Changes

==PAPER 136: BAPTISM AND THE FORTY DAYS==

==PAPER 136: BAPTISM AND THE FORTY DAYS==

136:0.1 [[Jesus]] began his [[public]] work at the height of the popular interest in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s preaching and at a time when the [[Jewish]] people of [[Palestine]] were eagerly looking for the [[appearance]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism Messiah]. There was a great [[contrast]] between John and [[Jesus]]. John was an [[eager]] and [[earnest]] worker, but [[Jesus]] was a calm and [[happy]] laborer; only a few times in his entire life was he ever in a hurry. [[Jesus]] was a [[comfort]]ing consolation to the world and somewhat of an example; John was hardly a comfort or an example. He preached the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God kingdom of heaven] but hardly entered into the [[happiness]] thereof. Though [[Jesus]] spoke of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John] as the greatest of the [[prophets]] of the old order, he also said that the least of those who saw the great [[light]] of the new way and entered thereby into the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God kingdom of heaven] was indeed greater than John.

136:0.1 [[Jesus]] began his [[public]] work at the height of the popular interest in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s preaching and at a time when the [[Jewish]] people of [[Palestine]] were eagerly looking for the [[appearance]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism Messiah]. There was a great [[contrast]] between John and [[Jesus]]. John was an [[eager]] and [[earnest]] worker, but [[Jesus]] was a calm and [[happy]] laborer; only a few times in his entire life was he ever in a hurry. [[Jesus]] was a [[comfort]]ing consolation to the world and somewhat of an example; John was hardly a comfort or an example. He preached the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God kingdom of heaven] but hardly entered into the [[happiness]] thereof. Though [[Jesus]] spoke of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John] as the greatest of the [[prophets]] of the old order, he also said that the least of those who saw the great [[light]] of the new way and entered thereby into the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God kingdom of heaven] was indeed greater than John.

136:0.2 When [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John] preached the coming [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God kingdom], the burden of his [[message]] was: [[Repent]]! flee from the [[wrath]] to come. When [[Jesus]] began to preach, there remained the [[exhortation]] to [[repentance]], but such a [[message]] was always followed by the [[gospel]], the good tidings of the [[joy]] and [[liberty]] of the new kingdom.

136:0.2 When [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John] preached the coming [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God kingdom], the burden of his [[message]] was: [[Repent]]! flee from the [[wrath]] to come. When [[Jesus]] began to preach, there remained the [[exhortation]] to [[repentance]], but such a [[message]] was always followed by the [[gospel]], the good tidings of the [[joy]] and [[liberty]] of the new kingdom.

==136:1. CONCEPTS OF THE EXPECTED MESSIAH==

==136:1. CONCEPTS OF THE EXPECTED MESSIAH==

136:1.1 The [[Jews]] entertained many [[ideas]] about the expected [[Messiah|deliverer]], and each of these different [[schools]] of Messianic teaching was able to point to [[statements]] in the [[Hebrew Bible|Hebrew scriptures]] as [[proof]] of their contentions. In a general way, the [[Jews]] regarded their [[national]] [[history]] as beginning with [[Abraham]] and culminating in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Messiah] and the [[new age]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God kingdom of God]. In earlier times they had envisaged this deliverer as " the servant of the Lord, "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.42] then as " the Son of Man, "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Daniel#Chapter_7] while latterly some even went so far as to refer to the Messiah as the " Son of God. " But no matter whether he was called the " seed of Abraham " or " the son of David, " all were [[agreed]] that he was to be [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Messiah], the " anointed one. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.61] Thus did the [[concept]] evolve from the " servant of the Lord " to the " son of David, " " [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man], " and " [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_God Son of God]. "

136:1.1 The [[Jews]] entertained many [[ideas]] about the expected [[Messiah|deliverer]], and each of these different [[schools]] of Messianic teaching was able to point to [[statements]] in the [[Hebrew Bible|Hebrew scriptures]] as [[proof]] of their contentions. In a general way, the [[Jews]] regarded their [[national]] [[history]] as beginning with [[Abraham]] and culminating in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Messiah] and the [[new age]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God kingdom of God]. In earlier times they had envisaged this deliverer as " the servant of the Lord, "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.42] then as " the Son of Man, "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Daniel#Chapter_7] while latterly some even went so far as to refer to the Messiah as the " Son of God. " But no matter whether he was called the " seed of Abraham " or " the son of David, " all were [[agreed]] that he was to be [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Messiah], the " anointed one. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.61] Thus did the [[concept]] evolve from the " servant of the Lord " to the " son of David, " " [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man], " and " [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_God Son of God]. "

136:1.2 In the days of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John] and [[Jesus]] the more learned [[Jews]] had developed an [[idea]] of the coming [[Messiah]] as the perfected and [[representative]] Israelite, combining in himself as the " servant of the Lord " the threefold office of [[prophet]], [[priest]], and [[king]].

136:1.2 In the days of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John] and [[Jesus]] the more learned [[Jews]] had developed an [[idea]] of the coming [[Messiah]] as the perfected and [[representative]] Israelite, combining in himself as the " servant of the Lord " the threefold office of [[prophet]], [[priest]], and [[king]].

136:1.3 The [[Jews]] [[devout]]ly believed that, as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] had delivered their [[fathers]] from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Exodus Egyptian bondage by miraculous wonders], so would the coming [[Messiah]] deliver the Jewish people from [[Roman]] [[domination]] by even greater [[miracles]] of [[power]] and marvels of racial triumph. The [[rabbis]] had gathered together almost five hundred passages from the [[Scriptures]] which, notwithstanding their apparent [[contradiction]]s, they averred were [[prophetic]] of the coming [[Messiah]]. And amidst all these details of [[time]], [[technique]], and [[function]], they almost completely lost sight of the [[personality]] of the promised [[Messiah]]. They were looking for a restoration of Jewish [[national]] [[glory]]—Israel's [[temporal]] exaltation—rather than for the [[salvation]] of the world. It therefore becomes [[evident]] that [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] could never satisfy this [[materialistic]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Messianic] [[concept]] of the Jewish [[mind]]. Many of their reputed Messianic [[predictions]], had they but viewed these prophetic utterances in a [[different]] [[light]], would have very naturally [[prepared]] their minds for a [[recognition]] of [[Jesus]] as the terminator of one age and the inaugurator of a new and better dispensation of [[mercy]] and [[salvation]] for all nations.

136:1.3 The [[Jews]] [[devout]]ly believed that, as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] had delivered their [[fathers]] from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Exodus Egyptian bondage by miraculous wonders], so would the coming [[Messiah]] deliver the Jewish people from [[Roman]] [[domination]] by even greater [[miracles]] of [[power]] and marvels of racial triumph. The [[rabbis]] had gathered together almost five hundred passages from the [[Scriptures]] which, notwithstanding their apparent [[contradiction]]s, they averred were [[prophetic]] of the coming [[Messiah]]. And amidst all these details of [[time]], [[technique]], and [[function]], they almost completely lost sight of the [[personality]] of the promised [[Messiah]]. They were looking for a restoration of Jewish [[national]] [[glory]]—Israel's [[temporal]] exaltation—rather than for the [[salvation]] of the world. It therefore becomes [[evident]] that [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] could never satisfy this [[materialistic]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Messianic] [[concept]] of the Jewish [[mind]]. Many of their reputed Messianic [[predictions]], had they but viewed these prophetic utterances in a [[different]] [[light]], would have very naturally [[prepared]] their minds for a [[recognition]] of [[Jesus]] as the terminator of one age and the inaugurator of a new and better dispensation of [[mercy]] and [[salvation]] for all nations.

136:1.4 The [[Jews]] had been brought up to believe in the [[doctrine]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shekhinah Shekinah]. But this reputed [[symbol]] of the [[Divine]] [[Presence]] was not to be seen in the [[temple]]. They believed that the coming of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism Messiah] would effect its restoration. They held confusing [[ideas]] about racial [[sin]] and the supposed [[evil]] nature of man. Some taught that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam Adam]' s sin had [[cursed]] the [[human]] race, and that the [[Messiah]] would remove this curse and restore man to [[divine]] [[favor]]. Others taught that God, in creating man, had put into his being both [[good]] and [[evil]] natures; that when he [[observed]] the outworking of this arrangement, he was greatly [[disappointed]], and that " He repented that he had thus made man. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_genesis#Chapter_.6] And those who taught this believed that the [[Messiah]] was to come in order to redeem man from this [[inherent]] [[evil]] [[nature]].

136:1.4 The [[Jews]] had been brought up to believe in the [[doctrine]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shekhinah Shekinah]. But this reputed [[symbol]] of the [[Divine]] [[Presence]] was not to be seen in the [[temple]]. They believed that the coming of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism Messiah] would effect its restoration. They held confusing [[ideas]] about racial [[sin]] and the supposed [[evil]] nature of man. Some taught that [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam Adam]' s sin had [[cursed]] the [[human]] race, and that the [[Messiah]] would remove this curse and restore man to [[divine]] [[favor]]. Others taught that God, in creating man, had put into his being both [[good]] and [[evil]] natures; that when he [[observed]] the outworking of this arrangement, he was greatly [[disappointed]], and that " He repented that he had thus made man. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_genesis#Chapter_.6] And those who taught this believed that the [[Messiah]] was to come in order to redeem man from this [[inherent]] [[evil]] [[nature]].

136:1.5 The [[majority]] of the [[Jews]] believed that they continued to languish under [[Roman]] rule because of their [[national]] [[sins]] and because of the halfheartedness of the [[gentile]] [[proselytes]]. The Jewish [[nation]] had not wholeheartedly [[repented]]; therefore did the [[Messiah]] delay his coming. There was much talk about [[repentance]]; wherefore the mighty and [[immediate]] [[appeal]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s preaching, " Repent and be baptized, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_3] And the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God kingdom of heaven] could mean only one thing to any [[devout]] [[Jew]]: The coming of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism Messiah].

136:1.5 The [[majority]] of the [[Jews]] believed that they continued to languish under [[Roman]] rule because of their [[national]] [[sins]] and because of the halfheartedness of the [[gentile]] [[proselytes]]. The Jewish [[nation]] had not wholeheartedly [[repented]]; therefore did the [[Messiah]] delay his coming. There was much talk about [[repentance]]; wherefore the mighty and [[immediate]] [[appeal]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s preaching, " Repent and be baptized, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_3] And the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God kingdom of heaven] could mean only one thing to any [[devout]] [[Jew]]: The coming of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism Messiah].

136:1.6 There was one feature of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 bestowal of Michael] which was utterly foreign to the [[Jewish]] [[concept]]ion of the [[Messiah]], and that was the [[union]] of the two natures, the [[human]] and the [[divine]]. The [[Jews]] had variously conceived of the [[Messiah]] as perfected [[human]], [[superhuman]], and even as [[divine]], but they never entertained the [[concept]] of the [[union]] of the human and the divine. And this was the great stumbling block of [[Jesus]]' early [[disciples]]. They grasped the [[human]] [[concept]] of the [[Messiah]] as the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davidic_line son of David], as presented by the earlier [[prophets]]; as the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man], the [[superhuman]] [[idea]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel Daniel] and some of the later [[prophets]]; and even as the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_god Son of God], as depicted by the [[author]] of the [http://www.sacred-texts.com/bib/boe/index.htm Book of Enoch] and by certain of his contemporaries; but never had they for a single [[moment]] entertained the true [[concept]] of the [[union]] in one earth [[personality]] of the two natures, the [[human]] and the [[divine]]. The [[incarnation]] of the [[Creator Son|Creator]] in the form of the [[creature]] had not been [[revealed]] beforehand. It was revealed only in [[Jesus]]; the world knew nothing of such things until the [[Creator Son]] was made [[flesh]] and dwelt among the [[mortals]] of the realm.

