Kapitel 157		Paper 157
I Caesarea Filippi		At Caesarea-Philippi
157:0.1 (1743.1) FØR Jesus tog de tolv til et kort ophold i nærheden af Cæsarea Filippi, tilrettelagde han gennem Davids sendebud at gå over til Kapernaum om søndagen den 7. August for at mødes med sin familie. Ifølge aftalen på forhånd kunne dette møde finder sted i Zebedæus bådeværft. David Zebedæus havde aftalt med Jesu bror Jude at hele Nazaret familien - Maria og alle af Jesu brødre og søstre - ville være til stede, og Jesus gik med Andreas og Peter for at komme på det aftalte tidspunkt for mødet. Det var bestemt Marias og børnenes hensigt at holde denne aftale, men det hændte, at en gruppe af farisæere, som vidste, at Jesus var på den anden side af søen i Filips område, besluttede at besøge Maria for at finde ud af så meget som muligt om hvor han var. Ankomsten af disse udsendinge fra Jerusalem gjorde Maria betydeligt vred, og da de bemærkede, hvordan spændt og nervøs alle i familien var, konkluderede de, at Jesus var forventet for et besøg. Derfor installerede de sig i Marias hjem, og efter at have kaldt forstærkninger begyndte de tålmodigt at vente ankomsten af Jesus. Dette forhindrede naturligvis alle i familien til at komme til mødet med Jesus. Flere gange i løbet af dagen forsøgte både Juda og Ruth at undslippe farisæerne årvågenhed for at sende bud til Jesus, men det var forgæves.		157:0.1 (1743.1) BEFORE Jesus took the twelve for a short sojourn in the vicinity of Caesarea-Philippi, he arranged through the messengers of David to go over to Capernaum on Sunday, August 7, for the purpose of meeting his family. By prearrangement this visit was to occur at the Zebedee boatshop. David Zebedee had arranged with Jude, Jesus’ brother, for the presence of the entire Nazareth family—Mary and all of Jesus’ brothers and sisters—and Jesus went with Andrew and Peter to keep this appointment. It was certainly the intention of Mary and the children to keep this engagement, but it so happened that a group of the Pharisees, knowing that Jesus was on the opposite side of the lake in Philip’s domains, decided to call upon Mary to learn what they could of his whereabouts. The arrival of these Jerusalem emissaries greatly perturbed Mary, and noting the tension and nervousness of the entire family, they concluded that Jesus must have been expected to pay them a visit. Accordingly they installed themselves in Mary’s home and, after summoning reinforcements, waited patiently for Jesus’ arrival. And this, of course, effectively prevented any of the family from attempting to keep their appointment with Jesus. Several times during the day both Jude and Ruth endeavored to elude the vigilance of the Pharisees in their efforts to send word to Jesus, but it was of no avail.
157:0.2 (1743.2) Tidligt på eftermiddagen kom Davids sendebud og fortalte Jesus, at farisæerne havde slået sig ned på trappen af hans mors hus, og derfor gjorde Jesus intet forsøg på at besøge sin familie. Og igen, uforskyldt som det var, fik Jesus og hans jordiske familie, ikke kontakt med hinanden.		157:0.2 (1743.2) Early in the afternoon David’s messengers brought Jesus word that the Pharisees were encamped on the doorstep of his mother’s house, and therefore he made no attempt to visit his family. And so again, through no fault of either, Jesus and his earth family failed to make contact.
1. Tempelskatteopkræveren ^top		1. The Temple-Tax Collector ^top
157:1.1 (1743.3) Da Jesus sammen med Andreas og Peter ventede på stranden nær bådebyggeriet fik en tempelskatteopkræver øje på dem, og da han genkendte Jesus kaldte ham Peter til side og sagde: "Betaler din Mester ikke nogen tempelskat?" Peter var tæt på at vise forargelse over forslaget om, at Jesus var forventet at bidrage med støtte til sine svorne fjenders religiøse aktiviteter, men så bemærkede han en mærkelig udtryk i skatteopkræverens ansigt, så antog han ganske rigtigt, at hensigten var at fange dem for at nægte at betale den sædvanlige halve sølvmønt til støtte af tempeltjenesterne i Jerusalem. Derfor svarede Peter: "Ja, selvfølgelig, betaler Mester tempelskat. Vent du der ved porten. Jeg er straks tilbage med skatten."		157:1.1 (1743.3) As Jesus, with Andrew and Peter, tarried by the lake near the boatshop, a temple-tax collector came upon them and, recognizing Jesus, called Peter to one side and said: “Does not your Master pay the temple tax?” Peter was inclined to show indignation at the suggestion that Jesus should be expected to contribute to the maintenance of the religious activities of his sworn enemies, but, noting a peculiar expression on the face of the tax collector, he rightly surmised that it was the purpose to entrap them in the act of refusing to pay the customary half shekel for the support of the temple services at Jerusalem. Accordingly, Peter replied: “Why of course the Master pays the temple tax. You wait by the gate, and I will presently return with the tax.”
157:1.2 (1743.4) Men Peter havde udtalt sig forhastet. Judas bar deres midler, og han var på den anden side af søen. Hverken Peter selv, hans bror, eller Jesus havde bragt nogle penge med sig, og da de vidste, at farisæerne søgte efter dem, kunne de ikke gå til Betsaida for at skaffe penge. Da Peter fortalte Jesus om opkræveren og da han havde lovet ham pengene, sagde Jesus: "Hvis du har lovet, så bør du betale. Men hvormed vil du indløse dit løfte? Vil du igen blive en fisker for at være i stand til at holde dit ord? Ikke desto mindre, Peter, under disse betingelser, er det godt, at vi betaler skat. Lad os ikke give disse mennesker en mulighed for at tage anstød af vores holdning. Vi venter her, mens du går ud med båden for at fange fisk, og når du har solgt fisk på markedet derovre, betal som skatteopkræveren for os alle tre."		157:1.2 (1743.4) Now Peter had spoken hastily. Judas carried their funds, and he was across the lake. Neither he, his brother, nor Jesus had brought along any money. And knowing that the Pharisees were looking for them, they could not well go to Bethsaida to obtain money. When Peter told Jesus about the collector and that he had promised him the money, Jesus said: “If you have promised, then should you pay. But wherewith will you redeem your promise? Will you again become a fisherman that you may honor your word? Nevertheless, Peter, it is well in the circumstances that we pay the tax. Let us give these men no occasion for offense at our attitude. We will wait here while you go with the boat and cast for the fish, and when you have sold them at yonder market, pay the collector for all three of us.”
