Ch. 60, Final Warnings
“Son of Man: Urantia,” 2nd edition
Final Warnings
After the farewell talk Jesus chatted with his friends recalling many of their experiences. At last it was beginning to dawn on these Galileans that their friend and teacher was going to leave them. But while their hope grasped at his promise to return, they were prone to forget that his return visit would also be short. Many of the apostles and disciples thought that this promise to return for a period—that short interval between the resurrection and his ascension to heaven—meant that Jesus was just going away for a brief visit with his Father after which he would return to establish the kingdom. This interpretation satisfied both their most passionate hope and preconceived beliefs, and since they were in agreement they found a way to interpret Jesus’ words to fit. After they all had time to visit with one another and let his words sink in, Jesus again called them to order: now he was going to give them their final warnings.
Last Words of Comfort
After the eleven apostles had taken their seats, Jesus said “As long as I am with you in the flesh, I can be but one person in your midst or in the entire world. But when I am released from this mortal body I will be able to return as a spirit to indwell each of you and of all other believers in this gospel of the kingdom: the Son of Man will become a spiritual incarnation in the souls of all true believers.’
“When I have returned to live in you and work through you I can better lead you on through this life, and guide you through the many different worlds of your future life in the heaven of heavens. Life in the Father’s eternal creation is not an endless rest of idleness and selfish ease. It is rather an endless progression of growing in truth, grace, and glory. Each of the many worlds in my Father’s house is a stopping place, a life-planet designed to prepare you for the next one ahead. So will the children of light go on from glory to glory until they attain the divine goal, that status were they are spiritually perfected just like the Father is perfect in all things.’
“If you want to follow after me when I leave, put forth your best effort to live according to the spirit of my teachings and with the ideal of my life—doing my Father’s will. Do this instead of trying to imitate my natural life as I have been required to live it on this world.’
“The Father sent me into this world, but only a few of you have chosen to receive me. I will pour out my spirit on all flesh, but not everyone will choose to receive this new teacher as the soul’s guide and counselor. But those that do receive him will be cleansed, comforted, and enlightened. This Spirit of Truth will become in them a well of living water springing up into eternal life.’
“Now as I am about to leave you, I want to speak words of comfort. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I offer these gifts not as the world gives—by measure—instead I give each of you all you can receive. Do not let your heart worry, neither let it be afraid. I have overcome the world and in me you will all triumph through faith. I have warned you that the Son of Man will be killed, but I assure you I will come back before I go to the Father even though it will be for only a short while. After I have arisen to the Father I will send the new teacher to be with you and to live in your hearts. When you see all of this come to pass do not be discouraged, but rather believe just as if you knew it all beforehand. I have loved you abundantly and I would not leave you, but it is the Father’s will: my hour has come.’
“Do not doubt any of what I am saying even after you are scattered abroad by persecution and are downcast with sadness. When you feel that you are alone in the world, I will know of your isolation just like when you are scattered across the world leaving the Son of Man in the hands of his enemies, you will know of mine. But I am never alone; the Father is always with me. Even at such a time I will pray for you. All of these things I have told you that you may have peace, and have it more abundantly. In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have triumphed in the world and shown you the way to eternal joy and everlasting service.”
Jesus gives peace to those who do the will of God, but not the same as the joys and satisfactions of this material world. Unbelieving fatalists and materialists can hope to enjoy only two kinds of peace and soul comfort. They must be either stoics with steadfast resolution to endure the worst and determined to face the inevitable, or they must be optimists ever indulging that hope that springs eternal in the human heart uselessly longing for a peace that never comes.
A certain amount of both stoicism and optimism are helpful when living life on Earth, but neither has anything to do with that superb peace that the Son of God gives his friends in the flesh. The peace that Michael gives his children on Earth is that peace that filled his own soul when he himself lived the mortal life on this world. Jesus’ peace is the joy and satisfaction of a God-knowing person who has achieved the triumph of learning how to do the will of God. The peace in Jesus’ mind was founded on an absolute human faith in the divine Father’s wise and sympathetic care. Jesus had troubles on Earth—he has even been falsely called the man of sorrows—but in and through all of these experiences he was comforted by the confidence that his life’s purpose was proceeding according to his Father’s will.