136:1.6 There was one feature of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 bestowal of Michael] which was utterly foreign to the [[Jewish]] [[concept]]ion of the [[Messiah]], and that was the [[union]] of the two natures, the [[human]] and the [[divine]]. The [[Jews]] had variously conceived of the [[Messiah]] as perfected [[human]], [[superhuman]], and even as [[divine]], but they never entertained the [[concept]] of the [[union]] of the human and the divine. And this was the great stumbling block of [[Jesus]]' early [[disciples]]. They grasped the [[human]] [[concept]] of the [[Messiah]] as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davidic_line son of David], as presented by the earlier [[prophets]]; as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man], the [[superhuman]] [[idea]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel Daniel] and some of the later [[prophets]]; and even as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_god Son of God], as depicted by the [[author]] of the [https://www.sacred-texts.com/bib/boe/index.htm Book of Enoch] and by certain of his contemporaries; but never had they for a single [[moment]] entertained the true [[concept]] of the [[union]] in one earth [[personality]] of the two natures, the [[human]] and the [[divine]]. The [[incarnation]] of the [[Creator Son|Creator]] in the form of the [[creature]] had not been [[revealed]] beforehand. It was revealed only in [[Jesus]]; the world knew nothing of such things until the [[Creator Son]] was made [[flesh]] and dwelt among the [[mortals]] of the realm.

==136:2. THE BAPTISM OF JESUS==

==136:2. THE BAPTISM OF JESUS==

136:2.1 [[Jesus]] was [[baptized]] at the very height of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s preaching when [[Palestine]] was aflame with the [[Expectation|expectancy]] of his [[message]]—" [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God the kingdom of God] is at hand "—when all Jewry was [[engaged]] in serious and [[solemn]] [[self]]-[[examination]]. The [[Jewish]] sense of racial [[solidarity]] was very [[profound]]. The Jews not only believed that the [[sins]] of the [[father]] might afflict his [[children]], but they firmly believed that the [[sin]] of one [[individual]] might [[curse]] the [[nation]]. Accordingly, not all who submitted to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s [[baptism]] regarded themselves as being [[guilty]] of the specific sins which John denounced. Many [[devout]] [[souls]] were [[baptized]] by John for the [[good]] of [[Israel]]. They [[fear]]ed lest some [[sin]] of [[ignorance]] on their part might delay the coming of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Messiah]. They felt themselves to belong to a [[guilty]] and [[sin]]-[[curse]]d [[nation]], and they presented themselves for [[baptism]] that they might by so doing [[manifest]] fruits of [[race]] [[penitence]]. It is therefore [[evident]] that [[Jesus]] in no sense received [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s [[baptism]] as a [[rite]] of [[repentance]] or for the remission of [[sins]]. In accepting baptism at the hands of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John], [[Jesus]] was only following the example of many [[pious]] Israelites.

136:2.1 [[Jesus]] was [[baptized]] at the very height of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s preaching when [[Palestine]] was aflame with the [[Expectation|expectancy]] of his [[message]]—" [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God the kingdom of God] is at hand "—when all Jewry was [[engaged]] in serious and [[solemn]] [[self]]-[[examination]]. The [[Jewish]] sense of racial [[solidarity]] was very [[profound]]. The Jews not only believed that the [[sins]] of the [[father]] might afflict his [[children]], but they firmly believed that the [[sin]] of one [[individual]] might [[curse]] the [[nation]]. Accordingly, not all who submitted to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s [[baptism]] regarded themselves as being [[guilty]] of the specific sins which John denounced. Many [[devout]] [[souls]] were [[baptized]] by John for the [[good]] of [[Israel]]. They [[fear]]ed lest some [[sin]] of [[ignorance]] on their part might delay the coming of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Messiah]. They felt themselves to belong to a [[guilty]] and [[sin]]-[[curse]]d [[nation]], and they presented themselves for [[baptism]] that they might by so doing [[manifest]] fruits of [[race]] [[penitence]]. It is therefore [[evident]] that [[Jesus]] in no sense received [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s [[baptism]] as a [[rite]] of [[repentance]] or for the remission of [[sins]]. In accepting baptism at the hands of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John], [[Jesus]] was only following the example of many [[pious]] Israelites.

136:2.2 When [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] went down into the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_River Jordan] to be [[baptized]], he was a [[mortal]] of the realm who had [[attained]] the [[pinnacle]] of [[human]] evolutionary [[ascension]] in all matters related to the [[conquest]] of [[mind]] and to [[self]]-[[identification]] with the [[spirit]]. He stood in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_river Jordan] that day a [[perfected]] [[mortal]] of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_49 evolutionary worlds] of [[time and space]]. Perfect [[synchrony]] and full [[communication]] had become [[established]] between the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_111#111:1._THE_MIND_ARENA_OF_CHOICE mortal mind] of [[Jesus]] and the [[Thought Adjuster|indwelling spirit Adjuster]], the [[divine]] gift of [[Universal Father|his Father]] in [[Paradise]]. And just such an [[Adjuster]] indwells all [[normal]] beings living on [[Urantia]] since the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_193#193:5._THE_MASTER.27S_ASCENSION ascension of Michael] to the [[Master Son|headship]] of his [[universe]], except that [[Jesus]]' [[Personalized Adjuster|Adjuster]] had been previously [[prepared]] for this special [[mission]] by similarly indwelling another [[superhuman]] [[incarnated]] in the likeness of [[mortal]] [[flesh]], [[Machiventa Melchizedek]].

136:2.2 When [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] went down into the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_River Jordan] to be [[baptized]], he was a [[mortal]] of the realm who had [[attained]] the [[pinnacle]] of [[human]] evolutionary [[ascension]] in all matters related to the [[conquest]] of [[mind]] and to [[self]]-[[identification]] with the [[spirit]]. He stood in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_river Jordan] that day a [[perfected]] [[mortal]] of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_49 evolutionary worlds] of [[time and space]]. Perfect [[synchrony]] and full [[communication]] had become [[established]] between the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_111#111:1._THE_MIND_ARENA_OF_CHOICE mortal mind] of [[Jesus]] and the [[Thought Adjuster|indwelling spirit Adjuster]], the [[divine]] gift of [[Universal Father|his Father]] in [[Paradise]]. And just such an [[Adjuster]] indwells all [[normal]] beings living on [[Urantia]] since the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_193#193:5._THE_MASTER.27S_ASCENSION ascension of Michael] to the [[Master Son|headship]] of his [[universe]], except that [[Jesus]]' [[Personalized Adjuster|Adjuster]] had been previously [[prepared]] for this special [[mission]] by similarly indwelling another [[superhuman]] [[incarnated]] in the likeness of [[mortal]] [[flesh]], [[Machiventa Melchizedek]].

136:2.3 Ordinarily, when a [[mortal]] of the realm [[attains]] such high levels of [[personality]] [[perfection]], there occur those preliminary [[phenomena]] of [[spiritual]] elevation which terminate in [[eventual]] [[fusion]] of the [[matured]] [[soul]] of the [[mortal]] with its associated [[divine]] [[Adjuster]]. And such a [[change]] was apparently due to take place in the [[personality]] [[experience]] of [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] on that very day when he went down into the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_river Jordan] with his two brothers to be [[baptized]] by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]. This [[ceremony]] was the final [[act]] of his purely [[human]] life on [[Urantia]], and many [[superhuman]] observers expected to [[witness]] the [[fusion]] of the [[Adjuster]] with its indwelt [[mind]], but they were all destined to suffer [[disappointment]]. Something new and even greater occurred. As [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptitst John] laid his hands upon [[Jesus]] to [[baptize]] him, the [[indwelling Adjuster]] took final leave of the [[perfected]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_111#111:2._NATURE_OF_THE_SOUL human soul] of Joshua ben Joseph. And in a few moments this [[divine]] [[entity]] returned from [[Divinington]] as a [[Personalized Adjuster]] and chief of his kind throughout the entire [[local universe]] of [[Nebadon]]. Thus did [[Jesus]] [[observe]] his own former divine spirit [[descending]] on its return to him in [[personalized]] [[form]]. And he heard this same spirit of [[Paradise]] [[origin]] now speak, saying, " This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark#Chapter] And [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John], with [[Jesus]]' two brothers, also heard these [[words]]. John's [[disciples]], standing by the water's edge, did not hear these [[words]], neither did they see the [[apparition]] of the [[Personalized Adjuster]]. Only the eyes of [[Jesus]] beheld the [[Personalized Adjuster]].

136:2.3 Ordinarily, when a [[mortal]] of the realm [[attains]] such high levels of [[personality]] [[perfection]], there occur those preliminary [[phenomena]] of [[spiritual]] elevation which terminate in [[eventual]] [[fusion]] of the [[matured]] [[soul]] of the [[mortal]] with its associated [[divine]] [[Adjuster]]. And such a [[change]] was apparently due to take place in the [[personality]] [[experience]] of [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] on that very day when he went down into the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_river Jordan] with his two brothers to be [[baptized]] by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]. This [[ceremony]] was the final [[act]] of his purely [[human]] life on [[Urantia]], and many [[superhuman]] observers expected to [[witness]] the [[fusion]] of the [[Adjuster]] with its indwelt [[mind]], but they were all destined to suffer [[disappointment]]. Something new and even greater occurred. As [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptitst John] laid his hands upon [[Jesus]] to [[baptize]] him, the [[indwelling Adjuster]] took final leave of the [[perfected]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_111#111:2._NATURE_OF_THE_SOUL human soul] of Joshua ben Joseph. And in a few moments this [[divine]] [[entity]] returned from [[Divinington]] as a [[Personalized Adjuster]] and chief of his kind throughout the entire [[local universe]] of [[Nebadon]]. Thus did [[Jesus]] [[observe]] his own former divine spirit [[descending]] on its return to him in [[personalized]] [[form]]. And he heard this same spirit of [[Paradise]] [[origin]] now speak, saying, " This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark#Chapter] And [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John], with [[Jesus]]' two brothers, also heard these [[words]]. John's [[disciples]], standing by the water's edge, did not hear these [[words]], neither did they see the [[apparition]] of the [[Personalized Adjuster]]. Only the eyes of [[Jesus]] beheld the [[Personalized Adjuster]].

136:2.4 When the returned and now exalted [[Personalized Adjuster]] had thus spoken, all was [[silence]]. And while the four of them tarried in the [[water]], [[Jesus]], looking up to the near-by [[Adjuster]], prayed: " My Father who reigns in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come! Your will be done on earth, even as it is in heaven. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_11] When he had [[prayed]], the " heavens were opened, "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark#Chapter] and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] saw the [[vision]], presented by the now [[Personalized Adjuster]], of himself as a [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21#21:1._ORIGIN_AND_NATURE_OF_CREATOR_SONS Son of God] as he was before he came to [[earth]] in the likeness of [[mortal]] [[flesh]], and as he would be when the [[incarnated]] life should be finished. This [[heaven]]ly [[vision]] was seen only by [[Jesus]].

136:2.4 When the returned and now exalted [[Personalized Adjuster]] had thus spoken, all was [[silence]]. And while the four of them tarried in the [[water]], [[Jesus]], looking up to the near-by [[Adjuster]], prayed: " My Father who reigns in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come! Your will be done on earth, even as it is in heaven. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_11] When he had [[prayed]], the " heavens were opened, "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark#Chapter] and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] saw the [[vision]], presented by the now [[Personalized Adjuster]], of himself as a [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21#21:1._ORIGIN_AND_NATURE_OF_CREATOR_SONS Son of God] as he was before he came to [[earth]] in the likeness of [[mortal]] [[flesh]], and as he would be when the [[incarnated]] life should be finished. This [[heaven]]ly [[vision]] was seen only by [[Jesus]].

136:2.5 It was the [[voice]] of the [[Personalized Adjuster]] that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John] and [[Jesus]] heard, speaking in behalf of the [[Universal Father]], for [[the Adjuster]] is of, and as, the [[Paradise Father]]. Throughout the remainder of [[Jesus]]' earth life this [[Personalized Adjuster]] was [[associated]] with him in all his labors; [[Jesus]] was in constant [[communion]] with this [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_107#107:2._CLASSIFICATION_OF_ADJUSTERS exalted Adjuster].

136:2.5 It was the [[voice]] of the [[Personalized Adjuster]] that [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John] and [[Jesus]] heard, speaking in behalf of the [[Universal Father]], for [[the Adjuster]] is of, and as, the [[Paradise Father]]. Throughout the remainder of [[Jesus]]' earth life this [[Personalized Adjuster]] was [[associated]] with him in all his labors; [[Jesus]] was in constant [[communion]] with this [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_107#107:2._CLASSIFICATION_OF_ADJUSTERS exalted Adjuster].