157:1.3 (1744.1) Alt dette var blevet opfanget af en af Davids hemmelige budbringere, der stod i nærheden og som signalerede til en kollega, der fiskede nær kysten, til hurtigt at komme ind. Da Peter gjorde klar til at gå ud med båden, så kom denne budbringer og hans fiskerven op og præsenterede ham med flere store kurve af fisk og hjalp ham med at bære dem til fiskehandleren tæt på, som betalte tilstrækkelig for fangsten, så det sammen med, hvad David budbringer gav, var nok til at betale tempelskat for de tre. Opkræveren accepterede skatten, og undlod tillæg af for sent betaling, fordi de havde været væk fra Galilæa i nogen tid.		157:1.3 (1744.1) All of this had been overheard by the secret messenger of David who stood near by, and who then signaled to an associate, fishing near the shore, to come in quickly. When Peter made ready to go out in the boat for a catch, this messenger and his fisherman friend presented him with several large baskets of fish and assisted him in carrying them to the fish merchant near by, who purchased the catch, paying sufficient, with what was added by the messenger of David, to meet the temple tax for the three. The collector accepted the tax, forgoing the penalty for tardy payment because they had been for some time absent from Galilee.
157:1.4 (1744.2) Det er ikke underligt, at I har en optegnelse af Peter, der fangede en fisk med en sølvmønt i munden. På det tidspunkt var der mange historier i omløb om skatte fundet i munden på fisk; sådanne historier om nærpå mirakel var helt almindelige. Så da Peter forlod dem for at gå til båden, bemærkede Jesus halvt humoristisk: "Det er mærkeligt, at kongesønnerne er nødt til at betale skat; normalt er det den fremmede, der beskattes for opretholdelsen af retten, men det påhviler ikke os at blive en anstødssten for myndighederne. Gå derfor! Måske vil du fange fisken med en sølvmønt i munden." Da Jesus havde talt således, og da Peter, viste sig så hurtigt med tempelskatten, er det ikke overraskende, at episoden senere blev udvidet til et mirakel i den optegnelse, som forfatteren af Mattæusevangeliet gjorde.		157:1.4 (1744.2) It is not strange that you have a record of Peter’s catching a fish with a shekel in its mouth. In those days there were current many stories about finding treasures in the mouths of fishes; such tales of near miracles were commonplace. So, as Peter left them to go toward the boat, Jesus remarked, half-humorously: “Strange that the sons of the king must pay tribute; usually it is the stranger who is taxed for the upkeep of the court, but it behooves us to afford no stumbling block for the authorities. Go hence! maybe you will catch the fish with the shekel in its mouth.” Jesus having thus spoken, and Peter so soon appearing with the temple tax, it is not surprising that the episode became later expanded into a miracle as recorded by the writer of Matthew’s Gospel.
157:1.5 (1744.3) Jesus ventede sammen med Andreas og Peter på stranden næsten til solnedgang. Budbringeren kom med nyheden om, at Marias hus stadig var under opsyn; så da mørket faldt på, gik de tre ventende mænd derfor ombord i deres båd og roede langsomt væk mod den østlige bred af Genesaret Sø.		157:1.5 (1744.3) Jesus, with Andrew and Peter, waited by the seashore until nearly sundown. Messengers brought them word that Mary’s house was still under surveillance; therefore, when it grew dark, the three waiting men entered their boat and slowly rowed away toward the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee.
2. I betsaida julias ^top		2. At Bethsaida-Julias ^top
157:2.1 (1744.4) Mandag, den 8. august mens Jesus og de tolv apostle lå i lejren i Magadan Park nær Betsaida Julias kom over hundrede troende, evangelisterne, kvindernes korps, og andre med interesse i etableringen af riget over fra Kapernaum til en konference. Mange af farisæerne, der havde fået at vide, at Jesus var der, kom også. På dette tidspunkt, var nogle af saddukæerne forenet med farisæerne i forsøget på at fælde Jesus. Før Jesus begyndte det lukkede møde med de troende, holdt han et offentligt møde, hvor farisæerne var til stede, og de kom med forstyrrende tilråb til Mesteren og forsøgte på andre måder at forstyrre mødet. Lederen af urostifterne sagde: "Mester, vi vil have dig til at give os et tegn på din myndighed til at undervise, og så når det sker, vil alle mennesker vide, at du er blevet sendt af Gud." Jesus svarede dem: "Når det er aften siger du, at vejret bliver smuk fordi himlen er rød, og om morgenen vil det være dårligt vejr, fordi himlen er rød og dyster. Når du ser en sky stige op i vest, siger du, at regnen kommer, når vinden blæser fra syd, siger du, at den brændende varme vil komme. Hvordan er det at du så godt ved, hvordan man tyder himlens udseende, men er så aldeles ude af stand til at tyde tidens tegn? For dem, der ønsker at kende sandheden er et tegn allerede givet; men for en ondsindet og hyklerisk generation skal ingen tegn gives."		157:2.1 (1744.4) On Monday, August 8, while Jesus and the twelve apostles were encamped in Magadan Park, near Bethsaida-Julias, more than one hundred believers, the evangelists, the women’s corps, and others interested in the establishment of the kingdom, came over from Capernaum for a conference. And many of the Pharisees, learning that Jesus was here, came also. By this time some of the Sadducees were united with the Pharisees in their effort to entrap Jesus. Before going into the closed conference with the believers, Jesus held a public meeting at which the Pharisees were present, and they heckled the Master and otherwise sought to disturb the assembly. Said the leader of the disturbers: “Teacher, we would like you to give us a sign of your authority to teach, and then, when the same shall come to pass, all men will know that you have been sent by God.” And Jesus answered them: “When it is evening, you say it will be fair weather, for the heaven is red; in the morning it will be foul weather, for the heaven is red and lowering. When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say showers will come; when the wind blows from the south, you say scorching heat will come. How is it that you so well know how to discern the face of the heavens but are so utterly unable to discern the signs of the times? To those who would know the truth, already has a sign been given; but to an evil-minded and hypocritical generation no sign shall be given.”
157:2.2 (1745.1) Da Jesus havde sagt dette, trak han sig tilbage og forberedte sig til aftenmøde med sine tilhængere. På dette møde blev det besluttet at foretage en fælles missionsrejse til alle byer og landsbyer i Dekapolis, så snart Jesus og de tolv var vendt tilbage fra det planlagte besøg i Cæsarea Filippi. Mesteren deltog i planlægningen af missionen til Dekapolis og han sagde, da han sendte selskabet på vej: "Jeg siger jer: pas på farisæerne og saddukæerne surdej. Lad jer ikke narre af deres show for megen læring og dyb hengivenhed til religionens ydre former. Vær kun beskæftiget med den levende ånds sandhed og den sande religions kraft. Det er ikke frygten i en død religion, der frelser dig men din tro på en levende oplevelse i rigets åndelige realiteter. Lad jer ikke blive forblændet af fordomme og lammet af frygt. Lad hverken ærbødighed for traditioner, således forvanske din forståelse, at dine øjne ikke kan se, og dine ører ikke høre. Det er ikke formålet med sand religion, kun at bringe fred, men snarere at sikre fremskridt. Og der kan ikke være nogen fred i hjertet eller fremskridt i tankerne, medmindre du helhjertet forelsker dig i sandhed, den evige virkeligheds ideal. Livets og dødens spørgsmål står foran dig - fremtidens syndige fornøjelser mod evighedens retfærdige realiteter. Selv nu vil du begynde at finde udfrielse fra frygtens og tvivlens trældom når du begynder at leve et nyt liv i tro og håb. Og når følelser af ønske om at tjene dine medmennesker stiger i jeres sjæle, undertryk dem ikke. Når følelser af kærlighed til din nabo gøre godt i jeres hjerter, giv da udtryk for sådanne behov for at vise hengivenhed gennem intelligent tjeneste af de reelle behov i dine medmennesker.”		157:2.2 (1745.1) When Jesus had thus spoken, he withdrew and prepared for the evening conference with his followers. At this conference it was decided to undertake a united mission throughout all the cities and villages of the Decapolis as soon as Jesus and the twelve should return from their proposed visit to Caesarea-Philippi. The Master participated in planning for the Decapolis mission and, in dismissing the company, said: “I say to you, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Be not deceived by their show of much learning and by their profound loyalty to the forms of religion. Be only concerned with the spirit of living truth and the power of true religion. It is not the fear of a dead religion that will save you but rather your faith in a living experience in the spiritual realities of the kingdom. Do not allow yourselves to become blinded by prejudice and paralyzed by fear. Neither permit reverence for the traditions so to pervert your understanding that your eyes see not and your ears hear not. It is not the purpose of true religion merely to bring peace but rather to insure progress. And there can be no peace in the heart or progress in the mind unless you fall wholeheartedly in love with truth, the ideals of eternal realities. The issues of life and death are being set before you—the sinful pleasures of time against the righteous realities of eternity. Even now you should begin to find deliverance from the bondage of fear and doubt as you enter upon the living of the new life of faith and hope. And when the feelings of service for your fellow men arise within your soul, do not stifle them; when the emotions of love for your neighbor well up within your heart, give expression to such urges of affection in intelligent ministry to the real needs of your fellows.”
