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Welcome to The OPAD Online Study Session
Today’s Presentation
Paper 177 – WEDNESDAY, THE REST DAY
[INTRODUCTION]
WHEN the work of teaching the people did not press them, it was the custom of Jesus and his apostles to rest from their labors each Wednesday. On this particular Wednesday they ate breakfast somewhat later than usual, and the camp was pervaded by an ominous silence; little was said during the first half of this morning meal. At last Jesus spoke: “I desire that you rest today. Take time to think over all that has happened since we came to Jerusalem and meditate on what is just ahead, of which I have plainly told you. Make sure that the truth abides in your lives, and that you daily grow in grace.”
(1920.2)177:0.2 After breakfast the Master informed Andrew that he intended to be absent for the day and suggested that the apostles be permitted to spend the time in accordance with their own choosing, except that under no circumstances should they go within the gates of Jerusalem.
(1920.3)177:0.3 When Jesus made ready to go into the hills alone, David Zebedee accosted him, saying: “You well know, Master, that the Pharisees and rulers seek to destroy you, and yet you make ready to go alone into the hills. To do this is folly; I will therefore send three men with you well prepared to see that no harm befalls you.” Jesus looked over the three well-armed and stalwart Galileans and said to David: “You mean well, but you err in that you fail to understand that the Son of Man needs no one to defend him. No man will lay hands on me until that hour when I am ready to lay down my life in conformity to my Father’s will. These men may not accompany me. I desire to go alone, that I may commune with the Father.”
(1920.4)177:0.4 Upon hearing these words, David and his armed guards withdrew; but as Jesus started off alone, John Mark came forward with a small basket containing food and water and suggested that, if he intended to be away all day, he might find himself hungry. The Master smiled on John and reached down to take the basket.
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[Each OPAD presentation is copied from The Urantia Book published by Urantia Foundation. Questions and comments related to the Paper under discussion are welcome and encouraged. In-depth questions and related topics may be studied in branch threads in the OPAD, or other subforums, as you require. Thank you for studying with us.]
Richard E Warren
.
Greetings, Fellow Students, Forum Friends, Members and Visitors!
Welcome to the OPAD presentation of Paper 177. It has five Sections and nine pages. It covers just one day, April 5, AD 30. In the introduction to this Paper, there is testimony that Jesus is completely in control of his fate, not the Sanhedrin. He says to his well-meaning defender, David Z:
“…No man will lay hands on me until that hour when I am ready to lay down my life in conformity to my Father’s will….” (1920.3)177:0.3
A long time admirer and follower, young John Mark, re-appears with basket in hand, ready to accompany the Master on his last sojourn into the hills. He spends this Wednesday with Jesus while the apostles bemoan his bravery and tenacity. Mark will remain near Jesus until his death, then go on to write the leading Gospel of the four.
From Paper 121:
…This record by Mark, in conjunction with Andrew’s and Matthew’s notes, was the written basis of all subsequent Gospel narratives which sought to portray the life and teachings of Jesus…. (1341.4) 121:8.3
Overview of Paper 177 – WEDNESDAY, THE REST DAY
2. Early Home Life
3. The Day at Camp
4. Judas and the Chief Priests
5. The Last Social HourSynopsis of Paper 177:
On Wednesday Jesus suggested that the apostles take some free time, asking only that they not go into Jerusalem. Jesus prepared to go into the hills alone to commune with his Father. David Zebedee proposed to send three men along for protection but Jesus declined the company.
Just before Jesus set out, John Mark brought him a basket of food and water. As Jesus reached for the basket the boy begged to come along. Holding fast to the lunch, John Mark promised that he would not disturb the Master and that he could watch the basket while Jesus prayed. Jesus relented, “Since with all your heart you crave to go with me, it shall not be denied you. We will go by ourselves and have a good visit.”
The apostles spent most of the day visiting with disciples. As the day passed, they grew increasingly anxious about Jesus’ safety. They were lonely for him. Nathaniel voiced the opinion, “that what is wrong with most of us is that we are only half-hearted. We fail to love the Master as he loves us. If we had all wanted to go with him as much as John Mark did, he would surely have taken us all.”
That afternoon, David Zebedee received word that his mother was on her way to Jerusalem accompanied by Jesus’ mother and family. David kept the news of their pending arrival to himself.
Soon after Jesus left camp, Judas slipped away to meet with Jesus’ enemies at the home of the high priest Caiaphas. His Sadducean friends told Judas that his reversal of opinion on Jesus would be hailed as a great event and that he would receive high honors from the Sanhedrin.
Judas was convinced that Jesus was going to allow himself to be defeated by the Jewish rulers, and Judas could not endure that humiliation. He entertained the idea that Jesus was probably not sound of mind. Judas resented Jesus for not assigning him greater honor, and was indignant to think that James, Peter, and John had been closer to the Master. This meeting with the Sanhedrin gave Judas an opportunity to secure glory for himself while taking revenge on those whom he now so bitterly resented.
Judas presented his case to Caiaphas and the other Jewish leaders, offering to help them arrest Jesus in a private place. An agreement was made that Judas would deliver Jesus to the temple guards late Thursday evening. Judas was pleased that he had found a way to salvage the lost glory he had dreamed of in the new kingdom for immediate honor in the old. The other apostles also craved honor, but their love for Jesus was a more powerful influence on them than their desire for personal glory.
Evening came. Jesus returned to camp and tried to cheer his followers, but they were so downhearted by their sense of impending disaster that it was nearly an impossible task. The apostles had begun to realize the terrible isolation that was about to visit them, and none of them felt prepared.
During his evening talk Jesus warned his disciples to beware the support of the multitudes who believe the truth superficially but do not allow it to grow roots in their hearts. “Those who know the gospel only in the mind, and who have not experienced it in the heart, cannot be depended upon for support when real trouble comes.” Knowing that this was their last evening together Jesus sent them to sleep, saying, “Go to your sleep, my brethren, and peace be upon you till we rise on the morrow, one more day to do the Father’s will and experience the joy of knowing that we are his sons.”
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Tomorrow’s reading is Section 1. One Day Alone with God. John Mark and Jesus begin a long conversation, starting with teachings on this world and the next. Jesus informs Mark he will become a Mighty Messenger!
Listen to Paper 177: (click the speaker icon at the top of the page)
Thanks for reading. Members’ thoughts, reflections, insights, observations, comments, corrections and questions about today’s OPAD presentation are invited.
Much love, Rick/OPAD host.
