Part 6
LIII. Raising the Daughter of Jarius and a Bleeding Woman
(Mt 9:18-26; Mk 5:21-43; Lk 8:40-56)
LIV. Second Rejection at Nazareth (Mt 13:54-58; Mk 6:1-6a)
LV. Two Blind and One Dumb (Mt 9:27-35; Mk 6:6b)
LVI. The Sending of the Twelve (Mt 9:36-10:16; 10:23-11:1;
Mk 6:7-13; Lk 9:1-6)
LVII. The Death of John the Baptist (Mt 14:1-12; Mk 6:14-29;
Lk 9:7-9)
LVIII. Feeding Five Thousand (Mt 14:13-23; Mk 6:30-46;
Lk 9:10-17; Jn 6:1-16)
LIX. Jesus Walking on Water (Mt 14:24-36; Mk 6:47-56;
John 6:17-21)
LX. The Bread of Life (Jn 6:22-71)
LXI. Eating with Unwashed Hands (Mt 15:1-20; Mk 7:1-23)
LIII. Raising the Daughter of Jarius and a Bleeding Woman (Mt 9:18-26;
Mk 5:21-43; Lk 8:40-56)
Now when Jesus had crossed back over again unto the other
side of the sea in the boat unto Galilee, as he returned, a great multitude
was gathered unto him and welcomed him; for as he was near the shore,
they were all waiting for him. And behold, there came one man named Jarius,
one of the rulers of the synagogue; and seeing Jesus, he fell down at his
feet and worshipped him, and besought him much to come unto his house; for
he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, and she was dying. He
beseeched him saying, "My little daughter is barely hanging on, but if
you come and lay hands on her, she may be preserved or saved and cured,
healed or restored to health, and she will surely live." And Jesus arose
and went with him, and so followed his disciples; but as he went, the great
multitude followed him also, and thronged him.
And behold, there was a woman who had an issue of blood for
nearly twelve years, who had suffered many things, and had spent all
of her livelihood upon physicians. She could not be healed of anything,
and she was not improving but rather growing worse. She, having heard
things concerning Jesus, came up in the crowd from behind him, and touched
the fringe of his garment, and immediately her bleeding stopped, and she
felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. For she said within
herself, "If I only but touch his garment, I will be healed, cured, and
restored to health." And immediately Jesus, perceiving in himself that power
had gone forth from him, turned about in the crowd and said, "Who is it
that touched my garments?" And when all denied it, Peter and the disciples
that were with him said, "Master. You see that the multitudes are thronging,
pressing and crushing upon you, and you ask, "Who touched me?"" But Jesus
said, "Someone touched me: for I perceived power emanating from me." And
he looked round about to see the one that had done this thing. And when
the woman, understanding what had been done unto her, saw that she could
not hide, she came fearing and trembling and fell down before him and declared
in the presence of all the people for what cause she touched him, and told
him all the truth, how she was healed immediately. And Jesus, looking upon
her, said unto her, "Be of good cheer, daughter, your faith, firm persuasion,
assurance and firm conviction has presently made you well with certainty;
be going in peace, and exist hale or be sound from your scourge of disease."
And the woman remained whole from that time on.
While he was yet speaking, there came someone from the ruler
of the synagogue's home, saying, "Your daughter has died. Trouble not
the Teacher any further." But Jesus, overhearing it, heeded not the words
which were spoken, but said unto the ruler of the synagogue, "Fear not:
be only mentally persuaded - believing - and she will be preserved and
restored to health." And he allowed none to follow and enter in with
him, save Peter, and James, and John, the brother of James, the father
of the maiden, and her mother. And when they came unto the house of the
ruler of the synagogue, Jesus beheld the flute-players and the crowd causing
a commotion and all were weeping and bewailing her much. And when Jesus
was entered in he said, "Why be lamenting and weeping? Cease weeping for
the child. She has not died; but she is presently sleeping." And they
derided him and jeered at him, knowing that the girl was dead. But he said,
"Get out!" And having put all the crowd forth, he took the father of the
child, and her mother, and they that were with him, and went in where the
child was. And Jesus, taking the child by the hand, said unto her, "Talitha
koumi;" which is translated: "Child, I say unto you, awaken and arise."