3. Peters bekendelse ^top		3. Peter’s Confession ^top
157:3.1 (1745.2) Tidlig tirsdag morgen forlod Jesus og de tolv apostle Magadan Park til Cæsarea Filippi, hovedstaden i tetrarken Filips forvaltningsområde. Cæsarea Filippi var beliggende i et usædvanligt smukt område. Det var i en dejlig dal mellem maleriske bakker, hvor Jordanfloden strømmede frem fra en underjordisk hule. I nord var Hermonbjergets højder fuld synlig i sin helhed, mens man fra bjergene umiddelbart syd for, havde en storslået udsigt over Jordanflodens øvre løb og Genesaret Sø.		157:3.1 (1745.2) Early Tuesday morning Jesus and the twelve apostles left Magadan Park for Caesarea-Philippi, the capital of the Tetrarch Philip’s domain. Caesarea-Philippi was situated in a region of wondrous beauty. It nestled in a charming valley between scenic hills where the Jordan poured forth from an underground cave. The heights of Mount Hermon were in full view to the north, while from the hills just to the south a magnificent view was had of the upper Jordan and the Sea of Galilee.
157:3.2 (1745.3) Jesus var gået op på Hermonbjerget i forbindelse med hans tidlige erfaringer af himmelrigets anliggender, og nu, da han var på vej ind i den sidste periode af sit arbejde, ønskede han at vende tilbage til dette prøvningens og sejrens bjerg, hvor han håbede apostlene måtte få en ny syn på deres ansvar og nye kræfter til de svære tider, der lå lige foran dem. Da de gik langs vejen, og omtrent som da de passerede syd for Meroms kilder begyndte apostle at diskutere indbyrdes deres nyligt vundne erfaringer i Fønikien og andre steder, og at berette, hvordan deres budskab var modtaget og hvordan de forskellige folk betragtede deres Mester.		157:3.2 (1745.3) Jesus had gone to Mount Hermon in his early experience with the affairs of the kingdom, and now that he was entering upon the final epoch of his work, he desired to return to this mount of trial and triumph, where he hoped the apostles might gain a new vision of their responsibilities and acquire new strength for the trying times just ahead. As they journeyed along the way, about the time of passing south of the Waters of Merom, the apostles fell to talking among themselves about their recent experiences in Phoenicia and elsewhere and to recounting how their message had been received, and how the different peoples regarded their Master.
157:3.3 (1745.4) Da de standsede til frokost, konfronterede Jesus pludselig de tolv med det første spørgsmål, han nogensinde havde stillet om sig selv. Han spurgte dette overraskende spørgsmål: "Hvem siger menneskene, at jeg er?"		157:3.3 (1745.4) As they paused for lunch, Jesus suddenly confronted the twelve with the first question he had ever addressed to them concerning himself. He asked this surprising question, “Who do men say that I am?”
157:3.4 (1746.1) Jesus havde tilbragt mange lange måneder med at lære apostlene om himmelrigets natur og karakter, og han godt vidste, at tiden var kommet, hvor han måtte begynde at lære dem mere om sin egen natur og hans personlige forhold til riget. Nu, da de sad under morbærtræer, gjorte Mesteren sig klar til at holde en af de mest betydningsfulde møder i hele sit lange samarbejde med de udvalgte apostle.		157:3.4 (1746.1) Jesus had spent long months in training these apostles as to the nature and character of the kingdom of heaven, and he well knew the time had come when he must begin to teach them more about his own nature and his personal relationship to the kingdom. And now, as they were seated under the mulberry trees, the Master made ready to hold one of the most momentous sessions of his long association with the chosen apostles.
157:3.5 (1746.2) Over halvdelen af apostlene besvarede Jesus spørgsmål. De fortalte ham at alle, der kendte ham betragtede ham en profet eller en usædvanlig mand, at selv hans fjender var meget bange for ham, og at de forklarede hans magt ved at beskylde ham for at være i ledtog med djævlenes prins. De fortalte ham, at nogle i Judæa og Samaria, der ikke personligt havde mødt ham troede, han var Johannes Døberen, der var opstået fra de døde. Peter forklarede, at Jesus på forskellige tidspunkter og med forskellige mennesker var blevet sammenlignet med Moses, Elias, Esajas og Jeremias. Da Jesus hørte dette udsagn, stod han op, så på de tolv som sad i en halvcirkel omkring ham, og med forbløffende eftertrykkelighed pegede på dem med en fejende gestus og sagde: "Men hvem siger I, at jeg er? Der var et øjebliks anspændt tavshed. De tolv tog ikke et øjeblik deres øjne væk fra deres herre, og derefter sprang Peter op og udbrød: "Du er Befrieren, den levende Guds Søn." De elleve siddende apostle stod op som en mand, og angav dermed, at Peter havde talt for dem alle.		157:3.5 (1746.2) More than half the apostles participated in answering Jesus’ question. They told him that he was regarded as a prophet or as an extraordinary man by all who knew him; that even his enemies greatly feared him, accounting for his powers by the indictment that he was in league with the prince of devils. They told him that some in Judea and Samaria who had not met him personally believed he was John the Baptist risen from the dead. Peter explained that he had been, at sundry times and by various persons, compared with Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. When Jesus had listened to this report, he drew himself upon his feet, and looking down upon the twelve sitting about him in a semicircle, with startling emphasis he pointed to them with a sweeping gesture of his hand and asked, “But who say you that I am?” There was a moment of tense silence. The twelve never took their eyes off the Master, and then Simon Peter, springing to his feet, exclaimed: “You are the Deliverer, the Son of the living God.” And the eleven sitting apostles arose to their feet with one accord, thereby indicating that Peter had spoken for all of them.