Richard E Warren
Welcome to The OPAD Online Study Session
Today’s Presentation
Paper 177 – WEDNESDAY, THE REST DAY
1. One Day Alone with GodAs Jesus was about to take the lunch basket from John’s hand, the young man ventured to say: “But, Master, you may set the basket down while you turn aside to pray and go on without it. Besides, if I should go along to carry the lunch, you would be more free to worship, and I will surely be silent. I will ask no questions and will stay by the basket when you go apart by yourself to pray.”
(1920.6) 177:1.2 While making this speech, the temerity of which astonished some of the near-by listeners, John had made bold to hold on to the basket. There they stood, both John and Jesus holding the basket. Presently the Master let go and, looking down on the lad, said: “Since with all your heart you crave to go with me, it shall not be denied you. We will go off by ourselves and have a good visit. You may ask me any question that arises in your heart, and we will comfort and console each other. You may start out carrying the lunch, and when you grow weary, I will help you. Follow on with me.”
(1921.1) 177:1.3 Jesus did not return to the camp that evening until after sunset. The Master spent this last day of quiet on earth visiting with this truth-hungry youth and talking with his Paradise Father. This event has become known on high as “the day which a young man spent with God in the hills.” Forever this occasion exemplifies the willingness of the Creator to fellowship the creature. Even a youth, if the desire of the heart is really supreme, can command the attention and enjoy the loving companionship of the God of a universe, actually experience the unforgettable ecstasy of being alone with God in the hills, and for a whole day. And such was the unique experience of John Mark on this Wednesday in the hills of Judea.
(1921.2) 177:1.4 Jesus visited much with John, talking freely about the affairs of this world and the next. John told Jesus how much he regretted that he had not been old enough to be one of the apostles and expressed his great appreciation that he had been permitted to follow on with them since their first preaching at the Jordan ford near Jericho, except for the trip to Phoenicia. Jesus warned the lad not to become discouraged by impending events and assured him he would live to become a mighty messenger of the kingdom.
(1921.3) 177:1.5 John Mark was thrilled by the memory of this day with Jesus in the hills, but he never forgot the Master’s final admonition, spoken just as they were about to return to the Gethsemane camp, when he said: “Well, John, we have had a good visit, a real day of rest, but see to it that you tell no man the things which I told you.” And John Mark never did reveal anything that transpired on this day which he spent with Jesus in the hills.
(1921.4) 177:1.6 Throughout the few remaining hours of Jesus’ earth life John Mark never permitted the Master for long to get out of his sight. Always was the lad in hiding near by; he slept only when Jesus slept.
***
[Each OPAD presentation is copied from The Urantia Book published by Urantia Foundation. Questions and comments related to the Paper under discussion are welcome and encouraged. In-depth questions and related topics may be studied in branch threads in the OPAD, or other subforums, as you require. Thank you for studying with us.]
Richard E Warren
.
Good Day Bonita, Nelsong, Alina, Carolyn, Carola, Fellow Students, Forum Friends, Members and Guests,
It doesn’t get any more touching and beautiful than this, a God and a Urantian boy each with their hand on the basket.
…Presently the Master let go and, looking down on the lad, said: “Since with all your heart you crave to go with me, it shall not be denied you. We will go off by ourselves and have a good visit….” (1920.6)177:1.2
Apparently it touched the hearts and minds of the celestial audience too:
…This event has become known on high as “the day which a young man spent with God in the hills….” (1921.1)177:1.3
And, evidently, our Gods know our faraway future. At least Jesus foresaw John Mark’s future role:
…Jesus…assured him he would live to become a mighty messenger of the kingdom…. (1921.2)177:1.4
We might all aspire to the role of Mighty Messenger. They were profiled in Paper 22:
…Mighty Messengers belong to the ascendant group of the Trinitized Sons. They are a class of perfected mortals who have been rebellion tested or otherwise equally proved as to their personal loyalty; all have passed through some definite test of universe allegiance. At some time in their Paradise ascent they stood firm and loyal in the face of the disloyalty of their superiors, and some did actively and loyally function in the places of such unfaithful leaders…. (245.1)22:2.1
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John Mark kept his word not to talk about this day’s discussions. There is nothing in the Bible record about this unique visit. But his Gospel became the pattern for Luke and Matthew. He may have had the clearest concept of Jesus the man and Michael the God. There is some confusion about Mark in the scholarly community. From Wikipedia:
The Gospel According to Mark, the second book of the New Testament, is one of the four canonical gospels and the three synoptic gospels. It was traditionally thought to be an epitome (summary) of Matthew, which accounts for its place as the second gospel in the Bible, but most contemporary scholars now regard it as the earliest of the gospels. Most modern scholars reject the tradition which ascribes it to Mark the Evangelist, the companion of Peter, and regard it as the work of an unknown author working with various sources including collections of miracle stories, controversy stories, parables, and a passion narrative.
The gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke bear a striking resemblance to each other, so much so that their contents can easily be set side by side in parallel columns. Their close relationship has led to a number of proposals explaining their interdependence. The oldest, based on Church tradition, was that Matthew was the oldest and that Mark was a summary based on both Matthew and Luke. The widely accepted theory today, however, is that Mark was the first gospel and was used as a source by both Matthew and Luke, together with considerable additional material. The strongest argument for this is the fact that Matthew and Luke only agree with each other in their sequence of stories and events when they also agree with Mark.
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In tomorrow’s reading, Section 2. Early Home Life, a fascinating discussion about raising children takes place between Jesus and John Mark. And the Midwayers inject a note about the laudable increase of liberty and freedom, but the lamentable lack of love and understanding in 20th century families.
Overview of Paper 177 – WEDNESDAY, THE REST DAY
2. Early Home Life
3. The Day at Camp
4. Judas and the Chief Priests
5. The Last Social HourListen to Paper 177: (click the speaker icon at the top of the page)
Thanks for reading. Members’ thoughts, reflections, insights, observations, comments, corrections and questions about today’s OPAD presentation are invited.
Much love, Rick/OPAD host.