136:2.6 When [[Jesus]] was [[baptized]], he repented of no misdeeds; he made no [[confession]] of [[sin]]. His was the [[baptism]] of [[consecration]] to the [[performance]] of the will of the [[heavenly Father]]. At his [[baptism]] he heard the unmistakable call of [[Universal Father|his Father]], the final summons to be about his Father's business, and he went away into [[private]] seclusion for forty days to think over these manifold [[problems]]. In thus retiring for a [[season]] from [[active]] [[personality]] [[contact]] with his earthly associates, [[Jesus]], as he was and on [[Urantia]], was following the very [[procedure]] that obtains on the [[morontia worlds]] whenever an [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:5._MORTALS_OF_TIME_AND_SPACE ascending mortal] fuses with the inner [[presence]] of the [[Universal Father]].

136:2.6 When [[Jesus]] was [[baptized]], he repented of no misdeeds; he made no [[confession]] of [[sin]]. His was the [[baptism]] of [[consecration]] to the [[performance]] of the will of the [[heavenly Father]]. At his [[baptism]] he heard the unmistakable call of [[Universal Father|his Father]], the final summons to be about his Father's business, and he went away into [[private]] seclusion for forty days to think over these manifold [[problems]]. In thus retiring for a [[season]] from [[active]] [[personality]] [[contact]] with his earthly associates, [[Jesus]], as he was and on [[Urantia]], was following the very [[procedure]] that obtains on the [[morontia worlds]] whenever an [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:5._MORTALS_OF_TIME_AND_SPACE ascending mortal] fuses with the inner [[presence]] of the [[Universal Father]].

136:2.7 This day of [[baptism]] ended the [[purely]] [[human]] life of [[Jesus]]. The [[divine Son]] has found his Father, the [[Universal Father]] has found his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21#21:4._THE_MICHAEL_BESTOWALS incarnated Son], and they speak the one to the other.

136:2.7 This day of [[baptism]] ended the [[purely]] [[human]] life of [[Jesus]]. The [[divine Son]] has found his Father, the [[Universal Father]] has found his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21#21:4._THE_MICHAEL_BESTOWALS incarnated Son], and they speak the one to the other.

136:2.8 ([[Jesus]] was almost thirty-one and one-half years old when he was [[baptized]]. While [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_the_Evangelist Luke] says that [[Jesus]] was [[baptized]] in the fifteenth year of the reign of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiberius_Caesar Tiberius Caesar], which would be [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/29_AD A.D. 29] since [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustus Augustus] died in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustus14_AD A.D. 14], it should be recalled that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiberias_Caesar#Heir_to_Augustus Tiberius was coemperor with Augustus] for two and one-half years before the [[death]] of Augustus, having had coins struck in his honor in October, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/11_AD A.D. 11]. The fifteenth year of his actual rule was, therefore, this very year of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/26_AD A.D. 26], that of [[Jesus]]' [[baptism]]. And this was also the year that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontius_Pilate Pontius Pilate] began his rule as governor of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judea Judea].)

136:2.8 ([[Jesus]] was almost thirty-one and one-half years old when he was [[baptized]]. While [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_the_Evangelist Luke] says that [[Jesus]] was [[baptized]] in the fifteenth year of the reign of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiberius_Caesar Tiberius Caesar], which would be [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/29_AD A.D. 29] since [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustus Augustus] died in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustus14_AD A.D. 14], it should be recalled that [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiberias_Caesar#Heir_to_Augustus Tiberius was coemperor with Augustus] for two and one-half years before the [[death]] of Augustus, having had coins struck in his honor in October, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/11_AD A.D. 11]. The fifteenth year of his actual rule was, therefore, this very year of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/26_AD A.D. 26], that of [[Jesus]]' [[baptism]]. And this was also the year that [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontius_Pilate Pontius Pilate] began his rule as governor of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judea Judea].)

==136:3. THE FORTY DAYS==

==136:3. THE FORTY DAYS==

136:3.1 [[Jesus]] had [[endured]] the great [[temptation]] of his [[mortal]] [[bestowal]] before his [[baptism]] when he had been wet with the dews of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Hermon Mount Hermon] for six weeks. There on Mount Hermon, as an unaided [[mortal]] of the realm, he had met and defeated the [[Urantia]] pretender, [[Caligastia]], the prince of this world. That eventful day, on the [[universe]] [[records]], [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] had become the [[Planetary Prince]] of [[Urantia]]. And this Prince of Urantia, so soon to be proclaimed [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21#21:5._RELATION_OF_MASTER_SONS_TO_THE_UNIVERSE supreme Sovereign] of [[Nebadon]], now went into forty days of retirement to formulate the [[plans]] and determine upon the [[technique]] of proclaiming the new [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God kingdom of God] in the [[hearts]] of men.

136:3.1 [[Jesus]] had [[endured]] the great [[temptation]] of his [[mortal]] [[bestowal]] before his [[baptism]] when he had been wet with the dews of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Hermon Mount Hermon] for six weeks. There on Mount Hermon, as an unaided [[mortal]] of the realm, he had met and defeated the [[Urantia]] pretender, [[Caligastia]], the prince of this world. That eventful day, on the [[universe]] [[records]], [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] had become the [[Planetary Prince]] of [[Urantia]]. And this Prince of Urantia, so soon to be proclaimed [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21#21:5._RELATION_OF_MASTER_SONS_TO_THE_UNIVERSE supreme Sovereign] of [[Nebadon]], now went into forty days of retirement to formulate the [[plans]] and determine upon the [[technique]] of proclaiming the new [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God kingdom of God] in the [[hearts]] of men.

136:3.2 After his [[baptism]] he entered upon the forty days of [[adjusting]] himself to the [[change]]d [[relationships]] of the world and the [[universe]] occasioned by the [[personalization]] of his [[Thought Adjuster|Adjuster]]. During this [[isolation]] in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perea_%28Holy_Land%29 Perean hills] he determined upon the [[policy]] to be pursued and the [[methods]] to be employed in the new and changed [[phase]] of earth life which he was about to [[inaugurate]].

136:3.2 After his [[baptism]] he entered upon the forty days of [[adjusting]] himself to the [[change]]d [[relationships]] of the world and the [[universe]] occasioned by the [[personalization]] of his [[Thought Adjuster|Adjuster]]. During this [[isolation]] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perea_%28Holy_Land%29 Perean hills] he determined upon the [[policy]] to be pursued and the [[methods]] to be employed in the new and changed [[phase]] of earth life which he was about to [[inaugurate]].

136:3.3 [[Jesus]] did not go into retirement for the [[purpose]] of [[fasting]] and for the affliction of his [[soul]]. He was not an [[ascetic]], and he came forever to destroy all such notions regarding the approach to [[God]]. His reasons for seeking this retirement were entirely [[different]] from those which had actuated [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elijah Elijah], and even [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John the Baptist]. [[Jesus]] was then wholly [[self-conscious]] concerning his [[relation]] to the [[universe]] of his making and also to the [[universe of universes]], supervised by the [[Paradise Father]], his Father in heaven. He now fully recalled the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120#120:1._THE_SEVENTH_BESTOWAL_COMMISSION bestowal charge] and its instructions administered by his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_18#18:6._THE_UNIONS_OF_DAYS elder brother], [[Immanuel]], ere he entered upon his [[Urantia]] [[incarnation]]. He now clearly and fully [[comprehended]] all these far-flung [[relationships]], and he desired to be away for a [[season]] of quiet [[meditation]] so that he could think out the [[plans]] and decide upon the procedures for the prosecution of his [[public]] labors in behalf of this world and for all other worlds in [[Nebadon|his local universe]].

136:3.3 [[Jesus]] did not go into retirement for the [[purpose]] of [[fasting]] and for the affliction of his [[soul]]. He was not an [[ascetic]], and he came forever to destroy all such notions regarding the approach to [[God]]. His reasons for seeking this retirement were entirely [[different]] from those which had actuated [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elijah Elijah], and even [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John the Baptist]. [[Jesus]] was then wholly [[self-conscious]] concerning his [[relation]] to the [[universe]] of his making and also to the [[universe of universes]], supervised by the [[Paradise Father]], his Father in heaven. He now fully recalled the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120#120:1._THE_SEVENTH_BESTOWAL_COMMISSION bestowal charge] and its instructions administered by his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_18#18:6._THE_UNIONS_OF_DAYS elder brother], [[Immanuel]], ere he entered upon his [[Urantia]] [[incarnation]]. He now clearly and fully [[comprehended]] all these far-flung [[relationships]], and he desired to be away for a [[season]] of quiet [[meditation]] so that he could think out the [[plans]] and decide upon the procedures for the prosecution of his [[public]] labors in behalf of this world and for all other worlds in [[Nebadon|his local universe]].

136:3.4 While wandering about in the hills, seeking a suitable [[shelter]], [[Jesus]] encountered his universe chief executive, [[Gabriel]], the [[Bright and Morning Star]] of [[Nebadon]]. Gabriel now re-established [[personal]] [[communication]] with the [[Creator Son]] of [[Nebadon|the universe]]; they met directly for the first time since [[Michael]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_119#119:7._THE_SEVENTH_AND_FINAL_BESTOWAL took leave of his associates] on [[Salvington]] when he went to [[Edentia]] preparatory to entering upon the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 Urantia bestowal]. [[Gabriel]], by direction of [[Immanuel]] and on [[authority]] of the [[Uversa]] [[Ancients of Days]], now laid before [[Jesus]] [[information]] indicating that his bestowal [[experience]] on [[Urantia]] was practically finished so far as concerned the earning of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21#21:3._LOCAL_UNIVERSE_SOVEREIGNTY perfected sovereignty] of his universe and the termination of the [[Lucifer rebellion]]. The former was achieved on the day of his [[baptism]] when the [[Personalized Adjuster|personalization of his Adjuster]] [[demonstrated]] the [[perfection]] and completion of his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_119#119:7._THE_SEVENTH_AND_FINAL_BESTOWAL bestowal in the likeness of mortal flesh], and the latter was a [[fact]] of [[history]] on that day when he came down from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Hermon Mount Hermon] to join the waiting lad, Tiglath. [[Jesus]] was now informed, upon the highest [[authority]] of the [[local universe]] and the [[superuniverse]], that his bestowal work was finished in so far as it affected his [[personal]] [[status]] in [[relation]] to [[sovereignty]] and [[rebellion]]. He had already had this [[assurance]] direct from [[Paradise]] in the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_136#136:2._THE_BAPTISM_OF_JESUS baptismal vision] and in the [[phenomenon]] of the [[personalization]] of his indwelling [[Thought Adjuster]].

136:3.4 While wandering about in the hills, seeking a suitable [[shelter]], [[Jesus]] encountered his universe chief executive, [[Gabriel]], the [[Bright and Morning Star]] of [[Nebadon]]. Gabriel now re-established [[personal]] [[communication]] with the [[Creator Son]] of [[Nebadon|the universe]]; they met directly for the first time since [[Michael]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_119#119:7._THE_SEVENTH_AND_FINAL_BESTOWAL took leave of his associates] on [[Salvington]] when he went to [[Edentia]] preparatory to entering upon the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 Urantia bestowal]. [[Gabriel]], by direction of [[Immanuel]] and on [[authority]] of the [[Uversa]] [[Ancients of Days]], now laid before [[Jesus]] [[information]] indicating that his bestowal [[experience]] on [[Urantia]] was practically finished so far as concerned the earning of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21#21:3._LOCAL_UNIVERSE_SOVEREIGNTY perfected sovereignty] of his universe and the termination of the [[Lucifer rebellion]]. The former was achieved on the day of his [[baptism]] when the [[Personalized Adjuster|personalization of his Adjuster]] [[demonstrated]] the [[perfection]] and completion of his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_119#119:7._THE_SEVENTH_AND_FINAL_BESTOWAL bestowal in the likeness of mortal flesh], and the latter was a [[fact]] of [[history]] on that day when he came down from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Hermon Mount Hermon] to join the waiting lad, Tiglath. [[Jesus]] was now informed, upon the highest [[authority]] of the [[local universe]] and the [[superuniverse]], that his bestowal work was finished in so far as it affected his [[personal]] [[status]] in [[relation]] to [[sovereignty]] and [[rebellion]]. He had already had this [[assurance]] direct from [[Paradise]] in the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_136#136:2._THE_BAPTISM_OF_JESUS baptismal vision] and in the [[phenomenon]] of the [[personalization]] of his indwelling [[Thought Adjuster]].

