Paper 192
1. From this time on, until the apostles were dispersed by
the rising tide of persecution, Peter was the generally recognized head of the
apostolic corps. Jesus never gave him any such authority, and his fellow
apostles never formally elected him to such a position of responsibility; he
naturally assumed it and held it by common consent and also because he was
their chief preacher. From now on public preaching became the main business of
the apostles. After their return from Galilee, Matthias, whom they chose to
take the place of Judas, became their treasurer.
2. Early this Monday
morning when the apostles departed for Galilee, John Mark went along. He
followed them out of the city, and when they had passed well beyond Bethany, he
boldly came up among them, feeling confident they would not send him back.
3. After the apostles
had spent the afternoon and early evening of Thursday in waiting at the Zebedee
home, Simon Peter suggested that they go fishing...All night they toiled with
the nets but caught no fish...But when daylight came, they decided to return to
Bethsaida. As they neared the shore, they saw someone on the beach, near the
boat landing, standing by a fire... As they dropped anchor and prepared to
enter the small boat for going ashore, the man on the beach called to them,
"Lads, have you caught anything?" And when they answered,
"No", he spoke again, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat,
and you will find fish." While they did not know it was Jesus who had directed them, with one accord
they cast in the net as they had been instructed, and immediately it was
filled, so much so that they were hardly able to draw it up. Now, John Zebedee
was quick of perception, and when he saw the heavy‑laden net, he perceived
that it was the Master who had spoken to them. When this thought came into his
mind, he leaned over and whispered to Peter, "It is the Master.” Peter was ever a man of thoughtless action
and impetuous devotion; so when John whispered this in his ear, he quickly
arose and cast himself into the water that he might the sooner reach the
Master's side. His brethren came up close behind him, having come ashore in the
small boat, hauling the net of fishes after them.
4. By this time John Mark was up and, seeing the apostles coming ashore with the heavy‑laden net, ran down the beach to greet them; and when he saw eleven men instead of ten, he surmised that the unrecognized one was the risen Jesus, and as the astonished ten stood by in silence, the youth rushed up to the Master and, kneeling at his feet, said, “My Lord and my Master.” And then Jesus spoke, not as he had in Jerusalem, when he greeted them with "Peace be upon you,” but in commonplace tones he addressed John Mark: "Well, John, I am glad to see you again and in carefree Galilee, where we can have a good visit. Stay with us, John, and have breakfast."
5. As Jesus talked
with the young man, the ten were so astonished and surprised that they
neglected to haul the net of fish in upon the beach. Now spoke Jesus:
"Bring in your fish and prepare some for breakfast. Already we have the
fire and much bread"
While John Mark had paid homage to the Master, Peter had for a moment been shocked at the sight of the coals of fire glowing there on the beach; the scene reminded him so vividly of the midnight fire of charcoal in the courtyard of Annas, where he had disowned the Master, but he shook himself and, kneeling at the Master's feet, exclaimed, "My Lord and my Master!”
Peter then joined his comrades as they hauled in the net. When they had landed their catch, they counted the fish, and there were 153 large ones. And again was the mistake made of calling this another miraculous catch of fish. There was no miracle connected with this episode. It was merely an exercise of the Master's preknowledge. He knew the fish were there and accordingly directed the apostles where to cast the net.
6. Jesus spoke to
them, saying: "Come now, all of you, to breakfast. Even the twins should
sit down while I visit with you; John Mark will dress the fish." John Mark
brought seven good‑sized fish, which the Master put on the fire, and when
they were cooked, the lad served them to the ten. Then Jesus broke the bread
and handed it to John, who in turn served it to the hungry apostles. When they
had all been served, Jesus bade John Mark sit down while he himself served the
fish and the bread to the lad. And as they ate, Jesus visited with them and
recounted their many experiences in Galilee and by this very lake.
