Jesus

prepares

for His

ministry

(Part 1)

Book 9

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. Farewell feast in the house of Joseph 4

2. Hilarius 5

3. Jesus and His messenger Gabriel 8

4. The evening meal 10

5. Experiences on a star 11

6. Farewell to the mother 13

7. Farewell to the brothers 15

8. Jesus and Lucifer 15

9. Rest in the inn 18

10. Jesus walks through the fair hustle and bustle 21

11. First encounter with Judas 24

12. The evening in the inn 24

Farewell feast in the house of Joseph

Quietly, everyone goes back into the house.  Mary and Ada are already looking for the absent ones and are happy when they are united again at the table.  Little Leah is lively and sits down between Jesus and Mary.  Little David comes and looks for his mother, because he is hungry and looking forward to a meal.  And his mother makes room for him.

Mary has prepared everything.  Joel gives thanks and blesses the meal, and the people diligently help themselves.  When the meal is finished, Jesus says: "Mother, bring the jars and the cups, for this is the farewell meal that we want to celebrate with our friends.

"But Jesus, not with water?" - asks Mary - "and we have no wine in the house."

"Only do according to My words, Mary; for My heart is full of joy, and I want all who are in Joseph's house today, to rejoice!"  Mary did so; Jesus poured, and a delicious fragrance filled the spacious room.

"Come and drink with Me" - Jesus calls joyfully - "and receive the greeting that Eternal Love sends you. In holy earnestness it shall be revealed to you that God as man, as your fellow brother, renounces all glories and now wants to rejoice and feast where His human children truly rejoice.  This is now the last hour that I stay among you as your brother, as your helper and servant.  And at the same time it is the first, the long-awaited hour, where I  sit before you both as a brother, as well as the Master and as the Lord.  Do not be afraid!  My love belongs to you and remains with you for all times.

Oh blessed, blessed are all the angels!  Oh blessed are all those who live in the light!  But even more blessed will be those who love Me, as this little Leah loves Me.  Learn from the smallest, for they do not question.  And from this childlike point of view, learn to believe and trust!  Now I consecrate this first cup to all those who love Me and want to follow Me in and out of this Love!  Behold, as the water became this delicious wine, so shall power and new life spring from every deed in this holy Love!  Yes, every deed of love shall give rise to new creations and new blessings!  But to you, Mother, I say in this consecrated hour: 'Now the promise is fulfilled!'  For the Spirit in Me is the light that now shines into everyone, even the deepest darkness.  Whoever follows this light, will also become a light and a lampstand!  And so let this drink be blessed: to Me for joy, but to all of you for eternal salvation!  Amen!"

Now Jesus empties the cup, and hesitantly the others do the same.  Little Leah also wants a sip, but her mother refuses.  Then Jesus asks gently: "Leah, would you like to drink with Me, from My cup?"

"Oh, my dear Jesus, may I do that?  Mother doesn't want it, and You want to give Me a drink?  Oh please, I'd rather not, because then Mother will be sad."

"Come, little Leah, your mother will be happy if you drink with Me, for I have another wine for you that will not harm you, and so drink calmly and joyfully!"  The little girl courageously takes the cup from the hands of Jesus, looks at her mother, tastes a few sips and says: "Oh Jesus, this tastes good; mother and David must also drink from it."  And quickly she hands the cup to the mother.  She smiles and looks at Jesus, takes a sip and gives it back to the child.  Now David may also drink; but he drinks it all up!  Leah is sad, because she would have loved to drink some more.  With tears in her eyes, she gives the cup back to Jesus and forgets to thank Him!  Then Jesus speaks: "My brothers, and also you Mary and Ada, have you noticed this event?  In the same way it will happen to many of you and to My followers: Much you will do in believing trust in this holy power of love, and yet it will sometimes bring you heavy disappointment.  There, where you believe that love is in place, you will be taken advantage of and overreached with cold calculation.  But never become sad because of that; because every service of love is written down in the book of life for eternity.  And subsequently, only love and always only holy earnest love can relieve and expiate.  Behold, Nathan, pure love revives you and others.  But self-love kills all life in the inner world and makes the ground hard and stony!  This selfless, pure love is the heavenly good, which I bring back to the earth!  Through My love, all curse disappears.  Through My love, My blessing grows, which all people may enjoy, if they recognize in Me the Love, which wants to redeem all from their distance from God!

Nathan gives thanks and says: "Oh Jesus, if only I could understand You completely and walk with You! How terrible it is when I think of it, yesterday still your enemy - but today, friend!  You also call me brother, when you surely know what I have done to you and your mother!  Oh I would run away, but my heart holds me fast!"

"Nathan" - says Jesus - "the past is behind us, before us, the future; behind us the struggle, before us the victory; behind us the law, before us, the life!  Say, do you want to go backwards and die, or do you want to live - live forever?"

Nathan asks: "Oh Jesus, forgive!  I want to live - live to make amends!  Live, in order to benefit You!  For now Your mission becomes clear to me: Only You can be the long-awaited Messiah!  Oh, where were my eyes, where were my ears?  Now I see: You are the One of whom it is written: "Who wants to redeem and save us from the hand of the enemies!"

"Dear Nathan!  Calm yourself, for now you have awakened.  Therefore I only say to you: Believe in Me!  Only your faith makes you truly see."

Hilarius

At that moment, a Greek friend comes into the large living room.  He is very surprised to see the whole family of Joseph and also Nathan and the neighbor with her children at the table and says: "Greetings!  The workshop is empty and you all look so happy, what feast is being celebrated here?  I haven't seen so many guests in your house for a long time!  And he extends his hand to everyone in greeting.

Mary answers: "Dear Hilarius, welcome!"  She coerces him to her seat and brings him a plate of soup.

Then Joel asks: "Well, friend Hilarius, were you not pleased with the work that Jacob and Jesus did?"

"But Joel, how can you think such a thing?" - replies Hilarius - "The work was good and meets with approval and applause!  I would have liked to praise Jacob and Jesus; but Jesus does not want praise.  Even before, in Joseph's lifetime, I was always satisfied, but now 'satisfied' is too little said, for the two wardrobes are positively a work of art!"

Jesus stands up and says: "Hilarius, we celebrate a feast of joy.  Therefore leave this your praise, for it has a depressing effect; and you know, every work in itself praises it's master!  But confess openly that the desire to dwell a little with us, has brought you here."

Smiling, the Greek asks: "What feast are you celebrating, may I not know?"

"Certainly, dear Hilarius, we are celebrating a farewell, since tomorrow is the last day that I spend in the parental home!"

"And then you are happy - you are happy?  Oh, what kind of people you are!  Others weep when it comes to parting, and you rejoice?"

Jesus says: "Hilarius, you are certainly right.  But if you knew and understood everything, you too would rejoice."

"Where are you going, Jesus?" - asks Hilarius - "are you going to continue to practice your craft on your own?"

"Hilarius, do you remember how I said to you at the last farewell: As I served you in these days, so you will long to serve Me one day!  And you rejoiced over these words, since you interpreted them in your sense.  Let me tell you that My time has now come, when I no longer will fulfill My duty with plane, saw and axe, but with the light found in Me, I will now try to show all people the way to their true happiness!"