Richard E Warren
Welcome to The OPAD Online Study Session
Today’s Presentation
Paper 177 – WEDNESDAY, THE REST DAY
2. Early Home Life
In the course of this day’s visiting with John Mark, Jesus spent considerable time comparing their early childhood and later boyhood experiences. Although John’s parents possessed more of this world’s goods than had Jesus’ parents, there was much experience in their boyhood which was very similar. Jesus said many things which helped John better to understand his parents and other members of his family. When the lad asked the Master how he could know that he would turn out to be a “mighty messenger of the kingdom,” Jesus said:
(1921.6) 177:2.2 “I know you will prove loyal to the gospel of the kingdom because I can depend upon your present faith and love when these qualities are grounded upon such an early training as has been your portion at home. You are the product of a home where the parents bear each other a sincere affection, and therefore you have not been overloved so as injuriously to exalt your concept of self-importance. Neither has your personality suffered distortion in consequence of your parents’ loveless maneuvering for your confidence and loyalty, the one against the other. You have enjoyed that parental love which insures laudable self-confidence and which fosters normal feelings of security. But you have also been fortunate in that your parents possessed wisdom as well as love; and it was wisdom which led them to withhold most forms of indulgence and many luxuries which wealth can buy while they sent you to the synagogue school along with your neighborhood playfellows, and they also encouraged you to learn how to live in this world by permitting you to have original experience. You came over to the Jordan, where we preached and John’s disciples baptized, with your young friend Amos. Both of you desired to go with us. When you returned to Jerusalem, your parents consented; Amos’s parents refused; they loved their son so much that they denied him the blessed experience which you have had, even such as you this day enjoy. By running away from home, Amos could have joined us, but in so doing he would have wounded love and sacrificed loyalty. Even if such a course had been wise, it would have been a terrible price to pay for experience, independence, and liberty. Wise parents, such as yours, see to it that their children do not have to wound love or stifle loyalty in order to develop independence and enjoy invigorating liberty when they have grown up to your age.
(1922.1) 177:2.3 “Love, John, is the supreme reality of the universe when bestowed by all-wise beings, but it is a dangerous and oftentimes semiselfish trait as it is manifested in the experience of mortal parents. When you get married and have children of your own to rear, make sure that your love is admonished by wisdom and guided by intelligence.
(1922.2) 177:2.4 “Your young friend Amos believes this gospel of the kingdom just as much as you, but I cannot fully depend upon him; I am not certain about what he will do in the years to come. His early home life was not such as would produce a wholly dependable person. Amos is too much like one of the apostles who failed to enjoy a normal, loving, and wise home training. Your whole afterlife will be more happy and dependable because you spent your first eight years in a normal and well-regulated home. You possess a strong and well-knit character because you grew up in a home where love prevailed and wisdom reigned. Such a childhood training produces a type of loyalty which assures me that you will go through with the course you have begun.”
(1922.3) 177:2.5 For more than an hour Jesus and John continued this discussion of home life. The Master went on to explain to John how a child is wholly dependent on his parents and the associated home life for all his early concepts of everything intellectual, social, moral, and even spiritual since the family represents to the young child all that he can first know of either human or divine relationships. The child must derive his first impressions of the universe from the mother’s care; he is wholly dependent on the earthly father for his first ideas of the heavenly Father. The child’s subsequent life is made happy or unhappy, easy or difficult, in accordance with his early mental and emotional life, conditioned by these social and spiritual relationships of the home. A human being’s entire afterlife is enormously influenced by what happens during the first few years of existence.
(1922.4) 177:2.6 It is our sincere belief that the gospel of Jesus’ teaching, founded as it is on the father-child relationship, can hardly enjoy a world-wide acceptance until such a time as the home life of the modern civilized peoples embraces more of love and more of wisdom. Notwithstanding that parents of the twentieth century possess great knowledge and increased truth for improving the home and ennobling the home life, it remains a fact that very few modern homes are such good places in which to nurture boys and girls as Jesus’ home in Galilee and John Mark’s home in Judea, albeit the acceptance of Jesus’ gospel will result in the immediate improvement of home life. The love life of a wise home and the loyal devotion of true religion exert a profound reciprocal influence upon each other. Such a home life enhances religion, and genuine religion always glorifies the home.
(1923.1) 177:2.7 It is true that many of the objectionable stunting influences and other cramping features of these olden Jewish homes have been virtually eliminated from many of the better-regulated modern homes. There is, indeed, more spontaneous freedom and far more personal liberty, but this liberty is not restrained by love, motivated by loyalty, nor directed by the intelligent discipline of wisdom. As long as we teach the child to pray, “Our Father who is in heaven,” a tremendous responsibility rests upon all earthly fathers so to live and order their homes that the word father becomes worthily enshrined in the minds and hearts of all growing children.
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[Each OPAD presentation is copied from The Urantia Book published by Urantia Foundation. Questions and comments related to the Paper under discussion are welcome and encouraged. In-depth questions and related topics may be studied in branch threads in the OPAD, or other subforums, as you require. Thank you for studying with us.]
Richard E Warren
.
Greetings Bonita, Nelsong, Brad, Alina, Carola, Fellow Students, Forum Friends, Members and Visitors,
The importance of family life is a prominent theme in the UB, especially a child’s first years. Today’s reading could hardly be more to that point:
“…Your whole afterlife will be more happy and dependable because you spent your first eight years in a normal and well-regulated home….” (1922.2)177:2.4
Paper 84 may have the most about the methods and benefits of raising our little ones in a wise and loving family:
1. Primitive Pair Associations
2. The Early Mother-Family
3. The Family under Father Dominance
4. Womans Status in Early Society
5. Woman under the Developing Mores
6. The Partnership of Man and Woman
7. The Ideals of Family Life
8. Dangers of Self-GratificationIn Section 7 of 84, there is this telling statement about the tremendous social and cultural importance of family:
…As are the families of the race or nation, so is its society. If the families are good, the society is likewise good. The great cultural stability of the Jewish and of the Chinese peoples lies in the strength of their family groups…. (939.4)84:7.1
In today’s reading the Midwayers also assert that families can be either a stumbling block or the key to progress of the whole:
…the gospel of Jesus’ teaching, founded as it is on the father-child relationship, can hardly enjoy a world-wide acceptance until such a time as the home life of the modern civilized peoples embraces more of love and more of wisdom…. (1922.4)177:2.6
The Universe is founded on the integrity, love, and wisdom of the First Family, the Paradise association of Father, Son and Spirit. From them, all other families are derived. It’s not always easy we well know. From Paper 3:
…We are all a part of the family of God, and we must therefore sometimes share in the family discipline…. (48.1)3:2.9
But it is always loving. From Paper 12:
…This very love of God for the individual brings into being the divine family of all individuals, the universal brotherhood of the freewill children of the Paradise Father. And this brotherhood, being universal, is a relationship of the whole. Brotherhood, when universal, discloses not the each relationship, but the all relationship. Brotherhood is a reality of the total and therefore discloses qualities of the whole in contradistinction to qualities of the part…. (138.5)12:7.10
Finally, in today’s reading, the Midwayers mention the precariousness of 20th century families:
…Notwithstanding that parents of the twentieth century possess great knowledge and increased truth for improving the home and ennobling the home life, it remains a fact that very few modern homes are such good places in which to nurture boys and girls as Jesus’ home in Galilee and John Mark’s home in Judea…. (1922.4)177:2.6
So, are 21st century parents doing better? We can only hope, pray and work for the betterment of family life on our twice defaulted planet. It’s not easy or simple, fathers are seldom ideal parents because their fathers weren’t. Mothers all to often fail to portray the divine affection, because they simply don’t know how.
