Jesus

prepares

for His

ministry

(Part 2)

Book 10

Max Seltmann

Recommended chronological reading list:

(with regard to Jesus’ life in flesh and Spirit, up to the time of the book of Revelation.  All books are written by Max Seltmann, unless otherwise indicated. The book marked with bold, is the book currently opened.)

1. Childhood years of Jesus (Jakob Lorber)

2. Book 1 – John the Baptist

3. Book 2 – John the Apostle in his youth with Jesus (Love overcomes Part 1)

4. Book 3 – Jesus’ Life

5. Book 4 – Jesus’ Life

6. Book 5 – Jesus’ Life

7. Book 6 – Jesus’ Life

8. Book 7 – Jesus’ Life

9. Book 8 – Jesus’ Life

10. Book 9 – Jesus prepares for His ministry Part 1

11. Book 10 – Jesus prepares for His ministry Part 2

12. Great Gospel of John, Volumes 1 – 10 (Jakob Lorber)

13. Great Gospel of John, Volume 11 (Leopoldt Engel)

14. Book 11 - Good Friday

15. Book 12 - Judas Iscariot in the beyond

16. Book 13 - On the road to Emmaus

17. Book 14 - The Risen One!

18. Book 15 - The New Life in man

19. Book 16 – At Bethany – story of Theophilus

20. Book 17 - Ascension

21. Book 18 - Pentecost!

22. Book 19 - Among the first Christians

23. Book 20 - Divine guidance of the first Christians

24. Book 21 - The chamberlain from the Orient

25. Book 22 - The God-spark and Saul's conversion

26. Book 23 - Awakening the Divine life

27. Book 24 - Experiences with Jacob, Part 1

28. Book 25 - Experiences with Jacob, Part 2

29. Book 26 - Experiences with Jacob, Part 3

30. Book 27 - Experiences with Jacob, Part 4

31. Book 28 - Naeme

32. Book 29 - John the Apostle as a guide (Love overcomes Part 2)

33. Book 30 - John the Apostle as a guide (Love overcomes Part 3)



Table of Contents

1.  Conversations about John the Baptist and the coming Messiah 4

2.  The veil-dance 9

3.  Setting out for Bethabara 10

4.  Jesus' baptism at the Jordan 11

5.  Jesus in the wilderness I 14

6.  Jesus in the wilderness II – Reality sets in 16

7.  Jesus in the wilderness III 19

8.  Jesus in the wilderness IV 23

9.  Jesus in the wilderness V - Meeting with the spirit of Pio, transported to the world of the deceased mother 26

10.  Jesus in the wilderness VI - The further sacrifice of fasting brings the Man Jesus towards His Divinity 32

11.  Jesus in the Wilderness VII - Jesus at the Jordan with the fishermen Tobiah and Simon 33

12.  Jesus in the wilderness VIII – Union with the Father 38

13.  Jesus in the wilderness IX - The last temptation in the desert - then the Star of Bethlehem shines 39

Conversations about John the Baptist and the coming Messiah

It became now again more lively in the large guest room, and the innkeeper Joram separated himself with a beating heart from Jesus, because he suspected great things.  The latter, however, sits at a table as if indifferent, but His inner being works all the more lively.

Joram places a cup of wine and a large piece of bread in front of Jesus, apologizing that his service to the others meant he had to leave Him alone.  Jesus smiles.  But Joram rejoices, for his eye catches a glimpse of love and kindness from Him.

It is a coming and going; at one table the name 'John' fell.  All listened, and now one related; Templars were with him and in holy fire-zeal, he held their wickedness and hypocrisies before them; these however laughed at him; but one spoke openly: "John, as long as you are an inducer for us, we will put up with your doings.  But if you continue to work in this tone, then we will know how to put an end to you and your activities, and this soon in a short time!"

"You may be right" - John replied earnestly - "and you will also reach this goal.  But not before He has come Who illuminates all darkness with His light.  Who will kindle a fire that will lay in ruins all that is not God's and Jehovah's!"

"Let him come, your spirit of fire!" - cried a rabbi: "We will confront him, too, and trample him underfoot like many a blasphemer!"

"You brood of vipers and generation of adders!  The whole world will perish before you can forbid Him to speak and work!" - John answered them and turned to the hundreds who had camped in the ford of the Jordan.  But John wore a garment of camel fur and a belt of leather; and his gaunt figure, his long, unkempt hair gave him the image of an ascetic."

The speaker was silent, but questions arose in the parlor about John and about the man who was coming.  "What is it" - shouted another - "why is the temple silent about this?  Don't we all have the right to know the truth?  Either John is living in a false delusion, in which case it is the double duty of the temple to convince John of his folly.  Or, John knows about the coming one!  Then it is the duty of the people to ask John to become clearer.  Tomorrow I will set out and go to Bethabara."

"There I go with you" - says another - "for who should remain calm, when the Messiah can come any day?!"

At this moment, the merchant Hiram enters with his wife and hears still the last words spoken aloud.  Now he goes to the table and greets: "The peace of the Lord be with you!  Are you talking about the Messiah, the Coming One?  Tell me, Thomas, what have you learned?  You know how it is for all of us!"

"Hiram, you brother in the Lord" - Thomas answers - "our brother Ezra was with John in the wilderness and is of the opinion that John can give true information, more than that I can not tell you."

"You know, brother Thomas" - says Hiram - "I have met a young man who will know even better things to tell us; we will stick to him.  Only now Hiram sees Jesus sitting at the other table - "I mean this one!"

But Jesus says: "Hiram, I have accepted your invitation, which you carry in your heart, and I have informed Joram that we want to stay together this evening.  Invite also your two brothers Thomas and Ezra, as well as your children, and great salvation will come to your house."

Hiram is astonished: "Jesus, how could you know about this thought?  I must have seen you already during my pilgrimage, because you are no longer a stranger to me".

Jesus calmly answers: "Hiram, do according to My words, it will be of great blessing!  But remember one thing: do not ask too much!  For the Lord knows about you and knows about everything!  It has been in His counsel for eternity to help you all; but first the time must be there."

Hiram asks: "Dear Jesus!  Your word does my heart good; but the desire to know You better causes many questions to rise in me, and therefore I ask You, satisfy my desire."

"My Hiram, let us go into the other room" - Jesus asks - "and first think of your physical well-being, and then we will talk further."  And so it happened.  Joram, the innkeeper, was already setting the table for Hiram, and now his wife, sons, and daughter were coming.  Thomas and Ezra have also arrived, and at the supper there is talk only of John and the coming king; but Jesus was silent in the conversation.

Then Joram clears the table and finally silence and comfort can enter the large room.  The other guests, mostly merchants, have laid down to rest on the benches in the guest room.  In the kitchen, Hannah gives instructions for the next day; then Joram and Hannah also go in to Hiram, and so a small company is together.

Again it was Ezra who began about the coming king and Messiah, and the host Joram asked: "Ezra, your senses are still good and your eye, keen: tell me, what impression did you get of John as the herald of the coming king?"

"Joram here cannot be told much" - replied Ezra - "John has many followers, but he himself has long since withdrawn from human society.  He lives in a cave, and his whole life is one of atonement and repentance.  Everything about John is tired.  Only his eyes sparkle and proclaim a rare inner life.  Most of all, he loves to preach about the coming Savior."

"Savior?" - asks Joram - "Savior?  I cannot quite grasp this, for we want to help establish a new kingdom, and our means are consecrated to the 'King' as the 'Messiah'."

Hiram says: "Brothers, let us ask Jesus; I think we will get the best information from him."

"Quite right" - confirms the host - "and you, dear young Jesus, give us all a satisfactory answer!"

"Dear friends" - says Jesus - "I can do everything for you, but I cannot give you an answer that will satisfy you.  For an answer, as you desire it, would only strengthen you in your weakness and distort the image of what you expect even more.  Above all, leave the secrecy, because the coming one does not need your help.  Is it not written, that 'the glory of His kingdom shall have no end henceforth?'  And again in another place: 'that He will be poor and must remain poor!'  Dear friends, it will not be right for you if I say to you: "He Who is coming avoids all violence, but humility and devotion are His mighty supports.

Hiram gets up from the chair, goes to Jesus and says: "Jesus, you wonderful man!  You know more than we and John.  Your speeches give the impression that You already know the Messiah!  Tell us, what does He look like and what will He do?"

"Hiram, and you dear friends" - Jesus answers pensively - "unfortunately I have to cause you pain, because the Messiah will not fulfill your expectations.  He comes to the sick and the weak, to the tired and the hungry, and offers His help wherever it is needed.  His mission is for the soul of His people, which is captive and bound by the most distorted delusion, selfishness and conceit.  His weapons are love!  His deeds are love; and from His followers He demands only love, love and again love!  His kingdom, in which He will reign, is a kingdom of love and peace.  And no enemy is ever able to destroy this His kingdom.  Ask not where, for it is everywhere and has it's origin and roots in the very innermost human heart."

"Was then all our toil in vain" - asks Joram - "if the Messiah is different than we expected?"

"By no means" - answers Jesus - "but now recognize your tasks and continue to advertise with righteous zeal, but without money or goods.  Truly I say to you, every word - every, even the smallest love, becomes the richest blessing to all!"

"Dear Jesus" - asks Hiram thoughtfully - "how is it that You want to go to John in the desert, since according to Your speeches, You are better instructed than John?"

Jesus answered: "My friend Hiram!  It is right that you ask this, because at least in your heart, this shadow will also pass away.  Now then, listen: It is the Spirit in Me that urges Me to do this; and it is for John's sake.  Be content with this answer, for soon you will hear more.  But if you want My advice, you should also go to the place where John teaches, for your business is finished here.  There you will come to know the Messiah, and He Himself will reveal His will to you."

"Jesus!" - exclaims Joram excitedly - "you are hiding something!  You know more than You say.  Are we not worthy of Your openness?"

Jesus answers gently: "Joram, I know everything and I also know your thoughts.  But I want to announce to you: First I must have been with John, since the Spirit in Me makes this a condition.  I do not ask why and for what purpose, because everything will be revealed to him who is obedient to and humble towards the Divine will!  I could well see and want to know everything in advance, but I do not do this, since only the eternal and true Spirit of God gives guidance in Me."

"Jesus, who gives you the proof" - Hiram asks again - "that it is in truth the eternal God-Spirit who wants to instruct and guide you in all things?  Or have you not yet considered that this might also be your own thoughts?  It sounds beautiful from your mouth, but for us, your listeners, it is important to know: does the pure, loud truth speak from you?"

"My friend, and all you who are here together" - Jesus answers - "let one word be spoken to you in love, and do not think that I am suffering from self-conceit.  It is not possible for Me to say anything other than the purest truth, since I Myself am truth through and through.  As long as I can only think, the principle always lived in Me: to be only true and sincere.  For, if you want to achieve much and great things in life, only start with yourself first and make an effort to get to know at least yourself so far, in order to distinguish what is true in you and what is not true.... But if you strengthen your will more and more to push out of yourself everything that is false and untrue, then the love of truth will take hold of your inner being, and a powerful Helper will stand by you in the struggle for the real truth in you.  The greater the struggle, the more glorious the victory!