136:3.5 While he tarried on the mountain, talking with [[Gabriel]], the [[Constellation Father]] of [[Edentia]] appeared to [[Jesus]] and [[Gabriel]] in [[person]], saying: " The records are completed. The sovereignty of Michael No. 611,121 over his universe of [[Nebadon]] rests in completion at the right hand of the [[Universal Father]]. I bring to you the bestowal release of [[Immanuel]], your sponsor-brother for the [[Urantia]] [[incarnation]]. You are at [[liberty]] now or at any subsequent time, in the [[manner]] of your own choosing, to terminate your [[incarnation]] bestowal, [[ascend]] to the right hand of y[[our Father]], receive your [[sovereignty]], and [[assume]] your well-earned [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21#21:3._LOCAL_UNIVERSE_SOVEREIGNTY unconditional rulership] of all [[Nebadon]]. I also testify to the completion of the [[records]] of the [[superuniverse]], by authorization of the [[Ancients of Days]], having to do with the termination of all [[sin]]-[[rebellion]] in your universe and endowing you with full and unlimited [[authority]] to deal with any and all such possible upheavals in the [[future]]. Technically, your work on [[Urantia]] and in the [[flesh]] of the [[mortal]] [[creature]] is finished. Your [[course]] from now on is a matter of your own [[choosing]]. "

136:3.5 While he tarried on the mountain, talking with [[Gabriel]], the [[Constellation Father]] of [[Edentia]] appeared to [[Jesus]] and [[Gabriel]] in [[person]], saying: " The records are completed. The sovereignty of Michael No. 611,121 over his universe of [[Nebadon]] rests in completion at the right hand of the [[Universal Father]]. I bring to you the bestowal release of [[Immanuel]], your sponsor-brother for the [[Urantia]] [[incarnation]]. You are at [[liberty]] now or at any subsequent time, in the [[manner]] of your own choosing, to terminate your [[incarnation]] bestowal, [[ascend]] to the right hand of y[[our Father]], receive your [[sovereignty]], and [[assume]] your well-earned [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21#21:3._LOCAL_UNIVERSE_SOVEREIGNTY unconditional rulership] of all [[Nebadon]]. I also testify to the completion of the [[records]] of the [[superuniverse]], by authorization of the [[Ancients of Days]], having to do with the termination of all [[sin]]-[[rebellion]] in your universe and endowing you with full and unlimited [[authority]] to deal with any and all such possible upheavals in the [[future]]. Technically, your work on [[Urantia]] and in the [[flesh]] of the [[mortal]] [[creature]] is finished. Your [[course]] from now on is a matter of your own [[choosing]]. "

136:3.6 When the [[Most High]] Father of [[Edentia]] had taken leave, [[Jesus]] held long converse with [[Gabriel]] regarding the [[welfare]] of the [[universe]] and, sending greetings to [[Immanuel]], proffered his [[assurance]] that, in the work which he was about to undertake on [[Urantia]], he would be ever mindful of the [[counsel]] he had received in connection with the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120#120:2._THE_BESTOWAL_LIMITATIONS prebestowal charge] administered on [[Salvington]].

136:3.6 When the [[Most High]] Father of [[Edentia]] had taken leave, [[Jesus]] held long converse with [[Gabriel]] regarding the [[welfare]] of the [[universe]] and, sending greetings to [[Immanuel]], proffered his [[assurance]] that, in the work which he was about to undertake on [[Urantia]], he would be ever mindful of the [[counsel]] he had received in connection with the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120#120:2._THE_BESTOWAL_LIMITATIONS prebestowal charge] administered on [[Salvington]].

136:3.7 Throughout all of these forty days of [[isolation]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] and [[John, the Apostle|John]] the sons of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee] were [[engaged]] in searching for [[Jesus]]. Many times they were not far from his abiding place, but never did they find him.

136:3.7 Throughout all of these forty days of [[isolation]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] and [[John, the Apostle|John]] the sons of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee] were [[engaged]] in searching for [[Jesus]]. Many times they were not far from his abiding place, but never did they find him.

==136:4. PLANS FOR PUBLIC WORK==

==136:4. PLANS FOR PUBLIC WORK==

136:4.1 Day by day, up in the hills, [[Jesus]] formulated the [[plans]] for the remainder of his [[Urantia]] bestowal. He first decided not to teach contemporaneously with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]. He planned to remain in comparative retirement until the work of John achieved its [[purpose]], or until John was suddenly stopped by im[[prison]]ment. [[Jesus]] well knew that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s fearless and tactless preaching would presently arouse the [[fear]]s and enmity of the civil rulers. In view of John's precarious situation, [[Jesus]] began definitely to [[plan]] his [[program]] of [[public]] labors in behalf of his people and the world, in behalf of every [[inhabited world]] throughout his [[Nebadon|vast universe]]. [[Michael]]'s [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 mortal bestowal] was on [[Urantia]] but for all worlds of [[Nebadon]].

136:4.1 Day by day, up in the hills, [[Jesus]] formulated the [[plans]] for the remainder of his [[Urantia]] bestowal. He first decided not to teach contemporaneously with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]. He planned to remain in comparative retirement until the work of John achieved its [[purpose]], or until John was suddenly stopped by im[[prison]]ment. [[Jesus]] well knew that [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s fearless and tactless preaching would presently arouse the [[fear]]s and enmity of the civil rulers. In view of John's precarious situation, [[Jesus]] began definitely to [[plan]] his [[program]] of [[public]] labors in behalf of his people and the world, in behalf of every [[inhabited world]] throughout his [[Nebadon|vast universe]]. [[Michael]]'s [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 mortal bestowal] was on [[Urantia]] but for all worlds of [[Nebadon]].

136:4.2 The first thing [[Jesus]] did, after thinking through the general [[plan]] of [[co-ordinating]] his program with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s movement, was to review in his [[mind]] the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120#120:2._THE_BESTOWAL_LIMITATIONS instructions] of [[Immanuel]]. Carefully he [[thought]] over the [[advice]] given him concerning his [[methods]] of labor, and that he was to leave no permanent [[writing]] on the [[planet]]. Never again did [[Jesus]] write on anything except sand. On his next visit to [[Nazareth]], much to the sorrow of his brother Joseph, [[Jesus]] destroyed all of his [[writing]] that was preserved on the boards about the [[carpenter]] shop, and which hung upon the walls of the old [[home]]. And [[Jesus]] pondered well over [[Immanuel]]'s advice pertaining to his [[economic]], [[social]], and [[political]] [[attitude]] toward the world as he should find it.

136:4.2 The first thing [[Jesus]] did, after thinking through the general [[plan]] of [[co-ordinating]] his program with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s movement, was to review in his [[mind]] the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120#120:2._THE_BESTOWAL_LIMITATIONS instructions] of [[Immanuel]]. Carefully he [[thought]] over the [[advice]] given him concerning his [[methods]] of labor, and that he was to leave no permanent [[writing]] on the [[planet]]. Never again did [[Jesus]] write on anything except sand. On his next visit to [[Nazareth]], much to the sorrow of his brother Joseph, [[Jesus]] destroyed all of his [[writing]] that was preserved on the boards about the [[carpenter]] shop, and which hung upon the walls of the old [[home]]. And [[Jesus]] pondered well over [[Immanuel]]'s advice pertaining to his [[economic]], [[social]], and [[political]] [[attitude]] toward the world as he should find it.

136:4.3 [[Jesus]] did not fast during this forty days' [[isolation]]. The longest period he went without [[food]] was his first two days in the hills when he was so engrossed with his [[thinking]] that he forgot all about eating. But on the third day he went in search of [[food]]. Neither was he [[tempted]] during this time by any [[evil]] [[spirits]] or [[rebel]] [[personalities]] of station on this world or from any other world.

136:4.3 [[Jesus]] did not fast during this forty days' [[isolation]]. The longest period he went without [[food]] was his first two days in the hills when he was so engrossed with his [[thinking]] that he forgot all about eating. But on the third day he went in search of [[food]]. Neither was he [[tempted]] during this time by any [[evil]] [[spirits]] or [[rebel]] [[personalities]] of station on this world or from any other world.

*2. ''The Father's way''—the exemplification of a farseeing [[ideal]] of [[creature]] life visualized by the high [[personalities]] of the [[Paradise]] [[administration]] of the [[universe of universes]].

*2. ''The Father's way''—the exemplification of a farseeing [[ideal]] of [[creature]] life visualized by the high [[personalities]] of the [[Paradise]] [[administration]] of the [[universe of universes]].

136:4.7 It was thus made clear to [[Jesus]] that there were two ways in which he could order the remainder of his [[earth]] life. Each of these ways had something to be said in its [[favor]] as it might be regarded in the [[light]] of the [[immediate]] situation. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] clearly saw that his [[choice]] between these two modes of conduct would have nothing to do with his [[reception]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21#21:3._LOCAL_UNIVERSE_SOVEREIGNTY universe sovereignty]; that was a matter already settled and sealed on the [[records]] of the [[universe of universes]] and only awaited his demand in [[person]]. But it was indicated to [[Jesus]] that it would afford his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_18#18:6._THE_UNIONS_OF_DAYS Paradise brother], [[Immanuel]], great [[satisfaction]] if he, [[Jesus]], should see fit to finish up his earth [[career]] of incarnation as he had so [[nobly]] begun it, always subject to [[the Father]]'s will. On the third day of this [[isolation]] Jesus [[promise]]d himself he would go back to the world to finish his [[earth]] [[career]], and that in a situation involving any two ways he would always choose [[the Father]]'s will. And he lived out the remainder of his [[earth]] life always true to that resolve. Even to the bitter end he invariably subordinated his [[sovereign]] will to that of his [[Universal Father|heavenly Father]].

136:4.7 It was thus made clear to [[Jesus]] that there were two ways in which he could order the remainder of his [[earth]] life. Each of these ways had something to be said in its [[favor]] as it might be regarded in the [[light]] of the [[immediate]] situation. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] clearly saw that his [[choice]] between these two modes of conduct would have nothing to do with his [[reception]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21#21:3._LOCAL_UNIVERSE_SOVEREIGNTY universe sovereignty]; that was a matter already settled and sealed on the [[records]] of the [[universe of universes]] and only awaited his demand in [[person]]. But it was indicated to [[Jesus]] that it would afford his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_18#18:6._THE_UNIONS_OF_DAYS Paradise brother], [[Immanuel]], great [[satisfaction]] if he, [[Jesus]], should see fit to finish up his earth [[career]] of incarnation as he had so [[nobly]] begun it, always subject to [[the Father]]'s will. On the third day of this [[isolation]] Jesus [[promise]]d himself he would go back to the world to finish his [[earth]] [[career]], and that in a situation involving any two ways he would always choose [[the Father]]'s will. And he lived out the remainder of his [[earth]] life always true to that resolve. Even to the bitter end he invariably subordinated his [[sovereign]] will to that of his [[Universal Father|heavenly Father]].

136:4.8 The forty days in the mountain [[wilderness]] were not a period of great [[temptation]] but rather the period of [[the Master]]'s great [[decisions]]. During these days of lone [[communion]] with himself and his Father's [[immediate]] [[presence]]—the [[Personalized Adjuster]] (he no longer had a personal [[seraphic guardian]])—he arrived, one by one, at the great [[decisions]] which were to [[control]] his [[policies]] and [[conduct]] for the remainder of his [[earth]] [[career]]. Subsequently the [[tradition]] of a great [[temptation]] became attached to this period of [[isolation]] through [[confusion]] with the fragmentary [[narratives]] of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_134#134:8._THE_SOJOURN_ON_MOUNT_HERMON Mount Hermon] [[struggles]], and further because it was the [[custom]] to have all great [[prophets]] and human [[leaders]] begin their [[public]] [[careers]] by undergoing these supposed [[seasons]] of [[fasting]] and [[prayer]]. It had always been [[Jesus]]' [[practice]], when facing any new or serious [[decisions]], to withdraw for [[communion]] with his [[Thought Adjuster|own spirit]] that he might seek to [[know]] the will of God.