"Jesus, You know, I too am a so-called wise man, but this wisdom of Yours does not find my applause at all.  A craftsman like you stays with the craft.  He seeks to satisfy people, and all need will remain far from him!"

"My Hilarius" - says Jesus graciously - "precisely because I know that the longed-for happiness in external things can in the long run satisfy no-one completely, I want to show people the way and the means to become truly happy.  For all the misery of the people has it's cause in the false presupposition that material things can make one happy!"

"Dearest Jesus!  I have found You to be the best person so far and I also feel especially well near You.  But to become happy with You, oh, all my own wishes and opinions would have to be silent!  For as often as you agree with someone, you also have so many "buts" and in your own way you know how to enliven everything in such a way that only your opinion can be the right one!  I am not angry with you for that; but it is hard to have to admit as a wise man that you are a thousand times wiser!  May the future also solve this great riddle for me."

Jesus says: "My dear friend!  Behold, you will speak very differently one day, when you will understand everything about Me and out of Me.  But it is a great sorrow for Me that all of you - also you, Mary - give yourselves to false ideas.  I will never become and be what you desire; for My great work is a pure work of God!  The Messiah, whom you expect in Me, would disappoint you, because slowly, very slowly, the realization would have to come to you that this redemption and liberation from the curse must not only benefit the chosen people of God, but all peoples of the earth!  You want to be free, you want to become free; this is your longing.  But in order to become free, more is needed than a weak will; the power of action must constantly arise anew in you.  But as long as the old, comfortable evil is still nourished, you will never be free!  A Messiah could easily free you from the Romans, but you would be all the more enslaved by the old evil, and that would be your certain downfall.  You, brothers, have heard what Nathan experienced last night.  You, brothers, have seen your father Joseph in his world and can now say with certainty which of the two is happier.  You say: "Our father" - and rightly so!  For he is now free from the old evil."

Hilarius asks: "You Jesus, what is this old evil in the deepest depths, which does not let us become free and happy, which can subjugate us in such a way that a sense of joy is never possible?  Are not the laws of Moses there to block the way for all evils?"

"My friend" - Jesus replies - "you are not a Jew, but inwardly faithful to Jehovah, whom you have recognized.  You know the destinies of our people and share in all their joys and sorrows.  Joseph was a good example to you, but the evil was still deeply rooted in Joseph, and this was: the love for the old temple and the iron will to fulfill the law exactly!  But in the outward strict fulfillment of God's commandments and all the ceremonies, grew the spirit of self-love, that love which must be voluntarily sacrificed and die!  For as long as self-love is still determining in the existence of man, the worldly wishes and desires never come to rest!  Only he who can submit to everything without desire, detaches himself from the old evil and frees the spirit in himself, which is: power from the primordial Power and light from the primordial Light!

Hilarius asks astonished: Jesus, can You say that You are free from all desires and covetousness?  Can You say that You are strength from Your inner life and live from this newly risen strength?  So give us proof!  For it is sure beautiful, if You can represent with words what fills You inwardly, but in truth it often looks different when the test comes!"

Jesus calmly answers: "You are right, dear friend, when you examine what has been said here.  But I say to you and to all: if you do not want to believe My words, at least believe Me, since you know that I am not capable of a lie.  It is My greatest testimony which I will proclaim; I am truth!  I am life out of God's Life and live only for God's truth!  But if you walk on the ways I have gone before you, only then you will realize that these words of Mine are true words of God!  But now strengthen yourself and feel quite at home among us."

It became a beautiful day.  No-one thought of leaving until the children grew tired and Ada took her leave, thanking Jesus and Mary once again with heartfelt love.

Jesus said: "Go home in peace!  The true peace of God is promised to all those who love their fellow men.  What I did to you, try to practice on others, then you truly serve God, And so be blessed from the Spirit of Eternal Love!"

Moved, Ada wants to leave the room, but little Leah pushes herself towards Jesus and raises her arms to Him.  Jesus sees the intention, lifts her up, presses her to His breast and says: "Leah, My little daughter, always remember that I love you as if I were your father, then you will not forget Me!"

"Dear Jesus, why aren't you my father and I your Leah?  Why do you think my father had to die and leave us so alone?"

“Leah!  The good God in heaven knows about everything, and your father is with Him and has not forgotten you.  And even though I am no longer in Nazareth, I also remain good to you, as if I were your father.  Now go home and do your duty!"

Little David looks around shyly, and quickly he is out the door.  Then the mother calls him: "David, this is no way to part.  You have a guilty conscience, while Jesus did so much good for us.  Quickly, ask His forgiveness!"  Shyly, the little boy comes back to Jesus, but he does not say a word.

Then Jesus speaks to him seriously: "David!  It is good that you are still a child.  But if one day you will understand the whole great truth and want to perish with remorse and grief - then think of Jesus, who says to you now: "I love you too!  Now go, peace be with you!"

Now Nathan also wanted to leave, but Jesus says: "Nathan, why do you want to go?  Your house is well-ordered, and who knows when we will meet again, since I am leaving Nazareth."

"Dearest Jesus, shall not Your work of redemption, as You presented it, also benefit the Nazarenes?  So begin here in this place, I will not prevent you if you go to the synagogue.”

Jesus says: "Your will is good, dear friend; but I must not stay, since My eternal Father already showed Me My work for the next days.  And for the Nazarenes it would not be for salvation either.  Behold, how long I have been among you, yet no-one ever thought that I could be the Promised One.  Some about Me leaked out, but then again others made sure that nothing good remained of the dreamer.  Now here would be a field of work for you, Nathan!  But I must not say to you: do this or that, because then it would not be a work of your free love, but a work of coercion.  I think you will have understood Me now?"

Nathan asks: "Yes, but why do You force me to stay here, since that is also coercion?"

Jesus answers: "Quite right, since this should serve your salvation!  For what you do out of your inner love should not serve you, but your fellow men!  And the more you serve their souls, the more you serve God!"

"Oh my Jesus, I shudder at such depths as I now recognize in You.  I have a presentiment of great things.  But, dear Jesus, tell me this one thing: why do You lift only today the veil with which You have so mysteriously surrounded Yourself?  Why are we only now learning of Your great purpose?"

"Dear Nathan, listen: Whoever loved Me, like My mother and My brothers, was taught.  Ask Jacob how long he has known Me, and all in the house knew of My mission.  Admittedly, it was often not easy for Me not to take away My brothers' freedom.  Ask calmly each one whether I exerted a compulsion once, they will answer: ‘No, He did not do this!’  Ask Jacob how many days we often did not speak a single word, but in our hearts we were and remained united.  If the Nazarenes had believed as My brothers believed, truly, no heaven could have been more glorious!  But this way, they will have to search and will hardly find Me.”

Jesus and His messenger Gabriel

No-one dares to say a word; then it becomes quiet and more and more quiet.  A golden glow appears in the room and suddenly an angel stands before the Lord, visible also to the others.  "Lord, You Life of all life!  Your mission is accomplished!'  All the spaces of infinity are filled with expectation: You will now visibly and audibly proclaim Your message to all.  And every light and dark being is now allowed to hear it.  But the reason could not be seen by many, for You, oh Lord, wanted all this so".