Because: who has become truth, can also present and reveal the fullness of Divine truths to others.  But who still asks or thinks whether this is true in him, he is still far from his true inner life and many disappointments, many sorrows, will cause him unhappy hours.  But since God, the Holy and Eternal One, is also eternal truth through and through, this truth can also only dwell with the truth.  And so in Me already lives the glorious and most beautiful proof: I am one in and with God and with His life!  No other thought than God!  No other move than only with God, and no other life than only God's life lives in Me.  This is My confession.  And therefore I do only the will of My God and My Father in Heaven!"

My dear young friend" - says Hiram in astonishment - "no man has ever spoken like that, and to my knowledge, no prophet!  That there are abilities in you, you have sufficiently proven today; but whether you are completely one with God - with Jehovah - I cannot verify.  But if you speak the pure and purest truth, then you will also be able to do the works of God.  And so it is already better to be on good terms with you, for it is not good to eat at the same table with great lords."

"My dear Hiram" - Jesus answers gently - "you speak humanly, and therefore your words do not hurt Me; but if you could truly follow Me in spirit, then you would understand Me better.  Consider what I have already announced to you today, and furthermore consider: all actions out of the Spirit of the eternal Love of God, happen only out of free decisions!  But if you want to lean on Me, if you recognize My God-Spirit, then for no other reason than that of pure brotherly love.  Behold, I accepted your invitation without hesitation; not the slightest thought of advantage moved Me.  Do you also accept My love in the same way, and your heart becomes free and rejoices inwardly, because it has entered into a connection which actually already existed for eternities, admittedly unconsciously to you.  You pondered this afternoon over the thought: 'Where, where was I together with Jesus?'  because My name seemed familiar to you, and so I tell you: We did not separate for eternities.  And when we separated, I called out to you: "In earthly life we will find each other again!"

Hiram asks: "Oh Jesus, you mysterious man, stop, because your being becomes more and more mysterious!  Certainly, it is so for me!  But I still lack faith; and therefore I ask You: forgive me for my unbelief's sake!"

Jesus says: "Hiram.  I did not ask you to believe, therefore you did not do wrong.  And I tell you: nothing stands between us!  In a short time, you will know Me completely - then everything will become clear to you that is still so incomprehensible to you today.

Now Joram gets up, goes to Jesus and says: "Dear Jesus!  Hiram is right when he says that You are a mysterious man.  But when I think about all your speeches, some things about your father Joseph also dawn on me.  You were already a mysterious boy and were unteachable, if you set something in your head.  I still remember when you were thirteen years old.  Your parents went on a pilgrimage to the temple, but you did not go.  A year before, you said: "Do you not know that I must be in the place that belongs to My Father?" (Luke 2:42), and a year later your father Joseph wanted to punish you, because you had the courage to say: ‘If you are so drawn to the temple, why do you not go all the way to Jerusalem?  You, Father Joseph, and you, Mother Mary, both know that God no longer dwells in the Holy of Holies of the temple, and yet you are drawn there by force?'  Your parents were silent, but I thought to myself: I would drag the boy!  Now you are grown up, but I believe that the world will perish before you change your mind.”

"Dear Joram, you have recognized Me correctly" - Jesus answered - "but I do not have an opinion!  Because as long as you still have an opinion, so often you can also become of another opinion.  But I carry life, holy life from the fullness of all life in Me.  And what I possess in life is Mine, for all eternities Mine, since it was won in the most difficult struggle!  Do not ask any further questions today.  For in a short time, the Spirit of all life will also guide you into all truth."

The table company was astonished at these words, which were heavy in content, and no-one dared to say anything else.

The veil-dance

Then Thirza, Hiram's daughter, gets up, bows to Jesus and starts singing and dancing.  She sings the Psalm (24); "It is the King!  It is the King!  The King of hosts!  All the earth rejoices!  All the world rejoices, for it is the King of Glory!  All honor to You!  All glory to You, for You will redeem us all.  Sela.  She moves her veil artfully and her flexible body becomes more and more alive - becomes perfect art.  (Brother M.S. writes here: “But the dance! See, this was a gift of eternal love for Me ")

She stops in front of Jesus and moves her veil over Jesus' head so that it looks like He is wearing a crown.  Jesus speaks seriously: "Thirza, thank you!  But do not let that which germinates in you become a passion.  The world does not know about Me yet.  When the time and hour come, you too will know Me!"

Hiram and all look at Jesus and at the passion-immersed girl.  But Jesus says: "My beloved ones!  What you mature and experienced ones cannot yet grasp and comprehend, this young human child suspects.  But also here, this word applies: 'No-one can give what he has not first received!'  Only the Spirit dwelling in her revealed it to her".

"Then You would be the One awaited?" - asks Joram slowly - "the One awaited full of longing by us?"

"No, dear friend, I am not that one" - Jesus answers - "and cannot be, since you are expecting someone quite different.  But you are unteachable, because the thought of the coming King is so rooted in your own desires.  You have recruited friends upon friends for your idea, but you will all experience disappointment.  For I have come to reveal to you "The Will of Jehovah".  And, His will becomes a deed in Me!  Do not penetrate into Me, but go with Me to the holy waters there in the desert and see and then experience 'the will of God'!"

Setting out for Bethabara

Thomas and Ezra talk together, thinking it will be no mistake to go with them to Bethabara; and Hiram says to Joram: "Why should we not also make this sacrifice?"

But Jesus says: "Friends, there is no question of a sacrifice here.  If you have already made many material sacrifices to your coming king, this small effort will bring you a great blessing!  For only when you are cured of the false concepts which you bring to the coming and expected One, your life will receive it's true content.  But you will regard everything past as something lost.  But the truly coming One will fill your inner life with power and strength.  And every purpose of life will shine before you in the most beautiful colors.  I leave you now alone, and you, Hannah and Joram, lead Me into the chamber intended for Me.  Do not ask Me to stay, for what I said is valid!  And so I wish you all a blessed rest."

Jesus lies down to rest.  But it becomes more and more lively with those who stay behind, because: "Who is Jesus?" - is the main question.

Hiram, however, says after some time: "Let the future give us the right answer!  For Jesus cannot say: "I am the King!  Will you be My vassals?' Let us let Jesus go; He will already know what we need."

Now there is silence, and all give themselves up to rest.  But Hannah does not rest, but bakes the bread for the journey; and when all comes alive in the morning, the whole house smells of fresh bread.

In the large room the guests sit down to the morning meal; now also Jesus appears and greets the present ones cordially.  Joram, as host, wants to say the morning blessing; then Jesus says: "My dear friends!  Here also, in this your doing, be silent with your mouth, but speak all the more with your heart!  And bless, bless, for blessing is necessary!  In blessing, the powers of your love and the eternal life of God are revealed.  Every beginning day, blessed becomes a blessing not only for you, but also for the environment.  Therefore we are silent, and in doing so, bless what is dear to you!"

After an inner silence, Jesus continues: "Hannah, mother of this house!  While we slept, your love created this fragrant bread to make us happy.  Truly, My Father will know how to reward you!  And let your love become a foundation of life, on which you will still find many a glorious thing in you!"

Silently, all take the early meal; then Jesus takes leave, and the four friends accompany Him on the way to John.

Jesus' baptism at the Jordan

The day was hot.  Joram and Hiram carried the food, which their wives Hannah and Mira had packed well in a bag.  There were also frequent rests, but they did not speak much, because there was a shyness in the four men towards Jesus.  Only in the late afternoon did they come to the place where John was preaching.  From afar, many people could be seen camped around the ford; even some camels were there as proof of from how far away the desert-preacher was being visited.

When Jesus with Hiram, Joram, Thomas and Ezra approached the place where John was preaching, there was an extraordinary number of people around him.  And John saw those who were coming.

Jesus sits down on a ½ m high stone and so do the others, for many stones, large and small, were lying around.  At this moment a ray of light falls on Jesus, making Him hardly visible, for above His head and around Him is light, only light!  By this, the inner spirit in John recognizes the Savior, and he testifies aloud: "Behold, this is the Lamb of God!" (John 1:31-33)  "Behold, there comes He Whose shoelaces I am not worthy to untie!  There is He who will redeem the people from all evil!"

But Jesus is silent.  John becomes more and more eloquent, and his voice becomes a hurricane as he cries out: "This One you must follow, for He is the Promised One!"

Jesus now slowly approaches John and says: “Brother! In the Spirit of love I come to you, and peace be with you! I urge you to do the will of the Lord; and in your cave, connected with you and the Lord, we will await the morning of the new day! "

"Oh Jesus!  I am not worthy that You should come into my miserable cave!" - replies John earnestly - "For You are the Promised One!"

"John!  Have you forgotten that we are brothers, that one Spirit unites us, the Spirit of service?!  Behold, in serving, we are the same!"

John asks even more earnestly: "Lord, depart from me, for You are holy; but I still carry too much of the dust of the earth within me!"

"So be your will!"  Jesus answers, renouncing.  "But, my brother John, tomorrow I will come again!  Then I will give you proof: that I love you dearly and do not remember your earth-dust.  Peace be with you!"

Jesus departed and went to the friends; but they could not explain this scene.  "Wait for tomorrow" - says Jesus - "then all will be revealed!"

The four continued with Jesus.  They stopped in a rocky cave and wanted to eat, but Jesus did not take any food or drink.  The others were amazed.  Joram however, said: "Jesus, it is not supposed to be like this.  We eat and you fast?  Then we also want to fast, to be completely united with You."

"My friends" - says Jesus sadly - "sorrow and woe fill My heart.  With a great hope I came here and find John as I did not want to find him.  The Spirit does indeed announce to him that I am the expected One.  But he created a chasm that separates him from Me.  John feels full of guilt and earthly dust and wants to purify himself by mortification and extreme fulfillment of duty.  And this, friends, is what separates us!"

"Can't we help there and point out John's error to him?" - asks Thomas - "For I, too, am no stranger to life; yet, after all, with Jehovah's help, many things can be accomplished."

"Let it be, dear friends!" - replies Jesus earnestly - "Consume your meal; it is blessed.  But I am still going into solitude."

"And I go with you" - Hiram says resolutely - "for the region here is not altogether safe."

"Stay!  And when I am tired enough, I will come to your camp."

So Jesus went out of the cave alone, but the others consulted how they could help Him.

Thomas said: "Brothers! He is the expected One - of course, not according to our sense. Yes, we hoped in vain that we would triumph over our enemies. But this One comes as a Savior to the poor and downtrodden; but His mission will be a thorny one."

"I can't believe it or understand it!" - says Joram - "It is better that we ask John.  Of what use is all our hoping and longing?  Surely it cannot be in the will of Jehovah that we should be forever enslaved; for we are His people."

"Yes, you may be right," replies Hiram; "but will not the mission of John and Jesus wanting greater things?  Why should we all repent as John preaches, since the expected One already lives among us?  When we recognize this in the right light, only then do we understand Jesus.  For in Him comes the Light that has gone out in us.  John testified: "He is the Light, but I bear witness to the Light!  Tomorrow I will go to John, that he should testify to me: Who actually is Jesus and what do we have to do now?"

Joram says: "That's right, brother!  But now let us have supper."  And so they talked back and forth, and it tasted excellent to them.  Night came quickly, but Jesus was not to be seen; their cries went unanswered, and so they lay down to rest.  In the middle of the night Jesus came in, blessed those who were sleeping, and lay down to slumber.

