankind]] and [[messengers]] of the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]].

169:4.2 [[Jesus]] never gave his [[apostles]] a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systematic_theology systematic] lesson concerning the [[personality]] and [[attributes]] of [[the Father]] in [[heaven]]. He never asked men to [[believe]] in his Father; he took it for granted they did. [[Jesus]] never belittled himself by offering [[arguments]] in [[proof]] of the [[reality]] of [[the Father]]. His teaching regarding the Father all [[center]]ed in the [[declaration]] that he and [[the Father]] are [[one]]; that he who has seen [[Creator Son|the Son]] has seen [[the Father]]; that the Father, like [[the Son]], [[knows]] [[all things]]; that only [[the Son]] really knows [[the Father]], and he to whom [[Divine Sons|the Son] will [[reveal]] him; that he who knows [[Creator Son|the Son]] knows also [[the Father]]; and that [[the Father]] sent him into the world to [[reveal]] their combined [[natures]] and to show forth their conjoint [[work]]. He never made other pronouncements about his Father except to [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_143#143:5._THE_WOMAN_OF_SYCHAR the woman of Samaria] at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob's_well Jacob's well], when he [[declared]], " God is spirit. "

169:4.2 [[Jesus]] never gave his [[apostles]] a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systematic_theology systematic] lesson concerning the [[personality]] and [[attributes]] of [[the Father]] in [[heaven]]. He never asked men to [[believe]] in his Father; he took it for granted they did. [[Jesus]] never belittled himself by offering [[arguments]] in [[proof]] of the [[reality]] of [[the Father]]. His teaching regarding the Father all [[center]]ed in the [[declaration]] that he and [[the Father]] are [[one]]; that he who has seen [[Creator Son|the Son]] has seen [[the Father]]; that the Father, like [[the Son]], [[knows]] [[all things]]; that only [[the Son]] really knows [[the Father]], and he to whom [[Divine Sons|the Son] will [[reveal]] him; that he who knows [[Creator Son|the Son]] knows also [[the Father]]; and that [[the Father]] sent him into the world to [[reveal]] their combined [[natures]] and to show forth their conjoint [[work]]. He never made other pronouncements about his Father except to [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_143#143:5._THE_WOMAN_OF_SYCHAR the woman of Samaria] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob's_well Jacob's well], when he [[declared]], " God is spirit. "

169:4.3 You [[learn]] about [[God]] from [[Jesus]] by [[observing]] the [[divinity]] of his life, not by depending on his teachings. From the life of [[the Master]] you may each [[assimilate]] that [[concept]] of [[God]] which [[represents]] the [[measure]] of your [[capacity]] to [[perceive]] [[realities]] [[spiritual]] and [[divine]], [[truths]] [[real]] and [[eternal]]. The [[finite]] can never [[hope]] to [[comprehend]] the [[Infinite]] except as the Infinite was [[focalized]] in the [[time-space]] [[personality]] of the finite [[experience]] of the [[human]] life of [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]].

169:4.3 You [[learn]] about [[God]] from [[Jesus]] by [[observing]] the [[divinity]] of his life, not by depending on his teachings. From the life of [[the Master]] you may each [[assimilate]] that [[concept]] of [[God]] which [[represents]] the [[measure]] of your [[capacity]] to [[perceive]] [[realities]] [[spiritual]] and [[divine]], [[truths]] [[real]] and [[eternal]]. The [[finite]] can never [[hope]] to [[comprehend]] the [[Infinite]] except as the Infinite was [[focalized]] in the [[time-space]] [[personality]] of the finite [[experience]] of the [[human]] life of [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]].

169:4.4 [[Jesus]] well knew that [[God]] can be known only by the [[realities]] of [[experience]]; never can he be [[understood]] by the mere teaching of the [[mind]]. [[Jesus]] taught his [[apostles]] that, while they never could fully [[understand]] [[God]], they could most certainly know him, even as they had known the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man]. You can know [[God]], not by [[understanding]] what [[Jesus]] said, but by knowing what Jesus was. Jesus was a [[revelation]] of [[God]].

169:4.4 [[Jesus]] well knew that [[God]] can be known only by the [[realities]] of [[experience]]; never can he be [[understood]] by the mere teaching of the [[mind]]. [[Jesus]] taught his [[apostles]] that, while they never could fully [[understand]] [[God]], they could most certainly know him, even as they had known the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man]. You can know [[God]], not by [[understanding]] what [[Jesus]] said, but by knowing what Jesus was. Jesus was a [[revelation]] of [[God]].

169:4.5 Except when quoting the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_scriptures Hebrew scriptures], [[Jesus]] referred to [[Deity]] by only [[two]] [[names]]: [[God]] and [[Father]]. And when [[the Master]] made [[reference]] to his Father as [[God]], he usually employed the [[Hebrew]] [[word]] [[signifying]] the plural [[God]] (the [[Trinity]]) and not the word [[Yahweh]], which stood for the [[progressive]] [[conception]] of the [[tribal]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_96_-_Yahweh_-_God_of_the_Hebrews God of the Jews].

169:4.5 Except when quoting the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_scriptures Hebrew scriptures], [[Jesus]] referred to [[Deity]] by only [[two]] [[names]]: [[God]] and [[Father]]. And when [[the Master]] made [[reference]] to his Father as [[God]], he usually employed the [[Hebrew]] [[word]] [[signifying]] the plural [[God]] (the [[Trinity]]) and not the word [[Yahweh]], which stood for the [[progressive]] [[conception]] of the [[tribal]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_96_-_Yahweh_-_God_of_the_Hebrews God of the Jews].