It is also a great detriment to family life when religious leaders mislead their followers into strange ideologies of punishment, effete doctrines of a supposedly chosen people, race hatred, unreasoned prejudice, and even war-mongering. How can a family grow loving and wise without both parents and their leaders having discovered love and wisdom? How can a child think kindly of God the Father when his or her earthly parents, as well as leaders, in no way represent or portray our Universal Father?
With regard to his family, the Midwayers wrote this in Paper 129:
…The Son of Man had now made every preparation for detaching himself permanently from the Nazareth home; and this was not easy for him to do. Jesus naturally loved his people; he loved his family, and this natural affection had been tremendously augmented by his extraordinary devotion to them. The more fully we bestow ourselves upon our fellows, the more we come to love them; and since Jesus had given himself so fully to his family, he loved them with a great and fervent affection…. (1419.2)129:0.2
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John Mark made quite an impression on history. But there is some confusion about just who he is. From Wikipedia:
Evidence for Mark the Evangelist’s authorship of the Gospel that bears his name originates with Papias. Scholars of the Trinity Evangelical Divinity School are “almost certain” that Papias refers to John Mark. However, Catholic scholars have argued that identifying Mark the Evangelist with John Mark and Mark the Cousin of Barnabas has led to the downgrading of the character of Barnabas from truly a “Son of Comfort” to one who favored his blood relative over principles.
Mark the Evangelist
John Mark is named in Acts as an assistant accompanying Paul and Barnabas on one of their missionary journeys. By some he is regarded as identical with Mark the Evangelist.
***
In tomorrow’s reading, Section 3. The Day at Camp, the apostles become restless and afraid. Nathaniel berates them all for their half-heartedness. Then David Zebedee senses for a certainty the Master’s end is coming and sends for Jesus’ family to come to Jerusalem.
Overview of Paper 177 – WEDNESDAY, THE REST DAY
2. Early Home Life
3. The Day at Camp
4. Judas and the Chief Priests
5. The Last Social HourListen to Paper 177: (click the speaker icon at the top of the page)
Thanks for reading. Members’ thoughts, reflections, insights, observations, comments, corrections and questions about today’s OPAD presentation are invited.
Much love, Rick/OPAD host.
Richard E Warren
Welcome to The OPAD Online Study Session
Today’s Presentation
Paper 177 – WEDNESDAY, THE REST DAY
3. The Day at Camp
The apostles spent most of this day walking about on Mount Olivet and visiting with the disciples who were encamped with them, but early in the afternoon they became very desirous of seeing Jesus return. As the day wore on, they grew increasingly anxious about his safety; they felt inexpressibly lonely without him. There was much debating throughout the day as to whether the Master should have been allowed to go off by himself in the hills, accompanied only by an errand boy. Though no man openly so expressed his thoughts, there was not one of them, save Judas Iscariot, who did not wish himself in John Mark’s place.
(1923.3) 177:3.2 It was about midafternoon when Nathaniel made his speech on “Supreme Desire” to about half a dozen of the apostles and as many disciples, the ending of which was: “What is wrong with most of us is that we are only halfhearted. We fail to love the Master as he loves us. If we had all wanted to go with him as much as John Mark did, he would surely have taken us all. We stood by while the lad approached the Master and offered him the basket, but when the Master took hold of it, the lad would not let go. And so the Master left us here while he went off to the hills with basket, boy, and all.”
(1923.4) 177:3.3 About four o’clock, runners came to David Zebedee bringing him word from his mother at Bethsaida and from Jesus’ mother. Several days previously David had made up his mind that the chief priests and rulers were going to kill Jesus. David knew they were determined to destroy the Master, and he was about convinced that Jesus would neither exert his divine power to save himself nor permit his followers to employ force in his defense. Having reached these conclusions, he lost no time in dispatching a messenger to his mother, urging her to come at once to Jerusalem and to bring Mary the mother of Jesus and every member of his family.
(1923.5) 177:3.4 David’s mother did as her son requested, and now the runners came back to David bringing the word that his mother and Jesus’ entire family were on the way to Jerusalem and should arrive sometime late on the following day or very early the next morning. Since David did this on his own initiative, he thought it wise to keep the matter to himself. He told no one, therefore, that Jesus’ family was on the way to Jerusalem.
(1924.1) 177:3.5 Shortly after noon, more than twenty of the Greeks who had met with Jesus and the twelve at the home of Joseph of Arimathea arrived at the camp, and Peter and John spent several hours in conference with them. These Greeks, at least some of them, were well advanced in the knowledge of the kingdom, having been instructed by Rodan at Alexandria.
(1924.2) 177:3.6 That evening, after returning to the camp, Jesus visited with the Greeks, and had it not been that such a course would have greatly disturbed his apostles and many of his leading disciples, he would have ordained these twenty Greeks, even as he had the seventy.
(1924.3) 177:3.7 While all of this was going on at the camp, in Jerusalem the chief priests and elders were amazed that Jesus did not return to address the multitudes. True, the day before, when he left the temple, he had said, “I leave your house to you desolate.” But they could not understand why he would be willing to forgo the great advantage which he had built up in the friendly attitude of the crowds. While they feared he would stir up a tumult among the people, the Master’s last words to the multitude had been an exhortation to conform in every reasonable manner with the authority of those “who sit in Moses’ seat.” But it was a busy day in the city as they simultaneously prepared for the Passover and perfected their plans for destroying Jesus.*
(1924.4) 177:3.8 Not many people came to the camp, for its establishment had been kept a well-guarded secret by all who knew that Jesus was expecting to stay there in place of going out to Bethany every night.
***
[Each OPAD presentation is copied from The Urantia Book published by Urantia Foundation. Questions and comments related to the Paper under discussion are welcome and encouraged. In-depth questions and related topics may be studied in branch threads in the OPAD, or other subforums, as you require. Thank you for studying with us.]