7. Jesus visited with
the ten apostles and John Mark for more than an hour, and then he walked up and
down the beach, talking with them two and two but not the same couples he had
at first sent out together to teach. All eleven the apostles had come down from
Jerusalem together, but Simon Zelotes grew more and more despondent as they
drew near Galilee, so that, when they reached Bethsaida, he forsook his
brethren and returned to his home.
Before taking leave of them this morning, Jesus directed that two of the apostles should volunteer to go to Simon Zelotes and bring him back that very day. And Peter and Andrew did so.
8. When they had
finished breakfast, and while the others sat by the fire, Jesus beckoned to
Peter and to John that they should come with him for a stroll on the beach. As
they walked along, Jesus said to John, "John, do you love me?” And when
John answered, “Yes, Master, with all my heart," the Master said:
"Then, John, give up your intolerance and learn to love men as I have
loved you. Devote your life to proving that love is the greatest thing in the
world. It is the love of God that impels men to seek salvation. Love is the
ancestor of all spiritual goodness, the essence of the true and the
beautiful."
9. Jesus then turned
toward Peter and asked, “Peter, do
you love me?" Peter answered, "Lord, you know I love you with all my
soul." Then said Jesus: "If you love me, Peter, feed my lambs. Do not
neglect to minister to the weak, the poor, and the young. Preach the gospel
without fear or favor; remember always that God is no respecter of persons.
Serve your fellow men even as I have served you; forgive your fellow mortals
even as I have forgiven you. Let experience teach you the value of meditation
and the power of intelligent reflection."
10. After they had walked along a little farther, the Master
turned to Peter and asked, do you really love me?" And then said Simon,
“Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." And again said Jesus: "Then
take good care of my sheep. Be a good and a true shepherd to the flock. Betray
not their
confidence in you. Be not taken by surprise at the enemy's hand. Be on guard at
all
all times—watch and pray."
11. When they had gone a few steps farther, Jesus turned to
Peter and, for the third time, asked, "Peter, do you truly love me?"
And then Peter, being slightly grieved at the Master's seeming distrust of him,
said with considerable feeling, "Lord, you know all things, and therefore
do you know that I really and truly love you.”
Then said Jesus: "Feed my sheep. Do not forsake the flock. Be an
example and an inspiration to all your fellow shepherds. Love the flock as I
have loved you and devote yourself to their welfare even as I have devoted my
life to your welfare. And follow after me even to the end."
12. Peter took this last statement literally—that he should
continue to follow after him... he pointed to John, asking, "If I follow
on after you, what shall this man do?" And then, perceiving that Peter had
misunderstood his words, Jesus said: "Peter, be not concerned about what
your brethren shall do. If I will that John should tarry after you are gone,
even until I come back, what is that to you? Only make sure that you follow me”
This remark spread among the brethren and was received as a statement by Jesus to the effect that John would not die before the Master returned, as many thought and hoped, to establish the kingdom in power and glory. It was this interpretation of what Jesus said that had much to do with getting Simon Zelotes back into service, and keeping him at work.
13. When they returned to the others, Jesus went for a walk
and talk with Andrew and James. When they had gone a short distance, Jesus said
to Andrew, "Andrew, do you trust me?" .And when the former chief of
the apostles heard Jesus ask such a question, he stood still and answered,
"Yes, Master, of a certainty I trust you, and you know that I do."
Then said Jesus: "Andrew, if you trust me, trust your brethren more—even
Peter. I once trusted you with the leadership of your brethren. Now must you
trust others as I leave you to go to the Father. When your brethren begin to
scatter abroad because of bitter persecutions, be a considerate and wise
counselor to James my brother in the flesh when they put heavy burdens upon him
which he is not qualified by experience to bear. And then go on trusting, for I
will not fail you. When you are through on earth, you shall come to me."