And her spirit returned, and immediately the girl rose up and walked; for
she was twelve years old. And her parents and they that were with him were
instantly amazed with great amazement. And he ordered that food be given
her to eat; and he greatly charged them that no man should know or tell
of what had been done there; but word of this incident went forth into all
that land.
LIV. Second Rejection at Nazareth (Mt 13:54-58; Mk 6:1-6a)
And Jesus then went out from there and came into his native
territory, and his disciples followed with him. And when the sabbath occurred,
he began to teach those in the synagogue insomuch that many of those hearing
him were astonished and astounded, even saying, "What are these things?
From where has this man gotten his wisdom; and what gives him the ability
to do works of power such as these wrought by his hands? Is not this the
carpenter, son of Joseph? Is he not son of his mother called Mary? Is
he not the brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? Are not
all his sisters here with us also?" [There is no such thing as perpetual
virginity regarding Mary.] And in them were excited feelings of repugnance
and they became offended by him; but Jesus said unto them anyway, "A prophet
is not without honor save or except in his own native land, and among his
own relatives or kin, and in his own home." And he could not do many mighty
works there because of their unbelief, save that he laid his hands upon
a few sick folk and healed them; but he marvelled at their unbelief.
LV. Two Blind and One Dumb (Mt 9:27-35; Mk 6:6b)
Now as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed
after him, crying out and saying, "Son of David, have mercy, pity and
compassion on us." And when he had gone into a house, the blind men
came near unto him: and Jesus said unto them, "Are you mentally persuaded,
believing that I am intrinsically and absolutely able to do this?" And
they said unto him, "Yes, truly, Lord." Then he touched their eyes, saying,
"According and in proportion to the extent of your faith, belief or
firm persuasion, let it be done unto you." And their eyes were opened.
And Jesus sternly charged them, saying, "See to it that no one discovers
or finds this out." But going out they broadcast abroad concerning him
throughout the whole land.
As Jesus went forth from there with his disciples, a crowd
gathered, and behold, there was brought unto him a demon possessed man
who could not speak. And when the demon was cast out, the man who was
dumb spoke, and the crowd marvelled, saying, "Such a thing has never
been seen in Israel!" But the Pharisees said, "By the Prince of the devils
he casts out the devils." But despite this, Jesus went round about all
the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the
Good News of the kingdom unto all the crowds that followed him, while
healing all manner of disease, and all manner of sickness among the people.
LVI. The Sending of the Twelve (Mt 9:36-10:16; 10:23-11:1; Mk 6:7-13;
Lk 9:1-6)
Now when Jesus observed the crowds around him, he was moved
with compassion towards them, because they were weary, distressed and
scattered, like sheep not having a shepherd. Then he said unto all
his disciples, "The harvest from the Gospel is great indeed, but the harvesting
laborers scant or few. Consequently or therefore, you all being in
need, petition or request the Lord of the harvest so that he might compellingly
send forth such laborers into his harvest." Then he called together unto
himself his twelve previously chosen disciples, and began to send them
out two by two as apostles; and he gave them authority over all devils,
demons and unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure all manner of
disease, and to heal all manner of sickness. And the names of these twelve
apostles were Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James
the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas,
and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon
the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who also handed Jesus over. These twelve
Jesus sent forth as apostles, to proclaim the kingdom of God, and to heal
the sick: and he charged them all saying, "You may not go forth into the
region or territory of the heathen or Gentiles, or other nations, and you
may not enter a city of Samaritans; but go rather unto the lost, stray
sheep of the house of Israel. And traveling on your way, you all proclaim
openly and publicly, saying that the kingdom of the heavens has approached
and is here [for where the King is, there is the kingdom]. Heal the infirm;
cleanse the leprous; raise the dead; cast out demons. Freely and gratuitously
you all have received, so freely and gratuitously give."
And he further charged them, saying, "Take nothing for your
journey, neither sticks, nor bag, nor money, nor food: for a laborer
is worthy or deserving of his sustenance. You may not get, procure or
provide gold, nor silver, nor copper in your pouches, nor a stipend-sack
for the roadway; neither is each of you to wear extra tunics, nor shoes;
but being shod with sandals carry a staff. And whatever city or village
you may enter into, search out or inquire who is equally worthy or deserving
in it; and whatsoever house you may enter into, remain or stay there
until you should leave or depart from there. Whereever you might enter
into a house, entering in, pay respect and express good wishes. And
if in fact the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it
is not worthy, let your peace return unto you. And whoever in whatever
place may not receive or accept you, or when they may not want to hear
from you or listen to your words, going forth from out of the house or
that city, shake off even the dust that is from under your feet as a testimony
against them. Truly I say unto you, it will be more tolerable for the
land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgement, than for that city.