157:3.6 (1746.3) Da Jesus havde tilkendegivet til dem om igen at sætte sig, og mens han stadig stod foran dem, sagde han: "Dette har min Fader åbenbaret for dig. Tiden er kommet, hvor du skal kende sandheden om mig. Men indtil videre forpligter jeg jer, til ikke at berette dette for nogen mennesker. Lad os gå videre herfra."		157:3.6 (1746.3) When Jesus had beckoned them again to be seated, and while still standing before them, he said: “This has been revealed to you by my Father. The hour has come when you should know the truth about me. But for the time being I charge you that you tell this to no man. Let us go hence.”
157:3.7 (1746.4) Og så fortsatte de rejsen til Cæsarea Filippi, hvor de ankom sent om aftenen og tog hen til Celsus, der ventede dem. Apostlene sov ikke meget den nat. De syntes at fornemme, at en stor begivenhed havde fundet sted i deres liv og i rigets arbejde.		157:3.7 (1746.4) And so they resumed their journey to Caesarea-Philippi, arriving late that evening and stopping at the home of Celsus, who was expecting them. The apostles slept little that night; they seemed to sense that a great event in their lives and in the work of the kingdom had transpired.
4. Diskussionen om riget ^top		4. The Talk About the Kingdom ^top
157:4.1 (1746.5) Lige siden de begivenheder, da Jesus blev døbt af Johannes, og da vandet blev forvandlet til vin i Kana, havde apostlene på forskellige tidspunkter, nærmest accepteret ham som Messias. I korte perioder, havde nogle af dem virkelig troede, at han var den forventede Befrier. Men næppe var sådanne forhåbninger steget op i deres hjerter, førend Mesteren slog dem i stykker med nogle knusende ord eller nogen handling, der gjorde dem skuffet. De havde længe været i en tilstand af forvirring på grund af konflikten mellem de overbevisninger, som de havde i deres sind om den forventede Messias og oplevelsen af deres særegne forhold til denne mest bemærkelsesværdige mand, som de holdt i deres hjerter.		157:4.1 (1746.5) Since the occasions of Jesus’ baptism by John and the turning of the water into wine at Cana, the apostles had, at various times, virtually accepted him as the Messiah. For short periods some of them had truly believed that he was the expected Deliverer. But hardly would such hopes spring up in their hearts than the Master would dash them to pieces by some crushing word or disappointing deed. They had long been in a state of turmoil due to conflict between the concepts of the expected Messiah which they held in their minds and the experience of their extraordinary association with this extraordinary man which they held in their hearts.
157:4.2 (1746.6) Det var sent om formiddagen, denne onsdag, da apostlene samledes til deres middag måltid i Celsus have. For det meste af natten, og siden de var stået op denne morgen, havde Simon Peter og Simon Zelotes alvorligt bearbejdet deres brødre for at få dem alle til helhjertet at acceptere Mesteren, ikke kun som Messias, men også som guddommelige Søn af den levende Gud. De to Simon apostle var så godt som enige i deres opfattelse om Jesus, og de arbejdede ihærdigt på at bringe deres brødre til fuldt ud at acceptere deres synspunkter. Mens Andreas stadig fungerede som formand for den apostoliske korps, blev hans bror Simon Peter mere og mere, og med alles samtykke, talsmand for de tolv.		157:4.2 (1746.6) It was late forenoon on this Wednesday when the apostles assembled in Celsus’ garden for their noontime meal. During most of the night and since they had arisen that morning, Simon Peter and Simon Zelotes had been earnestly laboring with their brethren to bring them all to the point of the wholehearted acceptance of the Master, not merely as the Messiah, but also as the divine Son of the living God. The two Simons were well-nigh agreed in their estimate of Jesus, and they labored diligently to bring their brethren around to the full acceptance of their views. While Andrew continued as the director-general of the apostolic corps, his brother, Simon Peter, was becoming, increasingly and by common consent, the spokesman for the twelve.
157:4.3 (1747.1) De blev alle siddende i haven til omkring middagstid, da Mesteren ankom. De bar et udtryk for værdig højtidelighed over sig, og alle rejste sig op, da han nærmede sig dem. Jesus udløste spændingen ved det venlige og broderlige smil, som var så karakteristisk for ham, når hans tilhængere tog sig selv, eller nogle begivenhed, der rørte ved dem, alt for alvorligt. Med en kommanderende gestus anførte han, at de skulle blive siddende. Aldrig igen hilste de tolv på deres Mester ved at rejse sig når han nærmede sig dem. De så, at han ikke kunne lide sådanne ydre hædersbevisninger.		157:4.3 (1747.1) They were all seated in the garden at just about noon when the Master appeared. They wore expressions of dignified solemnity, and all arose to their feet as he approached them. Jesus relieved the tension by that friendly and fraternal smile which was so characteristic of him when his followers took themselves, or some happening related to themselves, too seriously. With a commanding gesture he indicated that they should be seated. Never again did the twelve greet their Master by arising when he came into their presence. They saw that he did not approve of such an outward show of respect.
157:4.4 (1747.2) Da de havde spist deres måltid, og mens de var engageret i at diskutere planerne for den kommende rundtur i Decapolis, kiggede Jesus pludselig op på dem og sagde: "Nu da en hel dag er gået, efter at I samtykkede med Simon Peters udsagn om Menneskesønnen identitet, vil jeg gerne spørge, om I stadig står ved jeres beslutning?" Da de hørte det, rejste de tolv sig op og Peter, som tog et par skridt frem mod Jesus, sagde:" Ja, Mester, det vi gør. Vi mener, at du er Søn af den levende Gud. "Peter satte sig sammen med sine brødre.		157:4.4 (1747.2) After they had partaken of their meal and were engaged in discussing plans for the forthcoming tour of the Decapolis, Jesus suddenly looked up into their faces and said: “Now that a full day has passed since you assented to Simon Peter’s declaration regarding the identity of the Son of Man, I would ask if you still hold to your decision?” On hearing this, the twelve stood upon their feet, and Simon Peter, stepping a few paces forward toward Jesus, said: “Yes, Master, we do. We believe that you are the Son of the living God.” And Peter sat down with his brethren.