The new day dawns.  Cooling winds come from the Jordan, and the four wake up.  But Jesus is still asleep, and Joram speaks softly: "Come, brothers, let Jesus sleep on; who knows how long Jesus has been awake this night.  We leave the bag with the food for Him here.  We will now seek out John, then come back to this cave and have the morning meal with Him."  So they depart and go in the direction of the Jordan.

Hours passed.  At the ford where John preached, there were already many people, including Templars and scribes.  Our four friends met many acquaintances and then John appeared with his disciples.  Quickly he was surrounded, and now a questioning began about the Promised One and the Redeemer: "Who and what is the Promised One?  Who are you?"

But John says: "I am only a caller, a preacher in the wilderness! (John 1:23) Prepare the way of the Lord and make His paths straight" - as it is written in Isaiah. (Isaiah 40:3)  I baptize you with water.  But He who will come after me, will baptize with fire!" (Matthew 3:11)

"Then your baptism is useless, if another and stronger one comes!"

But John says: "Before I was - was HE!  In His hand is the winnowing fork.  He will sweep His threshing floor.  He will gather all that is usable, but all that is useless He will consign to the fire". (Matthew 3:12)  His preaching continues to have a powerful effect and many are converted and baptized.

"What do you say now?" - Thomas says to Joram - "shall we ask any further?  Here you have heard enough, because according to John, Jesus will never ever become a king.  For a king, such as we long for, would have to have another herald, another forerunner!  And knowing John and Jesus now, both will reject any violence against our oppressors!"

Joram replies: "Thomas, how do you think the New Kingdom will be, if Jesus would rule now?"

Suddenly, John speaks loudly, pointing to Jesus: "Behold!  This is the Lamb of God, Who bears the sins of the world!  All eyes turn to where John is pointing - and slowly, in a plain white long robe, Jesus comes to the crowd.  His gaze is serious; His blond curls are moved to and fro by the wind, and once again John calls out: "Behold, this is the Lamb of God!"  Reverently, they make room for Him; all is silent.  "Peace be with you and with all of you!" - Jesus now says - and His hand goes slowly from left to right in a blessing.  "And now, My John, according to the will of God, perform baptism on Me!"

"Never can I baptize you" - cries John - "rather I would have to be baptized by you!"

But Jesus gently replies: "Let it be well! For so it is our duty to fulfill all righteousness!" - (Matt 3:14-15)

Now John baptizes - Jesus!  And when Jesus was baptized and came up out of the water, a glory surrounded the whole heaven.  And out of this glorious presence, a wonderfully melodious voice rang out: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!" (Mark 1:11)  Amazed, the friends look at each other, and now Thomas says: "Brothers, do you want any other proofs?  Here is Christ, and He will also redeem us!"

With His shining blue eyes, Jesus looked at all the people, and a delicate stirring went through all hearts, because the whole process was too wonderful.  Then He directed His steps to the four and said: "Friends, now go home again!  But I will stay here in this region for a few days, but you must take your bag with you, because I do not need it.  Do not forget what you have heard and experienced here, just as I do not forget you.  My eternal Father in Me shows Me My way, which I now have to go.  And My love always draws Me there where I can help, heal and make happy.  But if you have longing for Me, then search for Me in your hearts, and there you will find Me, and then you will rejoice!  For those I love, I make happy!  But whoever loves Me, My holy Father will make him happy with true heavenly joy!"

The friends urge Jesus to come back with them, but Jesus refuses and says: "Not My will, but the will of God, My Father, be done now and always!  And so go in peace, accompanied by My blessing, imbued with the truth you heard from the heavens!"

Jesus in the wilderness  I

It is night.  In the clear starry sky, the wonderful constellations greet and proclaim peace, the peace of God.  A holy silence surrounds Jesus, who sits on a rock in the middle of the desert, listening and looking into Himself.  Nothing can be seen, because the night has covered everything with it's shadows; but around Jesus it shines in wonderful light.  A soft trickling of the sand is heard, as a light morning-wind begins to blow; Jesus lifts His head, and His luminous eyes never tire of watching this play of the sand.  From afar, cries of animals wandering and looking for food are heard, because their scent betrays to them the proximity of a man.  Jesus hardly looks in the direction from which the animals roar, for He is unconcerned; He feels safe and happy.  His hands clasp a knee, and now He speaks: "Father, My Father! - I feel Myself completely in You, and My happiness is boundless!  I see My tasks brightly and clearly, and I also see the success.  For You are in Me!  No other life than Yours and no other desire do I carry in Me than You carry in You.  Oh My Father!  You are My I, and I am You!  Nothing can separate us, for My soul is completely permeated by the Spirit of fulfillment, by the Spirit of Your eternal primal Being."

"So shall it remain" - resounds it in Him - "until all is accomplished!" - "Amen!" - says Jesus.  "Amen!" - resounds in Him; and full satisfaction and pure happiness is in Him.

An angel stands before Jesus, bows before Him with reverence and says: "Lord!  My brothers have asked me to ask You to be allowed to serve You, since in response to their prayers, they have not been granted it.  It is humiliating for them to live in splendor and abundance, while You, oh Lord, continue to live in poverty and in lowliness.  It is incomprehensible to all of us that You, oh Lord, even want to remain alone."

"My faithful Raphael" - says Jesus - "you know all these conditions.  So you also know that I, as the Son of Man, only care about the achievement of the set goal!  Tell all your brothers: that I do not deviate an inch from this path, that I must not carry a single false trait in Me anymore, in order to be fully one with the eternal, holy Father.  What I do and will do, I do out of the life and power of the eternal Father.  My Father knows about everything and I know everything out of the Father; for I am one with Him.  Soon - soon, days and hours will come when your desire will also be satisfied to serve Me!  But now I must still be alone for My sake, for yours, and for the sake of all mankind!"

Oh Lord!  Only Your will be done!" - and Jesus is alone again.  Once again His gaze goes inward, and before His spiritual eyes, once more His holy and high task comes to life.  He sees peoples struggling, He sees them coming and going, and only shadows of them remain; shadowy beings: living ideas, which in their wrong concepts of life and in their perverse love were given a right to exist, but were in themselves without any firm foundation of life.  And He sees the desire for life - or to perish - in them.

Further He sees how little by little, personalities arise - men and seers, who instruct the peoples driven by the inner Spirit, according to the God-life matured in them.  These already recognize in Jesus the most powerful Divine life.  They would like to point to Him and say: "There is our Helper and Savior in everything!" - but they cannot express it yet, because they still lack the right term for His great work of redemption.  Blessing, Jesus raises His right hand: "You, too, will have a morning when My work is finished!”

A new picture appears in clarity before His eyes: He sees the earth as this world, as the imperfect one - and the heaven as the beyond, as the perfect life.  A long, but very, very weak bridge connects both worlds, but between them is a river of mighty floods; and these floods, in turn, are animated by greedy and ugly animals.

And Jesus sees how here in this world the struggle is so hard - and the glorious goal almost unattainable.  And he sees the last sharp test, where on this side of the bridge two angels stand with a balance and a sword and have to declare so often: "Weighed - and found too light".  On the other bank, however, crowds of white-clothed beings with palm branches in their hands stand waiting.  Blessing them, Jesus lifts His hands and says: "You too will rejoice with Me when a new bridge is built by the work of My love!  And no-one shall be tested anymore whether he is fit for the heavens!  For in the future, My life will become for all a "signpost" into the true life; but without this inner life of Mine, no-one will find the entrance into the inner heavens!"

Now a third image emerges: All the patriarchs, all the prophets come before Jesus and show Him the book of books in one hand, the tablets of the law in the other hand - and bow deeply before Him.  Jesus blesses them with both hands and says: "Go home in peace!  Soon your longing will also be satisfied, for I am the fulfillment!"  Jesus closes His eyes; He rests in Spirit on His Father's breast and smiles happily.

Jesus in the wilderness  II – Reality sets in

It becomes brighter and brighter; the sun rises, glowing red and colors the sky with it's glow.  Jesus is now fully human again and awaits the dawning day: "Oh come, you day, and blessed be your light, so that I can work according to the will of the holy Father.  But you, you earth together with your inhabitants, be blessed from the highest fullness of pure Divine life!"

Jesus descended from the rock and went to the shallow, trickling water, which takes it's course towards the Jordan.  He washed his hands and face and feasted on the pure, fresh drink.  His gaze searched the area, but no-one was to be seen; it is, after all, half a day's journey from the place where John taught and baptized.

Now he looked at the area: around Him were high cliffs, here and there were crippled trees and much, much high brush with strong roots.  Honey was dripping from the few trees and the bees were busy.

Jesus began to gather some tree branches, which easily broke off; and when the sun had reached it's zenith, He was able to lie down in the shade of the hut He had built Himself.  Some hunger set in, and so honey and soft roots were His only food.

Satisfied, He sits in front of His hut - and listens to the wind.  They are questioning and lamenting sounds, which are brought to Him by beings, who heard that the Lamb, who "carries the sin of the world", is near.  They do not see Jesus yet, but Jesus speaks to them: "I also bring you bread of life and show you the way to the inner life!  But you will reach this true life only when I have finished.  Until then, practice patience and love!"

Now they look at Him.  Tentatively they approach, but it is a mystery for them: the man there - is he "The Lamb"?  A man, and he sees us?  So one of them takes courage and says: "In peace we approach You, since God's messengers announced to us that You are also our Redeemer!  And if You hear us, we ask You for an answer."

"I have heard your request" - Jesus answers - "and the messenger sent to you by God has said right.  But I can only be a 'Savior' to those who believe in Me and My mission - and then do the works I do in selfless love-activity.  But for everything that I do, My Father has first called Me."

"Who is Your Father, and where were You begotten?" - asks the spirit - "we will gladly believe You, if You can deliver us from our monotonous existence."

"Listen, you who was a bad priest and an even worse servant of God" - Jesus answers sternly - "so much you should have made your own in your long life on earth, that you would know who He is of whom the fathers and prophets spoke!  And that no-one can inherit the kingdom of God, who has not an "inheritance" first!  You have mastered the books of Moses and some of the prophets.  But when you had to lay down your body, almost everything was forgotten; and if the love and devotion of some of your synagogue did not belong to you, you would now stand all alone.  But for the right to also be considered as an "heir", you did not do the least, because the tithe was more important to you than the easiest commandment through Moses."

"You speak like a Lord" - says the spirit of the priest - "and Your words are sharper than a sharp sword.  But You are still human and You apply a standard as if we were also still human.  We approach You peacefully, but Your words rob us of all hope of salvation."

"My friend" - says Jesus - "precisely because I am also spirit like you and all of you, only with the difference that I still carry My fleshly body, I can speak with you like with My equals.  And so I say to you: "You will not advance one step, if you and those who go with you do not make an effort to pay back all that you have received unjustly.  You shake your head uncomprehendingly and think: How so - and yet you have never asked yourself to whom the sacrifice belonged, which the people offered to the Lord?  Well you should live from the sacrifice, because every service is worth it's reward.  But let everything else belong to the poor; and so you have been guilty of stealing from the poor.  Do you think God can forgive, if you simply ask to redeem yourself and the others?

I say to you: After eternities you will still stand on this ground, which can give you nothing, but will still rob you of the last thing - 'hope'.  Therefore make an effort to learn renunciation, devotion and knowledge from Me.  I do not bid you go away, and as long as I dwell here in this solitude, you may be witnesses of and listeners to My spiritual life here."