"Behold, I dispatch or send you all out into action like as
sheep in the midst of wolves: consequently or therefore, you must assume
these characteristics: becoming prudent, discrete, wise and deliberate
as serpents; and pure, blameless, guileless and sincere as doves. Whenever
they may malignantly persue or persecute you in this city, flee into
another: for truly I say unto you, you shall in no way finish, complete
or conclude circulating the cities of Israel while soever or as long as
the Son of Man may come after you. A student or disciple is not above or
over the teacher or master, nor is a slave above his lord. It is sufficient
or enough that the student or disciple might become similar to or assume
the same character or appearance as his teacher or master, and that the
slave might become similar to or assume the same character or appearance
as his lord. Since they called, named or styled the Head of the household
or family of God "Beelzebub" or "Satan," how much more will they denigrate
those of his household or family? [The Alexandrian Text has: "they called"
3rd person plural 1st aorist active indicative; the Received Text has:
"I called" 1st person singular 1st aorist active indicative. The first
choice is more correct in this context. See appendix "A."]
"Consequently, you yourselves should not fear or dread them:
for nothing is being hidden, covered or concealed that will not be disclosed,
uncovered or revealed; and secret or clandestine which will not be made
known or discovered. What I may tell you in dark privacy, you all declare
in broad daylight; and what you are hearing in the ear, publicly proclaim
upon the rooftops. And you yourselves should not derive fear or dread
from those destroying or annihilating the body, but not being able to
annihilate or destroy the immaterial soul: but rather, you yourselves
fear the One being able to negate and utterly destroy both soul and body
in to Gehenna. Are they not selling two sparrows for a penny? And not one
among them will fall down dead upon the ground alone without your Father.
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered; therefore, you yourselves
should not fear or dread. You are all superior, excelling many sparrows
in value. All, then, whosoever will accord belief in me before or in the
presence of others, upon him also I will accord recognition, approbation
or acknowledgment before or in the presence of my Father in the heavens.
But if anyone should deny, disclaim or disown me before or in the presence
of others, him will I also deny, disclaim or disown before or in the presence
of my Father in the heavens.
"You all should not hold as settled and established the idea
that I came to send forth peace upon, over or towards the inhabitants
of the earth: I came not to send forth peace, but war! For I came to set
at variance, dissever and divide a man against his father, and a daughter
against her mother, and a bride against her mother-in-law. The enemies
or adversaries of man will be the members of his household, family and
kin. One loving, regarding with care, or having affection for, father
or mother above or more than me is not worthy or deserving of me; and one
loving, regarding with care, or having affection for, son or daughter above
or more than me is not worthy or deserving of me. And one who is not continually
taking up and bearing his or her cross of obedient self-sacrificial living
that also crucifies the carnal nature, being ready to encounter any extremity
their cross may bring, and not continually following after me in imitation,
is not worthy or deserving of me. He appropriating his life by exploiting
it for selfish gain, will waste, ruin, and utterly destroy it thus in
essence rendering it dead, void, or lost; and he negating, neutralizing
and utterly putting to death his self-life thus in essence rendering
it ineffective, inactive and inoperative for my sake, by reason of me,
or on my account, will encounter, realize and discover life through experience.
"He kindly receiving, admitting and welcoming you, is kindly
receiving, admitting and welcoming me; and he kindly receiving, admitting
and welcoming me is kindly receiving, admitting and welcoming the One
sending me forth. He kindly receiving, admitting and welcoming a divinely
commissioned, inspired spokesman or prophet in the Name of a divinely
commissioned, inspired Spokesman or Prophet will receive the reward of
a divinely commissioned, inspired spokesman or prophet; and he kindly
receiving, admitting and welcoming a fair, just, righteous man of integrity
in the Name of a fair, just, righteous Man of integrity will receive a fair,
just and equitable reward. And whoever might give to drink even the cool
contents of a cup only to one of these lowly, humble ones in the name of
a disciple, truly I say unto you, he shall in no way possible lose or be
deprived of his reward." And when Jesus had finished commanding his twelve
disciples, they all departed from there and went throughout all the cities
and villages teaching and preaching, proclaiming the Good News, and that
men should repent; and they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many
that were sick, and healed all everywhere.