Jesus was determined, persistent, and completely devoted to his mission but he was not a calloused and unfeeling stoic; he always looked for life’s joy, but he was not a blind and self-deceived optimist. Jesus knew everything that was going to happen to him and he was unafraid. After he had given this peace to each of his followers he could always say “Do not let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Jesus’ peace then is the peace of a son who believes that his eternal life is safely in the care of an all-wise, all-loving, and all-powerful spirit Father. This is indeed a peace that cannot be understood by mortal mind, but can only be enjoyed by the believing human heart.
Farewell Personal Warning
Jesus had given his final warnings and farewell instructions to the apostles as a group, and now he said good-bye to each person individually along with giving them a word of personal advice as his parting blessing. The apostles were still seated around the table like when they had first sat down to the Last Supper, and as Jesus went around the table speaking to them each man stood up in turn.
To John, Jesus said “You John, are the youngest of my friends. You have been near me and while I love all of you with the same love that a father has for his sons, you were assigned by Andrew to be one of the three that was always with me. Besides this, you have acted for me and must continue to do so in many matters concerning my earthly family. I go to the Father, John, having full confidence that you will continue to watch over those who are mine in the flesh. See to it that their present confusion regarding my mission does not in any way prevent you from extending to them all help, council, and sympathy even as you know I would if I were here in the flesh. When they all come to see the light and enter into the kingdom, while all of you will joyously welcome them I am depending on you, John, to welcome them for me.’
“Now as I enter into the closing hours of my earthly career, I want you to remain nearby me so I can leave with you any message for my family. As far as the work put in my hands by the Father in heaven, it is now finished except for my death in the flesh and I am ready to drink this last cup. But as for the responsibilities left to me by my earthly father, Joseph, while I have taken care of these during my life I must now depend on you to act for me in all of these matters. I have chosen you to do this for me, John, because you are the youngest and therefore will likely outlive these other apostles.’
“Once we called you and your brother the sons of thunder. You started out with us intolerant and strong-minded, but you have changed much since you wanted me to call down fire on the heads of ignorant and thoughtless unbelievers. You must change even more: you should become the apostle of the new commandment that I have given you tonight. Dedicate your life to teaching your friends how to love one another, even as I have loved you.”
As John Zebedee stood there in the upper chamber, the tears rolling down his cheeks, he looked into the Master’s face and said “So I will, my Master, but how can I learn to love others more?”
Jesus said “You will learn to love others more when you first learn to love their Father in heaven more, and after you have truly become more interested in their welfare in time and eternity. All such human interest is fostered by unselfish service, generous forgiveness, and understanding sympathy. No one should despise your youth, but I urge you to always give due consideration to the fact that age many times represents experience and that nothing in human affairs can take the place of actual experience. Strive to live peaceably with all people, especially your friends in the brotherhood of the heavenly kingdom. John, always remember: do not fight with the souls that you would win for the kingdom.”
Jesus passed around his own seat and paused for a moment by the side of the place where Judas Iscariot had sat. The apostles were rather surprised that Judas had not yet returned, and they were curious to know why Jesus was sad as he stood by the betrayer’s vacant seat. But none of them, except possibly Andrew, gave even the slightest thought to the idea that their treasurer had gone out to betray his Master like Jesus had hinted during the supper. So much had happened that for the time being they had all but forgotten Jesus’ announcement that one of them would betray him.
Jesus next went over to Simon Zelotes, and said “You are a true son of Abraham, but what a time I have had trying to make you a son of this heavenly kingdom. I love you and so do all of your friends. I know that you love me, Simon, and that you also love the kingdom, but you are still set on making this kingdom come according to your liking. I know full well that you will eventually grasp the meaning and spiritual nature of my gospel and that you will do heroic work in its announcement, but I am worried about what will happen to you when I leave. I would rejoice to know that you will not falter; I would be made happy if I could know that after I go to the Father you would not cease to be my apostle, and that you would acceptably behave yourself as an ambassador of the heavenly kingdom.”