157:4.5 (1747.3) Jesus sagde til de tolv, mens han stadig stod: "I er min udvalgte ambassadører, men jeg ved, at I under disse omstændigheder ikke kunne underholde denne tro som et resultat af simpel menneskelig viden. Dette er, hvad min Faders ånd har åbenbaret for jeres inderste sjæl. Og når I således fremfører denne bekendelse, i henhold til den indsigt, at min Faders ånd er i dig, giver det mig grund til at erklære, at jeg på dette grundlag vil bygge himmelrigets broderskab. På denne klippe af åndelig virkelighed, vil jeg bygge det levende tempel af åndeligt fællesskab med de evige realiteter i min Faders rige. Ingen onde kræfter og ingen syndens hærskare vil være i stand til at besejre dette den guddommelige ånds menneskelig broderskab. Og mens min Faders ånd altid vil være den guddommelige ledsager og rådgiver for alle, der kommer ind i dette åndelige fællesskabs pagt, overlader jeg nu til jer og jeres efterfølgere nøglerne til det udadgående rige - bestemmelsesretten over jordiske ting - de sociale og økonomiske aspekter af denne sammenslutning af mænd og kvinder, der er medlemmer af riget. "Igen, beordrede han dem til ikke at fortælle nogen, at han var Guds Søn.		157:4.5 (1747.3) Jesus, still standing, then said to the twelve: “You are my chosen ambassadors, but I know that, in the circumstances, you could not entertain this belief as a result of mere human knowledge. This is a revelation of the spirit of my Father to your inmost souls. And when, therefore, you make this confession by the insight of the spirit of my Father which dwells within you, I am led to declare that upon this foundation will I build the brotherhood of the kingdom of heaven. Upon this rock of spiritual reality will I build the living temple of spiritual fellowship in the eternal realities of my Father’s kingdom. All the forces of evil and the hosts of sin shall not prevail against this human fraternity of the divine spirit. And while my Father’s spirit shall ever be the divine guide and mentor of all who enter the bonds of this spirit fellowship, to you and your successors I now deliver the keys of the outward kingdom—the authority over things temporal—the social and economic features of this association of men and women as fellows of the kingdom.” And again he charged them, for the time being, that they should tell no man that he was the Son of God.
157:4.6 (1747.4) Jesus begyndte at have tillid til sine apostles loyalitet og integritet. Mesteren så for sig at en tro, der kunne udholde det som hans udvalgte repræsentanter for nylig havde gennemgået, uden tvivl også ville udholde de ildprøver, som snart forestod, og at de ville komme igennem deres tilsyneladende forlis af alle deres håb på det nye lys af en ny dispensation, og dermed kunne gå ud for at oplyse verden i mørke. Denne dag begyndte Mesterens tillid til sine apostles tro, undtagen i en af dem.		157:4.6 (1747.4) Jesus was beginning to have faith in the loyalty and integrity of his apostles. The Master conceived that a faith which could stand what his chosen representatives had recently passed through would undoubtedly endure the fiery trials which were just ahead and emerge from the apparent wreckage of all their hopes into the new light of a new dispensation and thereby be able to go forth to enlighten a world sitting in darkness. On this day the Master began to believe in the faith of his apostles, save one.
157:4.7 (1747.5) Lige siden den dag har denne samme Jesus fortsat med at bygge dette levende tempel på samme evige grundlag, som hans guddommelige sønskab udgør, og dem, der derved blive bevidste Guds sønner er de menneskelige sten, der danner dette sønskabets levende tempel, som opføres i ærbødighed og til ære for visdommen og kærligheden hos åndernes evige Fader.		157:4.7 (1747.5) And ever since that day this same Jesus has been building that living temple upon that same eternal foundation of his divine sonship, and those who thereby become self-conscious sons of God are the human stones which constitute this living temple of sonship erecting to the glory and honor of the wisdom and love of the eternal Father of spirits.
157:4.8 (1747.6) Da Jesus havde sagt dette, bad han de tolv om at gå op i bjergene og alene for at søge visdom, styrke og åndelig vejledning, indtil tidspunktet for aftensmaden. De gjorde, som Mesteren havde opfordret dem.		157:4.8 (1747.6) And when Jesus had thus spoken, he directed the twelve to go apart by themselves in the hills to seek wisdom, strength, and spiritual guidance until the time of the evening meal. And they did as the Master admonished them.
5. Den nye opfattelse ^top		5. The New Concept ^top
157:5.1 (1748.1) Det nye og afgørende element i Peters bekendelse var den markant erkendelse, at Jesus var Guds søn, hans ubestridte guddommelighed. Lige siden hans dåb og brylluppet i Kana havde disse apostle på forskellige måder betragtet ham som Messias, men det var ikke en del af den jødiske opfattelse om Messias, at han ville være guddommelig. Jøderne ikke havde lært at Messias ville have en guddommelig stamtavle; han ville være den "salvede", men næppe havde de forestillet sig, at han ville være "Guds Søn". I den anden tilståelse blev der lagt mere vægt på den kombinerede natur, det overjordiske faktum, at han var en Menneskesøn og en Guds søn, og det var netop på denne store sandhed om foreningen af den menneskelige natur og guddommelige natur, at Jesus erklærede at han ville bygge himmelriget.		157:5.1 (1748.1) The new and vital feature of Peter’s confession was the clear-cut recognition that Jesus was the Son of God, of his unquestioned divinity. Ever since his baptism and the wedding at Cana these apostles had variously regarded him as the Messiah, but it was not a part of the Jewish concept of the national deliverer that he should be divine. The Jews had not taught that the Messiah would spring from divinity; he was to be the “anointed one,” but hardly had they contemplated him as being “the Son of God.” In the second confession more emphasis was placed upon the combined nature, the supernal fact that he was the Son of Man and the Son of God, and it was upon this great truth of the union of the human nature with the divine nature that Jesus declared he would build the kingdom of heaven.
157:5.2 (1748.2) Jesus havde søgt at leve sit liv på jorden og fuldføre sin overdragelses mission som Menneskesønnen. Hans tilhængere var tilbøjelig til at betragte ham som den forventede Messias. Da han vidste, at han aldrig ville kunne opfylde deres messianske forventninger, forsøgte han at ændre deres messias opfattelse så det ville være muligt for ham delvist at opfylde deres forventninger. Men han indså nu, at en sådan plan næppe kunne gennemføres med succes. Han valgte derfor dristigt at afsløre den tredje plan - åbent at annoncere sin guddommelighed, erkende, at Peters bekendelse var sandfærdig og direkte proklamere til de tolv, at han var Guds Søn.		157:5.2 (1748.2) Jesus had sought to live his life on earth and complete his bestowal mission as the Son of Man. His followers were disposed to regard him as the expected Messiah. Knowing that he could never fulfill their Messianic expectations, he endeavored to effect such a modification of their concept of the Messiah as would enable him partially to meet their expectations. But he now recognized that such a plan could hardly be carried through successfully. He therefore elected boldly to disclose the third plan—openly to announce his divinity, acknowledge the truthfulness of Peter’s confession, and directly proclaim to the twelve that he was a Son of God.
157:5.3 (1748.3) I tre år havde Jesus erklærede, at han var "Menneskesønnen", mens apostlene i de samme tre år i stigende grad havde insisteret på, at han var jøderne eftertragtede Messias. Han afslørede nu, at han var Guds Søn, og på begrebet om den kombinerede natur af Menneskesønnen og Guds søn besluttede han at bygge himmelriget. Han havde besluttet at afstå fra yderligere indsats for at overbevise dem om, at han ikke var Messias. Han ville nu frimodigt åbenbare for dem, hvad han er, og derefter ignorere deres bestemte insisteren på at betragte ham som Messias.		157:5.3 (1748.3) For three years Jesus had been proclaiming that he was the “Son of Man,” while for these same three years the apostles had been increasingly insistent that he was the expected Jewish Messiah. He now disclosed that he was the Son of God, and upon the concept of the combined nature of the Son of Man and the Son of God, he determined to build the kingdom of heaven. He had decided to refrain from further efforts to convince them that he was not the Messiah. He now proposed boldly to reveal to them what he is, and then to ignore their determination to persist in regarding him as the Messiah.
