Episode:Last Ministry of the Master—Beyond the Jordan (Part 2)

From Symmetry of Soul


Said Jesus: "My friends, when they seek to destroy the Son of Man, be not afraid of them. Fear not those who, although they may be able to kill the body, after that have no more power over you. I admonish you to fear none, in heaven or on earth, but to rejoice in the knowledge of Him who has power to deliver you from all unrighteousness and to present you blameless before the judgment seat of a universe."

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Keywords: Urantia, Jesus, Fear Not, Spiritual Inheritance, Material Wealth

Summary by Kermit

Commentary after Review

Yet again, and not for the last time we further explored the appearance-reality issue, noting that determinations based on appearance (sight) yield beliefs. Reality is more profitably approached through an exercise of genuine faith and cultivation of insight. We speaks often about the 5th ER being a philosophic text which provides a true metaphysics in synthetic harmony with valid human philosophy. Applying this kind of thinking to Parts I-III of the revelation comes more easily than it does to Part IV.

In this arc we are trying to bring this kind philosophic inquiry to Part IV which goes beyond the details and facts of Jesus’ doings 2,000 years ago to reach his truth for us today. The analysis of parts (facts) does not lead to comprehension of the whole (truth). With the whole (big picture) in mind as a context for parts, true relationships can be the more correctly understood. Adjutant mind unaided by the encircuitment in the Holy Spirit is incapable of penetrating to a correct understanding of these issues, let alone comprehending truth. Bearing this in mind going forward, why does Jesus in the sermon on the good shepherd refer to true shepherds with “good” referring only to the food with which the true shepherds are to feed the flocks? The individuality of the goodness of a good shepherd attains a more enduring quality and universal application in a true shepherd.

165:3 Sabbath Sermon at Pella

In this memorable sermon on “Trust and Spiritual Preparedness”, the Master makes bold to call out the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, while acknowledging those Pharisees who are actually honest of heart and number among his disciples. He speaks with an urgency inasmuch as less than three months remain before he terminates his bestowal on the cross. He refers to an unveiling of heretofore hidden matters, including both the machinations of his enemies to bring about his demise, and bestowals of the powerful spirit ministries attendant upon his departure. Throughout our discussion we are reminded of the tendency for the material gravity of the facts and details to distract us from the big picture, underscoring the need for maintaining equilibrium between material and spiritual gravity, thereby avoiding the extremes of imbalance: cynicism or fanaticism.

This sermon is represented in the New Testament gospel of Luke. Comparison of the two treatments illustrate the degree to which the Master’s message of “fear not”, and “fear none in heaven and earth” was entrapped in the old wineskins of “fear of the Lord” and the destiny of damnation for sinners instead of the liberating invitation to participate in progressive perfection attainment through the free will dedication of your will to the Father’s will. The far greater precision found in the 5th ER clarifies the real meaning of the biblical passage referring to the so-called unforgiveable sin, of “blaspheming the Holy Spirit”, portraying it more truthfully as a free will choice of deliberately rejecting divine forgiveness.

Knowing what lies ahead for his disciples and apostles, Jesus commands them to fear not when they are brought before the enemies of the kingdom, and assures them that their indwelling spirit will instruct them what they should say in honor of the gospel of the kingdom.

The Master concludes with an appeal for his listeners then and now to enter joyfully into their spiritual inheritance of sonship with the eternal God. He further reminds that although he has certainly revealed the Father to us, it remains in our freewill hands to enter the kingdom.

165:4 Dividing the Inheritance

While many of his hearers went to be baptized in the Jordan, the Master remained behind and entertained questions from those who remained. A young man sought his help in garnering a large inheritance due him. Jesus responded with a story of a rich man who made provision for the accumulation of material riches but neglected to lay up treasures in heaven. Careful reading and further discussion considered the precision of language in the revelation. Distinction in our discussion was made between riches, wealth, and treasure. Jesus drew distinction between material riches and wealth, the love thereof which is covetousness, and the danger of converting wealth of material possessions into treasures which can absorb interests and divert affections and devotion to spiritual pursuits of the kingdom. The elevation of material wealth into a preoccupation of the heart (spiritualized mind) is the path towards making riches and wealth your master rather than your servant.

Notes by Brad

  • Being a serious student
    • Try to read Part IV with an eye to the whole
      • To truth, to the upper domain. To the big picture.
      • The apostles couldn't comprehend Jesus' teachings. Do be so certain you can just because they're written as words in The Urantia Book.
      • Remember, from [100:4.2]: "The organization of a philosophic standard of living entails considerable commotion in the philosophic realms of the mind.".
      • So, be patient. Favorable conditions.
    • "How long will you tarry in the valley of decision? Why do you halt between two opinions?"