“Now, listen" - says Jesus - "since another foundation is to be laid for all the future.  Everything that thinks itself great, shall be humbled!  But what is small and humble, shall be exalted!  You have observed the enemy of all life; he, too, has not been idle, and his multitudes can almost no longer wait for the time when he wants to prepare the greatest defeat for Me.  But it will become his heaviest disappointment, because My love for all - all beings - gives strength and again and again new powers.  And although there is still much, very much to overcome, I will nevertheless be allowed to exclaim one day: "It is accomplished!" "Report this to all true inquirers in My sense, and now be still for one hour among My brothers!"

The angel bows before the brothers, before Nathan and Hilarius and says: "Friends of this earth-world, I greet you and am glad, finally, to stay among earthly people, since we angels see all your actions and hear your thoughts and words, but you do not see us.  Oh, to be human now is grace upon grace!  If you knew what happiness is in store for you, you would decorate the earth and everything on it, so wonderfully as only pure and true love can do."

Jacob reaches out his hand to the angel and says: "Glorious servant of our Lord and God, we are poor citizens and pilgrims of this earth.  What is beautiful and glorious to you, still seems dim and dark to us.  You look with eyes of love and all things wrest praise from you; but we look more with eyes of understanding into this world, and so it is often gloomy and dark around us.  Behold, the Lord has often revealed Himself to us wonderfully, but today we have experienced the greatest revelation of all: Jesus is the Lord, is the Redeemer, the fervently desired One!  But believe me, poor earthly pilgrim, the rejoicing in your worlds - known to you - cannot be greater than today with us few who were allowed to experience this: ‘He is the Lord!  He is the Lord!  Open high the door and wide the gate, that He may come in with power and glory’ (Psalm 24:7). Oh how soon this hour has rushed by, but He remains our longing and our love."

Now Hilarius steps closer, looks at the angel and asks: “May I also talk to you, angelic being?"

"Certainly, my friend and earthly brother, because you also love the Lord, but still in your own way.  Oh, when you will see more clearly, then you will not have enough room in your chest, then you too will become a gardener who wants to transplant this happiness into all human hearts.  But do not miscalculate!  For it is the Lord, the Lord of hosts, He is love and His eternal kingdom is in all infinity.  Just as the Lord did not take into consideration a single man or angel for the sake of His high aims, so He will go only His own way in what is to come!  And good to you, if you also want to follow Him, to do according to His revealed will!  Remember: His kingdom is eternal and His goals are also eternal, and everything earthly can only be an allowance.  But I still see a doubt in you, because you cannot understand this greatness yet.  You hope and trust for the liberation from earthly fetters.  But look, here stands only a weak servant of this Lord, who however would have so much strength to destroy all your earthly enemies in a moment.  But how much powers are at the disposal of Him who once called everything into existence and yet is only eager to show everyone the way that leads to perfection.  Friends, dear earthly friends!  Understand, understand these my words!  They come from a heart which, out of love, does not shrink back from any sacrifice.”

All heard these words and looked to the Lord, for these words were not only a reminder, but also a rebuke.  Jesus asked: "My brothers, and you too, Mary, why are you suddenly so silent?  You had only been told the same thing that you have heard so often!  I am still the same: your Jesus; but in Me is God!  And with this, I am connected forever.  And what God wants, I also want!

Oh brothers, rejoice with Me!" - Jesus calls out aloud.  "Through all the heavens there goes a roar, there goes a rejoicing, because now the hope nourished since eternity comes true, the reconnection with the lost.  Eternal Love sends out a new call: "Come here!  Everything is ready!  Come, and hear the message: The gates are opened!  The angel with the flaming sword is taken away, and two angels with flaming hearts now stand before it.  At last the time has come when salvation beckons to you all!  What do you think, My brothers, will you not now also be joyful?"

"My dear Jesus" - says Joel - "it is not possible for me to acknowledge this great, mighty Divine revelation without further ado, since You, as our brother Jesus, are still the same.  I have known You for 30 years and since that time, You have been a man like me!  That you carry a gigantic spirit in you, we already learned when you were still a child.  That the high Cyrenius and other rulers recognized you as a God, I cared little for, because in me, the faith in Jehovah is ingrained!  It does not enter my mind: You are Jehovah Himself, my dear brother Jesus; to me the thought is already a desecration!  That You have powers within You is proven, but that You want to be the eternal primordial Power Yourself, Jesus - don't be angry with me - I can't believe it, because too often You gave a picture of misery and suffering.  Whoever saw You when You came back after days of absence, starved and with torn garment, will not believe You that You are at the goal of Your fulfillment.  The Scriptures teach us of Joshua, of Elijah; these and others also did great things, and so I well believe that You are the Promised One, but God Himself no - this I do not believe!"

"My brother Joel, remain in your faith!" - answers Jesus.  "The time will come again when I will give an even greater picture of woe and misery, then you too will realize what great sacrifices are necessary to walk the path of fulfillment."

The evening meal

"But now let us once again celebrate the Lord's Supper together!  The Host is now the heavenly Father in Me, and this My messenger and servant will prepare it for you.  Behold, as today this supper is the conclusion of My boyhood and youthful time, so after the conclusion of My teaching time, another supper will be celebrated.  But now My heart is filled with joy.  Be it also accordingly with you!"

Without the people present noticing anything, the table was already set with bread and wine.  The angel invited them to take a seat at the large table, and the simple, yet delicious heavenly meal was eaten in silence.  Never before had Hilarius and Nathan enjoyed something so good; but the brothers thought of Egypt, where they had already been given something similar.  The angel also took part in the meal, which astonished Hilarius and Nathan.

Jesus takes His cup, goes around the table, drinks a sip from His cup with each one, and looks deeply into each one's eyes for a minute.  When He finished this love and took His place again, His eyes shone wonderfully; then He says: "Brothers, always remember this hour!  Never let this memory fade, for a piece of heaven was given to Me and to you!  You now know everything so far, but the future will teach you much more about it; therefore be quiet, and learn silence!  In silence the forces gather and make you inwardly strong and happy.  Now the day is drawing to a close, and so we go to the nearby hill and deepen ourselves in the silence of devotion with the blessed and happy ones who are with us and around us.

Experiences on a star

And so it happened!  But when the hill was reached and all had found comfortable resting places, the angel was missing; and Hilarius said: "Strange, he did not even take leave of us."

Jesus said, "Hilarius, you are mistaken, he did not depart from us.  He and many more are around us, rejoicing in this hour.  It is, after all, the great misfortune for mankind that they have lost the ability to see all those who have departed from us."

Hilarius asks in amazement: "Can you see them, dearest Jesus?"

"Oh yes, not only see, but am connected with them as I am united with you.  Not only do I hear them and observe their activities, but I live with them and observe their deepest thoughts, just as I observe yours."

"But this must be terrible; to see everything around you, their joys, but also probably their anger and all badness.  I prefer it to remain as it is."