LVII. The Death of John the Baptist (Mt 14:1-12; Mk 6:14-29; Lk 9:7-9)
Now, at that time, king Herod the tetrarch heard the fame of
all those things that were happening by means of Jesus, and he sought
to see him, for his name and reputation had become well known. But Herod
was also very perplexed because he had heard that it was said by some
that it is John that has been raised from the dead; and by some others
that it is Elijah that had appeared; and by even more that he is a prophet
that was risen again from among one of the ancients - or even that he is
like unto one of those prophets. And Herod fearfully said unto his servants,
"John I beheaded: so who is this about whom I hear such things? This one
must be John the Baptist whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead,
and because of this, these powerful deeds are functioning in him."
Now Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John,
and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother
Philip's wife, because he had married her, because John had said unto
Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have the wife of your brother."
And Herodias set herself against John also, and desired to kill him,
but she could not, so she waited for a convemient day to come; for Herod
feared John and kept him safe, knowing that he was a righteous and holy
man. And when he gave John audience, he was much perplexed, yet he heard
him gladly. And even when Herod would have put him to death, he feared
the multitude, because they counted John a prophet.
So when Herod's birthday came, he on that day made a feast
unto his lords, the high captains, and the chief men of Galilee; and
when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced in their midst,
she pleased Herod, and them that sat to feast with him. So he promised
with an oath to give her whatsoever she should ask. The king said to the
girl, "Ask of me whatsoever you desire, and I will give it unto you."
And he swore unto her, "Whatsoever you shall ask of me, I will give it
unto you, unto the half of my kingdom." And she went out and said unto
her mother, "What shall I ask?" And her mother said, "The head of John
the Baptizer." And she, being urged on and put forward by her mother, immediately
came in with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, "I desire that you
give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptizer." And the king
became exceedingly grieved and sorry that he did this; but for the sake
of his oaths, and of them that sat to eat with him, he would not turn down
her request. And immediately the king commanded it be given her, and that
his head be brought immediately; and he sent forth a soldier of his guard,
who went and beheaded John in the prison, and his head was brought in on
a platter, and he gave it to the girl, and the girl brought it unto her
mother. And when John's disciples heard of it, they came and took up his
corpse, and buried him by laying it in a tomb; and they went and told Jesus.
LVIII. Feeding Five Thousand (Mt 14:13-23; Mk 6:30-46; Lk 9:10-17;
Jn 6:1-16)
Now when Jesus heard about John's fate, he withdrew from there;
and the apostles he had sent out came back and gathered themselves
together unto him, and they told all, declaring unto him all things whatsoever
they had done, and whatsoever things they had taught. And he took them
and withdrew apart unto a city called Bethsaida for to be refreshed.
But the multitudes perceiving it followed him, and he welcomed them,
and spoke unto them of the kingdom of God, and them that had need of healing
he cured. And after these things he said unto his disciples, "You all
come privately apart by yourselves into a deserted place and take a little
rest." For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure nor
opportunity to so much as even eat. But a great multitude followed Jesus
unto the shore, because they beheld the signs which he did on them that
were sick; and Jesus and the twelve went away in a boat apart unto a deserted
place of Tiberius on the other side of the sea of Galilee. But when the
multitudes heard of it and saw them going, they knew, and they followed
them, running there on foot from all the surrounding cities, and the multitudes
did out-run them. And when Jesus came forth on the other side and saw,
behold, a great multitude awaited him; and he had compassion on them and
healed their sick, because they were like as unto sheep not having a shepherd:
and he began to teach the multitudes many things.
Now it was April, A.D. 29, and the feast of the Jews called
passover was at hand, coming up on the 18th, and Jesus then went up into
the nearby mountain where he was, and there he sat with his disciples.
And the day was far spent and began to fade away, for evening was come.