The priest withdrew; he had lost all courage to say another word, but he faithfully and truthfully reported to the others how it was on his heart.

But Jesus blessed these blind ones.  And again it became quiet around Him, as it had been quiet in Him before.  In the Spirit He hurries into the depths of His own soul - and in the examining search, He practiced criticism of movements which could still interfere between Him and the Eternal Father.  Now He lowered thoughts of love, mercy and compassion into His soul open to Him.  He was filled with the highest delight and the most intimate union, and so He exclaimed: "Come, all of you, and receive the love and grace of the Lord!  For His goodness and love are eternal, and His mercy reaches to the deepest abyss!"  Loud sounded these words, permeated with the greatest love, and an echo sounded back: "Therefore, let Us be as One - and You be a "brother" to all people!"

Father, Glorious One" - Jesus answered - "how I thank You!  I may be a brother to all through Your will sanctified in Me.  Now I am no longer lonely!  As far as I can think, as far as My longing reaches, so far I want to make everything happy and blessed!  For Your love, oh Father, shows Me as a brother also him who is even Your enemy and adversary and considers Your holy Divine life as nothing.  So I want to thank You by living only Your will!  Your will be done!  Amen."

The sun was inclining toward it's setting.  Jesus sat in front of His hut and looked quietly into the colorful-red evening sky; the peaceful expression on His face become almost solemn, because in shining clarity, a new sun of life rise in His inner world.

And He saw a second Jesus in Himself, Who, radiated by the sun that had risen in Him, stood in bright light.  From this Jesus, He saw rays emanating from the eyes, from the mouth and from the two hands.  And the light of these rays penetrated out of His inner world and became a message for the whole earth.  Also the surrounding spirits saw this wonderful light-appearance like a star-rain.

Now when the sun had fully set and the darkness was rapidly increasing, the hut and the area around Jesus were still illuminated.  And so another spirit from among the spirits humbly approached and asked: "Lord, shall we worship You?  For You are neither a man nor a spirit.  If Your face were not so solemnly peaceful, I could be afraid, but like this, I am drawn to You, and I request You to let me serve You."

Jesus answered: "You are mistaken if you assume that I am neither a man nor a spirit, since I am both.  I do not need your service today, but serve your brothers, and in your inner being, you will also experience the joy that lives in Me.  As I rejoice in being united with the eternal Life of God, so will you rejoice in being united in the spirit of love with all your brothers.

"Lord, where do I get the means to serve?" - asked the spirit - "Here is nothing but wasteland; were it not for You, who knows where we would have gone."

Jesus said: "Are you persuaded to be such a poor man?  What have I brought with Me to this desert?  See, only a heart full of love, a heart full of longing to help all - all - and the consciousness that I am united with God!  Say, could you not have this too?  Behold, if you are then made aware of events outside of your inner world, they want to tell you to appropriate them.  And if you do this, you will recognize the one who advised you to do so.  So go in peace, and blessed be your will and deed!  Amen."

"Amen!" - said the happy man, for in his heart, a spark of Jesus' sunny love was glowing.

Jesus now rested in the hut.  Devotedly, the spirits who were here, were encamped all around; and angels without number were happy to guard Him, Who is all their happiness and life.  Keenly they kept watch, for they knew: also the enemy was on the lookout.

Jesus in the wilderness  III

At the beginning of the new day, Jesus wakes up.  He gives thanks to all the helpers and prays: "Holy Father!  A new day and a new task lies before Me!  A pure, great and holy love is stirring in Me to immerse Myself completely in Your I, in Your life, which wants to lift everyone up, whoever it may be, so long as the hands are raised in prayer.  Oh You, My Father, this day too shall belong entirely to You, and I will truly rejoice in You!"

Jesus blesses, and rays of light and life penetrate out into space, and then He needs a while of silence to settle back into the earthly around Him.  After refreshing Himself and again saturating Himself as the day before, He sets out and goes to the Jordan river, which could be reached in about 3 hours.  His way passes by rocks, large and small crippled trees and sparsely growing bushes, but Jesus does not pay attention to them, because an urge is in Him to reach the Jordan, and after a few hours of walking in the sand, on a trackless path, He reaches His goal.

There were no human being far and wide, but at the banks of the Jordan, already larger vegetation is to be seen.  Wild animals and some tame deer saw the wanderer coming already from afar, but showed no fear, but even sought the proximity of the coming man, as if he were their friend.  Jesus' eyes lit up, because He felt in Him the power to meet even these animals lovingly.  "Oh could I also take away from you all fear, all terror, how happy it would make My Father!  But this still needs endless courses of time" - Jesus says - and blesses the world.

From far away, a caravan comes along the banks.  Jesus hides behind plant bushes and lets it pass.  The caravan was accompanied by dark, acquisitive spirits, and these see the inner light emanating from Jesus!

They immediately hurry, surround Him and discuss what this means.  They knew: this is a man!  But the mysterious glow in His body put them all in the greatest curiosity.

Jesus saw them all, but said nothing.  And so one asked the other: "What do we want here, since this is still a man?  Another said: "Yes, but what a man!  I can't get away, because these rays are a magnet for me, which I can't escape."

Another again says: "I feel the same way - but what good can it do us?  He is still a human being!"

But one of them, with a sly expression and brutal features, shouts: "What do we care about this man, there's nothing to get from him, because he doesn't even have a bag with him!  May he feed on his light, but we go on with those in front!"

The others resist and say: "We stay here!  For we have not felt anything so pleasant and soothing for a long time.  You, however, can quietly go your way."

"Yes, but with you, for you have to obey me!" - replied the one addressed - "and so I urge you: Come, go on with me!"

"No, we will stay, and we will see who is stronger, you or us."

Gritting his teeth, the leader must realize his impotence, and so he speaks in a changing tone: "But friends - no quarrel!  If you want to stay, of course I'll stay too, but we'll miss out on a big profit!"

"You always have a profit in mind, but you have not given anything to a single one; and we could grumble, complain and quarrel - always we had only to watch how people cheated each other, and that was also our only joy in it.  But this one doesn't look like a huckster and a cheater - and so I'm staying here for the time being."

"Me too" - almost all shouted - and so the sinister journeyman remained alone.

"Horeb! - I am not accountable to you" - says Jesus - "and who I am is of no use to you for the moment, since you have not yet answered My question addressed to you.  But you would be wiser to follow your comrades, since they have chosen the better by far."

"I do not understand you" - Horeb replied - "how can you know that they are wiser than I?  They are all still newcomers here in the spirit realm.  And how you come to give me good advice, is a wonder to me."

Jesus answers: "If you believed in miracles as a human being, why should none happen in the spirit realm?"

"We won't get anywhere like this here" - says Horeb - "but we won't get anywhere without you either, since they take such a liking to you.  Perhaps You will advise My comrades to go their ways after all."

Jesus replies: "I do not see that I should do anything that would make your companions more unhappy.  Our two set goals are far apart - and so I ask you, in the presence of your comrades: What, indeed, is your aim?"

Horeb speaks scornfully: "What a ridiculous question!  What do we need a goal for?  The main thing is that we find satisfaction and do not get bored."

"And do you think it could always be like this?" - asks Jesus - "How would you stand if your comrades left you and you remained alone?  For you seem not yet to have become aware that you are moving on completely foreign soil and have only become co-inhabitants of a foreign world, which admittedly corresponds to your inner world.  If these people, in whose spheres you now live, would become of another view and another cognition, what would you do then?  For you would immediately be homeless and alone!"

Horeb says: "I cannot understand what you are saying and have no appreciation for it!"

Jesus: "Well, then be silent - and I will speak with the others!  And so you, Achim, come and answer Me the question: What did you feel when you saw Me?"

Achim asks: "How should I address you, since I do not know you?  But what I felt when I saw you, I cannot put into words, because neither in my earthly life nor here in the spirit-realm have I ever experienced this feeling.  But it must be something very, very beautiful which emanates from You, because I could not separate myself from the sight of You."

Jesus: "Well, Achim, your answer has satisfied Me.  And so I will tell you My name: My name is Jesus and I come from Nazareth!  But what lives in Me, is compassion and mercy for you.  I want to help you and help you to a lasting happiness."

Achim; "Jesus? - Oh Jesus! - Your name is rare!  But if You can help us to a lasting happiness, we are certainly not against it, but under what conditions?"

Jesus: "Achim, if you already felt happy when you came near Me, why do you ask for conditions?  Can't you believe that if I feel mercy for you, I also want to help you without any profit for Me?  Look at Me!  Nothing earthly I call My own; only what I won in the fight with Myself is Mine, and this is the love of My eternal Father.  And this love reaches out to your heart and both hands to help!"

"Oh Jesus!  Now I understand You!  Now many things are clear to me, and so I ask You: Yes, help us!  And gratefully we want to do everything that will also make You happy.  For now I look not only into Your eyes, but also into Your heart.  Oh Jesus!  You friend of the lost, You friend of the poor and abandoned, You have established a home for us in Your heart, where we can live happily!  Oh stay with us - and we also want to always stay with You!"

Jesus answers: "Dear Achim!  You are happy about what you have seen; but you will be even happier, if you will appropriate My life!

For My life is love.  And what you have seen in Me, all your brothers shall see in you.  Then we shall become brothers, and all that still separates us, shall be overcome by our life out of the great Divine Love."

"Stop, you dear, dear Jesus!" - begs Achim - "We are still too much connected with the past earthly life and are far from being worthy to become Your brothers!  And then, yes, I forgot: we are spirits, but You are still human!"

Jesus explains to him: "Dear Achim!  It will have to remain with what has been said, since I can also see your inner world and see in you a good will, which gladly wants to bow to the Divine.  But whether you are worthy to become My brother, lies in My love - and this has already raised you to a brother.  It is now up to you whether you want to become one, and that out of your own inner pull towards Me.  For true and right brotherly love can only come from the deepest affection of the heart.  That I am still a man, should say nothing for you and all of you, since I am also an inhabitant of the spirit-world."

"Dear, dear Jesus" - Achim now asks - "ask what You want, I will do anything for You, because You are love!  Oh Jesus, here I am - full of envy, greed and gloating.  Do with me what You will, for Your love has overcome me!"

Jesus says: "So be welcome with Me - as My brother, and make yourself worthy of this love of Mine!  Act towards all your brothers as I act towards you, and then a new life shall begin: A life of joy and free service, from the holy life of supreme Divine love.  And now look beside you, a new brother has joined you to serve you all!"

Achim looks around.  A glorious angel greets him and says: "Brother in the Lord! - It is the will of God that I lead you and your brothers to the home intended for you.  There a special grace awaits you all, for God's love and mercy is boundless.  And so I ask that you and all your brothers follow me."

"Oh you glorious messenger and angel of the Lord" - Achim answers - "only if Jesus of Nazareth wishes it, I will follow you; otherwise I prefer to remain here.  For since my existence in the spirit realm, I have not yet had the grace and delight to be truly happy.  But here with Jesus is happiness and delight all in one, therefore I would rather stay here."

Jesus says: "Brother Achim, follow him!  For only in following and obeying My advice to you, lies the root of all inner happiness and all life!  Be assured, we separate only outwardly!  Remain only in My love, and we remain united for all eternity."