169:4.6 [[Jesus]] never called [[the Father]] a [[king]], and he very much [[regretted]] that the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Jewish hope] for a restored kingdom and [[John the Baptist|John]]'s proclamation of a coming kingdom made it [[necessary]] for him to denominate his proposed [[spiritual]] brotherhood [[the kingdom]] of heaven. With the one exception—the [[declaration]] that " [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_143#143:5._THE_WOMAN_OF_SYCHAR God is spirit] "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_4]—[[Jesus]] never referred to [[Deity]] in any [[manner]] other than in terms descriptive of his own [[personal]] [[relationship]] with the [[First Source and Center]] of [[Paradise]].

169:4.6 [[Jesus]] never called [[the Father]] a [[king]], and he very much [[regretted]] that the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Jewish hope] for a restored kingdom and [[John the Baptist|John]]'s proclamation of a coming kingdom made it [[necessary]] for him to denominate his proposed [[spiritual]] brotherhood [[the kingdom]] of heaven. With the one exception—the [[declaration]] that " [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_143#143:5._THE_WOMAN_OF_SYCHAR God is spirit] "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_4]—[[Jesus]] never referred to [[Deity]] in any [[manner]] other than in terms descriptive of his own [[personal]] [[relationship]] with the [[First Source and Center]] of [[Paradise]].

169:4.7 [[Jesus]] employed the [[word]] [[God]] to designate the [[idea]] of [[Deity]] and the [[word]] [[Father]] to designate the [[experience]] of knowing [[God]]. When the [[word]] [[Father]] is employed to denote [[God]], it should be [[understood]] in its largest possible [[meaning]]. The word [[God]] cannot be defined and therefore stands for the [[infinite]] [[concept]] of [[the Father]], while the term Father, being capable of partial [[definition]], may be employed to [[represent]] the [[human]] [[concept]] of the [[divine]] Father as he is [[associated]] with man during the [[course]] of [[mortal]] [[existence]].

169:4.7 [[Jesus]] employed the [[word]] [[God]] to designate the [[idea]] of [[Deity]] and the [[word]] [[Father]] to designate the [[experience]] of knowing [[God]]. When the [[word]] [[Father]] is employed to denote [[God]], it should be [[understood]] in its largest possible [[meaning]]. The word [[God]] cannot be defined and therefore stands for the [[infinite]] [[concept]] of [[the Father]], while the term Father, being capable of partial [[definition]], may be employed to [[represent]] the [[human]] [[concept]] of the [[divine]] Father as he is [[associated]] with man during the [[course]] of [[mortal]] [[existence]].

169:4.8 To [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews the Jews], [[Elohim]] was the God of gods, while [[Yahweh]] was the God of [[Israel]]. [[Jesus]] [[accepted]] the [[concept]] of [[Elohim]] and called this [[Supreme Creators|supreme group]] of [[beings]] [[God]]. In the place of the [[concept]] of [[Yahweh]], the [[racial]] [[deity]], he introduced the [[idea]] of the [[fatherhood]] of [[God]] and the world-wide brotherhood of man. He exalted the [[Yahweh]] concept of a deified [[racial]] [[Father]] to the [[idea]] of a [[Father]] of all the [[children]] of men, a [[divine]] Father of the [[individual]] [[believer]]. And he further taught that this [[God]] of [[universes]] and this Father of all men were one and the same [[Paradise]] [[Deity]].

169:4.8 To [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews the Jews], [[Elohim]] was the God of gods, while [[Yahweh]] was the God of [[Israel]]. [[Jesus]] [[accepted]] the [[concept]] of [[Elohim]] and called this [[Supreme Creators|supreme group]] of [[beings]] [[God]]. In the place of the [[concept]] of [[Yahweh]], the [[racial]] [[deity]], he introduced the [[idea]] of the [[fatherhood]] of [[God]] and the world-wide brotherhood of man. He exalted the [[Yahweh]] concept of a deified [[racial]] [[Father]] to the [[idea]] of a [[Father]] of all the [[children]] of men, a [[divine]] Father of the [[individual]] [[believer]]. And he further taught that this [[God]] of [[universes]] and this Father of all men were one and the same [[Paradise]] [[Deity]].

169:4.9 [[Jesus]] never claimed to be the [[manifestation]] of [[Elohim]] (God) in the [[flesh]]. He never [[declared]] that he was a [[revelation]] of [[Elohim]] (God) to [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_49 the worlds]. He never taught that he who had seen him had seen [[Elohim]] (God). But he did [[proclaim]] himself as the [[revelation]] of [[the Father]] in the [[flesh]], and he did say that whoso had seen him had seen the Father. As the [[divine Son]] he claimed to [[represent]] only [[the Father]].

169:4.9 [[Jesus]] never claimed to be the [[manifestation]] of [[Elohim]] (God) in the [[flesh]]. He never [[declared]] that he was a [[revelation]] of [[Elohim]] (God) to [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_49 the worlds]. He never taught that he who had seen him had seen [[Elohim]] (God). But he did [[proclaim]] himself as the [[revelation]] of [[the Father]] in the [[flesh]], and he did say that whoso had seen him had seen the Father. As the [[divine Son]] he claimed to [[represent]] only [[the Father]].