Jesus therefore, lifting up his eyes, and seeing that this great multitude
had come unto him, said unto Philip, "From whence will we buy food so
that these may eat?" And this he said to test him: for he within himself
knew what he was about to do. Philip answered him, "Two hundred dollars
worth of food is not sufficient enough for them, so that each of them may
receive even a little!" Then the rest of the twelve disciples, overhearing,
came unto him and they also said unto him, "Shall we be going and buy two
hundred dollars worth of food and give them to eat? We are in this deserted
place, and the time is past. It is already too late. Dismiss and send the
crowd away, so that in going away into the surrounding farms and villages,
they may lodge, and may find or obtain for themselves a supply of food or
provisions to buy and eat; for they have nothing that they can eat." But
Jesus said unto them, "They have no need to go away. You supply and give
them to eat! (He said this because the disciples had returned from their
mission bragging on all that they had been able to do.) How many loaves do
you have? Go and see." And when they found out, one of his disciples, Andrew,
Simon Peter's brother said unto him, "We have no more than that of this
one little boy here who has five barley loaves and two small fish - unless
going we might buy food for all these people - but what are these to so
many?" And Jesus said, "Bring them here unto me."
Then Jesus commanded, saying unto his disciples, "Make all
the people sit down upon the green grass in companies of about fifty each."
And they did so making them all sit down, because there was much grass
in that place; so the people sat down in ranks, by hundreds and fifties
- about five thousand men in number, along with women and children. And
Jesus therefore took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up
into heaven, he blessed them; and having given thanks, he broke and gave
the loaves unto the disciples to set before the multitude, and the two
fishes he divided among them all, and the disciples in turn gave unto the
multitude, and they did all eat and were filled. When the people had eaten
and were all filled, he said unto his disciples, "Gather up together and
collect the excess broken pieces or fragments which are left over so that
nothing may be wasted." So they gathered them up; and they filled twelve
baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves which remained left
over from them that had eaten, and also of the fishes. And they that ate
the loaves were five thousand men, besides women and children. When therefore,
the people saw the sign which he did, they said, "This truly is the Prophet
that is to be coming into the world." And Jesus had perceived in himself
that the crowds were about to come and take him by force, for to make him
king. So he immediately constrained his disciples to enter into the boat,
and to go ahead of him unto the other side into Bethsaida, while he himself
should send the multitudes away; and his disciples went down unto the sea
and entered into the boat. After Jesus had left them, and sent the crowds
away, since evening was at hand, he withdrew apart, departing up into
the mountain there alone by himself to pray.
LIX. Jesus Walking on Water (Mt 14:24-36; Mk 6:47-56; John 6:17-21)
Now when evening was come, it was now dark, and the disciples
had been blown over the sea towards Capernaum. And Jesus had not yet
come unto them, for he was alone on land, while the boat was now in the
middle of the sea. And the sea began rising by reason of the great wind
that blew, and the boat had become distressed by waves driven by the contrary
wind. When therefore they had rowed about three and a half miles, Jesus
seeing them distressed in their rowing, came unto them, walking upon the
sea, about the fourth watch of the night, and made like he would by-pass
them. But when the disciples beheld and saw Jesus walking on the sea, and
drawing near unto the boat, they were troubled and afraid, supposing that
it was an apparition. And they cried out, saying, "It is a phantom, spectre
or ghost!" And they wailed in fear; for they all saw him, and were greatly
troubled by it. But he immediately spake unto them, saying, "Be all of
good courage and cheer. It is I. Do not fear." And they were then willing,
therefore, to receive him into the boat. But Peter answered him and said,
"Lord, if it is you, command me to come out unto you upon the waters." And
Jesus said "Come." And then Peter went down from the boat, and walked upon
the waters, and came unto Jesus; but it was dark, and when he felt the strong
wind blowing upon him, and experienced the waves thrashing about him, he
became afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, "Lord! Save
me!" And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and took hold of him,
saying unto him, "O one of scant, small, weak faith. Why did you doubt,
waver or vascillate?" And when they both went up out of the water into the
boat, the wind ceased: and the disciples were exceedingly amazed beyond
measure in themselves: for they understood not concerning the loaves, for
their hearts were hardened; yet they that were in the boat worshipped him,
saying, "You are truly Son of God." Then immediately they crossed over and
came unto the land of Gennesaret, and the boat was moored to the shore.