136:4.8 The forty days in the mountain [[wilderness]] were not a period of great [[temptation]] but rather the period of [[the Master]]'s great [[decisions]]. During these days of lone [[communion]] with himself and his Father's [[immediate]] [[presence]]—the [[Personalized Adjuster]] (he no longer had a personal [[seraphic guardian]])—he arrived, one by one, at the great [[decisions]] which were to [[control]] his [[policies]] and [[conduct]] for the remainder of his [[earth]] [[career]]. Subsequently the [[tradition]] of a great [[temptation]] became attached to this period of [[isolation]] through [[confusion]] with the fragmentary [[narratives]] of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_134#134:8._THE_SOJOURN_ON_MOUNT_HERMON Mount Hermon] [[struggles]], and further because it was the [[custom]] to have all great [[prophets]] and human [[leaders]] begin their [[public]] [[careers]] by undergoing these supposed [[seasons]] of [[fasting]] and [[prayer]]. It had always been [[Jesus]]' [[practice]], when facing any new or serious [[decisions]], to withdraw for [[communion]] with his [[Thought Adjuster|own spirit]] that he might seek to [[know]] the will of God.

136:4.9 In all this [[planning]] for the remainder of his [[earth]] life, [[Jesus]] was always torn in his [[human]] [[heart]] by two [[opposing]] [[courses]] of conduct:

136:4.9 In all this [[planning]] for the remainder of his [[earth]] life, [[Jesus]] was always torn in his [[human]] [[heart]] by two [[opposing]] [[courses]] of conduct:

*1. 136:4.10 He entertained a strong [[desire]] to win his people—and the whole world—to believe in him and to [[accept]] his new spiritual kingdom. And he well knew their [[ideas]] concerning [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the coming Messiah].

*1. 136:4.10 He entertained a strong [[desire]] to win his people—and the whole world—to believe in him and to [[accept]] his new spiritual kingdom. And he well knew their [[ideas]] concerning [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the coming Messiah].

*2. 136:4.11 To live and [[work]] as he knew [[Universal Father|his Father]] would approve, to conduct his [[work]] in behalf of other worlds in need, and to continue, in the establishment of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God the kingdom], to reveal [[the Father]] and show forth his [[divine]] [[character]] of [[love]].

*2. 136:4.11 To live and [[work]] as he knew [[Universal Father|his Father]] would approve, to conduct his [[work]] in behalf of other worlds in need, and to continue, in the establishment of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God the kingdom], to reveal [[the Father]] and show forth his [[divine]] [[character]] of [[love]].

136:4.12 Throughout these [[eventful]] days [[Jesus]] lived in an ancient rock [[cavern]], a [[shelter]] in the side of the hills near a village sometime called Beit Adis. He drank from the small spring which came from the side of the hill near this [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_shelter rock shelter].

136:4.12 Throughout these [[eventful]] days [[Jesus]] lived in an ancient rock [[cavern]], a [[shelter]] in the side of the hills near a village sometime called Beit Adis. He drank from the small spring which came from the side of the hill near this [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_shelter rock shelter].

==136:5. THE FIRST GREAT DECISION==

==136:5. THE FIRST GREAT DECISION==

136:5.5 Thus did [[Jesus]] become apprised of the working out of his [[decision]] to go on living as a man among men. He had by a single [[decision]] excluded all of his attendant [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_39 universe hosts] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_38 varied intelligences] from [[participating]] in his ensuing [[public]] ministry except in such matters as concerned [[time]] only. It therefore becomes [[evident]] that any possible [[supernatural]] or supposedly [[superhuman]] accompaniments of [[Jesus]]' ministry pertained wholly to the elimination of [[time]] unless [[the Father]] in heaven specifically ruled otherwise. No [[miracle]], ministry of [[mercy]], or any other possible [[event]] occurring in connection with [[Jesus]]' remaining [[earth]] labors could possibly be of the [[nature]] or [[character]] of an [[act]] [[transcending]] the [[natural law]]s established and regularly working in the affairs of man as he lives on [[Urantia]] except in this expressly stated matter of time. No limits, of [[course]], could be placed upon the [[manifestations]] of " [[the Father]]'s will. " The elimination of [[time]] in connection with the [[expressed]] [[desire]] of this [[potential]] [[Master Son|Sovereign]] of a universe could only be avoided by the direct and explicit [[act]] of the will of this God-man to the [[effect]] that [[time]], as related to the [[act]] or [[event]] in question, should not be shortened or eliminated. In order to prevent the [[appearance]] of apparent time [[miracles]], it was [[necessary]] for [[Jesus]] to remain constantly time [[conscious]]. Any lapse of time [[consciousness]] on his part, in connection with the entertainment of definite [[desire]], was equivalent to the enactment of the [[thing]] conceived in the [[mind]] of this [[Creator Son]], and without the [[intervention]] of [[time]].

136:5.5 Thus did [[Jesus]] become apprised of the working out of his [[decision]] to go on living as a man among men. He had by a single [[decision]] excluded all of his attendant [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_39 universe hosts] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_38 varied intelligences] from [[participating]] in his ensuing [[public]] ministry except in such matters as concerned [[time]] only. It therefore becomes [[evident]] that any possible [[supernatural]] or supposedly [[superhuman]] accompaniments of [[Jesus]]' ministry pertained wholly to the elimination of [[time]] unless [[the Father]] in heaven specifically ruled otherwise. No [[miracle]], ministry of [[mercy]], or any other possible [[event]] occurring in connection with [[Jesus]]' remaining [[earth]] labors could possibly be of the [[nature]] or [[character]] of an [[act]] [[transcending]] the [[natural law]]s established and regularly working in the affairs of man as he lives on [[Urantia]] except in this expressly stated matter of time. No limits, of [[course]], could be placed upon the [[manifestations]] of " [[the Father]]'s will. " The elimination of [[time]] in connection with the [[expressed]] [[desire]] of this [[potential]] [[Master Son|Sovereign]] of a universe could only be avoided by the direct and explicit [[act]] of the will of this God-man to the [[effect]] that [[time]], as related to the [[act]] or [[event]] in question, should not be shortened or eliminated. In order to prevent the [[appearance]] of apparent time [[miracles]], it was [[necessary]] for [[Jesus]] to remain constantly time [[conscious]]. Any lapse of time [[consciousness]] on his part, in connection with the entertainment of definite [[desire]], was equivalent to the enactment of the [[thing]] conceived in the [[mind]] of this [[Creator Son]], and without the [[intervention]] of [[time]].

136:5.6 Through the supervising [[control]] of his associated and [[Personalized Adjuster]] it was possible for [[Michael]] perfectly to [[limit]] his [[personal]] [[earth]] activities with [[reference]] to [[space]], but it was not possible for the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] thus to limit his new earth [[status]] as potential [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21#21:3._LOCAL_UNIVERSE_SOVEREIGNTY Sovereign of Nebadon] as regards time. And this was the actual [[status]] of [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] as he went forth to begin his [[public]] ministry on [[Urantia]].

136:5.6 Through the supervising [[control]] of his associated and [[Personalized Adjuster]] it was possible for [[Michael]] perfectly to [[limit]] his [[personal]] [[earth]] activities with [[reference]] to [[space]], but it was not possible for the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] thus to limit his new earth [[status]] as potential [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21#21:3._LOCAL_UNIVERSE_SOVEREIGNTY Sovereign of Nebadon] as regards time. And this was the actual [[status]] of [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] as he went forth to begin his [[public]] ministry on [[Urantia]].

==136:6. THE SECOND DECISION==

==136:6. THE SECOND DECISION==

136:6.3 [[Jesus]]' [[human]] [[nature]] dictated that the first [[duty]] was [[self-preservation]]; that is the [[normal]] [[attitude]] of the [[natural]] man on the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_49 worlds] of [[time and space]], and it is, therefore, a legitimate [[reaction]] of a [[Urantia]] [[mortal]]. But [[Jesus]] was not concerned merely with this world and its [[creatures]]; he was living a life designed to instruct and [[inspire]] the manifold [[creatures]] of a [[Nebadon|far-flung universe]].

136:6.3 [[Jesus]]' [[human]] [[nature]] dictated that the first [[duty]] was [[self-preservation]]; that is the [[normal]] [[attitude]] of the [[natural]] man on the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_49 worlds] of [[time and space]], and it is, therefore, a legitimate [[reaction]] of a [[Urantia]] [[mortal]]. But [[Jesus]] was not concerned merely with this world and its [[creatures]]; he was living a life designed to instruct and [[inspire]] the manifold [[creatures]] of a [[Nebadon|far-flung universe]].

136:6.4 Before his [[baptismal]] [[illumination]] he had lived in [[perfect]] submission to the will and [[guidance]] of his [[heavenly Father]]. He emphatically [[decided]] to continue on in just such implicit [[mortal]] dependence on [[the Father]]'s will. He [[purposed]] to follow the unnatural [[course]]—he decided not to seek [[self-preservation]]. He chose to go on pursuing the [[policy]] of refusing to [[defend]] himself. He formulated his conclusions in the [[words]] of [[Scripture]] familiar to his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_111#111:1._THE_MIND_ARENA_OF_CHOICE human mind]: " Man shall not live by bread alone but by every [[word]] that proceeds from the mouth of [[God]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Deutoronomy#Chapter_.8] In reaching this conclusion in regard to the [[appetite]] of the [[physical]] [[nature]] as [[expressed]] in [[hunger]] for [[food]], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] made his final declaration concerning all other urges of the [[flesh]] and the [[natural]] [[impulses]] of [[human]] [[nature]].

136:6.4 Before his [[baptismal]] [[illumination]] he had lived in [[perfect]] submission to the will and [[guidance]] of his [[heavenly Father]]. He emphatically [[decided]] to continue on in just such implicit [[mortal]] dependence on [[the Father]]'s will. He [[purposed]] to follow the unnatural [[course]]—he decided not to seek [[self-preservation]]. He chose to go on pursuing the [[policy]] of refusing to [[defend]] himself. He formulated his conclusions in the [[words]] of [[Scripture]] familiar to his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_111#111:1._THE_MIND_ARENA_OF_CHOICE human mind]: " Man shall not live by bread alone but by every [[word]] that proceeds from the mouth of [[God]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Deutoronomy#Chapter_.8] In reaching this conclusion in regard to the [[appetite]] of the [[physical]] [[nature]] as [[expressed]] in [[hunger]] for [[food]], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] made his final declaration concerning all other urges of the [[flesh]] and the [[natural]] [[impulses]] of [[human]] [[nature]].

136:6.5 His [[superhuman]] [[power]] he might possibly use for others, but for himself, never. And he pursued this [[policy]] consistently to the very end, when it was jeeringly said of him: " He saved others; himself he cannot save "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_23]—because he would not.

136:6.5 His [[superhuman]] [[power]] he might possibly use for others, but for himself, never. And he pursued this [[policy]] consistently to the very end, when it was jeeringly said of him: " He saved others; himself he cannot save "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_23]—because he would not.

136:6.6 The [[Jews]] were [[expecting]] a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Messiah] who would do even greater [[wonders]] than [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses], who was reputed to have brought forth [[water]] from the rock in a [[desert]] place and to have fed their forefathers with [[manna]] in the [[wilderness]]. [[Jesus]] knew the sort of [[Messiah]] his compatriots [[expected]], and he had all the [[powers]] and [[prerogatives]] to measure up to their most sanguine [[expectations]], but he decided against such a [[magnificent]] [[program]] of [[power]] and [[glory]]. [[Jesus]] looked upon such a [[course]] of expected [[miracle]] working as a harking back to the olden days of [[ignorant]] [[magic]] and the degraded [[practices]] of the [[savage]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_90 medicine men]. Possibly, for the [[salvation]] of his [[creatures]], he might [[accelerate]] [[natural law]], but to [[transcend]] his own laws, either for the benefit of himself or the overawing of his fellow men, that he would not do. And [[the Master]]'s [[decision]] was final.