Richard E Warren
.
Good Day Bonita, Nelsong, Brad, Alina, Carola, Fellow Students, Forum Friends, Members and Guests,
Mount Olivet was probably very beautiful on this early spring day.
But the weather was the least of the apostles’ interests, they are thinking of Jesus and John Mark off in the hills somewhere enjoying the day. Nathaniel takes his fellows to task for lovelessness and half-heartedness:
“…We fail to love the Master as he loves us. If we had all wanted to go with him as much as John Mark did, he would surely have taken us all….” (1923.3)177:3.2
…but you have to wonder if he really would have taken them ALL! Seems like Nathaniel was just expressing the group’s frustration and loneliness. Obviously they had come to depend on the Master’s presence very much. O what a shock they are in for.
***
Good ole David Zebedee is not mooning around wishing things were different, he’s already foreseen the future and acts, and in the best interest of Jesus and his dear family:
…David’s mother did as her son requested, and now the runners came back to David bringing the word that his mother and Jesus’ entire family were on the way to Jerusalem…. (1923.5)177:3.4
They might not have been at Jesus’ side on Friday if David had not acted on this Wednesday.
***
Joseph of Arimathea and Rodan are cited in today’s reading. Joseph was introduced in Paper 142:8, at a Passover celebration:
…Jesus entered within the walls of Jerusalem only a few times, but a large number of interested inquirers came out to Gethsemane to visit with him. One Friday evening Nicodemus and one Joseph of Arimathea ventured out to see Jesus but turned back through fear even after they were standing before the entrance to the Master’s tent. And, of course, they did not perceive that Jesus knew all about their doings…. (1606.1)142:8.4
Joseph, his daughter Rebecca, and his home, each figure into the closing scenes of the Master’s life. It is Joseph’s tomb that Jesus’ body is laid in, post mortem.
Rodan and Jesus became friends at Magadan in Galilee. From Paper 160‘s introduction:
…Nathaniel and Thomas were very busy with their discussions with a certain Greek philosopher from Alexandria named Rodan. This Greek had recently become a disciple of Jesus through the teaching of one of Abner’s associates who had conducted a mission at Alexandria…. (1772.1)160:0.1
Discussions with Rodan fill two whole Papers 160 and 161
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Do you think Jesus refrained from ordaining the Greeks because his apostles and disciples would have said they were not qualified?!? Were not Palestinians? Were not their equals?
…had it not been that such a course would have greatly disturbed his apostles and many of his leading disciples, he would have ordained these twenty Greeks…. (1924.2)177:3.6
Matthew and Luke recorded the desolate house comment. This is from Matthew 23:
37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.
39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
From Luke 13:
34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!
35 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
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Tomorrow’s reading, the first half of Section 4. Judas and the Chief Priests, reveals the thoughts and motives of the betrayer as he approaches the home of the high priest, Caiaphas, aiming to strike a deal for the Master’s identification and arrest. His “friends” only add fuel to his desire for recognition and glory.
Overview of Paper 177 – WEDNESDAY, THE REST DAY
2. Early Home Life
3. The Day at Camp
4. Judas and the Chief Priests
5. The Last Social HourListen to Paper 177: (click the speaker icon at the top of the page)
Thanks for reading. Members’ thoughts, reflections, insights, observations, comments, corrections and questions about today’s OPAD presentation are invited.
Much love, Rick/OPAD host.
Richard E Warren
Welcome to The OPAD Online Study Session
Today’s Presentation
Paper 177 – WEDNESDAY, THE REST DAY
4. Judas and the Chief Priests
[Part 1 of 2]
Shortly after Jesus and John Mark left the camp, Judas Iscariot disappeared from among his brethren, not returning until late in the afternoon. This confused and discontented apostle, notwithstanding his Master’s specific request to refrain from entering Jerusalem, went in haste to keep his appointment with Jesus’ enemies at the home of Caiaphas the high priest. This was an informal meeting of the Sanhedrin and had been appointed for shortly after ten o’clock that morning. This meeting was called to discuss the nature of the charges which should be lodged against Jesus and to decide upon the procedure to be employed in bringing him before the Roman authorities for the purpose of securing the necessary civil confirmation of the death sentence which they had already passed upon him.*
(1924.6)177:4.2 On the preceding day Judas had disclosed to some of his relatives and to certain Sadducean friends of his father’s family that he had reached the conclusion that, while Jesus was a well-meaning dreamer and idealist, he was not the expected deliverer of Israel. Judas stated that he would very much like to find some way of withdrawing gracefully from the whole movement. His friends flatteringly assured him that his withdrawal would be hailed by the Jewish rulers as a great event, and that nothing would be too good for him. They led him to believe that he would forthwith receive high honors from the Sanhedrin, and that he would at last be in a position to erase the stigma of his well-meant but “unfortunate association with untaught Galileans.”
(1924.7)177:4.3 Judas could not quite believe that the mighty works of the Master had been wrought by the power of the prince of devils, but he was now fully convinced that Jesus would not exert his power in self-aggrandizement; he was at last convinced that Jesus would allow himself to be destroyed by the Jewish rulers, and he could not endure the humiliating thought of being identified with a movement of defeat. He refused to entertain the idea of apparent failure. He thoroughly understood the sturdy character of his Master and the keenness of that majestic and merciful mind, yet he derived pleasure from even the partial entertainment of the suggestion of one of his relatives that Jesus, while he was a well-meaning fanatic, was probably not really sound of mind; that he had always appeared to be a strange and misunderstood person.
(1925.1)177:4.4 And now, as never before, Judas found himself becoming strangely resentful that Jesus had never assigned him a position of greater honor. All along he had appreciated the honor of being the apostolic treasurer, but now he began to feel that he was not appreciated; that his abilities were unrecognized. He was suddenly overcome with indignation that Peter, James, and John should have been honored with close association with Jesus, and at this time, when he was on the way to the high priest’s home, he was bent on getting even with Peter, James, and John more than he was concerned with any thought of betraying Jesus. But over and above all, just then, a new and dominating thought began to occupy the forefront of his conscious mind: He had set out to get honor for himself, and if this could be secured simultaneously with getting even with those who had contributed to the greatest disappointment of his life, all the better. He was seized with a terrible conspiracy of confusion, pride, desperation, and determination. And so it must be plain that it was not for money that Judas was then on his way to the home of Caiaphas to arrange for the betrayal of Jesus.