Jesus had hardly ceased speaking when the fiery patriot, drying his eyes said “Master, have no fears for my loyalty. I have turned my back on everything so that I could dedicate my life to the establishment of your kingdom on Earth, and I will not falter. I have survived every disappointment so far, and I will not abandon you.”
Jesus, laying his hand on Simon’s shoulder said “It is indeed refreshing to hear you speak like that, especially at such a time as this, but my good friend you still do not know of what you are speaking. Not for one moment would I doubt your loyalty, your devotion; I know you would not hesitate to go forth in battle and die for me as would all these others,” and they all nodded a vigorous approval, “but that will not be required of you. I have repeatedly told you that my kingdom is not of this world, and that my disciples will not fight to establish it. I have told you this many times, Simon, but you refuse to face the truth. I am not concerned with your loyalty to me and to the kingdom, but what will you do when I go away and you at last wake up to the realization that you have failed to grasp the meaning of my teaching, and that you must adjust your misconceptions to the reality of the spiritual order of affairs?”
Simon wanted to say something, but Jesus held up his hand stopping him and said “None of my apostles are more honest and sincere at heart than you, but not one of them will be so upset and disheartened as you after I leave. In all of your discouragement my spirit will be with you and these, your friends, will not abandon you. Do not forget what I have taught you about the relationship of citizenship on Earth to sonship in the Father’s spiritual kingdom. Ponder well all that I have told you about rendering to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. Dedicate your life, Simon, to showing how acceptably a person can fulfill my rule concerning the simultaneous recognition of earthy duty to civil powers and spiritual service in the brotherhood of the kingdom. If you will be taught by the Spirit of Truth there will never be conflict between the requirements of citizenship on Earth and sonship in heaven unless the earthly rulers dare to require from you the homage and worship that belongs only to God.’
“Now Simon, when you finally do see all of this and after you have shaken off your depression and have gone forth announcing this gospel in majestic power, never forget that I was with you even through your season of discouragement and that I will go on with you to the very end. You will always be my apostle, and after you become willing to see by the eye of the spirit and yield more of your will to the will of the Father in heaven you will then return to labor as my ambassador, and no one will take away from you the authority that I have awarded you because of your slowness in comprehending the truths that I have taught you. So Simon, once more I warn you that those who fight with the sword perish with the sword, while those who labor in the spirit achieve life everlasting in the kingdom to come with joy and peace in the kingdom that now is. When the work given to your hands is finished on Earth, you Simon, will sit down with me in my kingdom over there. You will see the kingdom you have longed for, but not in this life. Continue to believe in me and in what I have revealed to you, and you will receive the gift of eternal life.”
Jesus then stepped over to Matthew Levi, and said “No longer will it be on you to provide for the apostles’ treasury. Soon, very soon, you will all be scattered; you will not be permitted to enjoy the comforting and sustaining association of even one of your friends. As you go onward preaching this gospel of the kingdom you will have to find for yourselves new people. I sent you forth in pairs during your training but now that I am leaving you, after you have recovered from the shock you will go out alone and to the ends of the Earth announcing this good news—that faith-stimulated people are the sons of God.”
Matthew said “But Master, who will send us and how will we know where to go? Will Andrew show us the way?”
Jesus said “No Levi, Andrew will no longer direct you in announcing the gospel. He will indeed continue as your friend and counselor until that day when the new teacher comes, and then will the Spirit of Truth lead each of you abroad to labor for the extension of the kingdom. Many changes have come over you since that day at the customhouse when you first set out to follow me, but many more must come before you will be able to see the vision of a brotherhood where Jesus sits alongside gentile as friend. But go on with your urge to win your Jewish friends until you are satisfied, and then turn with power to the gentiles. One thing you may be certain of, Levi, you have won the affection and confidence of your friends; they all love you,” and all ten of them showed their agreement with what Jesus said.