14. Then Jesus turned to James, asking, "James, do you
trust me?" And of course James replied, “Yes, Master, I trust you with all
my heart. Then said Jesus: "James, if you trust me more, you will be less
impatient with your brethren. If you will trust me, it will help you to be kind
to
the brotherhood of
believers. Learn to weigh the consequences of your sayings and your doings.
Remember that the reaping is in accordance with the sowing. Pray for
tranquility of spirit and cultivate patience. These graces, with living faith,
shall sustain you when the hour comes to drink the cup of sacrifice. But never
be dismayed; when you are through on earth, you shall also come to be with
me."
15. Jesus next talked with Thomas and Nathaniel. Said he to
Thomas, "Thomas, do you serve me?” Thomas replied, "Yes, Lord, I
serve you now and always." Then said Jesus: “If you would serve me, serve
my brethren in the flesh even as I live served you. And be not weary in this
well‑doing but persevere as one who has been ordained by God for this
service of love.
When you have
finished your service with me on earth, you shall serve with me in glory.
Thomas, you must cease doubting; you must grow in faith and the knowledge of
truth. Believe in God like a child but cease to act so childishly. Have
courage; be strong in faith and mighty in the kingdom of God."
16. Then said the Master to Nathaniel, “Nathaniel, do you
serve me?” And the apostle answered,
“Yes, Master, and with an undivided affection.” Then said Jesus: “If, therefore, you serve me with a whole heart,
make sure that you are devoted to the welfare of my brethren on earth with
tireless affection. Admix friendship with your counsel and add love to your
philosophy. Serve your fellow men even as I have served you. Be faithful to men
as I have watched over you. Be less critical; expect less of some men and
thereby lessen the extent of your disappointment. And when the work down here
is over, you shall serve with me on high."
17. After this the Master talked with Matthew and Philip. To
Philip he said, "Philip, do you obey me?" Philip answered, "Yes,
Lord, I will obey you even with my life.”
Then said Jesus: If you would obey me, go then into the lands of the
gentiles and proclaim this gospel. The prophets have told you that to obey is
better than to sacrifice. By faith have you become a God-knowing kingdom son.
There is but one law to obey—that is the command to go forth proclaiming the
gospel of the kingdom. Cease to fear men; be unafraid to preach the good news
of eternal life to your fellows who languish in darkness and hunger for the
light of truth. No more, Philip, shall you busy yourself with money and goods.
You now are free to preach the glad tidings just as are your brethren. And I
will go before you and be with you even to the end."
18. And then, speaking to Matthew, the Master asked,
"Matthew, do you have it in your heart to obey me?" Matthew answered,
"Yes, Lord, I am fully dedicated to doing your will." Then said the
Master: "Matthew, if you would obey me, go forth to teach all peoples this
gospel of the kingdom. No longer will you serve your brethren the material
things of life; henceforth you are also to proclaim the good news of spiritual
salvation. From now on have an eye single only to obeying your commission to
preach this gospel of the Father's kingdom. As I have done the Father's will on
earth, so shall you fulfill the divine commission. Remember, both Jew and
gentile are your brethren. Fear no man when you proclaim the saving truths of
the gospel of the kingdom of heaven. And where I go, you shall presently come.”
19. Then he walked and talked with the Alpheus twins, James and Judas, and speaking to both of them, he asked, "James and Judas, do you believe in me?" And when they both answered, "Yes, Master, we do believe," he said: "I will soon leave you. You see that I have already left you in the flesh. I tarry only a short time in this form before I go to my Father. You believe in me—you are my apostles, and you always will be. Go on believing and remembering your association with me, when I am gone, and after you have, perchance, returned to the work you used to do before you came to live with me. Never allow a change in your outward work to influence your allegiance. Have faith in God to the end of your days on earth. Never forget that, when you are a faith son of God, all upright work of the realm is sacred. Nothing which a son of God does can be common. Do your work, therefore, from this time on, as for God. And when you are through on this world, I have other and better worlds where you shall likewise work for me. And in all of this work, on this world and on other worlds, I will work with you, and my spirit shall dwell within you."