"If so - dear good Jesus" - says Achim - "then I gladly follow!  But what power must lie in Your love, that even angels serve You!  And so I thank You, and with all my strength I shall seek to realize what You, oh glorious and wonderful Jesus, will tell us.  But You, dear friend and messenger of the Lord, let me just speak with my brothers, so that they too may gladly come with me."

The angel says: "Do according to your love, and God's blessing be with you!"  Achim is utterly delighted, and suddenly quite different; from his eyes glow happiness, and so he speaks: "My brothers - for I cannot call you anything else now - you have heard what the glorious one told us, He really wants all our happiness and well-being; and so I ask you not to raise any objections, for much rather I too would stay here with Jesus.  But His will is that we follow the angel, and so I ask you; do you all agree?"

"Yes, yes" - all exclaim; but one roars - "Nothing of that!  You belong to me and not to the chatterer!  For what do you have here?  Only beautiful words but no action.  You are still the old ones, and the man Jesus?  He is only a man!  And this angel?  Well, we haven't seen him before!"

"Horeb!  Your dominion over us is over!" says Achim.

"Another power has seized us - the power of love!  Had you loved us, nothing would have come to divide us.  But you have made us slaves to your will, and put constraint upon constraint upon us to follow you.  Now you demand to leave happiness and life aside and to continue to belong to the old restless existence.  No, my brother Horeb, this is no longer an option for us!"

"Do not call me brother!" - exclaims Horeb excitedly - "for until now I have been your leader!  You have sworn allegiance to me, and I demand obedience from you."

Achim says: "Horeb, have you forgotten that the wonderful Man told you that you could soon stand alone.  This circumstance is now occurring, for we are following the angel, but I beg you; change your mind and come with us!"

Horeb: "Never ever!  Go ahead, I will find other comrades again."

"Brother!  We follow the angel's request" - Achim still speaks.  The angel bows before Jesus, beckons to all, and so the willing ones call out: "Give thanks, friend, for your love!" - Jesus silently blesses them.

Horeb sees this and wants to talk with Jesus, but he also looks at the people who are separated, how they easily go through the Jordan and is amazed, because those who arrive on the other bank, are warmly welcomed by light-beings.  There is a long table with seats, all are served with bread and wine and loud rejoicing sounds over over the river.

But Horeb darkens his face and even more his heart, and so he turns northward.  Dark thoughts fill his whole being, then it becomes night around him, and everything disappears from his field of vision.

But Jesus feels compassion, because from His lips sounds: "And yet the time is still coming, when also you, blinded one, will recognize My love for you!"  Now He blesses Horeb with both hands and then those sitting at the table.

Jesus in the wilderness  IV

Jesus is now alone again at the Jordan and rests in the shade of some bushes.  The sun truly means well; hunger and thirst set in, but Jesus has nothing with which to satisfy His hunger; so He goes to the bank and cools Himself, but the water was too warm to drink.

Jesus is completely introverted; thoughts arise in Him: "I have no need to drink this stagnant water, for if I wanted to, the water would be wine!  Then it rushed in Him, as if waterfalls were pouring, and the rushing became sound.  And now it sounds like the harps of angels, and thirst and hunger are gone from Him.

Jesus gives thanks: "Father!  You Glorious One!  You have bread and water in abundance!  You are concerned about Me, Your Son, and You knew what was coming; therefore You opened Your heart and let the call of Your Fatherly love resound in Me.  Continue to strengthen Me!  For only You are strength, You are the Source of life!  And now I see You again in Me!"

Jesus is strengthened; but He recognizes how also in Him still lives "human" life.  And so He says to Himself: "It costs a lot to rule like a right administrator in the inner world.  There are still strong fetters that restrict My inner life.  But You, Father of all life, know about it!  And so I recognize Your will: that I prove Myself as Your Son also in these trials and become a testimony to all dark ones!"

He spends the day resting; only when the sun sets, He starts the way back, and when it has become night, He reaches His hut again.  New crowds of spirits, attracted by others, observe His sleep.  They suspect great things, but do not know that also crowds of most glorious angels guard this place!

Jesus awakes.  His body is tired from the unaccustomed fasting, and so He remains in the hut until noon.  A light slumber makes Him forget hunger and thirst.  But when the sun reaches it's zenith, Jesus looks for food, but it would not taste right.  And again, but stronger, comes the thought: "Why am I hungry now?"  Then He sees the many spirits surrounding Him, and they are hungry, very hungry!  Jesus beckons to one.  He quickly comes and says: "Lord!  Your call to come to You, I answer with a heart full of longing, and now I am here.  But we see that You too are afflicted with hunger - yet we can give You nothing, since we ourselves have nothing."

Jesus says: "That is why I did not beckon to you to ask something from you.  But the hunger, which I feel in My body, I also saw in you.  And therefore I will help you, and will show you all: the way to spiritual satiety!"

The spirit asks in amazement: "Lord, you want to help us? - and yet you yourself are poor!  You want to satisfy us, and you are hungry yourself?  Oh Lord, how will you do that?"

Jesus answers: "By allowing you all a glimpse into My inner world out of the power of My love for you.  And so I say to you: "Look, what all is possible to love!"  Before the eyes of the many spirits, landscapes and homesteads arise; plants of splendor and beauty become visible, and bright figures hurry by in rapid course, waving and greeting.

The poor hut in front of Jesus has become like a temple.  In the middle there is an altar, and before this altar Jesus now steps, takes the bread and blesses it.  An angel comes, takes it from the hand of Jesus and hands it to each one to break.  Now Jesus takes hold of the cup, which was also on the altar.  Another angel receives it and lets everyone refresh themselves with it.  On the altar there is still an empty vessel, Jesus breathes into it, a flame flares up and spreads a fine fragrance.

The spectators, satiated and strengthened, stand under the spell of the experience and are silent - very silent.  Jesus blesses them and calls: "Go in peace!  Soon your hour of salvation will strike - but until then, serve one another as I have served you.  Then serve God, and contribute to the success of the great work of redemption!"

The vision passed;  smiling, Jesus stands before those who have become mute and says to one of them: "Andrew, do you still believe that I am so poor, or do you think that it was only a mirage?  See, in your hand you still have bread, which you forgot to eat because you were watching."

"Lord, what am I?" - asks Andrew - "What have we experienced?  You wanted to let us look into Your inner world, but now it was like a heaven so beautiful.  Oh, to live in this world should be true bliss!"

Jesus answers: "Andrew!  Such beauty is also hidden in you, but still in unconsciousness for you and all of you.  But if you strive not only to be pious, but to become alive in love, you too will become aware of all this."

"Who are you, oh Lord?" - asks Andrew - "that you can tell us this and show this to us?  Others said that You are the Lamb who bears the sins of the world and that You are the Redeemer!  Yet, You look like an ordinary man, yet saturated with a kindly nature."

Jesus says: "Your humble and pious heart, dear Andrew, has made it possible for you to experience this hour of grace.  And if you had shown love instead of severity, you would have had bread and food in abundance long ago.  I am Jesus, awaited by many thousands.  To help, to establish a new Kingdom!  And this My kingdom begins in My inner land, and reaches as far as My love reaches.  But it becomes comprehensible and visible only to those who believe in Me and My mission.  But the blessings of My kingdom will be felt by everyone, even by those who are distant from God.  Can you understand this?"

Andrew is amazed: "You are Jesus?  You, whom I lost sight of; but now I live in the spirit, You give me Your love again?  Oh Jesus!  Why couldn't I understand You before?  I think I would have been spared many things in life!"

"Do not be sad because of this" - Jesus answers him - "but now become awake and alive at last, and lead your brothers into the spiritual life which you were allowed to see in Me.  You know Me now; but now love Me and become a true servant to your brothers out of the Spirit of eternal love!"

"Jesus!  Jesus!" - exclaims Andrew - "gladly, if my strength permits; but why do You extend Your love to me of all people?"

Jesus says: Andrew!  You have already loved Me, admittedly in your own way, while you were still alive as a human being.  And it is My nature to repay every love a thousandfold.  But if you want to become truly happy, then love and serve your brothers!  Look at this angel, who will lead you into a new and better existence.  But if you want to remain united with Me, then do not forget that I, Jesus, love you and your brothers dearly!  Go in peace, and blessed be your will and your deeds!  Amen."

Andrew grabs the hand of the angel, which is held out to him in greeting, and immediately all are raptured.  But Jesus blesses them, because He knows where they are going.

Jesus in the wilderness V - Meeting with the spirit of Pio, transported to the world of the deceased mother

He spends the afternoon resting in His hut.  Before the sun sets completely, He satiates Himself again with roots and honey; in His heart there is a move of thanksgiving for this gift of grace, and only then does the food become a refreshment for Him.  Then He exclaims: "Father, You Love!  Father, You Life of all life!  Only Your holy Will be done and unified in Me even more and more, so that even the last may become the first, and the first, the last in Me!"

Jesus now spends the night, cool with dew, sitting in front of His hut.  Then the dark Horeb returns with an even darker spirit, and cursing and clamoring, they make a great noise around the One who is sitting quietly.  Jesus, however, acts as if He does not see them, and so they become confused and do not know whether they are seen and heard.

Finally one, named Pio, says to Horeb: "Friend, you lied to me when you told me that this man sees and has great powers.  But it seems that this is not so, otherwise he would have given us at least an answer."

Horeb replies: "Only wait, what I have told you is truth, for my companions have willingly bowed to His will and have abandoned me."

Pio says: "Well, let us wait a little longer, for we lose nothing, but I marvel at the fact that you have brought me to this very man; He does not look bad, but he will be of no use to us."

Observes Horeb: "It depends; I do not trust him."

Pio smiles and says: "Then avoid him, if you are afraid!  You are afraid of this man, and  you hang out with me whom everyone avoids?"

"Do not strut about this" - replies Horeb coldly - "for you too shall find your master!  I never thought that I would remain alone, and now it has happened just as he told me.  When one is alone and it is dark everywhere, then all sorts of thoughts arise.  But the dangerous thing is that I just can't forget about this Jesus, and at the thought of meeting Him again, it even became a little clearer around me, so that I could see around me, so that I could at least find you.  But I am still not in the clear about Jesus.”

Pio wants to reply something, when Jesus asks aloud: "Horeb!  Who do you bring into My vicinity?  Are you willing to change your feeling?"

"I have not returned to change myself!" - says Horeb - "Truly, I have not yet thought of it.  But this Pio, who has been a guide of great caravans, does not want to believe that you do have powers, which are not easy to resist."

Jesus says amicably: "Well, Pio, do you wish to measure yourself against Me, or what are your intentions?"

"You see and hear us?" - asks Pio in surprise - "And you are still a man!  Consequently you are not to be despised!  But to me it is not yet at all proven that you should be so extraordinary a man, since you shun the company of your fellows.  If You are the One described by Horeb, then I want to acknowledge Your faculties, but whether you can be useful or harmful to me, I doubt very much."

Jesus says: "Pio, I tell you, I can be very useful to You!  But if you put Me aside, then you damage yourself, and sadness will fill My heart."

"Why?" - asks Pio - "What does my destiny concern You?  You are still a man, but I'm not anymore."