“Levi I know much about your labors, anxieties, and sacrifices to keep the treasury full that your friends do not know about, and I am rejoiced that though he who carried the bag is absent, the tax-collecting ambassador is here at my farewell gathering with the messengers of the kingdom. I pray that you may see the meaning of my teachings with the eyes of the spirit. When the new teacher comes into your heart follow on, as he will lead you and let your friends see—even all the world—what the Father can do for a hated tax-gatherer who dared to follow the Son of Man and believe the gospel of the kingdom. Even from the first, Levi, I loved you as I did these other Galileans. Knowing then so well that neither the Son nor the Father is a respecter of persons, see to it that you also do not make any distinctions among those who become believers in the gospel through your ministry. Matthew, dedicate your whole future life’s service to showing all people that God is no respecter of persons; that in the sight of God and in the fellowship of the kingdom all people are equal: all believers are the sons of God.”
Jesus then stepped over to James Zebedee who stood in silence as Jesus said “James, when you and your younger brother once came to me seeking preferred honors in the kingdom and I told you that such honors were for the Father to give, I asked if you were able to drink my cup and both of you answered that you were. Even if you were not able to then and if you are not able to now, you will soon be prepared for such a service by the experience you are about to pass through. By such behavior you angered your friends at that time. If they have not already forgiven you, they will when they see you drink my cup. Whether your ministry be long or short, possess your soul in patience. When the new teacher comes, let him teach you the poise of compassion and that sympathetic tolerance that is born of inspiring confidence in me and of perfect submission to the Father’s will. Dedicate your life to the demonstration of that combined human affection and divine dignity of the God-knowing and Son-believing disciple. All who thus live will reveal the gospel even in the manner of their death. You and your brother John will go different ways, and one of you might sit down with me in the eternal kingdom long before the other. It would help you much if you would learn that true wisdom embraces discretion as well as courage. You should learn wisdom to go along with your aggressiveness. There will come those supreme moments where my disciples will not hesitate to lay down their lives for this gospel, but in all ordinary circumstances it would be far better to calm the wrath of unbelievers so that you can live and continue to preach the glad tidings. As far as it lies in your power live a long time on the Earth so that your life of many years will be fruitful in souls won for the heavenly kingdom.”
Jesus then stepped around to the end of the table where Andrew sat, and looking his faithful helper in the eyes he said “Andrew, you have faithfully represented me as acting head of the ambassadors of the heavenly kingdom. Although you have sometimes doubted and at other times shown dangerous hesitancy, still you have always been sincerely just and exceptionally fair when dealing with your associates. Ever since ordaining you and your brethren as messengers of the kingdom, you have been self-governing in all group affairs except that I designated you as the acting head of these chosen ones. In no other earthly matter have I acted to direct or to influence your decisions. I did this to provide leadership to direct your future group deliberations. In my universe and in my Father’s universe of universes, our brethren-sons are dealt with as individuals in all their spiritual relations, but in all group relationships we always provide definite leadership. Our kingdom is a realm of order, and where two or more will creatures act in co-operation there is always provided leadership.’
“Now Andrew, since you are the chief of your brethren by my authority and since you have served as my personal representative and I am about to leave you and go to my Father, I release you from all responsibility regarding these earthly affairs. From now on you cannot exercise jurisdiction over your friends except what your friends freely recognize and what you have earned as a spiritual leader. From this hour you can exercise no authority over your friends unless they restore such jurisdiction to you after I have gone to the Father. But this release from responsibility as the administrative head of this group does not in any manner lessen your moral responsibility to do everything in your power to hold your friends together with a firm and loving hand during the trying times just ahead—those days that must come between my departure in the flesh and the sending of the new teacher who will live in your hearts and ultimately lead you into all truth. As I prepare to leave you I want to liberate you from all administrative responsibility that had its inception and authority because I was among you: from here on out only I will exercise spiritual authority over and among you.’