20. At noon on Saturday, April 22, the eleven apostles
assembled by appointment on the hill near Capernaum, and Jesus appeared among
them... At this time the eleven apostles knelt in a circle about the Master and
heard him repeat the charges and saw him re‑enact the ordination scene
even as when they were first set apart for the special work of the kingdom. And
all
of this was to
them as a memory of their former consecration to the Father's service, except
the Master's prayer. When the Master—the morontia Jesus—now prayed, it was in
tones of majesty and with words of power such as the apostles had never before
heard. Their Master now spoke with the rulers of the universes as one who, in
his own universe, had had all power and authority committed to his hand. And
these eleven men never forgot this experience of the morontia rededication to
the former pledges of ambassadorship.
21. And no one saw Jesus for a full week. The apostles
really had no idea what to do, not knowing whether the Master had gone to the
Father. In this state of uncertainty they tarried at Bethsaida. They were
afraid to go fishing lest he come to visit them and they miss seeing him.
22. Peter, early in the week, sent out word that a public meeting
would be held by the seaside the next Sabbath at three o'clock in the
afternoon.
Accordingly, on Saturday, April 29, at three o'clock, more than five hundred believers from the environs of Capernaum assembled at Bethsaida to hear Peter preach his first public sermon since the resurrection. The apostle was at his best, and after he had finished his appealing discourse, few of his hearers doubted that the Master had risen from the dead.
23. Peter ended his sermon, saying: "We affirm that
Jesus of Nazareth is not dead; we declare that he has risen from the tomb; we
proclaim that we have seen him and talked with him." Just as he finished
making this declaration of faith, there by his side, in full view of all these
people, the Master appeared in morontia form and, speaking to them in familiar accents, said, “Peace be upon
you, and my peace I leave with you." When he had thus appeared and had so
spoken to them, he vanished from their sight. This was the fifteenth morontia
manifestation of the risen Jesus.
24. Sunday, April 30, the eleven left Bethsaida for
Jerusalem... This was a sad home‑coming for John Mark. Just a few hours
before he reached home, his father, Elijah Mark, suddenly died from a
hemorrhage in the brain. Although the thought of the certainty of the
resurrection of the dead did much to comfort the apostles in their grief, at
the same time they truly mourned the loss of their good friend, who had been
their stanch supporter even in the times of great trouble and disappointment.
John Mark did all he could to comfort his mother and, speaking for her, invited
the apostles to continue to make their home at her house. And the eleven made
this upper chamber their headquarters until after the day of Pentecost.
25. On Thursday night the apostles had a wonderful meeting in this upper chamber and all pledged themselves to go forth in the public preaching of the new gospel of the risen Lord except Thomas, Simon Zelotes, and the Alpheus twins. Already had begun the first steps of changing the gospel of the kingdom—sonship with God and brotherhood with man—into
the proclamation of the resurrection of Jesus. Nathaniel opposed this shift in the burden of their public message, but he could not withstand Peter's eloquence, neither could he overcome the enthusiasm of the disciples, especially the women believers.
And so, under the vigorous leadership of Peter and ere the Master ascended to the Father, his well‑meaning representatives began that subtle process of gradually and certainly changing the religion of Jesus into a new and modified form of religion about Jesus.
U.B.
192: 2045‑2051
1.
How did the fire get started and where did the bread come from?
2.
Was Jesus’ knowledge of where the fish were a bit miraculous?
3.
How is love “the ancestor of all spiritual goodness, the essence of the true
and the beautiful?”
4.
Why did Jesus challenge Peter three times?
5.
Why did Jesus intimate that John might be living when he came back to our
world?
6.
Is the advice Jesus gave to the apostles a source for excellent evaluation of
ourselves?
7. Is the shift from
the religion of Jesus to a religion about Jesus understandable and probably
inevitable?