"Hilarius, My friend" - Jesus answers - "you, a son of the earth, cannot yet grasp this seeing in the sense of what it is actually meant to be.  For remember, you as a man are limited, and your concepts of everything spiritual are just as narrowly limited.  See, above us the infinite firmament gives you news of innumerable star-worlds at night!  Tell me, why do you not see a star in the daytime?  You say: ‘The sun does that with it's light, only when it is dark, the stars appear!’  Quite right!  Now pay attention: I want you to understand the nature of these stars, and thus become really, completely calm and silent."

Hilarius and the others became completely silent and remained silent, in inner devotion and immersion.  It was evening; the stars began to shine and a shooting star was released and passed through a part of the universe.  This startles those present a bit and so they look up and become aware of the constellations.  Hilarius, however, sees how a star comes towards him, which becomes bigger and bigger and brighter, and suddenly he finds himself in a huge garden.  There also people dwell; they do not speak a word, but Hilarius knows that they transmit between themselves by thoughts.  He sees their furnishings without taking a step; sees what they do in their houses, what they eat and drink, and he is also seen.

In a temple is worship; it draws him there and with rapid steps, he is already there!  Now the elder begins to speak; his words sound like organ tones and penetrate deeply into his heart!  It is an admonition: to remain in the sacred order, since the earth, which now accommodates the highest Spirit, has seen so much suffering through disorder on it.  “You know" - he continues - "a guest is among us, an inhabitant of this deeply lamented earth.    And if you all, my children and children's children, want to remain here in this beautiful existence and state, then keep order, order, observe the order of God!  But great salvation has now befallen this dark earth!  The Great Spirit will crush the head of the old serpent, and with His own blood will put away all shame and disgrace; and therefore, all reconnect with the All-Spirit."

Hilarius goes a few steps nearer, and now the elder speaks to him: "Be welcome!  The Great, Kind Spirit informed me of your coming; but my children and my children's children would be pleased if you told us about your earth, your homeland.”

Hilarius feels an urging within him, and with a deep breath he begins: "Dear inhabitants of this glorious paradisiacal world of yours!  By the infinite grace of God, Who is the Great Spirit, I was allowed to behold your world and contemplate it's facilities, and I must praise you all blessedly!  We on our earth are not so well off; for our earth is not a lasting place for us, and there is not one who could remain there.  When the time is fulfilled which our God and Creator has given us, then bitter death comes.  He does not stop at any door, at any request; he takes with a cold hand what has fallen to him!  But nobody knows what death actually is, we can only believe what wise men have handed down to us.  We are born helpless, and every creature is better off than a man; because after a few hours or days it can almost maintain itself, while with us, years are necessary until we learn to think and judge correctly.  All creatures take what the earth produces by itself as food and prosper wonderfully.  We human beings, however, must work hard and with sweat fertilize the soil of the earth so that it gives us the fruits that are necessary for our preservation.  About the Great Spirit, who, as your father said, dwells on our earth, I can only say that He is a human being just like us, and must fulfill all the conditions that the earth also imposes on Him.

But another witness is in Him!  Because His nature is love, the most selfless love.  He who has been promised and expected for a long time, is facing great tasks.  And now I also know: He will fulfill His mission and will bring the greatest happiness not only to us, but also to you!  It is the great happiness of God's children: We may become His children, and He wants to be our Father forever!  He will destroy the cruel death!  He will establish His eternal kingdom of love, not only on our earth, but also with you!  You commanded: Keep order!  Order!  Order!  But He - Jesus is His name - asks: Hold to love, to this Love, and love!  For love is the new life, and life is development!   And He Himself is the Eternal Love and the eternal development!  Therefore I also ask you all: "Love, love each other!  And He will also send to you His angels and messengers, who will be able to tell you more about it, according to the will of the eternal God!”

The listeners listened reverently, their number was thousands.

Then the elder spoke: "Receive thanks! - and take with you as a lasting memory the promise on your earth: We want to make an effort to love and want to truly thank Him for this good news.  If our life here gives us little trouble, the love advised will give us only joy, and so we will give thanks, thanks, thanks!"  And wordlessly all bow their faces and their hearts deep to the ground to give thanks!  After a little while, this revelation has disappeared for Hilarius, and so he now asks the Lord: "Dearest Jesus, what was this?"

Jesus answers: "My friend!  What you experienced, the others also saw, so it cannot be a deception.  By My will you were transported to that far-off world, and this experience was My gift to you and to Nathan.  Keep it for yourselves as a lasting memory.  For it will give you the certainty that My kingdom is an eternal and everlasting one.  And now let us go to rest; for before the bright day dawns tomorrow, I will be far away!  Now I no longer live for Myself, but for My Father.  My next goal is to visit him who is My herald, My forerunner.  And now farewell, and live rightly, then we are joined together forever!  Amen!"

And with a blessing He bade farewell to His brothers and Nathan and Hilarius.

"But we, dear Mother, remain still awake."

With tearful eyes Hilarius departed, and Nathan also, and solemnly they vowed: “We remain mindful of Your words and Your love!  Oh, that we had known all this sooner!"

"Go in peace! God is with you!" were the words of the Master, and then they parted.

Jesus still says: "Brothers, seek rest!  You have experienced much, much again, and we can never separate again!  Be thankful, as I am thankful to you, and be faithful to your Jesus!"

Deeply moved, the brothers took hold of the hands of their Jesus, wish good night and ask for a blessing.  Jesus blesses them and silently they go into the house.

Farewell to the mother

Now Jesus is alone with Mary.  He quietly takes her hands and says: "Mary, My dear mother, this day brought you much trouble, but also great reward.  I want to remind you now of an event shortly before My birth.  Can you remember the moment when Father Joseph asked you: "Why do you cry and then immediately become happy again?"

Mary speaks: "Yes, my Jesus!  I saw a people weeping, and I wept with them.  Then I saw a people so joyful, and there I was joyful with them; but now I cannot explain it so exactly.  Why do you remind me of this?"

"Oh My good mother!  Precisely because those two peoples now stand before us again; but no longer weeping or rejoicing, but questioning.  For they too are becoming aware of what is now at stake.  And so be assured: Never before have the destinies of all people and beings been on a knife-edge as now!  So often as you asked Me: ‘When will You begin Your ministry?’  so often also whole nations asked: ‘When will the Redeemer and Savior come?’  Behold, Mary, now I depart from you, but My love remains here.  Can you not free yourself to the thought that I am only your Messiah, only the Savior of the Jewish people?  How much more joyfully would I then direct My steps into the wilderness of Bethabara."

Mary replies: "My Jesus, what You say is so important and yet, look at me, there is perhaps no mother who has had to endure greater sorrows and struggles than I have.  And now you say: ‘Finally at the goal!’  And yet You break this great, strong hope?  Behold, only a free people can root itself in it's eternal God and fulfill His holy will joyfully and freely!  But a downtrodden and oppressed people loses even the last remnant of it's faith in God!  Therefore, my dear Jesus, I always trusted and hoped only in You!"

Jesus asks: "Mary!  This last hour should bring us more understanding and inner connection.  Therefore, consider this: A people, which is rooted in it's whole soul-depth with God, has no oppressors and enemies.  For there, this inner unity and connectedness is a force that other peoples respect!  Nothing more!  That is why I am happy to be able to serve My people truly at last and can show to all: Truth and Love!  Mary, become one, fully one with Me!  Then you are the first who can give the answer to the questioning peoples: ‘Here is our Savior, who brings us truth and love!  Here is the heart that is ready to make even the greatest sacrifice for all.  Look to Him, for He will be our Redeemer!’