“If your friends want you to remain their counselor, I direct that you should in all matters temporal and spiritual do your utmost to promote peace and harmony among the various groups of sincere gospel believers. Dedicate the remainder of your life to promoting the practical aspects of brotherly love among your brethren. Be kind to my brothers in the flesh when they come to believe this gospel; show loving and impartial devotion to Abner in the East, and to the Greeks in the West. Although these, my apostles, are soon going to be scattered to the four corners of the Earth to announce the good news of the salvation of sonship with God, you are to hold them together during the trying time just ahead—that season of intense testing during which you must learn to believe this gospel without my personal presence while you patiently await the arrival of the new teacher, the Spirit of Truth. Andrew, though it may not fall to you to do the illustrious works as seen by humanity, be content to be the teacher and counselor of those who do such things. Go on with your work on Earth to the end, and then you will continue this ministry in the eternal kingdom because have I not told you many times that I have other sheep not of this flock?”
Jesus then went over to the Alpheus twins, and standing between them said “My little children, you are one of the three groups of brothers who chose to follow after me. All six of you have done well to work in peace with your own flesh and blood, but none have done better than you. Hard times are just ahead of us. You may not understand all that will happen to you and your brethren, but never doubt that you were once called to the work of the kingdom. For some time there will be no crowds to manage, but do not become discouraged; when your lifework is finished I will receive you on high where in glory you will tell of your salvation to seraphic hosts and to crowds of the high Sons of God. Dedicate your lives to the enhancement of commonplace work. Show all people on Earth and the angels of heaven how cheerfully and courageously mortals can, after having been called to work for a season in the special service of God, return to their work of former days. If for the time being your work in the outward affairs of the kingdom is done, you should go back to your former work with the new enlightenment of the experience of sonship with God and with the noble realization that to him who is God-knowing there is no such thing as common labor or secular work. To you who have worked with me all things have become sacred, and all earthly labor has become a service even to God the Father. And when you hear the news of the doings of your former apostle friends, rejoice with them and continue your daily work as those who wait on God and serve while they wait. You have been my apostles and you always will be, and I will remember you in the kingdom to come.”
Jesus then stepped in front of Philip and said “Philip, you have asked me many foolish questions; I have done my best to answer every one, and now I will answer the last of such questions that have arisen in your most honest but unspiritual mind. All the time I have been coming around toward you, you have you been saying to yourself ‘What will I ever do if the Master goes away and leaves us alone in the world?’ O, you of little faith! Yet you have almost as much as many of your friends. You have been a good steward, Philip. You only failed us a few times, and one of those failures we used to manifest the Father’s glory. Your office of stewardship is about over. Soon you must do more of the work that you were called to do—the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom. Philip, you have always wanted to be shown and soon you will see impressive things. Far better that you had seen all of this by faith, but since you were sincere even in your material sightedness you will live to see my words fulfilled. Then when you are blessed with spiritual vision go forth dedicating your life to the cause of leading humanity to search for God, and seeking eternal realities with the eye of spiritual faith and not with the eyes of the material mind. Remember Philip, you have a noble mission on Earth because the world is filled with those who look at life just like you have. You have a splendid work to do, and when it is finished in faith you will come to me in my kingdom and I will take immense pleasure in showing you what the eye has not seen, the ear has not heard, and the mortal mind has not conceived. In the meantime become as a little child in the kingdom of the spirit and permit me as the spirit of the new teacher to lead you forward in the spiritual kingdom. In this way I will be able to do much for you that I was not able to do when I stayed with you as a mortal of the realm. Always remember, Philip, he who has seen me has seen the Father.”
Jesus then went over to Nathaniel. As he started to stand up Jesus motioned for him be seated, and sitting down by his side said “Nathaniel, you have learned to live above prejudice and to practice increased tolerance since you became my apostle. But there is much more for you to learn. You have been a blessing to your fellows in that they have always been cautioned by your consistent sincerity. After I am gone it may be that your frankness will interfere with your getting along well with your friends, both old and new. You should learn that the expression of even a good thought has to be tempered in accordance with the spiritual and intellectual ability of the listener. In the work of the kingdom, sincerity does best when it is wedded to tact.’
“If you could learn to work with your brethren you could accomplish more permanent things. But if you find yourself going off looking for people who think like you do, then in that case dedicate your life to proving that God-knowing disciples can become kingdom builders even when they are alone in the world and completely isolated from their fellow believers. I know you will be faithful to the end, and I will someday welcome you to the enlarged service of my kingdom on high.”