(1925.2)177:4.5 As Judas approached the home of Caiaphas, he arrived at the final decision to abandon Jesus and his fellow apostles; and having thus made up his mind to desert the cause of the kingdom of heaven, he was determined to secure for himself as much as possible of that honor and glory which he had thought would sometime be his when he first identified himself with Jesus and the new gospel of the kingdom. All of the apostles once shared this ambition with Judas, but as time passed they learned to admire truth and to love Jesus, at least more than did Judas.
(1925.3)177:4.6 The traitor was presented to Caiaphas and the Jewish rulers by his cousin, who explained that Judas, having discovered his mistake in allowing himself to be misled by the subtle teaching of Jesus, had arrived at the place where he wished to make public and formal renunciation of his association with the Galilean and at the same time to ask for reinstatement in the confidence and fellowship of his Judean brethren. This spokesman for Judas went on to explain that Judas recognized it would be best for the peace of Israel if Jesus should be taken into custody, and that, as evidence of his sorrow in having participated in such a movement of error and as proof of his sincerity in now returning to the teachings of Moses, he had come to offer himself to the Sanhedrin as one who could so arrange with the captain holding the orders for Jesus’ arrest that he could be taken into custody quietly, thus avoiding any danger of stirring up the multitudes or the necessity of postponing his arrest until after the Passover.
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[Each OPAD presentation is copied from The Urantia Book published by Urantia Foundation. Questions and comments related to the Paper under discussion are welcome and encouraged. In-depth questions and related topics may be studied in branch threads in the OPAD, or other subforums, as you require. Thank you for studying with us.]
Richard E Warren
.
Greetings Bonita, Nelsong, Brad, Carola, Fellow Students, Forum Friends, Members and Visitors,
Judas and Jesus will both go before Caiaphas. He was first mentioned back in Paper 168, after Lazarus’ resurrection, even then wanting Jesus dead:
…It was at this same meeting of the Sanhedrin that Caiaphas the high priest first gave expression to that old Jewish adage, which he so many times repeated: “It is better that one man die, than that the community perish….” (1847.6)168:3.6
He is known in secular history, and in the New Testament’s Synoptic Gospels (Mark, Luke, Matthew):
Joseph Caiaphas, known simply as Caiaphas in the New Testament, was the Jewish high priest who is said to have organized the plot to kill Jesus. Caiaphas is also said to have been involved in the Sanhedrin trial of Jesus. The Babylonian Talmud (Yevamot 15B) gives the family name as Kuppai, while the Jerusalem Talmud (Yevamot 1:6) mentions Nekifi. The Mishnah, Parah 3:5 refers to him as Ha-Koph (the monkey), a play on his name for opposing Mishnat Ha-Hasidim.
…The 1st-century Jewish historian Josephus is considered the most reliable literary source for Caiaphas…Josephus (Antiquitates Judaicae 18.33-35) relates that Caiaphas became a high priest during a turbulent period…According to Josephus, Caiaphas was appointed in AD 18 by the Roman prefect who preceded Pontius Pilate, Valerius Gratus.
Joseph was the son in law of Annas…
From Mark 14:
10 And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.
11 And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.
From Luke 22:
3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
From Matthew 26:
3 Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
4 And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.
5 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,
15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
But, in today’s reading, the Midwayers tell us the thirty pieces of silver didn’t matter, it was revenge, honor, and glory Judas sought:
…it must be plain that it was not for money that Judas was then on his way to the home of Caiaphas to arrange for the betrayal of Jesus…. (1925.1)177:4.4
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It appears this cousin of Judas is not mentioned elsewhere in the UB, or anywhere in the Bible:
…The traitor was presented to Caiaphas and the Jewish rulers by his cousin…. (1925.3)177:4.6
He was certainly an eloquent spokesman for the traitor. Such an honor in the record of history!
***
In tomorrow’s reading, the last half of Section 4. Judas and the Chief Priests, Caiaphas offers assurance of reward if and when Jesus is betrayed and arrested. And the Midwayers review Judas’ history, listing what all motivated him to commit this monumental error of the ages.
Overview of Paper 177 – WEDNESDAY, THE REST DAY
3. The Day at Camp
4. Judas and the Chief Priests
5. The Last Social HourListen to Paper 177: (click the speaker icon at the top of the page)
Thanks for reading. Members’ thoughts, reflections, insights, observations, comments, corrections and questions about today’s OPAD presentation are invited.
Much love, Rick/OPAD host.
Richard E Warren
Welcome to The OPAD Online Study Session
Today’s Presentation
Paper 177 – WEDNESDAY, THE REST DAY
4. Judas and the Chief Priests
[Part 2 of 2]
When his cousin had finished speaking, he presented Judas, who, stepping forward near the high priest, said: “All that my cousin has promised, I will do, but what are you willing to give me for this service?” Judas did not seem to discern the look of disdain and even disgust that came over the face of the hardhearted and vainglorious Caiaphas; his heart was too much set on self-glory and the craving for the satisfaction of self-exaltation.
(1926.1)177:4.8 And then Caiaphas looked down upon the betrayer while he said: “Judas, you go to the captain of the guard and arrange with that officer to bring your Master to us either tonight or tomorrow night, and when he has been delivered by you into our hands, you shall receive your reward for this service.” When Judas heard this, he went forth from the presence of the chief priests and rulers and took counsel with the captain of the temple guards as to the manner in which Jesus was to be apprehended. Judas knew that Jesus was then absent from the camp and had no idea when he would return that evening, and so they agreed among themselves to arrest Jesus the next evening (Thursday) after the people of Jerusalem and all of the visiting pilgrims had retired for the night.
(1926.2)177:4.9 Judas returned to his associates at the camp intoxicated with thoughts of grandeur and glory such as he had not had for many a day. He had enlisted with Jesus hoping some day to become a great man in the new kingdom. He at last realized that there was to be no new kingdom such as he had anticipated. But he rejoiced in being so sagacious as to trade off his disappointment in failing to achieve glory in an anticipated new kingdom for the immediate realization of honor and reward in the old order, which he now believed would survive, and which he was certain would destroy Jesus and all that he stood for. In its last motive of conscious intention, Judas’s betrayal of Jesus was the cowardly act of a selfish deserter whose only thought was his own safety and glorification, no matter what might be the results of his conduct upon his Master and upon his former associates.