And when they disembarked, the men of that place immediately knew him, and
they ran round about that whole region, sending into it the news of his
arrival, and they began to bring out unto Jesus all that were sick, carrying
them about on their cots unto where they heard he was. And wheresoever he
entered, whether into villages or into cities, or into the countryside,
they laid the sick in the market places, and they besought him that they
might only touch if it were the fringe of his garment: and as many as touched
it were made whole.
LX. The Bread of Life (Jn 6:22-71)
On the next day, some of the dismissed multitude was milling
about on the other side of the sea, and they perceived that there had
been no other boat there but one - that into which his disciples had
entered - and that Jesus did not enter into it with his disciples, but
that his disciples went away alone. However, there came other boats from
Tiberias near unto the place where they ate bread after the Lord had
given thanks. When therefore the multitude gathered or surmised that Jesus
was not there, neither his disciples, they themselves also got into those
boats and came unto Capernaum seeking Jesus. And when they found him on
the other side of the sea in a synagogue, they said unto him, "Rabbi, when
did you come hither so that you are presently in this place?" Jesus answered
them and said, "Most certainly I say unto you, that you are all seeking
me, not because you attained unto a true knowledge and assurance of God,
but because you all ate of the loaves of bread and were all gorged, satiated
and satisfied. Don't be performing, laboring or working for the food
that is perishing, but for the food lasting and enduring unto the extent
of life everlasting or eternal existence which the Son of Man or Messiah
will give unto you; for God the Father has distinctively marked this One,
distinguishing him with his seal, thus certifying or putting his stamp
of approval on him as invested with his character." Then they said unto
him, "What should we be doing in order that we might be accomplishing,
performing or committing the deeds, works or business of God?" Jesus answered
and said unto them, "This is the performance, process, course of action,
work or business of God: that you all should give credence, believe and
trust or faith into He whom that One sent forth and put into action."
Then they said unto him, "Then what sign are you doing, causing, effecting,
manifesting or putting into execution as indicating proof so that we
may see and perhaps believe you? What are you engaging in? Our forefathers
ate the manna in the wilderness as a sign, according as it currently
says, having been written: "He gave to them bread to eat out of heaven.""
Jesus therefore said unto them, "Most certainly I say unto you, Moses
did not supply you that bread out of heaven for to yield presently or
currently needed results; however my Father is now presently and continually
supplying, giving or providing unto all of you the real and true Bread out
of heaven; for the Bread of God is the One coming down or descending out
of heaven and giving, providing or presenting spiritual life unto the world
- the aggregate of mankind." Then they said unto him, "Lord, constantly
or continually give us this bread always and forever." And Jesus said unto
them, "I am the Bread of life. The one coming unto me shall not hunger in
spirit at all, and the one believing, faithing and trusting into me shall
in no way thirst in spirit - ever [e.g. shall not spiritually long for or
ardently desire due to a lack of spiritual resources at any time]. But
I tell you that you all have also seen and observed me and yet you all
are not believing. All that the Father is appointing, entrusting and giving
unto me will come unto me, and the one coming unto me I shall in no way
refuse as not belonging to my community. For I have come down or descended
from heaven, and as a result am here, not so that I might be doing my pleasure
or will, but the sovereign pleasure or will of the One sending me. And
this is the sovereign pleasure or will of my Father sending me: that of
all which I have of that he has appointed, entrusted and given me, I shall
lose nothing, but will raise it up from the dead on the last day. And
this is the sovereign pleasure or will of the One sending me: that everyone
coming into the experiential knowledge of the Son and giving credence,
believing and faithing or trusting into him can presently have, possess
and retain life everlasting or eternal existence, and I will raise
him up the last day."
Then the Jews were grumbling, murmering and indignantly complaining
about him in sullen discontent because he said, "I am the Bread coming
down or descending out of heaven." And they said, "Is this not Jesus,
the son of Joseph, of whom we presently know with certainty both father
and mother? How then does it happen that this one is now saying, "Out
of heaven I have come down or descended?"" Then Jesus answered and said
unto them, "Do not murmer and grumble with one another. No one is now
absolutely and intrinsically able to come unto me unless the Father
sending me can draw him, and I will raise him up the last day. It is
current, having been written in the prophets, "And they will all be taught
by God." Everyone, then, hearing from the Father, being taught and
learning, comes unto me - not that a mere mortal person has ever seen,
looked upon or beheld the Father except the One being from God - this
Person (Jesus) has seen the Father. Most certainly I say unto you, the
one believing and trusting into me is in fact currently possessing and
now enjoying everlasting life or eternal existence [of the soul, and eventually
union with the resurrection body on the last day]. [See: I Corinthians
chapter 15.] I am the Bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the
wilderness and yet experienced death (the end of life and separation
from God). This (Jesus) is the Bread coming down or descending out of
heaven, for the purpose - in order that a person might eat of it and might
not die the death [e.g. experiencing final condemnation to hell, eternal
misery, and eternal separation from God]. I am the specifically designated
living Bread coming down or descending from heaven. If a person should
eat of this Bread, he will live unto the extent or duration of eternity.