6. Den følgende eftermiddag ^top		6. The Next Afternoon ^top
157:6.1 (1748.4) Jesus og apostlene opholdt sig en dag mere i Celsus hjem, mens de ventede på at budbringeren ville ankomme med penge fra David Zebedæus. Efter at Jesu popularitet med masserne var kraftig faldende blev også indtægterne betydeligt reduceret. Da de kom til Cæsarea Filippi var kassen tom. Mattæus var tilbageholdne med at forlade Jesus og hans brødre på et sådant tidspunkt, og han havde ingen egne penge til at udlevere til Judas, som han så mange gange før havde gjort. David Zebedæus havde dog forudsagt, at omsætningen sandsynligvis ville falde, og dermed havde han instrueret sine budbringere, at de på deres rejser gennem Judæa, Samaria og Galilæa skulle indsamle penge for at blive videresendt til de landflygtige apostle og deres Mester. Så disse budbringere ankom hen imod aften, denne dag fra Betsaida og bragte tilstrækkelig med penge til at holde apostlene indtil deres tilbagevenden for at gå i gang med turen i Decapolis. Mattæus forventede, at på det tidspunkt at have penge fra salg af sin sidste ejendom i Kapernaum, og han havde arrangeret for pengene til anonymt overgivelse til Judas.		157:6.1 (1748.4) Jesus and the apostles remained another day at the home of Celsus, waiting for messengers to arrive from David Zebedee with funds. Following the collapse of the popularity of Jesus with the masses there occurred a great falling off in revenue. When they reached Caesarea-Philippi, the treasury was empty. Matthew was loath to leave Jesus and his brethren at such a time, and he had no ready funds of his own to hand over to Judas as he had so many times done in the past. However, David Zebedee had foreseen this probable diminution of revenue and had accordingly instructed his messengers that, as they made their way through Judea, Samaria, and Galilee, they should act as collectors of money to be forwarded to the exiled apostles and their Master. And so, by evening of this day, these messengers arrived from Bethsaida bringing funds sufficient to sustain the apostles until their return to embark upon the Decapolis tour. Matthew expected to have money from the sale of his last piece of property in Capernaum by that time, having arranged that these funds should be anonymously turned over to Judas.
157:6.2 (1749.1) Hverken Peter eller de andre apostle havde en særlig reel idé om Jesu guddommelighed. De indså næppe, at dette var begyndelsen på en ny æra i Mesterens jordiske karriere, det tidspunkt, hvor læreren og helbrederen ville blive til det nye koncept for Messias - til Guds søn. Fra dette tidspunkt viste der sig en ny tone i Mesterens budskab. Fremover var hans eneste livsideal at åbenbare Faderen mens hans eneste store undervisningsidé var, at præsentere for hans univers personificeringen af den højeste visdom, som kun kan forstås ved at leve den. Han kom, for at vi alle må have liv, liv i overflod.		157:6.2 (1749.1) Neither Peter nor the other apostles had a very adequate conception of Jesus’ divinity. They little realized that this was the beginning of a new epoch in their Master’s career on earth, the time when the teacher-healer was becoming the newly conceived Messiah—the Son of God. From this time on a new note appeared in the Master’s message. Henceforth his one ideal of living was the revelation of the Father, while his one idea in teaching was to present to his universe the personification of that supreme wisdom which can only be comprehended by living it. He came that we all might have life and have it more abundantly.
157:6.3 (1749.2) Jesus trådte nu ind i sin fjerde og sidste etape af hans menneskelige liv i kødet. Den første etape var hans barndom, de år, hvor han kun var svagt bevidst om sin oprindelse, natur, og skæbne som menneske. Den anden fase omfattede ungdommens og de stigende manddoms års stadig større selvbevidsthed, hvor han klart begyndte at forstå sin guddommelige natur og menneskelig mission. Denne anden etape sluttede med erfaringerne og åbenbarelserne forbundet med hans dåb. Tredje fase af Mesterens jordiske erfaring strakte sig fra hans dåb gennem årene af hans virke som lærer og helbreder, frem til dette betydningsfulde øjeblik, hvor Peter får sin bekendelse i Cæsarea Filippi. Denne tredje periode af sit jordiske liv omfattede de tidspunkter, hvor hans apostle og umiddelbare tilhængere kendte ham som Menneskesønnen og betragtede ham som Messias. Den fjerde og sidste periode af hans jordiske livskarriere begyndte her i Cæsarea Filippi og strækker sig frem til korsfæstelsen. Denne fase af hans virke var præget af, at han erkendte sin guddommelighed og omfattede hans arbejde i det sidste år i kødet. Selv om de fleste af hans tilhængere stadig betragtede ham som Messias, var han i fjerde periode kendt af apostlene som Guds Søn. Peters bekendelse angivet begyndelsen på en ny periode, af en mere fuldstændig realisering af sandheden om hans højeste arbejde som en overdragelse Søn på Urantia, og for et helt univers og anerkendelse af denne omstændighed, i det mindste dunkelt af hans udvalgte ambassadører.		157:6.3 (1749.2) Jesus now entered upon the fourth and last stage of his human life in the flesh. The first stage was that of his childhood, the years when he was only dimly conscious of his origin, nature, and destiny as a human being. The second stage was the increasingly self-conscious years of youth and advancing manhood, during which he came more clearly to comprehend his divine nature and human mission. This second stage ended with the experiences and revelations associated with his baptism. The third stage of the Master’s earth experience extended from the baptism through the years of his ministry as teacher and healer and up to this momentous hour of Peter’s confession at Caesarea-Philippi. This third period of his earth life embraced the times when his apostles and his immediate followers knew him as the Son of Man and regarded him as the Messiah. The fourth and last period of his earth career began here at Caesarea-Philippi and extended on to the crucifixion. This stage of his ministry was characterized by his acknowledgment of divinity and embraced the labors of his last year in the flesh. During the fourth period, while the majority of his followers still regarded him as the Messiah, he became known to the apostles as the Son of God. Peter’s confession marked the beginning of the new period of the more complete realization of the truth of his supreme ministry as a bestowal Son on Urantia and for an entire universe, and the recognition of that fact, at least hazily, by his chosen ambassadors.
157:6.4 (1749.3) Således eksemplificerede Jesus i sit liv, hvad han underviste i sin religion: den åndelige naturens vækst med hjælp af et levende fremskridt. Han understregede ikke, som hans senere tilhængere, den konstante kamp mellem sjælen og kroppen. Snarere lærte han, at ånden let sejrede over begge og effektiv kunne forlige meget af denne intellektuelle og instinktive krigsførelse.		157:6.4 (1749.3) Thus did Jesus exemplify in his life what he taught in his religion: the growth of the spiritual nature by the technique of living progress. He did not place emphasis, as did his later followers, upon the incessant struggle between the soul and the body. He rather taught that the spirit was easy victor over both and effective in the profitable reconciliation of much of this intellectual and instinctual warfare.