(1926.3)177:4.10 But it was ever just that way. Judas had long been engaged in this deliberate, persistent, selfish, and vengeful consciousness of progressively building up in his mind, and entertaining in his heart, these hateful and evil desires of revenge and disloyalty. Jesus loved and trusted Judas even as he loved and trusted the other apostles, but Judas failed to develop loyal trust and to experience wholehearted love in return. And how dangerous ambition can become when it is once wholly wedded to self-seeking and supremely motivated by sullen and long-suppressed vengeance! What a crushing thing is disappointment in the lives of those foolish persons who, in fastening their gaze on the shadowy and evanescent allurements of time, become blinded to the higher and more real achievements of the everlasting attainments of the eternal worlds of divine values and true spiritual realities. Judas craved worldly honor in his mind and grew to love this desire with his whole heart; the other apostles likewise craved this same worldly honor in their minds, but with their hearts they loved Jesus and were doing their best to learn to love the truths which he taught them.
(1926.4)177:4.11 Judas did not realize it at this time, but he had been a subconscious critic of Jesus ever since John the Baptist was beheaded by Herod. Deep down in his heart Judas always resented the fact that Jesus did not save John. You should not forget that Judas had been a disciple of John before he became a follower of Jesus. And all these accumulations of human resentment and bitter disappointment which Judas had laid by in his soul in habiliments of hate were now well organized in his subconscious mind and ready to spring up to engulf him when he once dared to separate himself from the supporting influence of his brethren while at the same time exposing himself to the clever insinuations and subtle ridicule of the enemies of Jesus. Every time Judas allowed his hopes to soar high and Jesus would do or say something to dash them to pieces, there was always left in Judas’s heart a scar of bitter resentment; and as these scars multiplied, presently that heart, so often wounded, lost all real affection for the one who had inflicted this distasteful experience upon a well-intentioned but cowardly and self-centered personality. Judas did not realize it, but he was a coward. Accordingly was he always inclined to assign to Jesus cowardice as the motive which led him so often to refuse to grasp for power or glory when they were apparently within his easy reach. And every mortal man knows full well how love, even when once genuine, can, through disappointment, jealousy, and long-continued resentment, be eventually turned into actual hate.
(1927.1)177:4.12 At last the chief priests and elders could breathe easily for a few hours. They would not have to arrest Jesus in public, and the securing of Judas as a traitorous ally insured that Jesus would not escape from their jurisdiction as he had so many times in the past.
***
[Each OPAD presentation is copied from The Urantia Book published by Urantia Foundation. Questions and comments related to the Paper under discussion are welcome and encouraged. In-depth questions and related topics may be studied in branch threads in the OPAD, or other subforums, as you require. Thank you for studying with us.]
Richard E Warren
.
Good Day Brad, Bonita, Carolyn, Carola, Fellow Students, Forum Friends, Members and Guests,
The Midwayers sum the situation up very well in this one sentence:
…Judas’s betrayal of Jesus was the cowardly act of a selfish deserter whose only thought was his own safety and glorification, no matter what might be the results of his conduct upon his Master and upon his former associates…. (1926.2)177:4.9
But they also say his intentions were good, that he was originally one of John’s disciples, and that the other apostles also sought glory and honor. However the others somehow overcame their selfishness. Judas doesn’t seem to be a deep thinker, his thinking can’t get past his lesser self. He’s like an impatient, short-sighted, self-centered child. Judas would have gotten all he desired of glory and honor and much more if only he had remained loyal. Instead of becoming an honored apostle for all time, he became the quintessential traitor of all time. You have to wonder if he is, or will ever be, resurrected.
JUDAS THE BETRAYER
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Tomorrow’s reading, Section 5. The Last Social Hour, is the last bit of 177. Wednesday is almost over, for his final message of the day the Master warns his apostles not to put their trust the fickle crowds. The apostles are under a terrible spell of fear and dreading in spite of Jesus’ cheerfulness. He dismisses them and goes to rest, one last night.
Overview of Paper 177 – WEDNESDAY, THE REST DAY
4. Judas and the Chief Priests
Listen to Paper 177: (click the speaker icon at the top of the page)
Thanks for reading. Members’ thoughts, reflections, insights, observations, comments, corrections and questions about today’s OPAD presentation are invited.
Much love, Rick/OPAD host.
Richard E Warren
Sidenotes on Judas, from Wikipedia:
Judas Iscariot was, according to the New Testament, one of the twelve original apostles of Jesus Christ, and the son of Simon Iscariot. He is notoriously known for his kiss and betrayal of Jesus to the hands of the chief Sanhedrin priests in exchange for a payment of thirty silver coins. His name is often invoked to accuse someone of betrayal, and is sometimes confused with Jude Thaddeus.
Though there are varied accounts of his death, the traditional version sees him as having hanged himself out of remorse following his betrayal. His place among the Twelve Apostles was later filled by Matthias. Tradition holds that he was the first apostle to die, and that he and John were the only apostles not to die a martyr’s death.
Despite his notorious role in the Gospel narratives, Judas is still somewhat of an ambivalent figure in Christian history. Judas’ betrayal, for instance, set in motion the events that lead to Jesus’ Crucifixion and Resurrection, which, according to traditional Christian theology, brought salvation to humanity. Gnostic texts actually praise Judas for his role in triggering humanity’s alleged salvation, and view Judas as the best of the apostles.
The term Judas has entered many languages as a synonym for betrayer, and Judas has become the archetype of the traitor in Western art and literature. Judas is given some role in virtually all literature telling the Passion story, and appears in a number of modern novels and movies.
In the Eastern Orthodox hymns of Holy Wednesday (the Wednesday before Pascha), Judas is contrasted with the woman who anointed Jesus with expensive perfume and washed his feet with her tears. According to the Gospel of John, Judas protested at this apparent extravagance, suggesting that the money spent on it should have been given to the poor. After this, Judas went to the chief priests and offered to betray Jesus for money. The hymns of Holy Wednesday contrast these two figures, encouraging believers to avoid the example of the fallen disciple and instead to imitate Mary’s example of repentance. Also, Wednesday is observed as a day of fasting from meat, dairy products, and olive oil throughout the year in memory of the betrayal of Judas. The prayers of preparation for receiving the Eucharist also make mention of Judas’s betrayal: “I will not reveal your mysteries to your enemies, neither like Judas will I betray you with a kiss, but like the thief on the cross I will confess you.”
Representations and symbolism
…Judas Iscariot is often represented with red hair in Spanish culture and by William Shakespeare.The practice is comparable to the Renaissance portrayal of Jews with red hair, which was then regarded as a negative trait and which may have been used to correlate Judas Iscariot with contemporary Jews.