Jesus answers him: "Whether I am still a man or not, is of secondary importance.  The most important thing is - if you think it possible - that something lives in Me that is superior to all, even to you."

Pio says: "First I should know what it is that lives in You, then I will give you an answer.  But do not think that I say yes to everything, for I too have had many experiences."

"Well, then listen!" - replies Jesus - "as a man, you have carried in you your God who was to guide you and lead you to the highest perfection, but now you stand before Me as a spirit, miserable and abandoned.  Where is this God of yours now, and what was and is He still?"

Pio says: "This is not an answer as to what I want to know.  That I should carry God in me is new to me!  In essence I do not know know any God, since He has never shown Himself, and I do not even believe that there is a God."

Jesus solemnly declares to him: "Pio, your interior is full of rancor and pitilessness, because nothing has succeeded in your earthly life.  But you have never thought that it is God Himself who has always obstructed your selfish work.  You see, however, how it happens that I always feel united to God and know precisely His holy Will.  You think: 'What a fanatic!'  But I want to give you a proof of the truth of My Words.  And so you ask for something that God should do for you.  I am ready to perform it!"

Says Pio surprised: "Are you serious?  Woe to You, if You allow Yourself to joke with me, I would destroy You!"

"Pio, why do you not believe?" - asks Jesus - "Ask something as I have told you, and only then will we discuss it!"

Says Pio incredulously: "Then let it now for once become day, and let the whole area look like the place where I was born and lived as a child!"

Jesus smiles: "Then hold your hands before your eyes, that the light may not blind you!  So be it!"

Pio keeps his eyes closed.  Slowly he withdraws his hands again - and is frightened; for before him he sees the farm on which he was born, precisely still the same trees, and so he lets out a scream.  Then he enters the house.

She looks at him joyfully and says: "Son!  Have you finally come home?  And have you found the peace that makes you a happy being again?"

Pio stammers: "Mother!  Mother!  Not I have come home, but a man named Jesus brought me here.  A moment ago I was still living in the land of the Jews - and now I am here, ... in Arabia?"

"Son!  What are you saying?" - the mother asks - "Where is the man?  Is it this - or that one?  No!  It is this one!  I see his eyes, so good, turned to me.  And so I thank You, Jesus, because You have brought my son home to me.  How the father will rejoice!"

"Oh woman!" - says Jesus benevolently - "For your son's sake, I have granted him his wish, for you have so often prayed to God to be merciful to him also.  Your prayer has now been heard, but he cannot remain here, for he must find himself again.  So enjoy this hour as a gift from Heaven and learn to love and understand God!"

"Oh man!  How You speak!" - says the mother - "You are certainly a man!  We, however, are dwellers in another world, a world that was formerly very foreign and unknown to us all; but thanks to the great goodness of God, we have become familiar with it, and can now do many more things than we would have done as humans.

We knew that our son Pio was also already living in the great world of spirits, and so we often prayed to God to let us live an hour in seeing each other again.  But who are You?  And by what power could You work this?"

Jesus answers benevolently: "Woman ... and mother, your son already tells you who I am.  And what I do, I do by the power of the Love that is God from Eternity to Eternity!  Just as your love for your son Pio is an offshoot of God in you, so is My Love in Me, the same Life, as in you.  With the difference, however, that the life of love in you was limited by your own narrow concepts, while in Me this Life has grown into the great Life of God and has made Me one with God.  I know God, and God knows Me!  I am not for one moment without God, and at all times I know His holy Will!"

Pio's mother says: "Oh, what a happy man you must be, You who possess this rare grace of being united with God!  Then could You also, without losing anything, make it possible for my son to remain here?  Since God has communicated to You my prayer for my son, so I pray to You also: leave my Pio here, so that he may find himself and become a happy man or spirit."

Jesus says amicably: "Arabella, there are prayers that cannot yet be answered, because the salvation of the soul depends on it.  As you have already experienced in your existence here, this spiritual world is organized just as well as the earthly one, where order is the foundation and every organization must regulate itself according to laws.  See, Pio, your son, would not endure long here, because in him still lives an impulse to become something great.  And as long as these impulses and false and wrong inclinations are not ordered in the laws of the vital conditions of God's eternal order, they operate by dividing and impeding.  But you as a mother can exercise all your influence over him.  Perhaps he will accept your good advice - and become humble!"

Arabella immediately pleads: "Pio, my son!  Have you heard what the wise man Jesus said?  Have you kept the whole meaning of His Words before your eyes?  It is a grace that you are here and for that you have to thank God and this man Jesus!  Oh, if only you could stay here, here in your paternal home, where loving mother's arms can take care of you and fatherly love wants to give you what you need to become happy and good again!  Oh Pio, the choice cannot be difficult: here is the paternal home and love, ...and outside, homeless and alone!"

"Mother, mother, stop it!" - exclaims Pio painfully - "how willingly I would like to stay here, but something lives in me that is stronger than you and your love.  How often I have already struggled and fought with it, but there is nothing to be done.  My inner life is my fatality, for forces outside of me hold me back and force me to be malicious and violent!  I have not yet found anyone who are superior to these forces.  Now I am being led by a man and already my inner world is shattered; for Him ... Him, ... I can not resist!"

"What does it matter if you are not what you used to be" - consoles the mother - "since your strength and superiority over others did not allow you to find your fatherly home.  But this Jesus, this man filled with God, simply brings you here and makes me the happiest being; for now I have you again as once so that I can hold you to my heart. My interior already tells me that one day you will return home for good, even if now you are still driven to go far away aimlessly.  Yes, my son, go again, before the father comes!  Let us spare him the pain, for you certainly are lost, until you yourself find the way back.  Oh Jesus!  I feel it, we must think about separation.  But one thing I ask of You, You noble man: remember my son!  Your strength reaches far.  But Your love reaches farther than humanly imaginable, and I know You will save him from the chains of the false powers."

"Oh woman and mother Arabella!" - says Jesus - "everything for which you pray, the eternal God and Father already knows and gives you the assurance: as far as it is possible, everything will happen according to your prayer!  First, however, a change must take place in your child.  Hold firmly to prayer and touch his heart in spirit; for only love and forgiveness can make this change possible.  Here in your world, maximum free will reigns, and the Gates to the Kingdom of Heaven open only to free will.  This is why you cannot even speak to your son of compulsion or persuasion to induce him to return. Remember Me as well and pray to God that your inner world may also be filled with the Spirit that fills Me.  Then you will feel in yourself strength and new life that will give you full compensation for all that you have left behind.  But you, Pio, take leave - for the time that God's Love has granted you here, has expired!"

Once again Arabella embraces her son and says: "Son!  Hold on to Jesus!  With Him, you too will find the recompense He spoke to me about, and then return, your mother is waiting for you!"

A kiss, ...and Jesus, Pio and Horeb are again in front of the hut in the desert.

The two stand there completely amazed.  Finally, Pio asks: "Jesus!  Was it reality or just an illusion?  It is impossible for me to believe that this was reality!"

Jesus says: "Pio, do you consider Me a man who deceives you or who allows himself a joke?  Oh, Pio - I wanted to show you that all your powers are nothing compared to Mine. But on the other hand, they are not My own, but God's powers; and you wanted to get proofs of His Existence.  You two need help, but you can get help only if you banish from you all pride and arrogance and become as willing as those who left you!  I could show you how grateful they are for the happiness of having been freed from their old, absurd folly; before them, in fact, lies a golden future, while yours is hopeless.  With you, there is no need for much talk, for you yourselves have always been cunning and considered yourselves lords.  Whereas I may be 'Lord', but in Me is the eternal God and Father: the LORD; and I remain His Son and servant!"

Pio begs: "Jesus, don't say another word, I need quiet.  This cure has been too tiring, and my situation is anything but beautiful.  And you, Horeb, will have to remain alone; for me, in fact, it is impossible to come with you now, for I have found My Master!"

Horeb, however, says: "What about me, what will now become of the conflict in me?  Do you think I rejoiced when all of a sudden you were with me and Jesus in your house?  You did not at all think that I was also present and heard and saw everything!"

Pio says: "Whether Jesus is now the Son of God or not, He has fulfilled my desire and for this, I want to serve Him!"

"Pio, if you want to serve Me, you are heartily welcome" - says Jesus - "but only in the Spirit of Divine Love!  I do not need to make you to serve Me, for I Myself came to earth only to serve.  But if you want to be My servant, then serve your brothers with Me.  And with Horeb you can begin your service immediately.  Who serves Me, serves God, and He will reward you.  For this I want to bless you!".

Pio asks in amazement: "Tell me, you mysterious man: why have you chosen me, a dark being full of hatred, to serve you?  Why do You not turn away from us in your purity?  We could cause You unspeakable harm in body and soul, just as we have already poisoned thousands with our essence."

"Because I love you!" - replies Jesus - "Because your world full of darkness, full of hatred, falsehood and deception, cannot resist My universal Love.  Only a single ray of light coming from My world full of light and life, sent into your world, makes you absolutely happy beings.  For before this Light, all darkness must yield - for it is Light coming from God and Life coming from the eternal Love of God.  That is why I offer you My love and mercy, to protect you from the hell that is already beginning to grow in you.  Understand this now, for it may be an unspeakably long time before the call comes to you again: awaken and convert."

A long silence ensues.  No-one wants to say a word, and even Jesus is silent.  But in the ranks of the angels there is rejoicing and great happiness.  For with the expression of Jesus: 'Because I love you', His Heart became inflamed with a marvelous light, and this revelation is for them a glimpse into the inner world of Jesus that transports the angels to the height of sublime joy.

Jesus greets them with His hand, and a sound like a roar runs through the ether, the angels sing: "Praised be You, Lord - God - Zebaoth, and glorified be Your Love!  In the midst of the wilderness You have built for Yourself a throne, and from there You proclaim to all the dark spirits: "For you also, I bring in Me Love!  Hallelujah!  Hallelujah!  Amen!"

Jesus thanks and says: "Go in peace; and be patient, until all is accomplished!"

Pio observes Jesus and also hears the Words spoken in a low voice, and so asks: "Jesus!  Are there still other beings besides us two, since I have seen You greeting and heard You speak?"

"Yes, you saw and heard well" - Jesus replied - "there were servants of God driven by the desire to see Me.  And so I thanked them for their love.  But they were not here only to see Me, but because all the magnificence of their homeland without Me, is nothing for them.  You marvel at these words and do not understand them; but since you want to become My servant, then understand this news as well and carry it deeply within you: I too have a Kingdom!  It is invisible to all those who do not know Me.  But for those who know Me, My Kingdom is something so great and wonderful that they would always want to live there.  And you too can become a servant of this Kingdom, if you fulfill the conditions which are: serve, serve and sacrifice!"

Pio shuddered at these words, they penetrated into his heart like hammers; then he said: "Oh You mysterious man!  What proceeds from You and what happiness can You prepare for all beings?  Oh, grant me but a glimpse into Your Kingdom, and I will thank You eternally, for You have conquered me!"

"Pio, I would gladly grant this desire of yours also" - says Jesus - "but by that I would serve Me, not you.  Then, indeed, you would be forced to acknowledge something that you must find in yourself.  I would like to be and remain for you only 'Jesus' and not influence you in your decisions, because I am still human and therefore I also have to fulfill all the laws, until I am perfect in the Spirit!"