And, in fact, the Bread which I will give is my flesh, which I will vicariously
give over and above in behalf of the needed spiritual life of the world
- the aggregate of mankind." [Spiritual life ("dzoe") is deliverance from
the proper penalty of being a sinner, which is eternal spiritual death
("thanatos") - the forfeiture of salvation and retention of eternal separation
from God in hell.]
Therefore the Jews were arguing, contending and disputing
with one another, saying, "How is this one absolutely and intrinsically
able to give us his flesh to eat?" Then Jesus said unto them, "Most
certainly I say unto you, Unless you should eat the flesh of the Son
of Man or Messiah, and you should drink his blood, you are not having
or possessing eternal life in yourselves. The one eating or consuming
my flesh and drinking my blood is in fact currently possessing and now
enjoying everlasting life or eternal existence, and I will raise him up
the last day; for my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. The
one eating or consuming my flesh and drinking my blood is in close and
settled union with me - abiding in me, and I in him.[Ingestion and swallowing
exhibits or demonstrates appropriation and commitment, thus today we partake
of the Lord's supper or table.] In the same manner that the living Father
sent me forth into action, and I am living by way and means of the Father,
so also the one eating or consuming me, that one also will live by way
and means of me and participate in the results thereof. This is the Bread
coming down or descending out of heaven - not in the manner that your
fathers ate of the manna and yet experienced temporal death with separation
from God - the one eating or consuming this Bread will live unto the extent
or duration of eternity." These things he said while teaching in a synagogue
in Capernaum.
Consequently, after hearing this, many of his disciples said,
"This talk, doctrine or subject matter is repulsive, offensive, and
grating to the mind. Who is currently able to mentally admit or take
it in, listen, hear, heed, obey or understand it?" But Jesus, knowing
in himself that his disciples were grumbling, murmering and indignantly
complaining about this in sullen discontent, he said unto them, "Is this
offending your sensibilities with feelings of repugnance?" What if you
then witness the Son of Man or Messiah ascending or going up unto where
he formerly was before? It is the Spirit that makes alive or quickens with
salvific life. The flesh is not profiting, benefiting or helping anyone.
The doctrines, words, declarations and things which I am speaking, announcing
and disclosing unto you are spirit and are life, but there are some out
of you who are not believing." For Jesus knew absolutely from the start
those who were not mentally persuaded or believing, and also who would
be handing him over. Therefore he said, "With a view to this, I told you
that no one is able to come unto me unless it has been permitted, allowed,
granted or given unto him from my Father."
After this many of his disciples abandoned him and went away,
returning unto their former occupations, no longer following, accompanying,
walking or associating with him. Therefore Jesus said unto the twelve,
"Are you not also inclined, disposed or intending to depart, leave or
go away?" Then Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, unto whom will we go?
You are holding and furnishing the doctrines of eternal existence or everlasting
life; and we have believed with the present result that we still faith
and trust, and we have known with the present result that we are assured
that you are the Christ - Messiah - the Son of the living God." Then Jesus
answered them, "Have I not chosen or selected the twelve of you as recipients
of special favour and privelege, myself participating in the results of
this action, and one of you is a traitor and treacherous informer?" And
he spoke of Judas Iscariot son of Simon; for being one of the twelve,
this one was about to hand him over.
LXI. Eating with Unwashed Hands (Mt 15:1-20; Mk 7:1-23)
And then there approached and were assembled together unto
Jesus some Pharisees and certain of the scribes which had come from Jerusalem.
And they had seen that some of his disciples had eaten their bread with
defiled - that is unwashed - hands; and they discontentedly censured
and blamed, finding fault. For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not
eat unless they first diligently wash their hands with the fist up to
the elbows, holding to the tradition of the elders. And coming straight
from the marketplace even, they do not eat unless they wash themselves.