157:6.5 (1749.4) En ny betydning tillægger sig fra dette tidspunkt til al Jesu lære. Før Cæsarea Filippi præsenterede han rigets evangelium som dets hovedlære. Efter Cæsarea Filippi fremtrådte han ikke kun som en lærer, men som den guddommelige repræsentant for den evige Fader, som er dette åndelige riges centrum og omkreds, og det blev nødvendigt, at han gjorde alt dette som et menneske, som Menneskesønnen.		157:6.5 (1749.4) A new significance attaches to all of Jesus’ teachings from this point on. Before Caesarea-Philippi he presented the gospel of the kingdom as its master teacher. After Caesarea-Philippi he appeared not merely as a teacher but as the divine representative of the eternal Father, who is the center and circumference of this spiritual kingdom, and it was required that he do all this as a human being, the Son of Man.
157:6.6 (1749.5) Jesus havde inderligt bestræbt sig på at føre sine tilhængere ind i det åndelige rige, først som lærer og derefter som lærer og helbreder, men de ville ikke have det sådan. Han vidste godt, at hans jordiske mission umuligt kunne opfylde de messianske forventninger hos det jødiske folk; de gamle profeter havde skabt billedet af en sådan Messias, som han aldrig kunne være. Han forsøgte at etablere Faderens rige som Menneskesønnen, men hans tilhængere ønskede ikke at deltage i dette eventyr. Da Jesus så dette, besluttede han at møde sine troende på en del af vejen og forberedte sig derefter til åbent at påtage sig rollen som Guds overdragelse Søn.		157:6.6 (1749.5) Jesus had sincerely endeavored to lead his followers into the spiritual kingdom as a teacher, then as a teacher-healer, but they would not have it so. He well knew that his earth mission could not possibly fulfill the Messianic expectations of the Jewish people; the olden prophets had portrayed a Messiah which he could never be. He sought to establish the Father’s kingdom as the Son of Man, but his followers would not go forward in the adventure. Jesus, seeing this, then elected to meet his believers part way and in so doing prepared openly to assume the role of the bestowal Son of God.
157:6.7 (1750.1) Derfor hørte apostlene meget, der var nyt, da Jesus denne dag talte til dem i haven. Nogle af disse erklæringer virkede bemærkelsesværdigt selv i deres ører. Blandt mange forbløffende udsagn som de fik at høre, er følgende:		157:6.7 (1750.1) Accordingly, the apostles heard much that was new as Jesus talked to them this day in the garden. And some of these pronouncements sounded strange even to them. Among other startling announcements they listened to such as the following:
157:6.8 (1750.2) "Herefter, hvis nogen ønsker at have fællesskab med os, lad ham påtage sig sønskabets forpligtelserne og følge mig. Og når jeg ikke længere er med dig, tro ikke, at verden vil behandle dig bedre, end den har behandlet din Mester. Hvis du elsker mig, gør dig klar til at bevise denne hengivenhed ved din vilje til at gøre det højeste offer."		157:6.8 (1750.2) “From this time on, if any man would have fellowship with us, let him assume the obligations of sonship and follow me. And when I am no more with you, think not that the world will treat you better than it did your Master. If you love me, prepare to prove this affection by your willingness to make the supreme sacrifice.”
157:6.9 (1750.3) "Og mærk vel mine ord: Jeg er ikke kommet for at kalde de retfærdige, men syndere. Menneskesønnen kom ikke for at blive betjent, men for at tjene og give sit liv som en gave til alle. Jeg siger jer, at jeg er kommet for at søge og frelse dem, som er fortabt."		157:6.9 (1750.3) “And mark well my words: I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. The Son of Man came not to be ministered to, but to minister and to bestow his life as the gift for all. I declare to you that I have come to seek and to save those who are lost.”
157:6.10 (1750.4) "Ingen i denne verden ser nu Faderen undtagen Sønnen, der kom fra Faderen. Men hvis Sønnen blive løftet op, vil han drage alle mennesker til sig, og til enhver, som tror denne sandhed om Sønnens sammensatte natur skal udstyres med liv, som er mere end tids blivende."		157:6.10 (1750.4) “No man in this world now sees the Father except the Son who came forth from the Father. But if the Son be lifted up, he will draw all men to himself, and whosoever believes this truth of the combined nature of the Son shall be endowed with life that is more than age-abiding.”
157:6.11 (1750.5) "Vi kan endnu ikke proklamere åbent, at Menneskesønnen er Guds Søn, selv om det er blevet åbenbaret for jer; derfor taler jeg uforbeholdent til jer om disse mysterier. Selvom jeg står foran jer i denne fysiske form, er jeg kommet fra Gud Fader. Før Abraham var, er jeg. Jeg kom virkelig fra Faderen ind i denne verden, som I har kendt mig, og jeg erklærer, at jeg snart skal forlade denne verden og vende tilbage til min Faders arbejde."		157:6.11 (1750.5) “We may not yet proclaim openly that the Son of Man is the Son of God, but it has been revealed to you; wherefore do I speak boldly to you concerning these mysteries. Though I stand before you in this physical presence, I came forth from God the Father. Before Abraham was, I am. I did come forth from the Father into this world as you have known me, and I declare to you that I must presently leave this world and return to the work of my Father.”
157:6.12 (1750.6) "Og kan jeres tro nu forstå sandheden i disse udtalelser, i betragtning af at jeg advarede dig, at Menneskesønnen ikke vil opfylde jeres fædre forventninger, således som de forestiller sig Messias? Mit rige er ikke af denne verden. Kan du tro på sandheden om mig, at uanset at ræve har huler, og himlens fugle har reder, har jeg ikke noget sted at hvile mit hoved?"		157:6.12 (1750.6) “And now can your faith comprehend the truth of these declarations in the face of my warning you that the Son of Man will not meet the expectations of your fathers as they conceived the Messiah? My kingdom is not of this world. Can you believe the truth about me in the face of the fact that, though the foxes have holes and the birds of heaven have nests, I have not where to lay my head?”
157:6.13 (1750.7) "På trods af alt vil jeg sige til jer, at Faderen og jeg er ét. Enhver, der har set mig, har set Faderen. Min Fader arbejder med mig i alle disse anliggender, og han vil aldrig forlade mig alene i min mission, og ligesom jeg aldrig vil svigte dig, når du om kort tid gå ud for at forkynde evangeliet i hele verden.		157:6.13 (1750.7) “Nevertheless, I tell you that the Father and I are one. He who has seen me has seen the Father. My Father is working with me in all these things, and he will never leave me alone in my mission, even as I will never forsake you when you presently go forth to proclaim this gospel throughout the world.
