1. Jesus told his apostles that they were going to start their work in the cities around the Sea of Galilee. He decided that none of his family members would be apostles. This upset James and Jude, his brothers, and started the separation between Jesus and his family.
2. Little Ruth was the only member of Jesus’ family that never wavered in her loyalty to Jesus: the others, at times, almost rejected him. If a prophet is not without honor save in his own country, he is not without understanding appreciation save in his own family.
3. On Sunday, June 23, A.D. 26, Jesus gave the apostles their final instructions for their first two weeks of personal work with the people. They were not allowed to baptize anyone, or to preach in public. Each apostle was to find and nominate another man to also become an apostle.
4. John asked Jesus if the 6 new apostles would have equal status with them. Jesus said, yes, that the original 6 would teach the new apostles as he had taught them. Two apostles each went to Kheresa, Capernaum, and Tarichea. They agreed to meet at Zebedee’s house in 2 weeks.
5. The apostles returned from their first 2 weeks of personal teaching wiser men. They now better understood that true religion was completely a personal experience with God. Each nominated a new apostle, and all of them voted on each nominee formally accepting them as apostles.
6. They were: Matthew Levi, customs collector of Capernaum. His office was just to the east near the borders of Batanea. He was selected by Andrew. Thomas Didymus, fisherman of Tarichea, once carpenter and stone mason in Gadara. Selected by Philip.
7. James Alpheus, fisherman and farmer from Kheresa. Selected by James Zebedee. Judas Alpheus, the twin brother of James Alpheus, also a fisherman. Selected by John Zebedee. Simon Zelotes, high officer in the Zealots. Once a merchant. Selected by Peter.
8. Judas Iscariot, only son of wealthy Jewish parents who disowned him when he joined John the Baptist. Only Judean of the twelve apostles. Was looking for a job when selected by Nathaniel, mostly for his accounting experience.
9. Matthew held a feast in Jesus’ honor. All had fun. The Pharisees condemned Jesus. Jesus said, I bring joy to the socially downtrodden and spiritual liberty to the moral captives. Healthy people don’t need a doctor. I haven’t come to call the righteous, but rather the sinners.
10. Jesus told his apostles: The kingdom of heaven is open to all men and women. No man can stop another from finding God. To God all men are alike. We will help all who desire God. Pharisee or sinner, Sadducee or publican, Roman or Jew, rich or poor, free or bond.
11. To Thomas the fisherman, Jesus said, Thomas, you lack faith; nevertheless, I receive you. Follow me. To Judas the wanderer, Jesus said, Judas, we are all of one flesh, and as I receive you into our midst, I pray that you will always be loyal to your Galilean brethren. Follow me.
12. The apostles couldn’t grasp that Jesus was announcing a new gospel of salvation and a new way of finding God: they didn’t realize Jesus himself was the new revelation of God. Judas wants to know why Jesus wouldn’t John out of prison, and wasn’t satisfied with his answer.
Okay, folks, that’s it for the Highlights to Son of Man: Urantia, Chapter 17, part 1, Training the Kingdom’s Messengers.
This week we continue with Chapter 17, part 2, Training the Kingdom’s Messengers.
Have a fantastic week out there, everybody.
Bob