“Behold, Mary, if you would fear people every day, they would be excluded from the salvation of the long-awaited.  The other people represented the Jews, who rejoiced at the imminent arrival of their Messiah, who would make them once again lords of the Earth.  Those two peoples were always witnesses to the inner development of the boy, and later of the young man Jesus, who had now matured in Himself to perfection and began to bring His inner light to the outside!  By this light of the truth, the Gentiles suspect divine illuminations, while the Jews already fear to have to continue to tolerate also other peoples beside them!  So now both peoples are standing there as witnesses of this turning point who support Me in My work.

See Mary, if during the day - when you have people around you or you perceive beings - you think of and truly believe in My Mission, then you produce waves of light and power that support Me in My works.  But for this, the basic condition is: Be free from all doubt!  See the birds under the sky, they are free and always cheerful, because they see the world and it's environment as it is.  But people want to see the world and it's inhabitants as they wish, and hence these contradictions between them.  Only inner cheerfulness gives us the free power to take everything as it really is.  Help Me in My work by truly believing in Me, and all beings will cheer you with their boundless joy.  And now come, let us also go to rest!"

Moved, Mary says: "My Jesus, just one more question; if You are truly the One of whom it is written, why do You go to pray so much and alone?  I know that even yesterday you did not come to rest.  If You are truly one with God, the Eternal, is it necessary to still seek comfort, peace and strength in prayer?"

Jesus replies: "My Mary!  See - all that is in Me, I had to obtain as My human property!  I was not allowed to receive anything as a gift, so that the enemies of life would not have a weapon to argue with Me!  If I had asked you or the brothers to support Me in prayer, in silence, I would have given them weapons of attack.  But now that I have overcome all inhibitions, without any human help and without any assistance, everything human in Me is spiritualized and can only serve the Divine!  God in His eternal original essence is power and love!  This power and love is now My inner life.  Through it, I am one with God and can do nothing without this life of His."

Mary nods her head and presses the hands of her Jesus; and Jesus asks again: "Come, let us go to rest!  Only in silence will every question be solved."

Farewell to the brothers

The night has passed quickly; the brothers are already up and waiting for the mother and Jesus.  Whispering, they talk and now Mary and Jesus come into the room.  The greeting is brief.  Mary works at the hearth, and at last she brings the morning soup.  Mary invites them to eat.  Joel thanks and blesses the meal, and in silence all enjoy what has been prepared.  Mary sets the table, and at last Jesus breaks the silence: "Mary! and you, dear brothers, remain in your own, as I also remain in My own!  And see to it that in your hearts no false thought, no false trait settles that runs counter to My high, redeeming mission!  You help to build the great work of God.  And as I now continue to work on it, so you also continue to work, for it is necessary to create works that belong to eternity.  Now let us part gladly!

When we will be together again is up to the eternal Father.  My Joel!  You, the eldest, always be concerned about the preservation of our home!  But be careful to fortify in love also the spiritual, which you owe to the house of your father Joseph!  You Joses, be the light that always shines; for you are filled with the Spirit out of God!  And you, Samuel!  Let no other will be in you than the one I showed you as your brother!  But Simon, you remain in the true order!  May come what will and may, remain in order day by day!  Also My Jacob! Bear in patience what the others cannot yet bear!  And now mother!  You continue to work in gentleness and mercy!  Then no-one will miss Me in the house of Joseph.  No tears shall shine in your eyes, and no sorrow shall fill your heart, because I, as Jesus your brother, now follow as Master 'My Father', who calls Me to the living deed.  Soon we will see each other again and feel one again.  Therefore, brothers, remain faithful, and step into action as I do!  Amen!"

Jesus and Lucifer

The sun sets in a glowing red and illuminates the clouds passing by on the firmament of the sky in a reddish glow.  The day was hot and a great silence spread in nature; no man, no animal was to be seen; it was as if the coolness of the evening and the night was longed for by all.  Light clouds of mist descended to the top of Mount Tabor, and then spread more and more towards the depths.  It was already dark, a cooling wind began to blow.  Lonely and alone, a wanderer strove to reach the highest point of the mountain.  It is Jesus.  His curls are playfully moved by the wind, from His eyes shines a look of contentment and peace.  His walk is easy, and without difficulty, He reaches the height.  The stars greet Him brightly; the rising moon spreads a circle of light around itself, but it is dark around Him.  Jesus seeks a place and now rests; but His gaze wanders to the stars and into the distance.  "If all of you were as happy and free as I am, and if you could measure the happiness of no longer being bound to anything, how much more glorious would you glow and shine!" - says Jesus to the stars, looking at and rejoicing in these shining beauties.

Then Jesus closes His eyes and in silence He surveys His inner world.  His breaths become more and more agitated, and now it becomes alive in Him: His whole life passes by Him!  Around Him it rushes like marvelous music of the spheres.  Wonderfully beautiful beings gather around Him and offer Him their homage.

But Jesus refuses and says: "My faithful servants and messengers, filled with the will of God!  I meet your request and rejoice in your joy and love.  But nothing is pure, not even this joy, since too many still languish in the deepest, deepest misery!  You rejoice, since I have overcome this time of My bondage, and look forward to what I will now work as the Lord, as the Master, as truly unbound.  But you would experience still much more joy and glories, if you would also contribute to alleviate the misery of the bound, the truly poor and lost.  You know My task to accomplish the most powerful thing as a human being, which is: to no longer serve yourself, but only God and the people.  Therefore, bring Me your lost brother and show him your happiness!”

Silently the angels bow down and the very next minute, Lucifer stands before Jesus in the form of an elderly, experienced man.

"Since you did not come voluntarily, I ordered My messengers to fetch you, to give you the opportunity to reveal your will before these My servants and messengers!  You could not hinder My intention.  You could not prevent, you could not stop, that I severed every fetter, even the slightest one, which still had a connecting effect between My being and yours, from My human being, My I!  Nothing is able to hinder Me, only to live and to work for God and His eternal kingdom!  Therefore I ask you, Lucifer, you focal point of all light and all glories of God: Do you not long back to those distant, distant times, where you as a crowned one fulfilled God's will.  For where eternities ago you were surrounded by light upon light, life upon life, you now stand almost alone with those who still remain faithful to you.  What is left to you?  Nothing but the awareness that you are the great adversary of God!”

“You may be right" - Lucifer replies coolly - "but it is not yet decided whether I will not remain the greater and stronger!  You cannot hinder me to carry out my will, as I could not hinder you.  But, as many resistances as you prepare for me, I also prepare for you and will continue to do it!  Show your omnipotence and destroy me!  I want to thank you with the last pulse beat, so I can stop existing!  But just here is your weak side, because you must let all existing exist even if it should pass over into chaos!  No-one can prevent me from remaining Your adversary, and no glory could entice me to serve You!  What did You say to my longing, to my desire, when I wanted to see You and consort with You?  Nothing!  You let yourself be searched for and yet not found; and you had deaf ears for my pleas! A voice indeed now and then penetrated in me: but these could also be my own thoughts.  Now I see You, I hear You, I tell You in front of these thousand witnesses: I have lost all desire to acknowledge You as my Lord and Master!  I will - and will be - lord myself!"