136:6.6 The [[Jews]] were [[expecting]] a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Messiah] who would do even greater [[wonders]] than [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses], who was reputed to have brought forth [[water]] from the rock in a [[desert]] place and to have fed their forefathers with [[manna]] in the [[wilderness]]. [[Jesus]] knew the sort of [[Messiah]] his compatriots [[expected]], and he had all the [[powers]] and [[prerogatives]] to measure up to their most sanguine [[expectations]], but he decided against such a [[magnificent]] [[program]] of [[power]] and [[glory]]. [[Jesus]] looked upon such a [[course]] of expected [[miracle]] working as a harking back to the olden days of [[ignorant]] [[magic]] and the degraded [[practices]] of the [[savage]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_90 medicine men]. Possibly, for the [[salvation]] of his [[creatures]], he might [[accelerate]] [[natural law]], but to [[transcend]] his own laws, either for the benefit of himself or the overawing of his fellow men, that he would not do. And [[the Master]]'s [[decision]] was final.

136:6.7 [[Jesus]] sorrowed for his people; he fully [[understood]] how they had been led up to the [[expectation]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism coming Messiah], the time when " the earth will yield its fruits ten thousandfold, and on one vine there will be a thousand branches, and each branch will produce a thousand clusters, and each cluster will produce a thousand grapes, and each grape will produce a gallon of wine. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.5] The [[Jews]] believed the [[Messiah]] would usher in an era of [[miraculous]] plenty. The Hebrews had long been nurtured on [[traditions]] of [[miracles]] and [[legends]] of [[wonders]].

136:6.7 [[Jesus]] sorrowed for his people; he fully [[understood]] how they had been led up to the [[expectation]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism coming Messiah], the time when " the earth will yield its fruits ten thousandfold, and on one vine there will be a thousand branches, and each branch will produce a thousand clusters, and each cluster will produce a thousand grapes, and each grape will produce a gallon of wine. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.5] The [[Jews]] believed the [[Messiah]] would usher in an era of [[miraculous]] plenty. The Hebrews had long been nurtured on [[traditions]] of [[miracles]] and [[legends]] of [[wonders]].

136:6.8 He was not a [[Messiah]] coming to multiply bread and wine. He came not to minister to [[temporal]] needs only; he came to [[reveal]] [[Universal Father|his Father]] in [[heaven]] to his [[children]] on [[earth]], while he sought to [[lead]] his earth children to join him in a [[sincere]] [[effort]] so to live as to [[do the will of the Father]] in heaven.

136:6.8 He was not a [[Messiah]] coming to multiply bread and wine. He came not to minister to [[temporal]] needs only; he came to [[reveal]] [[Universal Father|his Father]] in [[heaven]] to his [[children]] on [[earth]], while he sought to [[lead]] his earth children to join him in a [[sincere]] [[effort]] so to live as to [[do the will of the Father]] in heaven.

136:7.1 Having made his [[decisions]] regarding such matters as [[food]] and [[physical]] ministration to the needs of his [[material]] [[body]], the [[care]] of the [[health]] of himself and his associates, there remained yet other [[problems]] to solve. What would be his [[attitude]] when confronted by [[personal]] [[danger]]? He decided to [[exercise]] [[normal]] watchcare over his human [[safety]] and to take reasonable precaution to prevent the untimely termination of his [[career]] in the [[flesh]] but to refrain from all [[superhuman]] [[intervention]] when the [[crisis]] of his life in the flesh should come. As he was formulating this [[decision]], [[Jesus]] was seated under the shade of a tree on an overhanging ledge of rock with a precipice right there before him. He fully [[realized]] that he could cast himself off the ledge and out into [[space]], and that nothing could happen to harm him provided he would rescind his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_136#136:5._THE_FIRST_GREAT_DECISION first great decision] not to invoke the interposition of his [[celestial]] intelligences in the prosecution of his lifework on [[Urantia]], and provided he would abrogate his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_136#136:6._THE_SECOND_DECISION second decision] concerning his [[attitude]] toward [[self-preservation]].

136:7.1 Having made his [[decisions]] regarding such matters as [[food]] and [[physical]] ministration to the needs of his [[material]] [[body]], the [[care]] of the [[health]] of himself and his associates, there remained yet other [[problems]] to solve. What would be his [[attitude]] when confronted by [[personal]] [[danger]]? He decided to [[exercise]] [[normal]] watchcare over his human [[safety]] and to take reasonable precaution to prevent the untimely termination of his [[career]] in the [[flesh]] but to refrain from all [[superhuman]] [[intervention]] when the [[crisis]] of his life in the flesh should come. As he was formulating this [[decision]], [[Jesus]] was seated under the shade of a tree on an overhanging ledge of rock with a precipice right there before him. He fully [[realized]] that he could cast himself off the ledge and out into [[space]], and that nothing could happen to harm him provided he would rescind his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_136#136:5._THE_FIRST_GREAT_DECISION first great decision] not to invoke the interposition of his [[celestial]] intelligences in the prosecution of his lifework on [[Urantia]], and provided he would abrogate his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_136#136:6._THE_SECOND_DECISION second decision] concerning his [[attitude]] toward [[self-preservation]].

136:7.2 [[Jesus]] knew his fellow countrymen were [[expecting]] a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Messiah] who would be above [[natural law]]. Well had he been taught that [[Scripture]]: " There shall no evil befall you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling. For he shall give his [[angels]] charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. They shall bear you up in their hands lest you dash your foot against a stone. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_91] Would this sort of presumption, this defiance of [[Universal Father|his Father]'s [[laws]] of [[gravity]], be justified in order to protect himself from possible harm or, perchance, to win the [[confidence]] of his mistaught and distracted people? But such a [[course]], however [[gratifying]] to the [[sign]]-seeking [[Jews]], would be, not a [[revelation]] of [[Universal Father|his Father]], but a questionable trifling with the established [[laws]] of the [[universe of universes]].

136:7.2 [[Jesus]] knew his fellow countrymen were [[expecting]] a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Messiah] who would be above [[natural law]]. Well had he been taught that [[Scripture]]: " There shall no evil befall you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling. For he shall give his [[angels]] charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. They shall bear you up in their hands lest you dash your foot against a stone. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_91] Would this sort of presumption, this defiance of [[Universal Father|his Father]'s [[laws]] of [[gravity]], be justified in order to protect himself from possible harm or, perchance, to win the [[confidence]] of his mistaught and distracted people? But such a [[course]], however [[gratifying]] to the [[sign]]-seeking [[Jews]], would be, not a [[revelation]] of [[Universal Father|his Father]], but a questionable trifling with the established [[laws]] of the [[universe of universes]].

136:7.3 [[Understanding]] all of this and knowing that [[the Master]] refused to [[work]] in defiance of his established [[laws]] of [[nature]] in so far as his [[personal]] [[conduct]] was concerned, you know of a [[certainty]] that he never walked on the water nor did anything else which was an outrage to his [[material]] order of [[administering]] the world; always, of course, bearing in [[mind]] that there had, as yet, been found no way whereby he could be wholly delivered from the lack of [[control]] over the element of [[time]] in connection with those matters put under the [[jurisdiction]] of the [[Personalized Adjuster]].

136:7.3 [[Understanding]] all of this and knowing that [[the Master]] refused to [[work]] in defiance of his established [[laws]] of [[nature]] in so far as his [[personal]] [[conduct]] was concerned, you know of a [[certainty]] that he never walked on the water nor did anything else which was an outrage to his [[material]] order of [[administering]] the world; always, of course, bearing in [[mind]] that there had, as yet, been found no way whereby he could be wholly delivered from the lack of [[control]] over the element of [[time]] in connection with those matters put under the [[jurisdiction]] of the [[Personalized Adjuster]].

136:8.1 The next great [[problem]] with which this [[God]]-[[man]] wrestled and which he presently [[decided]] in [[accordance]] with the will of [[the Father]] in [[heaven]], concerned the question as to whether or not any of his [[superhuman]] powers should be employed for the [[purpose]] of [[attracting]] the [[attention]] and winning the [[adherence]] of his fellow men. Should he in any [[manner]] lend his [[universe]] [[powers]] to the [[gratification]] of the [[Jewish]] hankering for the [[spectacular]] and the [[marvelous]]? He [[decided]] that he should not. He settled upon a [[policy]] of [[procedure]] which eliminated all such [[practices]] as the [[method]] of bringing his [[mission]] to the notice of men. And he consistently lived up to this great [[decision]]. Even when he [[permitted]] the [[manifestation]] of numerous time-shortening ministrations of [[mercy]], he almost invariably admonished the recipients of his [[healing]] ministry to tell no man about the benefits they had received. And always did he refuse the taunting [[challenge]] of his enemies to " show us a sign "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_mark#Chapter_8] in [[proof]] and [[demonstration]] of his [[divinity]].

136:8.1 The next great [[problem]] with which this [[God]]-[[man]] wrestled and which he presently [[decided]] in [[accordance]] with the will of [[the Father]] in [[heaven]], concerned the question as to whether or not any of his [[superhuman]] powers should be employed for the [[purpose]] of [[attracting]] the [[attention]] and winning the [[adherence]] of his fellow men. Should he in any [[manner]] lend his [[universe]] [[powers]] to the [[gratification]] of the [[Jewish]] hankering for the [[spectacular]] and the [[marvelous]]? He [[decided]] that he should not. He settled upon a [[policy]] of [[procedure]] which eliminated all such [[practices]] as the [[method]] of bringing his [[mission]] to the notice of men. And he consistently lived up to this great [[decision]]. Even when he [[permitted]] the [[manifestation]] of numerous time-shortening ministrations of [[mercy]], he almost invariably admonished the recipients of his [[healing]] ministry to tell no man about the benefits they had received. And always did he refuse the taunting [[challenge]] of his enemies to " show us a sign "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_mark#Chapter_8] in [[proof]] and [[demonstration]] of his [[divinity]].

136:8.2 [[Jesus]] very wisely foresaw that the working of [[miracles]] and the [[execution]] of [[wonders]] would call forth only outward [[allegiance]] by overawing the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_42#10._UNIVERSAL_NONSPIRITUAL_ENERGY_SYSTEMS_.28MATERIAL_MIND_SYSTEMS.29 material mind]; such [[performances]] would not [[reveal]] [[God]] nor save men. He refused to become a mere [[wonder]]-worker. He resolved to become occupied with but a single task—the [[establishment]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Heaven kingdom of heaven].

136:8.2 [[Jesus]] very wisely foresaw that the working of [[miracles]] and the [[execution]] of [[wonders]] would call forth only outward [[allegiance]] by overawing the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_42#10._UNIVERSAL_NONSPIRITUAL_ENERGY_SYSTEMS_.28MATERIAL_MIND_SYSTEMS.29 material mind]; such [[performances]] would not [[reveal]] [[God]] nor save men. He refused to become a mere [[wonder]]-worker. He resolved to become occupied with but a single task—the [[establishment]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Heaven kingdom of heaven].

136:8.3 Throughout all this momentous [[dialog]] of [[Jesus]]' communing with himself, there was present the [[human]] element of questioning and near-doubting, for [[Jesus]] was [[man]] as well as [[God]]. It was [[evident]] he would never be received by the [[Jews]] as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Messiah] if he did not work [[wonders]]. Besides, if he would consent to do just one unnatural thing, the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_42#10._UNIVERSAL_NONSPIRITUAL_ENERGY_SYSTEMS_.28MATERIAL_MIND_SYSTEMS.29 human mind] would know of a [[certainty]] that it was in subservience to a truly [[divine]] mind. Would it be [[consistent]] with " [[the Father]]'s will " for the divine mind to make this [[concession]] to the [[doubting]] [[nature]] of the human mind? [[Jesus]] decided that it would not and cited the [[presence]] of the [[Personalized Adjuster]] as sufficient [[proof]] of [[divinity]] in [[partnership]] with [[humanity]].

136:8.3 Throughout all this momentous [[dialog]] of [[Jesus]]' communing with himself, there was present the [[human]] element of questioning and near-doubting, for [[Jesus]] was [[man]] as well as [[God]]. It was [[evident]] he would never be received by the [[Jews]] as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Messiah] if he did not work [[wonders]]. Besides, if he would consent to do just one unnatural thing, the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_42#10._UNIVERSAL_NONSPIRITUAL_ENERGY_SYSTEMS_.28MATERIAL_MIND_SYSTEMS.29 human mind] would know of a [[certainty]] that it was in subservience to a truly [[divine]] mind. Would it be [[consistent]] with " [[the Father]]'s will " for the divine mind to make this [[concession]] to the [[doubting]] [[nature]] of the human mind? [[Jesus]] decided that it would not and cited the [[presence]] of the [[Personalized Adjuster]] as sufficient [[proof]] of [[divinity]] in [[partnership]] with [[humanity]].