Asks Pio: "Oh Jesus, are you angry with me, because I have demanded too much in my boldness?  Oh, forgive my error!"

"Pio!  Go your way in peace!" - Jesus answered him - "You have not angered me for one moment, and however many sins you might have and your conscience be aggravated like a mountain, I would tell you the same: Go your way in peace, and seek the right path, where you can find those to whom you have done injustice.  But if it should be difficult for you to make reparation for the injustice you have committed, then think of Me and at this hour, think that God in His infinite love has let you live.  You now cannot stay here any longer, for your world is a different one from Mine!  But if you seriously want what you have set out for yourself, then seek Me - but in you, ... and you will find Me!  The way to get there, is called Love!"

"Jesus, how happy Your Words make me" - says Pio - "and how gladly I would like to stay here with You!  I understand, however, that I cannot stay with You or with other people; but I beg You, where shall I go now?  You have said: 'Go your way!' - but since I have been in the spirit-realm, I have not yet seen any way, even less a road."

Jesus concludes: "My friend, there is a road ahead of you that you can travel if you only want to, and this is called: service to all My brothers!  The moment you want to serve them out of free love, a light will blaze from you and will illuminate your surroundings, and after some trials and difficulties, you will also reach your goal.  You will get the strength for this from Me, if you carry Me with Love in your heart.  So now go in peace!  May My blessings accompany you!"

Jesus in the wilderness  VI - The further sacrifice of fasting brings the Man Jesus towards His Divinity

Jesus is alone, since Pio and Horeb are removed by His will from His sphere.  Jesus looks again within Himself and thanks: "Oh Father, You holy Life in Me!  Hallowed be Your name and glorified be Your Love.  Like incendiary torches, the light of Your love illuminates the whole inner life and, like flashes of fire, illuminates all darkness.  Serving and following You alone, I carry within me Your Life, and this is the highest fulfillment!"

Quiet, holy silence is around Him, resembling the peace that is in Him.  Now Jesus lays down to rest and falls into a deep sleep, from which He awakens only when the sun is at it's highest.  The gently flowing water may have quenched His thirst, but the need for the usual food makes itself felt again.  And now it is a question of completely overcoming even this earthly desire!  His thoughts wander indeed to Nazareth in His mother's house, but with this the desire for bread does not diminish; and so He lies down in His hut, removes all thought and leaves room only for the one thought: "Father, You are My sustenance, and to do Your will, is My nourishment!"

And the holy Life in Him announces, flowing sweetly: 'Every sacrifice generates new Life!' Before the man Jesus, the whole of Creation is now revealed as an altar of sacrifice.  And again in Him is announced: 'The One leaves His existence, so that the other may live!'  Thus He sees in each dying, the arising of the new.  And from the new arising are formed beings who bow before Him.  And one says: "Your Spirit of sacrifice has called us into existence.  Oh, give us also of Your Life, that we may fulfill our duty and use our existence according to Your will to sacrifice!"

In Jesus they become Light, and the Light coming from Him is their fulfillment.  In Him resounds: 'When the greatest sacrifice is made, the Way to all Life shall be smoothed!' Now Jesus rises and blesses them: "Go in peace, may your will become one with your action!"  An angel comes and takes the host under his care; they bow and go towards the East.

Jesus in the Wilderness  VII - Jesus at the Jordan with the fishermen Tobiah and Simon

Jesus seeks some food for Himself and spends the night praying.  Inwardly strengthened and happy, he leaves His place in the morning and runs at a fast pace towards the Jordan, near Bethabara.  He looks neither to the right nor to the left and follows only the impulse of the Spirit in him.  After walking for hours and hours, he comes to the vicinity of the Jordan and meets two fishermen who want to bring their catch to the area where John is, because there are always visitors there who buy fish; in fact, the influx of strangers is still great.  The two fishermen see Jesus coming from afar and wait for Him, because they believe that He is also going to John.  Jesus greets them: "The peace of the Lord be with you!" - and they reply with thanks: "To all eternity!"

One of them, named Tobiah, asks: "Brother in the Lord, where do you come from?  Here far and wide there is no dwelling place or inn; you could easily have gone astray in the desert."

Jesus replies: "Don't worry!  I know the area well and I don't need any guidance, for I could be My own guide through this entire desert region.  Everywhere is an inn, for everywhere the earth is God's.  I do not to carry any burden - not even in my heart; and after all, God is with Me!"

"You are a strange man" - says Tobiah - "You come from the wilderness, and in spite of that you are still cheerful!  Are you not afraid that the fierce beasts that are there in great numbers may attack you?  You have, indeed, not even a stick with you; this I call lightness."

Says Jesus: "Not at all, for even a stick could not protect you; but My trust in God's protection protects Me."

Tobiah then asks: "Are you convinced that Your faith and trust are sufficient in such danger?  We know well: 'One must not tempt God!' - and to use prudence is to be sensible."

"Tobiah, I know you and I see in your heart" - says Jesus - "and I see much of the good, for you too are of the faith: 'Jehovah is My Creator and Preserver!'  You are grateful for every little gift; but then you are also of the opinion that you have done all your duty to God.  However, I think differently; I think that there are so many people who give thanks, and who also pray for the needs of daily life.  But there are only a few who think: "Does God exist only to give?  Shouldn't God rejoice if one or another brought Him something?'  So I have proposed again to serve God in this way and to make my heart an altar of sacrifice, on which the flame of My love burns always and at all times.  But love without trust is unthinkable; and so there lives in Me full confidence in the protection of God's Love."

Tobiah answers: "Listen, young man, you are not entirely wrong, but I have grown old and gray in the faith of my fathers.  You young people understand it differently, as John the Baptist also shows; but whether that is approved by God, I do not know."

Jesus answers: "Tobiah!  Be assured that I shall not shake your faith or demand to do anything against your conscience, but you can seriously examine My words.  Who gives you proof that your fathers believed rightly?  No-one, if your heart, your whole inner being, cannot provide you with proof.  You see, I always know what is right or not right with God, for I feel God within Me!"

"Young man, do not make a mistake!" - Tobiah admonishes Him - "For God does not let the trees of presumption grow unpunished in Heaven.  One may agree with what you say, but your appearance reveals something else.  And that You do not have good days behind you, is seen from afar; for You are not the first we see coming from the wilderness.  Your gaiety that we notice in you, may also be illusion."

"Dear, old friend, now you are so wrong!" - replies Jesus - "Because remember: I know what I do and what I must do!  And that I did not go into the wilderness aimlessly, you can truly believe!  But if you think that this hungry man looks miserable, you are mistaken.  Even hunger can be appeased by trust.  You look at Me in disbelief and think now within yourself: 'When will He ask for the bread that I brought with me?'  But I tell you, I do not need your bread, for God has given Me proof that He can sustain Me even without bread and fruit."

Says Tobiah: "Are you not afraid, young man, to support something that is absolutely absurd: to appease hunger with confidence?  Oh, if Jehovah were to examine you now, then I would like to see you after a couple of days - how you would complain wringing your hands in despair at your overconfident folly!"

Jesus answers: "My dear Tobiah and you, Simon, believe My words when I tell you that I have not seen or eaten bread for seven days.  Certainly there was in Me also the desire for other food than roots and wild honey, but I know why the Heavenly Father imposes on Me, on the Son of Man, these trials.  And it is a very great satisfaction for Me to know: I have totally fulfilled the Will of God, that you taste your bread with pleasure.  You have heard from John: "After Me will come One of Whom I am not worthy.  Have you not yet reflected that 'The One' may soon come?  And what will He teach?  I can only tell you that your business will then look quite different from today!  You bring fish into the desert for the curious strangers only to make more money, for you say: 'There, where there is nothing to be had, better prices are paid!  This is unworthy for a believing Jew!  Let not your heart be frightened by these My words, but for your very sake, God has sent Me to you, to give you this reminder: 'Believe and trust in the eternal God, then nothing will fail you!'  And no-one who has believed in Him, has yet gone to ruin."

Says Simon: "Whoever you may be, your words shake me!  And you are right; it was not just concern for the daily bread, but greed.  But what are we to do now?  We cannot drag the caught fish around with us for days on end until we get home again.  Back home they are counting on the profit, for today of all days, life imposes great burdens on us."

"Quietly bring the fish to the strangers" - Jesus replies - "but only at the price you would get from your old customers.  God will reward you for it!  If, however, you should be given more, you are free from greed for gain, and your conscience will not weigh you down."

"It shall happen according to your will!" - says Simon firmly - "But now I would gladly want to know: who are you, and what is your goal?  That you indeed must have an important goal, my heart suggests; and one does not go into the solitude of this desert for nothing.  Are you one of those who send out John to teach about the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven?  Then I can understand you, for fasting and prayer is a major part of John's teaching."

Jesus answers: "Listen both of you, I am just like you - a fisherman!  My fish, however, are different from yours.  And today's fish are you!  You keep all the unsold fish in special boxes and wait for the opportunity until it brings you profit and bread.  But I keep My fish in My heart and I love them as My brothers, and this is the great gain for My inner world.  But all those whom I take into Myself, My heavenly Father loves them also.  And so He gladly blesses Me and all those whom I bring with Love into Me."

"What you are telling us now, sounds like music from the Heavens" - replies Simon - "but this harmony is still foreign to us, for we must first come to full understanding of Your love.  Oh, how beautiful this earth would be, if we were all people like you!  Then we would no longer need to hope and wait for our Savior and Redeemer!"

"Certainly, My brothers, for thus I call you now, you are right!  Now, however, if the coming Redeemer does not correspond to these expectations of yours, what will happen?  If John already preaches: "Do penance!" - what should the coming One teach in your opinion?  I am very anxious to hear your opinion - for you have also heard from John: “He has already arrived!”

"Dear friend, and also brother" - says Simon - "this question cannot be answered for us, for I have not yet reflected what doctrine the ardently expected One will bring us.  On the one hand the temple, on the other hand the Romans; by both we are harshly oppressed, then the task of the coming One will be a difficult one!  Of the fact that 'He is already here' we have not yet noticed anything; but if I could only speak to Him once, my fervent desire would be fulfilled, and all that I consider mine, I would entrust to Him!"

Jesus asks: "Simon, are you not a little rash in your ardent desire?  If now one were to come and say: 'I am the One who is to come!' - how and in what way would you recognize Him?  For even a deceiver could say: 'It is I, the One in whom the fathers formerly hoped.'"

"You make my heart afraid!" - replies Simon - "For of this I have not yet thought either.  But since we already speak of it, tell me, have you already thought of the deliverer?  And how should He be, to obtain at once the certainty: 'It is Him ... and no other!'"

Jesus answers: "Brother Simon, did not the Creator give you a heart that can hear and feel?  Why must everything be measured with the intellect?  In truth, I tell you, all people would be better off if what moves and stirs in the heart, were put into action more in external activity.  You two are advanced in years, you carried in your arms children and grandchildren, and your hearts were filled with joy.  And hopes passed like a holy premonition through your interior.  Childlike love conquered your heart, and intellect did not intrude, for here it was love.  All people are equal children before God, and the love of God can only want for them what is just, like a father or a mother.  You see, all people find themselves at or are staggering over the abyss, for they know their God and Creator only by Name.  But if God now chooses someone who has made himself worthy for this mission and sends him as Protector of God's holy rights and of His love in this earthly world, then there is still a doubt, how this so ardently longed for and awaited One should be?  But only in such a way that it must be said: 'This is the true Son of our great God, of our heavenly Father!  But this Son will only want what the Father wants. And Father and Son will be one, as fire and light are one.  You, however, know almost nothing about your 'Father' anymore, that is why this language of Mine is so foreign to your ears.  But open your hearts and feel and perceive what stirs you; and the same thing you will feel and perceive when the desired One stands before you."