157:6.14 (1750.8) "Og nu har jeg taget jer afsides med mig og for jer selv en lille stund, så i kan forstå den herlighed og forstå storheden af det liv, som jeg har kaldt jer til: troseventyret for at etablere min Faders rige i menneskehedens hjerter, opbyggelse af min fællesskab af levende forening med sjælene af alle dem, som tror dette evangelium."		157:6.14 (1750.8) “And now have I brought you apart with me and by yourselves for a little while that you may comprehend the glory, and grasp the grandeur, of the life to which I have called you: the faith-adventure of the establishment of my Father’s kingdom in the hearts of mankind, the building of my fellowship of living association with the souls of all who believe this gospel.”
157:6.15 (1750.9) Apostlene lyttede i tavshed til disse dristige og sensationelle udsagn; de blev forbløffet. Og de spredte sig i små grupper for at diskutere og overveje mesterens ord. De havde tilstået, at han var Guds Søn, men de kunne ikke forstå den fulde betydning af, hvad de var blevet ført til at gøre.		157:6.15 (1750.9) The apostles listened to these bold and startling statements in silence; they were stunned. And they dispersed in small groups to discuss and ponder the Master’s words. They had confessed that he was the Son of God, but they could not grasp the full meaning of what they had been led to do.
7. Andreas konference ^top		7. Andrew’s Conference ^top
157:7.1 (1750.10) Denne aften påtog Andreas sig opgaven med at holde en personlig og indgående konference med hver af sine brødre, og han førte frugtbare og opmuntrende samtaler med alle hans medarbejdere undtagen Judas Iskariot. Andreas havde aldrig haft sådan en tæt personligt forhold til Judas som til de andre apostle, og derfor havde han aldrig tænkt at det var af reel betydning, at Judas ikke frit og fortroligt havde relateret til lederen af det apostolske korps. Men nu var Andreas så bekymret for Judas holdning, at han senere på natten efter at alle apostlene sov dybt, opsøgte Jesus og erklærede grunden til sin bekymring for Mesteren. Jesus sagde: "Der er intet galt i, at du kommer til mig med denne sag, Andreas, men vi kan ikke gøre mere; bare fortsætte med at vise denne apostel den største tillid. Og sig ikke noget til hans brødre vedrørende denne snak med mig."		157:7.1 (1750.10) That evening Andrew took it upon himself to hold a personal and searching conference with each of his brethren, and he had profitable and heartening talks with all of his associates except Judas Iscariot. Andrew had never enjoyed such intimate personal association with Judas as with the other apostles and therefore had not thought it of serious account that Judas never had freely and confidentially related himself to the head of the apostolic corps. But Andrew was now so worried by Judas’s attitude that, later on that night, after all the apostles were fast asleep, he sought out Jesus and presented his cause for anxiety to the Master. Said Jesus: “It is not amiss, Andrew, that you have come to me with this matter, but there is nothing more that we can do; only go on placing the utmost confidence in this apostle. And say nothing to his brethren concerning this talk with me.”
157:7.2 (1751.1) Det var alt Andreas kunne få Jesus til at sige. Altid havde der været noget mærkværdige mellem denne mand fra Judæa og hans brødre fra Galilæa. Judas var blevet chokeret over Johannes Døberens død, dybt såret af Mesterens irettesættelser ved flere lejligheder, skuffet, da Jesus nægtede at blive udråbt til konge, ydmyget, da han flygtede fra farisæerne, irriteret, når han nægtede at vedtage farisæerne udfordring for et tegn, forvirret af hans Mesters afvisning af at ty til demonstrationer af magt, og nu for nylig, deprimeret og til tider modløs af at kassen var tom. Judas savnede også stimulus fra folkemasserne.		157:7.2 (1751.1) And that was all Andrew could elicit from Jesus. Always had there been some strangeness between this Judean and his Galilean brethren. Judas had been shocked by the death of John the Baptist, severely hurt by the Master’s rebukes on several occasions, disappointed when Jesus refused to be made king, humiliated when he fled from the Pharisees, chagrined when he refused to accept the challenge of the Pharisees for a sign, bewildered by the refusal of his Master to resort to manifestations of power, and now, more recently, depressed and sometimes dejected by an empty treasury. And Judas missed the stimulus of the multitudes.
157:7.3 (1751.2) Hver og en af de øvrige apostle var også påvirket ligeledes i nogen grad af disse selvsamme prøvelser og bedrøvelse men de elskede Jesus. I det mindste må de have elsket Jesus mere end Judas gjorde, for de fulgte ham til den bitre ende.		157:7.3 (1751.2) Each of the other apostles was, in some and varying measure, likewise affected by these selfsame trials and tribulations, but they loved Jesus. At least they must have loved the Master more than did Judas, for they went through with him to the bitter end.
157:7.4 (1751.3) Da Judas var fra Judæa, blev han personligt fornærmet over, at Jesus netop havde advaret apostlene til at "passe på farisæernes surdej"; han var tilbøjelig til at se denne erklæring som en skjult reference til sig selv. Men Judas store fejl var, at i stedet for at hengive sig i oprigtigt fællesskab med de åndelige kræfter i universet, når Jesus sendte sine apostle ud for at bede særskilt, hengav han sig igen og igen til tanker om menneskets frygt, mens han fortsatte i at opretholde en subtil tvivl om Jesus mission og gav efter for hans uheldige tendens til følelser af hævn.		157:7.4 (1751.3) Being from Judea, Judas took personal offense at Jesus’ recent warning to the apostles to “beware the leaven of the Pharisees”; he was disposed to regard this statement as a veiled reference to himself. But the great mistake of Judas was: Time and again, when Jesus would send his apostles off by themselves to pray, Judas, instead of engaging in sincere communion with the spiritual forces of the universe, indulged in thoughts of human fear while he persisted in the entertainment of subtle doubts about the mission of Jesus as well as giving in to his unfortunate tendency to harbor feelings of revenge.
157:7.5 (1751.4) Nu ville Jesus tage sine apostle med sig til Hermonbjerget, hvor han havde besluttet sig for, som Guds Søn at begynde den fjerde fase af sin jordiske tjeneste. Nogle af dem havde været til stede ved hans dåb i Jordan og havde været vidne til begyndelsen af hans karriere som Menneskesønnen, og han ønskede at nogle af dem også ville være til stede for at høre, når han fik myndighed til at påtage sig den nye og offentlige rolle som en Guds søn. Derfor sagde han fredag morgen den 12. august til de tolv: "Bring forsyninger og gør jer klar til en tur til bjerget derovre, hvor ånden byder mig at gå for at blive udstyret til færdiggørelsen af mit arbejde på jorden. Og jeg ønsker at tage mine brødre med mig, så de kan blive styrket i de svære tider for at gå igennem denne oplevelse med mig.”		157:7.5 (1751.4) And now Jesus would take his apostles along with him to Mount Hermon, where he had appointed to inaugurate his fourth phase of earth ministry as the Son of God. Some of them were present at his baptism in the Jordan and had witnessed the beginning of his career as the Son of Man, and he desired that some of them should also be present to hear his authority for the assumption of the new and public role of a Son of God. Accordingly, on the morning of Friday, August 12, Jesus said to the twelve: “Lay in provisions and prepare yourselves for a journey to yonder mountain, where the spirit bids me go to be endowed for the finish of my work on earth. And I would take my brethren along that they may also be strengthened for the trying times of going with me through this experience.”