And there are many other things which they have accepted to observe: the
washing of cups, pots, utensils, brazen vessels, and even couches.
So the Pharisees and the scribes questioned him, "Why are
your disciples not living according to the ancestral tradition, but transgressing
or violating the traditionary law handed down over our generations by
eating their bread with unwashed hands? For they are not washing their
hands for personal cleanliness whenever they might eat bread"
And Jesus answered and said unto them, "Why are you also transgressing
the precept or commandment of God by reason of your tradition? For
God through Moses commanded saying, "Honour, reverence, respect and
hold in estimation your father and your mother: and the one contemning
father or mother, treating them with disrespect or addressing them with
offensive language, let his end be death - the violent extinction of
life." But you all say, "If a man, or whosoever else, shall say to their
father or their mother, "Whatever help, profit or benefit you might have
received or gained from me is Corban - a gift, offering and sacrifice
made unto God in fulfillment of a vow - that is to say, it is already
spoken for," he does not have to in any way honour, reverence, respect
or esteem his father or his mother." You no longer allow him to do anything
for his father or his mother. You are setting aside, displacing, and have
made void, annulled, and deprived of authority the precept, commandment
or Word of God because of your tradition which you have promoted; and
you do many other such like things."
You religious hypocrites! Isaiah appositely, suitably or rightly
prophesied concerning you, saying as it is written, "This people offers
me reverence and worship with their mouth, and are respecting, esteeming
or honouring me with lip service; but their heart as the seat of feeling,
desire and affection, and the inner mental frame is distantly estranged
from me. But they are venerating, worshipping, reverencing or adoring
me in vainity and futility, teaching as subjects, precepts or doctrines
the ordinances and commandments of men." You abandon or let go the commandments
of God, and hold fast to or retain the traditions of men - acts of dipping
or immersing utensils, and cups, and many such similar things you do.
Full well do you reject the commandment of God so that you may observe
your tradition."
Then he called near to himself the multitude again, and said
unto them, "Hear me all of you, and thoroughly understand: There is nothing
from without the man that being put into the mouth is defiling, polluting
or rendering the man ceremonially unclean. Nothing external entering the
man is able to profane or desecrate him. That which enters the mouth does
not defile, but that which is proceeding from out of the speaking mouth.
The things which proceed out of the man are those that are profaning, defiling,
polluting or rendering the man ceremonially unclean. He that has ears
to hear, let him hear!" Then came the disciples and said unto him, "Do
you know that the Pharisees became shocked, pained and offended upon hearing
this saying?" But he answered and said, "Every plant which my heavenly
Father has not planted or situated shall be rooted up and eradicated.
Do not care for them. Let them alone. They are mentally blind guides, leaders
and instructors or teachers of the mentally blind; and if the blind
lead or guide the blind, both will fall into a pit."
And when he had entered into a house to get away from the
multitude, Peter and the rest of his disciples asked and said unto him,
"Explain, expound or interpret for us this illustration." And he said
unto them, "Are you even now unintelligent and dull in understanding?
Are you not yet comprehending that everything external, being put into
a man by way of his mouth, cannot ceremonially defile him; because it
does not enter into his heart, but is moving or passing into his belly,
and is eventually excreted, thus purging or eliminating all foods out
into the privy, receptacle or toilet? But the things proceeding from out
of the speaking mouth of the man, are emanating or rising forth from out
of the heart, and this is what is profaning, defiling, polluting or rendering
the man ceremonially unclean. For out of or from within the hearts of
men are coming forth, emanating or proceeding wrongful, wicked, evil
thoughts, reasonings, purposes, cogitations and ratiocinations such as:
murders, killings, adulteries, fornications, whoredoms, lustful passions,
thefts, lies, false witnesses and testimonies, calumnies, blasphemies,
railings and reproaches, covetings and greedy desires, iniquities, wickedness,
lasciviousness, deceit, fault-finding, pride, foolishness: all these
evil things are the things which proceed from within and are profaning,
desecrating, defiling, polluting or rendering the man ceremonially unclean;
but to eat with unwashed hands is not profaning, desecrating, defiling,
polluting or rendering the man ceremonially unclean." [See Appendix "D"]