Nathaniel asked “I have listened to your lessons ever since you first called me to the service of this kingdom, but I honestly cannot understand the full meaning of all that you tell us. I do not know what to expect next, and I think most of my friends are likewise confused but they hesitate to confess it. Can you help me?”
Jesus, putting his hand on Nathaniel’s shoulder, replied “My friend, it is not strange that you should be perplexed trying to understand the meaning of my spiritual lessons since you are so handicapped by your preconceptions of Jewish tradition and so confused constantly trying to interpret my gospel according to the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees.’
“I have lived among you and I have taught you much by word of mouth. I have done all that can be done to enlighten your minds and liberate your souls, and what you have not been able to get from my lessons and my life you must now prepare to get at the hand of that master of all teachers—actual experience. In all of this new experience that now awaits you, I will go before you and the Spirit of Truth will be with you. Fear not: what you now fail to understand the new teacher will reveal to you throughout the remainder of your life on Earth and on through your training in eternity.”
Jesus turned to all of them and said “Do not worry that you do not understand the full meaning of the gospel. You are but finite mortal humans and what I have taught you is divine, eternal, and infinite. Be patient and have courage since you have eternity before you to continue becoming perfect even as your Father in Paradise is perfect.”
Jesus then stepped in front of Thomas and said “Thomas, you have often lacked faith. However, while you have doubted you have never lacked courage. I know that false prophets and teachers will not fool you. After I have gone your friends will more appreciate your critical way of viewing new teachings. When all of you are scattered to the ends of the Earth in the times to come, remember that you are still my ambassador. Dedicate your life to showing how people’s critical minds can triumph over intellectual doubt when shown the living truth of spirit-born people yielding the fruits of the spirit in their lives. Thomas, I am glad that you joined us and I know that after a short period of confusion you will go on in the service of the kingdom. Your doubts have confused your friends, but they have never troubled me. I have confidence in you, and I will go before you even to the uttermost parts of the Earth.”
Jesus then went over to Simon Peter and said “Peter, I know that you love me and that you will dedicate your life to the public announcement of this gospel to Jew and gentile, but I am troubled that your years of such close friendship with me have not done more to help you think before you speak. What experience must you pass through before you will learn to set a guard on your tongue? How much trouble have you made for us by your thoughtless words—by your arrogant self-confidence! You are set to make much more trouble for yourself if you do not master this weakness. You know that your brethren love you in spite of this frailty, and you should also know that while this shortcoming in no way weakens my love for you, it does lessen your usefulness and never ceases to bring you trouble. Regardless, you will indeed get immense help from the experience you will pass through this very night. What I say to you now Simon Peter, I in the same way say to all your friends here with us: this night you will all be in critical danger of stumbling over me. You know it is written, ‘The shepherd will be smitten, and the sheep will be scattered abroad.’ When I am absent there is inordinate danger that some of you will give in to doubts and stumble because of what befalls me. But I promise you now that I will come back to you for a little while, and then I will then go before you into Galilee.”
Peter, placing his hand on Jesus’ shoulder, said “No matter if all my friends should doubt you, I promise that I will not stumble over anything you may do. I will go with you and if I need to, die for you.”
As Peter stood there before Jesus trembling with intense emotion and overflowing with genuine love, Jesus looked straight into his teary eyes and said “Peter, it is true when I tell you that this night you will have denied me three or four times before the cock even crows. Because of this, what you have failed to learn from peaceful friendship with me you will learn through much trouble and sadness. Then after you have learned this needed lesson you should strengthen your friends and go on living a life dedicated to preaching this gospel, even though you may be thrown into prison and may follow me in paying the supreme price of loving service to the Father’s kingdom.’
“But remember my promise: when I am arisen I will stay with you for a short while before I go to the Father. Even this night I will ask the Father that he strengthens each of you for what you must now so soon endure. I love you all with the love that the Father loves me, and because of that you should from now on love one another even as I have loved you.”