A leadership crisis has plagued our world for some two-hundred thousand years. Over that very long stretch of time the turmoil of cosmic insanity gripping the planet has been widespread. The Urantia Book reveals that wise spiritual leaders have appeared from time to time and effected good progress among their followers, but for reasons scattered throughout the revelation (mostly disobedience to Deity) that progress invariably dwindled over generations.
A planetary quarantine of Urantia and the presence of unbalanced and misbehaving superhuman personalities have bequeathed us a history of error, evil, sin, and iniquity. The double default of rebellion by the Planetary Prince, and mission failure by Adam and Eve resulted in a legacy of spiritual chaos so rampant and destructive as to attract the remedial attention—the love and mercy—of Michael of Nebadon, the Creator Son of this universe.
The mission of Michael, undertaken by Jesus of Nazareth in the mystery miracle incarnation, has been richly narrated for our inspiration and education; we now know details of Jesus’ life and teaching unrecorded during his time. However, some important historical details were recorded, set down in the Bible, including the rejection of Jesus by powerful cabals of religious and political leaders and the wicked conspiracy to kill a perfected mortal.
Those criminal rulers were following the ruinous pattern of divine love rejection, the dark Luciferian script. Jesus longed to enlighten the Jews so they could lead the world out of its crisis. And it is sad to record that so many of his fellow people, and even many generations of confused children of our loving Father, continue to reject his divine leadership.
The Divine Leadership Team recruits all who are willing to abide by God’s rules—to “obey the divine leadings.” It may have been cosmic irony to the spirit persons of this universe as they witnessed good-hearted humans trying to recruit Jesus; so many wanted Jesus to be on their team!
Friends and relatives of Alexandria and Memphis beseeched Joseph and Mary to stay in Egypt with their “child of destiny.” 123.0 (1355.3)
In his eighth year, Nahor, from the Jerusalem Academy of rabbis, sought permission from Joseph and Mary to enroll Jesus in the prestigious school 123.6.
Before Jesus was ten years old, he became the leader of seven youths “promoting the requirements of manhood.” This was the first “official” leadership role the Master would undertake, presaging the material and spiritual leadership of his family as he matured. 124.1 (1368.2)
The latent (human and divine) leadership skills of the ruler of this universe were noted in the Bible as Jesus “instructing the wise men” in the temple when he was only twelve years old. For four days the young Jesus functioned as a “teacher of truth, a preacher of righteousness, a revealer of the loving character of his Father in heaven.” An auspicious beginning indeed, for the developing mission of the earthly Divine Leadership Team. 125.4-6 (1381.3)
When merely fifteen, Jesus conducted his first sermon in the Nazareth synagogue. His reading of the Scriptures revealed his gracious nature: “…never had they heard his voice so earnest and so sincere, never had they observed him so manly and decisive, so authoritative.” The mighty stirrings of divine leadership are evidenced. 126.4 (1391.5)
In his seventeenth year Jesus declined the recruiting efforts of the nationalist patriots of Nazareth. He was offered financial family support by one Issac, a wealthy moneylender, if he would assume leadership of the local Zealots. Jesus declined and alienated many in his hometown. Here is a hint of his later deference to the dangers of political ensnarement. 127.2 (1397.3)
In the most touching of episodes, Rebecca, the eldest daughter of a wealthy Nazareth businessman, desired to become the wife of Jesus. She was determined to be his partner in that ideal leadership team: the human family. Although her dream man could not consent to the marriage, Rebecca never ceased to love and follow the Master, even to the scene of his crucifixion. 127.5 (1402.4)
Following the death of Joseph, family leadership was the priority of Jesus, the father-brother who filled in so exceptionally. To all his wise parenting efforts and “changes Mary gave hearty consent. By this time Jesus had become the unquestioned head of the house.” 127.4 (1402.2) “More and more he depends on the ultimate guidance of his heavenly Father while he assumes the fatherly role of guiding and directing the children of his earth family.” 127.6 (1405.4)
A merchant of Damascus who owned over four thousand caravan camels offered Jesus the opportunity to enter his Oriental import business, but he declined since it would have taken him far from his mission center in Palestine. Still, the prospect of traveling to meet people from the Far West and Far East intrigued the twenty-three-year-old Jesus, and later he did thus travel. 127.3 (1411.4)
This same merchant also sought to recruit Jesus to form and lead a school of religious philosophy in Damascus, “a center of learning which would out-rival Alexandria.” “He who was rejected by the Jerusalem religious leaders, even after he had demonstrated his leadership, was recognized and hailed as a master teacher by the businessmen and bankers of Damascus, and all this when he was an obscure and unknown carpenter of Nazareth.” 127.4 (1412.6)
Five prominent Jews of Alexandria sought the leadership of Jesus “in their city as a religious teacher” with “an inducement” to become the “assistant to the chazan in their chief synagogue.” Another case of very flattering earthly offers of leadership to the leader of a local universe! 127.5 (1413.7)
Gonod “many times tried to persuade Jesus to return with them to India. But Jesus always declined.” They knew he could become a great leader among their countrymen. 128.0 (1428.0)
Jesus assumes leadership of a caravan to the Caspian Sea and performs his duties so well he is later asked to remain in their service. Again, the Master declines the honor. 134.2 (1484.5)
Jesus participates in discussions at Cymboyton’s temple of the philosophy of religions at Lake Urmia and is recruited to return and present twenty-four lectures on “The Brotherhood of Men.” Jesus does not represent any organized religion but delivers his wisdom as an independent teacher. 134.3 (1485.3)
The Master was divine and a leader, and while it sometimes appeared that he approached his Urantia mission alone, Jesus was always supported by his unseen team. He likewise always supported his loyal team of humans and superhumans. And today, as always, we can join the Divine Leadership Team. Faith is required, and the showing forth of those fruits of the Divine Spirit which serve to enlighten our journey. Enrollment is unlimited; sign up now. We rejoice in the truth that Jesus is always recruiting us to be on his team.