136:8.4 [[Jesus]] had traveled much; he recalled [[Rome]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damascus Damascus]. He knew the [[methods]] of the world—how people gained their ends in [[politics]] and [[commerce]] by [[compromise]] and [[diplomacy]]. Would he utilize this [[knowledge]] in the furtherance of his [[mission]] on [[earth]]? He likewise decided against all [[compromise]] with the [[wisdom]] of the world and the [[influence]] of riches in the establishment of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God the kingdom]. He again chose to depend exclusively on [[the Father]]'s will.

136:8.4 [[Jesus]] had traveled much; he recalled [[Rome]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damascus Damascus]. He knew the [[methods]] of the world—how people gained their ends in [[politics]] and [[commerce]] by [[compromise]] and [[diplomacy]]. Would he utilize this [[knowledge]] in the furtherance of his [[mission]] on [[earth]]? He likewise decided against all [[compromise]] with the [[wisdom]] of the world and the [[influence]] of riches in the establishment of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God the kingdom]. He again chose to depend exclusively on [[the Father]]'s will.

136:8.5 [[Jesus]] was fully aware of the short cuts open to one of his [[powers]]. He knew many ways in which the [[attention]] of the [[nation]], and the whole world, could be [[immediately]] [[focused]] upon himself. Soon the [[Passover]] would be celebrated at [[Jerusalem]]; the [[city]] would be thronged with visitors. He could [[ascend]] the pinnacle of the [[temple]] and before the bewildered multitude walk out on the air; that would be the kind of a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Messiah] they were looking for. But he would subsequently [[disappoint]] them since he had not come to re-establish [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davidic_Line David's throne]. And he knew the futility of the [[Caligastia]] [[method]] of trying to get ahead of the [[natural]], slow, and sure way of accomplishing the [[divine]] [[purpose]]. Again the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] bowed [[obediently]] to [[the Father]]'s way, the Father's will.

136:8.5 [[Jesus]] was fully aware of the short cuts open to one of his [[powers]]. He knew many ways in which the [[attention]] of the [[nation]], and the whole world, could be [[immediately]] [[focused]] upon himself. Soon the [[Passover]] would be celebrated at [[Jerusalem]]; the [[city]] would be thronged with visitors. He could [[ascend]] the pinnacle of the [[temple]] and before the bewildered multitude walk out on the air; that would be the kind of a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Messiah] they were looking for. But he would subsequently [[disappoint]] them since he had not come to re-establish [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davidic_Line David's throne]. And he knew the futility of the [[Caligastia]] [[method]] of trying to get ahead of the [[natural]], slow, and sure way of accomplishing the [[divine]] [[purpose]]. Again the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] bowed [[obediently]] to [[the Father]]'s way, the Father's will.

136:8.6 [[Jesus]] [[chose]] to [[establish]] the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God kingdom of heaven] in the [[hearts]] of [[mankind]] by [[natural]], ordinary, [[difficult]], and trying [[methods]], just such [[procedures]] as his [[earth]] [[children]] must subsequently follow in their [[work]] of enlarging and extending that heavenly kingdom. For well did the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] know that it would be " through much tribulation that many of the children of all ages would enter into the kingdom. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Acts_of_the_Apostles#Acts.14] [[Jesus]] was now passing through the great [[test]] of civilized man, to have [[power]] and [[steadfastly]] refuse to use it for purely [[selfish]] or [[personal]] [[purposes]].

136:8.6 [[Jesus]] [[chose]] to [[establish]] the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God kingdom of heaven] in the [[hearts]] of [[mankind]] by [[natural]], ordinary, [[difficult]], and trying [[methods]], just such [[procedures]] as his [[earth]] [[children]] must subsequently follow in their [[work]] of enlarging and extending that heavenly kingdom. For well did the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] know that it would be " through much tribulation that many of the children of all ages would enter into the kingdom. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Acts_of_the_Apostles#Acts.14] [[Jesus]] was now passing through the great [[test]] of civilized man, to have [[power]] and [[steadfastly]] refuse to use it for purely [[selfish]] or [[personal]] [[purposes]].

136:8.7 In your [[consideration]] of the life and [[experience]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man], it should be ever borne in [[mind]] that the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_God Son of God] was [[incarnate]] in the [[mind]] of a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/!st_century first-century] [[human being]], not in the [[mind]] of a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century twentieth-century] or other-century [[mortal]]. By this we mean to convey the [[idea]] that the [[human]] [[endowments]] of [[Jesus]] were of [[natural]] acquirement. He was the product of the [[hereditary]] and [[environmental]] [[factors]] of his time, plus the [[influence]] of his [[training]] and [[education]]. His [[humanity]] was genuine, [[natural]], wholly derived from the antecedents of, and fostered by, the actual [[intellectual]] [[status]] and [[social]] and [[economic]] conditions of that day and [[generation]]. While in the [[experience]] of this [[God]]-[[man]] there was always the possibility that the [[divine]] mind would [[transcend]] the [[human]] [[intellect]], nonetheless, when, and as, his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_111#111:1._THE_MIND_ARENA_OF_CHOICE human mind] [[functioned]], it did perform as would a true [[mortal]] mind under the conditions of the human [[environment]] of that day.

136:8.7 In your [[consideration]] of the life and [[experience]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man], it should be ever borne in [[mind]] that the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_God Son of God] was [[incarnate]] in the [[mind]] of a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/!st_century first-century] [[human being]], not in the [[mind]] of a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century twentieth-century] or other-century [[mortal]]. By this we mean to convey the [[idea]] that the [[human]] [[endowments]] of [[Jesus]] were of [[natural]] acquirement. He was the product of the [[hereditary]] and [[environmental]] [[factors]] of his time, plus the [[influence]] of his [[training]] and [[education]]. His [[humanity]] was genuine, [[natural]], wholly derived from the antecedents of, and fostered by, the actual [[intellectual]] [[status]] and [[social]] and [[economic]] conditions of that day and [[generation]]. While in the [[experience]] of this [[God]]-[[man]] there was always the possibility that the [[divine]] mind would [[transcend]] the [[human]] [[intellect]], nonetheless, when, and as, his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_111#111:1._THE_MIND_ARENA_OF_CHOICE human mind] [[functioned]], it did perform as would a true [[mortal]] mind under the conditions of the human [[environment]] of that day.

136:8.8 [[Jesus]] portrayed to all the worlds of [[Nebadon|his vast universe]] the [[folly]] of creating [[artificial]] situations for the [[purpose]] of exhibiting [[arbitrary]] [[authority]] or of indulging exceptional [[power]] for the [[purpose]] of enhancing [[moral]] [[values]] or [[accelerating]] [[spiritual]] [[progress]]. [[Jesus]] decided that he would not lend his [[mission]] on earth to a repetition of the [[disappointment]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maccabbees reign of the Maccabees]. He refused to [[prostitute]] his [[divine]] [[attributes]] for the [[purpose]] of acquiring unearned popularity or for gaining [[political]] [[prestige]]. He would not countenance the [[transmutation]] of [[divine]] and [[creative]] [[energy]] into [[national]] power or international [[prestige]]. [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] refused to [[compromise]] with [[evil]], much less to consort with [[sin]]. [[The Master]] triumphantly put [[loyalty]] to his Father's will above every other earthly and [[temporal]] [[consideration]].

136:8.8 [[Jesus]] portrayed to all the worlds of [[Nebadon|his vast universe]] the [[folly]] of creating [[artificial]] situations for the [[purpose]] of exhibiting [[arbitrary]] [[authority]] or of indulging exceptional [[power]] for the [[purpose]] of enhancing [[moral]] [[values]] or [[accelerating]] [[spiritual]] [[progress]]. [[Jesus]] decided that he would not lend his [[mission]] on earth to a repetition of the [[disappointment]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maccabbees reign of the Maccabees]. He refused to [[prostitute]] his [[divine]] [[attributes]] for the [[purpose]] of acquiring unearned popularity or for gaining [[political]] [[prestige]]. He would not countenance the [[transmutation]] of [[divine]] and [[creative]] [[energy]] into [[national]] power or international [[prestige]]. [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] refused to [[compromise]] with [[evil]], much less to consort with [[sin]]. [[The Master]] triumphantly put [[loyalty]] to his Father's will above every other earthly and [[temporal]] [[consideration]].

==136:9. THE FIFTH DECISION==

==136:9. THE FIFTH DECISION==

136:9.1 Having settled such questions of [[policy]] as pertained to his [[individual]] [[relations]] to [[natural law]] and [[spiritual]] [[power]], he turned his [[attention]] to the [[choice]] of [[methods]] to be employed in the [[proclamation]] and [[establishment]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God kingdom of God]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John] had already begun this [[work]]; how might he continue the [[message]]? How should he take over [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s mission? How should he [[organize]] his followers for effective [[effort]] and [[intelligent]] [[co-operation]]? [[Jesus]] was now reaching the final [[decision]] which would forbid that he further regard himself as the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Jewish Messiah], at least as the [[Messiah]] was popularly conceived in that day.

136:9.1 Having settled such questions of [[policy]] as pertained to his [[individual]] [[relations]] to [[natural law]] and [[spiritual]] [[power]], he turned his [[attention]] to the [[choice]] of [[methods]] to be employed in the [[proclamation]] and [[establishment]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God kingdom of God]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John] had already begun this [[work]]; how might he continue the [[message]]? How should he take over [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John]'s mission? How should he [[organize]] his followers for effective [[effort]] and [[intelligent]] [[co-operation]]? [[Jesus]] was now reaching the final [[decision]] which would forbid that he further regard himself as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Jewish Messiah], at least as the [[Messiah]] was popularly conceived in that day.

136:9.2 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews] envisaged a deliverer who would come in [[miraculous]] [[power]] to cast down [[Israel]]'s enemies and [[establish]] the Jews as [[Elite|world rulers]], [[free]] from want and [[oppression]]. [[Jesus]] knew that this [[hope]] would never be [[realized]]. He knew that the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God kingdom of heaven] had to do with the overthrow of [[evil]] in the [[hearts]] of men, and that it was [[purely]] a matter of [[spiritual]] concern. He thought out the advisability of [[inaugurating]] the spiritual kingdom with a [[brilliant]] and dazzling display of [[power]]—and such a [[course]] would have been permissible and wholly within the [[jurisdiction]] of [[Michael]]—but he fully [[decided]] against such a [[plan]]. He would not [[compromise]] with the [[revolutionary]] [[techniques]] of [[Caligastia]]. He had won the world in [[potential]] by submission to [[the Father]]'s will, and he proposed to finish his [[work]] as he had begun it, and as the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man].

136:9.2 The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews] envisaged a deliverer who would come in [[miraculous]] [[power]] to cast down [[Israel]]'s enemies and [[establish]] the Jews as [[Elite|world rulers]], [[free]] from want and [[oppression]]. [[Jesus]] knew that this [[hope]] would never be [[realized]]. He knew that the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_God kingdom of heaven] had to do with the overthrow of [[evil]] in the [[hearts]] of men, and that it was [[purely]] a matter of [[spiritual]] concern. He thought out the advisability of [[inaugurating]] the spiritual kingdom with a [[brilliant]] and dazzling display of [[power]]—and such a [[course]] would have been permissible and wholly within the [[jurisdiction]] of [[Michael]]—but he fully [[decided]] against such a [[plan]]. He would not [[compromise]] with the [[revolutionary]] [[techniques]] of [[Caligastia]]. He had won the world in [[potential]] by submission to [[the Father]]'s will, and he proposed to finish his [[work]] as he had begun it, and as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man].