Jesus speaks seriously: "Lucifer!  He who remains victorious, is Lord!  You know that I am like you.  I became as poor as you!  And if I now have powers and riches that live in Me, you also have the possibility in you to tap them and utilize them for your good!"

Lucifer says excitedly: "No, I do not believe you!  Your words aim only to put all my power, all my will into your hands."

Jesus answered: "Lucifer, don't say that you don't believe it, say freely that you don't want it!  And so you will have to experience that in the end everything, everything, even the least, will be taken from you!  Now I will go out into the world and recruit, and I will shine like a torch into the dark night!  But I will not force anyone, but I will again keep a watchful eye on you.  Because, Lucifer, now it is about the whole!  Precisely to prevent the chaos, My mission is doubly important!  The love for My human children shows Me My way and gives Me strength to accomplish it!”

"You can easily speak" - Lucifer replies - "at a hint from You, legions are at your command, and no-one can hinder you, because you are their master!  But I stand here abandoned and as a loner and can only watch how you destroy my property.  But if I come and want to resist, Your angels are quickly at hand and want to destroy me."

Calmly Jesus answers, "Not at all, Lucifer!  All angels respect My will, and this also secures you the greatest freedom of your will.  But if you act violently and destructively, barriers must be imposed on you.  Behold, Lucifer!  Now the final battle between Me and you begins!  I will eliminate everything that your faithful see as truly Divine in Me.  I will be human and go as a human to humans and as Spirit to the spirits and there testify to the life of God in My own inner being, which I have won through the struggle with the illusory life.

Beware of violent measures, because they would have bitter consequences for you!  I will only accept those who goes with Me voluntarily.  And who wants to follow you, it should also do voluntarily.  Here in your presence, I declare again: Refrain from all violence!  Therefore you shall be prevented from being violent, where you nevertheless will attempt it."

"So I am to be beaten again" - Lucifer complains - “only so that you may reach your goal?  You have pity for the people and the inhabitants of the spirit-world, but my suffering leaves you cold.  To all beings you are love, but to me, you are hard.  What do I ask about Your fight, which You wanted Yourself!  What do Your goals concern me!  Let me have my right, the right of the stronger!”

“Lucifer, you poor, blinded one" - says Jesus - "for your sake all of this is happening!  For your sake I went into this lower existence!  But in the future, whoever wants to be the weakest, the smallest and the humblest, shall be filled with the power out of Me to resist you!  For all, all times you shall not need to complain that something has been taken from you!  Therefore let it be said again: To no man - no being - shall I give anything out of My eternal omnipotence!  No man and no being shall receive any coercion.  Only he who wants Me, I shall meet halfway, as I also meet you halfway!  Behold, you carried the perfect within you and did not believe that you could ever lose it.  But since you disregarded Me, your God and Creator, you pushed Me out of your life-center.  Now look at this damage; individually everyone would like to say to you: ‘Come, and see: How good is our God, and how splendid it is to live in His kingdom!’  Behold, I carry only one wish unfulfilled in My heart and this is: Come back again, back into the arms of the eternal love of God.  Lucifer!  My poor, deluded son!  In this all too serious and holy hour, I reach out to you once again and ask you: Come back from your delusion; and all creations shall shine in their former glory!  And what mischief you have done until now, I will take upon My shoulders!  I will never again be so close to you as now as man to man.  It is the last time that I ask you!  It is the last call from My mouth.  But if you remain as you are, you can never again so easily understand My life and My love, but must go the way of the order of life, instead of the way of grace, which I now show to My children!"

"You want to be Lord and You ask me?  But this is bad for Your omnipotence!  And so I tell you; this is a great satisfaction for me and gives me new hope to still reach my goal.  But I will put every obstacle in Your way and I will look for a person who shall put Your love to the highest test!  Ha, do not think that You have already accomplished Your intention and do not imagine that You are expected with all longing!  Because for this Your dear human children have received a little too much from me, Your greatest adversary!  On earth I am the lord and their prince.  And with my being I want to fill the people again, only so that You  will regret to have penetrated into my kingdom.  With new zeal I will sow discord among Your followers, that You will close the gates of Your heavens Yourself."

Jesus calmly answers: "Let everything take it's course.  I no longer hinder you.  But with double love and devotion I go to My work.  But woe, woe, woe to you, all suffering, all tears will become a burden that will crush you!  You will become abandoned and be and will separate with disgust once from your own children!  And then think of this hour, which wanted to spare you and all the world the greatest suffering!  Lucifer, as great as your guilt is, so deeply will it depress Me!  But, when you see Me in the greatest struggle and hardest suffering, and an exultation of triumph wants to penetrate through your heart, then you will have judged yourself, and a voice will call out to you: "This is also in store for you."  But now our ways separate again!"

With scorn on his lips, Lucifer departs and sadly all the angels look after him; then Jesus says: "Now you also go and continue to do your duty!  As I double My love, so you also go with double zeal to your duties, because you have recognized again the intentions of the enemy of life."

Silently, the gloriously radiant figures bow.  The Lord's gaze rests on them with pleasure; then a light veil descends, and Jesus is alone again.  Alone, but not lonely, for His gaze returns to the parental home and: "May My love and blessing fill you!" - His lips softly speak - "And now I await the morning here."

Jesus looks for a resting place and lies down to slumber.  For a pillow He looks for a stone; but there was none to be found, since it was not yet light enough, and so He laid His head on both arms and fell asleep.  At the first dawning of the light, Jesus awakes, and kneeling, He blesses the earth with it's inhabitants.  And with the words: "So be this day also consecrated to true love!" - Jesus gets up and descends again from Thabor's height to the lowlands.

Rest in the inn

It is midday.  In a larger village between Thabor and Naim there is a fair, and the inn is noisy.  A wanderer enters, looking for an empty table, but everything is occupied.  The innkeeper is very busy and has not noticed the new guest, and so he greets Him when He is offered a seat at a table, which He gratefully accepts.  It is Jesus.  At the table, five men and two women are seated, lively talking and eating their simple meal.  Jesus wishes them a good meal; then the one woman asks Him: "Well, do you have nothing to eat with you and do you not want to order anything?  Or will you accept this bread from me?  I have enough, and God and my mother will provide for more."

Jesus answers with a smile: "Thirza, your love has made Me full; I no longer need bread; I am only thirsty, and the innkeeper is already bringing wine, now that he has seen Me.  But to you I say: ‘Receive My heartfelt thanks!’"

The host brings a cup of wine and asks for his further desire.  Then Jesus says: "Can I have a room for the night, because I want to continue tomorrow at dawn.  But, innkeeper, I tell you: I have no money and no means with Me."

The innkeeper says kindly: "Stay here, and I will instruct my wife to look after you.  Many will come today who have not a penny with them."

"God will bless you for it!" - replies Jesus.  The innkeeper has much to do and then goes to the kitchen.  But Jesus drinks His wine in silence.