"Before you one must be silent" - says Tobiah - "for your tongue is too all-powerful; in fact, it reveals to us all our errors at once!  And therefore I say to you directly and openly: I regard You for Him who is to come, for no-one can enlighten as You do!  But you, my people - you, Israel!  What disappointment is upon you!  For You will not deliver us from oppression and from all the chains we have put on ourselves in our passion and blindness.  Now I understand You!  A holy breath, a presentiment crosses my heart: we must become sons and brothers, and what we give as an offering to God and to the temple, we ourselves must first sacrifice in our hearts.  Only then do we learn again to know our God and, through God ... His Anointed One!"

"Brother Tobias!" - Jesus joyfully exclaims - "Not your intellect, but your heart has announced this to you!  And so rejoice!  For as you recognize and accept Me as the Expected One, ... so have you also recognized and accepted God!  But you, Simon, what do you say now to your brother Tobiah?"

"That we have been great fools!" - replies Simon - "For our hearts were beating fast, but our intellect would not admit it.  Now, however, we stand before You, and we pray You: forgive us, for not having wished to acknowledge You at once!"

"I have called you brothers" - says Jesus - "and brothers we remain!  But remain silent for a little while longer before the world, until I reveal Myself to the world.  I will still remain alone, until all the conditions are fulfilled, and for this, I return in solitude to the desert.  Do not fear for Me, for in Me everything must be well prepared, for all the powers of darkness are also against Me.  I certainly do not bring freedom and salvation to those who do not believe in Me and My mission.  But what I do want to bring to all of you, are the means to release you from the pressure of sins and from the chains and bonds that make you prisoners.  Accept them!  They are found in each one of you, and these means are clearly revealed to you in your hearts.  So have patience still, but be full of confidence!"

"Lord!" - prays Simon - "If You have deemed us worthy and given us so much and has placed a certainty in us that we may say: "Yes, You are!" - tell us Your name, for though You have commanded us to be silent, our hearts will sure want to call You by name!"

"Brothers" - says Jesus - "I am Jesus of Nazareth, son of the carpenter Joseph.  But My inner Life is called: Emmanuel - God of Eternity in Eternity!  If you think of Me, you must also think of God.  And when you pray to God, then remember Me with Love.  For only what you love, can unite and unify.  Now sit down and enjoy your bread, that I may bless you and the food!"

They both look at Jesus, and He nods; then they sit down on the sand and remove their bread from the wrapping.  Simon divides it into three parts and says: "Lord, not only bless, but enjoy with us what you have blessed!  Oh, grant this prayer!"

"Brothers" - says Jesus - "blessed be your love and bread; and let your heart be filled with the knowledge that you have served God.  But today you are eating alone; for your love has already been the satiation for My soul.  But it is My Father's Will that I return again to My hut.  May the Spirit of peace and strength, in the future, fill you and make you become wise!  Amen!"

* * *

Before the two even realized it, Jesus set off at a rapid pace on His way back; for the bread exerts a strong desire in Him, so that He exclaims: "Father, let me be completely penetrated by Your holy Will!  For You alone are the One who can maintain us!"

Quietness comes, deep quietness; and so He continues towards His hut.  But the longer he walks, the more he is oppressed by hunger, with which thirst is now also associated.  But far and wide there is nothing but sand - only here and there are scattered isolated, crippled trees, which stretch out their branches towards the sky as if warning him.  But forward, only forward!  He hears the warning, because His steps are spied by dark beings, beings who wander in the desert and seek victims for their unquenchable hatred.

His footsteps become slow, ...and finally He can quench His thirst, He, in fact, reaches the vicinity of the rocky cluster where His hut is built;  now He is at home!  Home in a very poor hut!

And in Nazareth, Mary says: "Where will Jesus be?  How beautiful it was when He was at home!"

All misery disappears.  His hut is enveloped by a light so clear that He Himself is amazed, and a Voice exclaims: "My Son!  A new Heaven is built and new splendor and new Life is the Fruit of Your Will of Sacrifice!  Therefore I beg You: resist, so that You and I may remain One!"

These words sound like harp chords, also audible to all angels and spirits, and an echo returns: "So that I and You - remain One!"

Jesus makes himself comfortable in front of the hut and answers: "Father!  You, Eternal One!  You, Life of all life and existence!  Do You pray to Me, the Son of Man?  You care for My Love and for the success of My difficult work!  And surely it is You Yourself Who works and acts here.  For You are in Me, ... and I ... in You!  How alive everything around Me now becomes!  I see everything full of life and movement.  Every Life is a unique witness of You and from You and becomes visible to Me as a light of radiant magnificence!  But these Your heavens and all the magnificences in them, You consider nothing; You want to sunbathe in the Heaven that Your Son wants to erect and build in His innermost territory of the heart.  Oh, therefore, let Me only serve You in My complete inner love of the heart, live for You and be Yours, so that nothing in all infinity can separate us!  Let Your will be Mine and be done in all times!  Amen!"

Jesus in the wilderness  VIII – Union with the Father

Now Jesus lives in silent dedication and stillness, united with the most sublime Life of God; and His Soul is separated more and more from the earthly and the material.  No desire, no craving is any longer awakened in Him, and eternal Love announces itself to Him again and says: "My Son, Your Spirit of Sacrifice is reciprocated!  What has never happened to any man, You have been able to receive and taste.  All that you have now received has come from Me, from Eternal Love.  And yet it was only what you sacrificed to Me in the most spontaneous love.  And this I have given back to you richly blessed, so that it may sprout and grow in You with new Life.  But Your task is not yet finished, for something greater must still be revealed.  But if I am in You and You are in Me, all that is great is small and all that is small is great.  My only ardent desire is now You.  Paternally I protect Your work and exclaim to You: My Son!  You Son of Man!  Complete Your work and bring back to Me 'the Man!'"

But Jesus is aware: 'Eternal Love sets before Me new tasks' - and He rejoices inwardly.  Now He gives thanks once more, and leans in the Spirit on His Father; and in Him it is as if He had ceased to live, but the Life of the Father has once more renewed everything.  Everything in Him is as new, but not foreign.  What before in Him was desire and yearning, is now satisfaction and fulfillment.  And so inwardly He is another and certainly the same One.  "Father!" - He blissfully exclaims - "what have You made of Me!  It is almost impossible to live in this wonderful Life!"

"My Son!" - it echoes within Him - "You are only what You have made of Me ... in You!  For You now carry My Soul and My Life in You!  And, whoever will seek Me, can find Me only in You.  Amen!"

Again Jesus walks through His inner world in the Spirit - and, highly satisfied, exclaims: "Father!   All that I have found and contemplated in Me, is Your Work and is permeated by Your Spirit!  Now nothing in this earthly world has any right on My interior.  Oh, let My flesh and blood also completely belong to You, that it may remain able until complete fulfillment!"

Jesus in the wilderness  IX - The last temptation in the desert - then the Star of Bethlehem shines

So the days go by, one after the other.  Jesus hardly notices.  He looks for honey and roots to appease His hunger, since He still has other needs as well.  Until again Pio and Horeb come to Him and bring with them a spirit that has fallen very deeply.

"Lord!" - says Pio - "In the knowledge that I am doing You a service, I bring with Horeb this lost and bewildered brother.  He claims to know You and laughs at our foolishness as we strive according to Your words to be of service to others.  He claims that You are indeed the Desired One, but You would have lost the game, because You have not conquered Lucifer!"

Jesus replies: "Pio!  I tell you: fools always claim to be right!  But it does not matter what I claim, but what I do!  For every assertion is only an opinion, but still no true life.  My inner life is marked by My actions and depends only on My eternal Father.  What He wills, I do and will keep in the future too!"

"Then I too have asserted it rightly!" - says Pio - "However, he wants to measure himself against You.  Every teaching on my part has remained unsuccessful."

"My dear Pio" - says Jesus - "leave this too to Me.  You also did not want to measure yourself against Me, and yet we became good friends."

"Yes, my dear Jesus" - replies Pio - "but I fear for You!  In fact, this one does not want to test You in Your strength and Your knowledge, but in Your patience, Your love and Your trust in God."

"My brother" - Jesus says gently - "as long as you worry about Me, you still do not know Me, and by this you encourage My adversaries.  By this you do not harm Me, but all the more yourself!  For what is still worry in you, can and must become certainty: who I am and what I am for you!  Only then is the firm foundation laid in you.  And on this rock you must build and found your life's work for yourself; in this, I will strengthen and sustain you!"

"Oh Lord!  You make me an eternal debtor!" - exclaims Pio - "Oh, forgive me, for I have not done more for You!"

"Then go and make up for what is lost" - says Jesus - "and God will reward you!  But this poor man, completely influenced by Satan, we do not want to reject him.  And so you can remain completely calmly in My proximity and the Spirit of Love and Patience will be revealed to you."

Pio and Horeb pull back from the sneering mocker and marvel at his brazenness; he looks at Jesus as one who is lurking.

Jesus, however, acknowledges: 'This one will put Me to the test!'  And in His heart, the recognition of the hunger, the thirst and all the soul-suffering of the spiritual darkness is awakened, darkness that wants to creep into Him from outside.  New powers make themselves felt in Him, to testify to Him: 'Eternal Love puts Me before new tasks' - and, with joy, He exclaims: "Father!  I am ready!  He extends His arms widely; in the Spirit He embraces all people and all spirits and, praying, He blesses the Earth with it's inhabitants.

Now follows the temptation, as described by the men called by God - [Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:2-13]. And then, finally, ...the tribute of the Earth is paid!  No power of the Earth, no power of darkness can any longer dare to measure up to the One who has become a Master.  A Master of all Life.  Because He dominates in Himself everything that opposes the Way coming from God.  Now for Him there is no longer any enemy, for He has conquered all that is earthly and His entire interior is consecrated to the Life of Love!

Jubilation and triumph throughout all the Heavens!  'The Star of Bethlehem', indeed, shines to all beings, announcing: "Only in this Light and Life can true Peace come to you!"

Amen!



Table of Contents

1.  Conversations about John the Baptist and the coming Messiah 4

2.  The veil-dance 9

3.  Setting out for Bethabara 10

4.  Jesus' baptism at the Jordan 11

5.  Jesus in the wilderness I 14

6.  Jesus in the wilderness II – Reality sets in 16

7.  Jesus in the wilderness III 19

8.  Jesus in the wilderness IV 23

9.  Jesus in the wilderness V - Meeting with the spirit of Pio, transported to the world of the dece

10.  Jesus in the wilderness VI - The further sacrifice of fasting brings the Man Jesus towards His

11.  Jesus in the Wilderness VII - Jesus at the Jordan with the fishermen Tobiah and Simon 33

12.  Jesus in the wilderness VIII – Union with the Father 38

13.  Jesus in the wilderness IX - The last temptation in the desert - then the Star of Bethlehem shi