136:9.3 You can hardly [[imagine]] what would have happened on [[Urantia]] had this [[God]]-[[man]], now in [[potential]] [[possession]] of all [[power]] in [[heaven]] and on [[earth]], once [[decided]] to unfurl the banner of [[sovereignty]], to marshal his [[wonder]]-working battalions in [[militant]] array! But he would not [[compromise]]. He would not serve [[evil]] that the [[worship]] of [[God]] might presumably be derived therefrom. He would abide by [[the Father]]'s will. He would [[proclaim]] to an onlooking [[universe]], " You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Deutoronomy#Chapter_.5]

136:9.3 You can hardly [[imagine]] what would have happened on [[Urantia]] had this [[God]]-[[man]], now in [[potential]] [[possession]] of all [[power]] in [[heaven]] and on [[earth]], once [[decided]] to unfurl the banner of [[sovereignty]], to marshal his [[wonder]]-working battalions in [[militant]] array! But he would not [[compromise]]. He would not serve [[evil]] that the [[worship]] of [[God]] might presumably be derived therefrom. He would abide by [[the Father]]'s will. He would [[proclaim]] to an onlooking [[universe]], " You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Deutoronomy#Chapter_.5]

136:9.4 As the days passed, with ever-increasing [[clearness]] [[Jesus]] perceived what kind of a [[truth]]-revealer he was to become. He [[discerned]] that [[God]]'s way was not going to be the easy way. He began to [[realize]] that the cup of the remainder of his [[human]] [[experience]] might possibly be bitter, but he decided to drink it.

136:9.4 As the days passed, with ever-increasing [[clearness]] [[Jesus]] perceived what kind of a [[truth]]-revealer he was to become. He [[discerned]] that [[God]]'s way was not going to be the easy way. He began to [[realize]] that the cup of the remainder of his [[human]] [[experience]] might possibly be bitter, but he decided to drink it.

136:9.5 Even his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_111#111:1._THE_MIND_ARENA_OF_CHOICE human mind] is saying [[good-bye]] to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davidic_line throne of David]. Step by step this human mind follows in the [[path]] of the [[divine]]. The [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_42#10._UNIVERSAL_NONSPIRITUAL_ENERGY_SYSTEMS_.28MATERIAL_MIND_SYSTEMS.29 human mind] still asks questions but unfailingly [[accepts]] the divine answers as final rulings in this combined life of living as a [[man]] in the world while all the time submitting unqualifiedly to the [[Doing the will of God|doing of the Father's eternal and divine will]].

136:9.5 Even his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_111#111:1._THE_MIND_ARENA_OF_CHOICE human mind] is saying [[good-bye]] to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davidic_line throne of David]. Step by step this human mind follows in the [[path]] of the [[divine]]. The [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_42#10._UNIVERSAL_NONSPIRITUAL_ENERGY_SYSTEMS_.28MATERIAL_MIND_SYSTEMS.29 human mind] still asks questions but unfailingly [[accepts]] the divine answers as final rulings in this combined life of living as a [[man]] in the world while all the time submitting unqualifiedly to the [[Doing the will of God|doing of the Father's eternal and divine will]].

136:9.6 [[Rome]] was mistress of the [[Western world]]. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man], now in [[Solitude|isolation]] and achieving these momentous [[decisions]], with the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_39 hosts of heaven] at his command, represented the last [[chance]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews] to [[attain]] world [[dominion]]; but this earthborn Jew, who possessed such tremendous [[wisdom]] and [[power]], declined to use his [[universe]] [[endowments]] either for the aggrandizement of himself or for the enthronement of his people. He saw, as it were, " the kingdoms of this world, "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_4] and he possessed the [[power]] to take them. The [[Most Highs]] of [[Edentia]] had resigned all these powers into his hands, but he did not want them. The kingdoms of earth were paltry [[things]] to interest the [[Creator Son|Creator]] and Ruler of a [[Nebadon|universe]]. He had only one objective, the further [[revelation]] of [[God]] to man, the establishment of the kingdom, the rule of the heavenly Father in the [[hearts]] of [[mankind]].

136:9.6 [[Rome]] was mistress of the [[Western world]]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man], now in [[Solitude|isolation]] and achieving these momentous [[decisions]], with the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_39 hosts of heaven] at his command, represented the last [[chance]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews] to [[attain]] world [[dominion]]; but this earthborn Jew, who possessed such tremendous [[wisdom]] and [[power]], declined to use his [[universe]] [[endowments]] either for the aggrandizement of himself or for the enthronement of his people. He saw, as it were, " the kingdoms of this world, "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_4] and he possessed the [[power]] to take them. The [[Most Highs]] of [[Edentia]] had resigned all these powers into his hands, but he did not want them. The kingdoms of earth were paltry [[things]] to interest the [[Creator Son|Creator]] and Ruler of a [[Nebadon|universe]]. He had only one objective, the further [[revelation]] of [[God]] to man, the establishment of the kingdom, the rule of the heavenly Father in the [[hearts]] of [[mankind]].

136:9.7 The [[idea]] of battle, [[contention]], and slaughter was repugnant to [[Jesus]]; he would have none of it. He would appear on [[earth]] as the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.9 Prince of Peace] to reveal a [[God]] of [[love]]. Before his [[baptism]] he had again refused the offer of the [[Zealots]] to lead them in [[rebellion]] against the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire Roman oppressors]. And now he made his final [[decision]] regarding those [[Scriptures]] which his mother had taught him, such as: " The Lord has said to me, `You are my Son; this day have I begotten you. Ask of me, and I will give you the heathen for your inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron; you shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.' "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_2]

136:9.7 The [[idea]] of battle, [[contention]], and slaughter was repugnant to [[Jesus]]; he would have none of it. He would appear on [[earth]] as the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.9 Prince of Peace] to reveal a [[God]] of [[love]]. Before his [[baptism]] he had again refused the offer of the [[Zealots]] to lead them in [[rebellion]] against the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire Roman oppressors]. And now he made his final [[decision]] regarding those [[Scriptures]] which his mother had taught him, such as: " The Lord has said to me, `You are my Son; this day have I begotten you. Ask of me, and I will give you the heathen for your inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron; you shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.' "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_2]

136:9.8 [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] reached the conclusion that such utterances did not refer to him. At last, and finally, the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_42#10._UNIVERSAL_NONSPIRITUAL_ENERGY_SYSTEMS_.28MATERIAL_MIND_SYSTEMS.29 human mind] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] made a clean sweep of all these [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Messianic] [[difficulties]] and [[contradiction]]s—[[Hebrew Bible|Hebrew scriptures]], parental [[training]], chazan teaching, Jewish [[expectations]], and human [[ambitious]] longings; once and for all he decided upon his [[course]]. He would return to [[Galilee]] and quietly begin the [[proclamation]] of the kingdom and [[trust]] his Father (the [[Personalized Adjuster]]) to work out the details of [[procedure]] day by day.

136:9.8 [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] reached the conclusion that such utterances did not refer to him. At last, and finally, the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_42#10._UNIVERSAL_NONSPIRITUAL_ENERGY_SYSTEMS_.28MATERIAL_MIND_SYSTEMS.29 human mind] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] made a clean sweep of all these [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Messianic] [[difficulties]] and [[contradiction]]s—[[Hebrew Bible|Hebrew scriptures]], parental [[training]], chazan teaching, Jewish [[expectations]], and human [[ambitious]] longings; once and for all he decided upon his [[course]]. He would return to [[Galilee]] and quietly begin the [[proclamation]] of the kingdom and [[trust]] his Father (the [[Personalized Adjuster]]) to work out the details of [[procedure]] day by day.

136:9.9 By these [[decisions]] [[Jesus]] set a [[worthy]] example for every person on every world throughout a vast [[universe]] when he refused to apply [[material]] tests to prove [[spiritual]] [[problems]], when he refused presumptuously to defy [[natural law]]s. And he set an [[inspiring]] example of universe [[loyalty]] and [[moral]] [[nobility]] when he refused to grasp [[temporal]] [[power]] as the prelude to [[spiritual]] [[glory]].

136:9.9 By these [[decisions]] [[Jesus]] set a [[worthy]] example for every person on every world throughout a vast [[universe]] when he refused to apply [[material]] tests to prove [[spiritual]] [[problems]], when he refused presumptuously to defy [[natural law]]s. And he set an [[inspiring]] example of universe [[loyalty]] and [[moral]] [[nobility]] when he refused to grasp [[temporal]] [[power]] as the prelude to [[spiritual]] [[glory]].

136:9.10 If the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] had any [[doubts]] about his mission and its [[nature]] when he went up in the hills after his [[baptism]], he had none when he came back to his fellows following the forty days of [[Solitude|isolation]] and [[decisions]].

136:9.10 If the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] had any [[doubts]] about his mission and its [[nature]] when he went up in the hills after his [[baptism]], he had none when he came back to his fellows following the forty days of [[Solitude|isolation]] and [[decisions]].

136:9.11 [[Jesus]] has formulated a [[program]] for the [[establishment]] of [[the Father]]'s kingdom. He will not cater to the [[physical]] [[gratification]] of the people. He will not deal out bread to the multitudes as he has so recently seen it being done in [[Rome]]. He will not attract [[attention]] to himself by [[wonder]]-working, even though the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews] are expecting just that sort of a deliverer. Neither will he seek to win [[acceptance]] of a [[spiritual]] [[message]] by a show of [[political]] [[authority]] or [[temporal]] [[power]].

136:9.11 [[Jesus]] has formulated a [[program]] for the [[establishment]] of [[the Father]]'s kingdom. He will not cater to the [[physical]] [[gratification]] of the people. He will not deal out bread to the multitudes as he has so recently seen it being done in [[Rome]]. He will not attract [[attention]] to himself by [[wonder]]-working, even though the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews] are expecting just that sort of a deliverer. Neither will he seek to win [[acceptance]] of a [[spiritual]] [[message]] by a show of [[political]] [[authority]] or [[temporal]] [[power]].

136:9.12 In rejecting these [[methods]] of enhancing the coming kingdom in the eyes of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism expectant Jews], [[Jesus]] made sure that these same Jews would certainly and finally reject all of his claims to [[authority]] and [[divinity]]. Knowing all this, [[Jesus]] long sought to prevent his early followers alluding to him as the [[Messiah]].

136:9.12 In rejecting these [[methods]] of enhancing the coming kingdom in the eyes of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism expectant Jews], [[Jesus]] made sure that these same Jews would certainly and finally reject all of his claims to [[authority]] and [[divinity]]. Knowing all this, [[Jesus]] long sought to prevent his early followers alluding to him as the [[Messiah]].

136:9.13 Throughout his [[public]] [[ministry]] he was confronted with the [[necessity]] of dealing with [[three]] constantly recurring situations: the clamor to be fed, the insistence on [[miracles]], and the final request that he allow his followers to make him [[king]]. But [[Jesus]] never departed from the [[decisions]] which he made during these days of his [[Solitude|isolation]] in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perea_(Holy_Land) Perean] hills.

136:9.13 Throughout his [[public]] [[ministry]] he was confronted with the [[necessity]] of dealing with [[three]] constantly recurring situations: the clamor to be fed, the insistence on [[miracles]], and the final request that he allow his followers to make him [[king]]. But [[Jesus]] never departed from the [[decisions]] which he made during these days of his [[Solitude|isolation]] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perea_(Holy_Land) Perean] hills.

==136:10. THE SIXTH DECISION==

==136:10. THE SIXTH DECISION==

136:10.1 On the last day of this memorable [[solitude|isolation]], before starting down the mountain to join [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John] and his [[disciples]], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] made his final [[decision]]. And this decision he [[communicated]] to the [[Personalized Adjuster]] in these [[words]], " And in all other matters, as in these now of [[decision]]-[[record]], I pledge you I will be subject to the will of my Father. " And when he had thus spoken, he [[journeyed]] down the [[mountain]]. And his face shone with the [[glory]] of [[spiritual]] [[victory]] and [[moral]] [[achievement]].

136:10.1 On the last day of this memorable [[solitude|isolation]], before starting down the mountain to join [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John] and his [[disciples]], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] made his final [[decision]]. And this decision he [[communicated]] to the [[Personalized Adjuster]] in these [[words]], " And in all other matters, as in these now of [[decision]]-[[record]], I pledge you I will be subject to the will of my Father. " And when he had thus spoken, he [[journeyed]] down the [[mountain]]. And his face shone with the [[glory]] of [[spiritual]] [[victory]] and [[moral]] [[achievement]].

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