The girl Thirza keeps looking at Him and thinks: "What a gentle voice!  What beautiful eyes and yet how serious!  One would be afraid of his seriousness and yet he seems to have no sorrow.  How is it that he knows my name?  Jesus empties His cup and prepare to get up.

The men, who in the meantime had also finished eating, again ordered wine loudly, and the innkeeper brought a pitcher full and filled their cups.  One of them, Hiram, said: "But innkeeper, why do you forget our table-guest?  You must know me that I do not do otherwise."

"You are right" - replies the innkeeper - "in my haste I did not think of it.  But now, young friend, drink and do not be angry with me for it!"

"Oh no" - replies Jesus - "I cannot be angry with you for that, but Hiram would have been happy if you had done it right away; now it is no longer a special joy for him."

"Do you know my friend Hiram?" asks the innkeeper in amazement.

Jesus answers: "To know is not enough, since it is in My nature to see every man through and through. See, you smile and think: 'He can tell a lot before I believe a word of it.  Also a gusher!'  Is it not so?"

The innkeeper is startled and says: "Man of God, how can you know my thoughts?  But you are right, I thought so."

"Do not be frightened on that account" - Jesus reassures him - "for such an honest nature as you need not fear.  It is only for this reason that I have come to see you, since I have known you in this way for a long time, for you have often gone in and out of the house of My foster-father; but you cannot think of Me, since Joseph did not like to speak of Me.

"So you are Jesus, the youngest son?  Be welcome with Me and feel at home here!  Tonight we will talk some more, since I now have much to do.  How happy my wife will be!" - and away he went.  The guests at the table listened eagerly to the conversation, and Hiram asked: "You young man, where are you at home and where is your way going?  You have not the least baggage with you."

Jesus answers kindly: "What does a single traveller need luggage for, if he carries in his heart the rock-solid confidence: I will lack nothing!  I come from Nazareth, and My purpose is to seek out a friend of youth, who is near Bethabara, in order, if possible, not to part from each other again."

"There you have a long way to go" - says Hiram - "Now our duty calls us; but tonight we will meet here again, and then we can talk more."  Hiram rises from the table, shakes hands with Jesus in farewell, waves to his comrades and the two women, and leaves the room in greeting.

"Come if you like to the market" - Thirza whispers to Jesus - "there you will find us again."  Jesus smiles but does not speak a word, and so the table is empty.

The honest innkeeper comes after a while and invites Jesus to dinner, because his wife wants him to.  Jesus nods and follows the host.  In the kitchen, the table was set for Jesus and the woman says: "Come, son of Joseph, and make yourself at home!  Unfortunately, there is much to do today, since many strangers are present, but for a few minutes, we will find time."

Jesus gives thanks and says: "Such love is rare, which you do to me, a complete stranger to you; but God in heaven will reward you!  Unfortunately, many things have perished among mankind that could serve for the happiness of all, but therefore do not stop hoping in God, for He knows His own and does not abandon anyone who believes in Him.”

Now Jesus eats and the two innkeepers are pleased that their guest likes it.  In the meantime, the innkeeper is still serving his other guests, and so Jesus is alone with the innkeeper's wife; but the other household members were still in the field.

The landlady, Hannah by name, asks: "Well, which way is the road?"  And Jesus says: "Woman, your question is difficult to answer, since you will not understand Me, for I have no definite way at all.  I have only one goal, and many ways lead to the goal.  See, My goal is: to bring redemption and liberation to My bound and enslaved people.  And all those who believe Me and trust Me, will be granted this rare grace."

Hannah asks incredulously: "How do you think you weak and small person can bring us salvation and deliverance?  Remember, the mighty Romans rule everything; and whoever resists, goes to prison."

Jesus answers: "Listen, if the Romans were the greatest evil, it would be easy for the believers to free themselves!  But, unfortunately, the evil lies much, much deeper, and everyone is afflicted by it.  It is unkindness!  It is hatred and envy, the insatiable greed for money and chasing from pleasure to pleasure.  Alas, alas, no-one believes that these evils rule all, and the worshippers of God who want to [rule] are the very worst."

“You, young man" - says Hanna softly - "don't let any Templar hear this, for then you will be like John, the desert preacher.  They are already thinking how to get rid of him; and if it were not known that Herod is well-disposed toward him, who knows what would have happened already!"

Jesus says: "Oh woman, remember: I am not John, but He who I am out of Myself!  No-one can resist Me, since God lives in Me and I am willing to do only His will."

In the meantime, the innkeeper comes in, hears the last words, and so he says to Jesus: "Young friend!  Your father Joseph was the image of true faithfulness, and humility lived in his heart.  But you seem to be of a different kind, for your words sound like arrogance, like haughtiness."

"My dear Joram, you are greatly mistaken!" - replies Jesus - "What appears to you as arrogance in Me, is independence and superiority over all evil!  And precisely because I possess this high distance, I know evil from it's root, and no-one is able to make Me think otherwise.”

The host says: "You my dear young Jesus!  Listen to my good advice: I also know people and love whom I can love.  But I have not yet met anyone who could testify in all seriousness: ‘I am the victor over all bad and evil!’  And John also seems to have had some experience in this, for his sermon is always and always: 'Repent, and be baptized!'  Certainly, it is a terrible, serious time - and the thinking and striving of people is evil from their youth!  But remember, no-one has yet succeeded in becoming the master of all evil and wickedness.  Do not make useless enemies, for who knows when the Messiah will come and call us for help!"

"Joram, you really mean well with Me" - Jesus replies - "but how do you come to think that the Messiah is on the way to come to us?"

The host wants to instruct Him: "My dear young friend!  During your visit to the Jordan, where John baptizes, you can hear it as John teaches: 'I am only a herald, a caller!  But soon One will come who was before me; and I only prepare the way for the Lord!'  Add to this the promise of the prophets and you too will come to believe: The Messiah is coming!"

Jesus asks: "Joram, how do you actually imagine the coming Messiah, the great Redeemer and Deliverer?  And what do you think He will do?"

The host answers musingly: "Dear Jesus, much has been said about these questions, but who will give us the right information?  Look at the temple, there is deceit and deception.  All the rest of the people hope and believe; but only the initiate could know.  Take your father Joseph, what hope he had in you, but time and experience took away his hope that you could be the expected one.  Now he is with the fathers; and how long will it last until I am also.  But I still want to experience the time and see the one who will redeem our people!  When I think that I, too, could speak with Him, sit at the same table with Him, oh, I will feel good!  All the sorrow that lives in me for the sake of my people vanishes."

Jesus asks further: "Joram, do you love only your tribesmen?  Have you not yet thought about the fact that the Gentiles and all the other peoples are also descended from our original progenitor Adam?  What can a Roman do about it, if his parents were Romans?  Or what did you contribute that your father was a Jew and your mother a Jewess?  I think that if you would start from this view, the picture, the idea of the mission of the expected Messiah have to become different for you.  If I tell you now, He will announce to all: 'My kingdom is not of this world!'  And everything that is on and in this world shall only be means to gain His eternal spiritual kingdom for us."

"This I cannot grasp and understand" - answers the innkeeper - "therefore it is more correct that we speak no more of it; the future will bring us the proof.  But now I will go to the other guests."