In paintings depicting the Last Supper, Judas is occasionally depicted with a dark-colored halo (contrasting with the lighter halos of the other apostles) to signify his former status as an apostle. More commonly, however, he is the only one at the table without one.
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Richard E Warren
Welcome to The OPAD Online Study Session
Today’s Presentation
Paper 177 – WEDNESDAY, THE REST DAY
5. The Last Social Hour
Since it was Wednesday, this evening at the camp was a social hour. The Master endeavored to cheer his downcast apostles, but that was well-nigh impossible. They were all beginning to realize that disconcerting and crushing events were impending. They could not be cheerful, even when the Master recounted their years of eventful and loving association. Jesus made careful inquiry about the families of all of the apostles and, looking over toward David Zebedee, asked if anyone had heard recently from his mother, his youngest sister, or other members of his family. David looked down at his feet; he was afraid to answer.
(1927.3)177:5.2 This was the occasion of Jesus’ warning his followers to beware of the support of the multitude. He recounted their experiences in Galilee when time and again great throngs of people enthusiastically followed them around and then just as ardently turned against them and returned to their former ways of believing and living. And then he said: “And so you must not allow yourselves to be deceived by the great crowds who heard us in the temple, and who seemed to believe our teachings. These multitudes listen to the truth and believe it superficially with their minds, but few of them permit the word of truth to strike down into the heart with living roots. Those who know the gospel only in the mind, and who have not experienced it in the heart, cannot be depended upon for support when real trouble comes. When the rulers of the Jews reach an agreement to destroy the Son of Man, and when they strike with one accord, you will see the multitude either flee in dismay or else stand by in silent amazement while these maddened and blinded rulers lead the teachers of the gospel truth to their death. And then, when adversity and persecution descend upon you, still others who you think love the truth will be scattered, and some will renounce the gospel and desert you. Some who have been very close to us have already made up their minds to desert. You have rested today in preparation for those times which are now upon us. Watch, therefore, and pray that on the morrow you may be strengthened for the days that are just ahead.”*
(1927.4)177:5.3 The atmosphere of the camp was charged with an inexplicable tension. Silent messengers came and went, communicating with only David Zebedee. Before the evening had passed, certain ones knew that Lazarus had taken hasty flight from Bethany. John Mark was ominously silent after returning to camp, notwithstanding he had spent the whole day in the Master’s company. Every effort to persuade him to talk only indicated clearly that Jesus had told him not to talk.
(1928.1)177:5.4 Even the Master’s good cheer and his unusual sociability frightened them. They all felt the certain drawing upon them of the terrible isolation which they realized was about to descend with crashing suddenness and inescapable terror. They vaguely sensed what was coming, and none felt prepared to face the test. The Master had been away all day; they had missed him tremendously.
(1928.2)177:5.5 This Wednesday evening was the low-tide mark of their spiritual status up to the actual hour of the Master’s death. Although the next day was one more day nearer the tragic Friday, still, he was with them, and they passed through its anxious hours more gracefully.
(1928.3)177:5.6 It was just before midnight when Jesus, knowing this would be the last night he would ever sleep through with his chosen family on earth, said, as he dispersed them for the night: “Go to your sleep, my brethren, and peace be upon you till we rise on the morrow, one more day to do the Father’s will and experience the joy of knowing that we are his sons.”
***
[Each OPAD presentation is copied from The Urantia Book published by Urantia Foundation. Questions and comments related to the Paper under discussion are welcome and encouraged. In-depth questions and related topics may be studied in branch threads in the OPAD, or other subforums, as you require. Thank you for studying with us.]
Richard E Warren
.
Greetings Bonita, Brad, Carolyn, Carola, Fellow Students, Forum Friends, Members and Visitors,
Hmm, curious…why was David Z afraid to inform Jesus’ his mother had been notified and is on the way to Jerusalem? From today’s reading:
…looking over toward David Zebedee, asked if anyone had heard recently from his mother, his youngest sister, or other members of his family. David looked down at his feet; he was afraid to answer…. (1927.2)177:5.1
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Jesus’ warning against the fickle crowds becomes reality in just a few hours. From today’s reading:
…These multitudes listen to the truth and believe it superficially with their minds, but few of them permit the word of truth to strike down into the heart with living roots…. (1927.3)177:5.2
From Paper 172:
…These same crowds were equally as willing quickly to reject Jesus later on this week when the Sanhedrin once took a firm and decided stand against him, and when they became disillusioned — when they realized that Jesus was not going to establish the kingdom in accordance with their long-cherished expectations…. (1883.1)172:3.15
From 185:
…Jesus could be a hero in the eyes of the populace when he was driving the money-changers and the traders out of the temple, but not when he was a nonresisting prisoner in the hands of his enemies and on trial for his life…. (1993.5)185:5.5
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Lazarus is mentioned in today’s reading:
…Before the evening had passed, certain ones knew that Lazarus had taken hasty flight from Bethany…. (1927.4)177:5.3
We were told where Lazarus fled in Paper 172:
…Jesus held converse with Lazarus and instructed him to avoid the sacrifice of his life to the vengefulness of the Sanhedrin. It was in obedience to this admonition that Lazarus, a few days later, fled to Philadelphia when the officers of the Sanhedrin sent men to arrest him…. (1880.5)172:2.4
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It has always seemed illogical, strange and terribly ironic that the day Jesus died should be called “Good Friday”. The Midwayers renamed it properly in today’s reading:
…Although the next day was one more day nearer the tragic Friday, still, he was with them, and they passed through its anxious hours more gracefully…. (1928.2)177:5.5
Even though Jesus’ tortuous end is but a day and a half away, he is steadfastly obedient to our Father, still cheerful and offering words of comfort and guidance to his bewildered followers:
“…Go to your sleep, my brethren, and peace be upon you till we rise on the morrow, one more day to do the Father’s will and experience the joy of knowing that we are his sons….” (1928.3)177:5.6
Tomorrow’s reading is the introduction to Paper 178 LAST DAY AT THE CAMP. During the morning Jesus takes the loyal ones to a secluded place and teaches them many “new truths”. The evening is occupied by the “Last Supper”.
Overview of Paper 177 – WEDNESDAY, THE REST DAY
2. Early Home Life
3. The Day at Camp
4. Judas and the Chief Priests
5. The Last Social HourListen to Paper 177: (click the speaker icon at the top of the page)
Thanks for reading. Members’ thoughts, reflections, insights, observations, comments, corrections and questions about today’s OPAD presentation are invited.
Much love, Rick/OPAD host.
Richard E Warren
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