"Do your duty" - Jesus answers him - "I also want to look at all the people in the market once, but towards evening, I will be here again."

Jesus walks through the fair hustle and bustle

In the marketplace it is quite noisy in the crowd of many, many people.  Jesus stands aside and observes all the people in their thinking and doing.  Hiram now notices Jesus, comes hurriedly towards Him, pulls Him towards his cart, on which fabrics of all patterns and colors are lying and where Mira, the merchant's wife, has to do with the eager buyers.  "Where then are your sons and your daughter?" - asks Jesus - "are they not with you?"  Hiram answers: "They are on the other side; there they have a booth where my daughter Thirza dances.  I prefer to be here with my wife, but I will lead you there."  Jesus refuses: "You stay here; I only want to see them from afar, for I have no desire to dance."

"Do you have an affliction, my young friend?" - asks Hiram sympathetically - "let me know; for remember, Hiram likes to help where he can.  Of course, there are also sufferings that can't be helped."

"Hiram, listen to what I am about to tell you," Jesus answers seriously: "there is suffering, a great and powerful one; and there is also afflicters!  Every suffering can be healed, but not every sufferer!  But the suffering, which I carry deep in My soul, no-one can take away from Me, since it has come out of My love for all people!  What would you feel if you see your brother staggering on the precipice, and he does not want to hear your warning call; but you are separated from him by a tremendous chasm, and therefore you cannot hurry to him?”

Hiram says: "Of course, I would feel immense pain, but otherwise I would not know what to do.”  Jesus speaks further: "Behold, Hiram, this pain I carry in Me!  For the abyss is the world in which every human soul must perish if help and deliverance do not come.  But the gulf between the seeing and the lost must first be bridged; and this bridge is our true, pure neighborly love!  A love that seeks nothing but to serve, to truly help the lost soul."

"My young friend" - Hiram says, astonished - "if all this fair bustle grieves you inwardly, why do you come here?  It would have been better if you had stayed away."

Jesus answers: "Dear Hiram!  Whether here or there, it is the same.  I am connected with all!  And what My eye does not see, the Spirit reveals to Me, which lives in Me, which lets Me feel and see everything, even the most secret.  Whether you believe it or not, nothing remains hidden from Me!"

Hiram asks earnestly: "Stop with these speeches, young man, otherwise I would have to separate from you!  For I fear that you do not speak the pure truth."

"Hiram, your love of truth is well known" - Jesus replies - "You will sooner perish yourself before you speak a single lie.  But one thing I must tell you: your whole life is nevertheless one big lie!"

"How, what?  My life a lie?"  Hiram asks excitedly.

Jesus answers him: "Hiram, you are shocked at this word; but I will prove to you how true My word to you is.  You are a Jew, your wife and children no less, you attend synagogues, the temple, and keep all the ordinances that are meant for your salvation.  But still you are unsatisfied inside, because your heart longs for something else!  Your desire is to know the truth: Who and where is God, the Creator of all things, and how can I get the only true answer?

You were with John at the Jordan, your heart remained unsatisfied.  You were right with him in spirit, but your heart remained hungry and longing.  From your wife and children you demand piety and faith in Jehovah!  But in you there is contradiction and desire for something you cannot say in words.  Outwardly you are a Jew, but inwardly you are confused.  And from being confused to being lost is only a small step."

Hiram asks in amazement: "Oh Lord, who are You?  How can You know the innermost things in me, which I have guarded with all my strength?  You are more than a man!  You must be a prophet, and in you Jehovah has visited His people!"

"Hiram, who I am is not the main thing" - Jesus answers - "what I could be to you is more important!  For if I want to help and serve all, even you, you must say to yourself: "This one is inwardly richer with His thirty years than I with my sixty!"  But the mind does not let your heart come to it's right.  Behold, thousands go out from the house of Jehovah satisfied, and feel the current of heavenly connection there!  How many who heard John beat their breasts and repented!  But your heart remained untouched!  Do you now see the truth, I say to you: Your pious life is still a lie!"

“You are right" - Hiram answers shaken - "but terrible is this revelation for me!"

Jesus continues: "Hiram, you call this knowledge which has now become yours terrible?  But why do you not grasp with both hands Mine, which I hold out to you in love?  Because you are afraid and close your heart against the stream of love, which wants to free you from the wrong and perverse delusion.  I leave you alone now; but if you have desire for Me, call Me!  My name is Jesus."

Jesus leaves the merchant and goes on.  But the merchant says to himself: "Jesus?  Jesus?  Yes, where have I heard that name before?  I must have been with Jesus before.  Jesus?  Jesus?  You are known to me and yet so strange!  You must have done me a great favor once, but when and where?"  Thinking about Jesus, the merchant goes back to his wife.

But Jesus goes on, looks at the crowd and now He comes to the booth of the dancer.  With loud shouts the people are attracted.  The dancer appears in a colorful costume and many crowd around the dance booth; but no-one wants to go in, since the evening is still far away.

Now her brothers among the people also notice Jesus; and one, Jose by name, speaks, "Thirza, there is our table neighbor, let Him enter for nothing, perhaps others will follow."

Thirza looks, sees Jesus, beckons Him and says: "Come, friend, and see our arts, a place is already kept ready for you."  But Jesus shakes his head dismissingly and says: "Thank you!  I am not in the mood for amusement, I have another desire within Me."

"But friend, will you deny us our love? I was looking forward to you of all people."

"Thirza, think: I am with you" - Jesus answers -  "but I cannot enter, for there are too many other things waiting for Me; but before I go on from here, we will speak once more."

And so Jesus goes on slowly.  Jose asks his sister: "What did He say to you?"  But Thirza speaks seriously: "Jose, this man is special!  Either He is a very unfortunate one and hides His condition, or He is a very great one who is the free master of His resolutions.  Let's wait and see; once again we will meet, and then I think everything will be revealed."

First encounter with Judas

Jesus goes on, and now He comes to a stall with pottery.  But the owner of the pots knows how to speak clever words and does not make a bad deal.  And now Judas also sees Jesus and offers Him some of his pots.

But Jesus refuses and says: "I did not come here to buy, but to see how far truth and right sense still prevail among the merchants!  But your pots could be cheaper, and you would have sold more already."

"Then I would have to eat dry bread with my family" - Judas replies - "and this does not increase the joy of life."

Jesus says, "Better to eat dry bread, but honestly and faithfully obtained.  This awareness not only creates joy in life, but already is.

But if you had sold these pots and three times more, you would still not be satisfied!  For your heart is full of the thought: ‘If all the goods were mine, then I alone could also determine their price.’"

Judas asks in amazement: "And would there be anything worse?"

"Judas! the very worst!" - replies Jesus - "for you no longer belong to yourself, but to your pots, and do not consider how fragile these goods are; for if they lie in shards at your feet, say, what then?"

Judas looks at Jesus.  But the latter continues: "All that you hold in your hands, how easily it may perish.  But what lives in the heart, endures even beyond death!"

Then Jesus directs His steps to a nearby grove, where there is no noise and no distraction around Him, and rests outwardly and inwardly.

The evening in the inn

As darkness falls, Jesus returns to the inn.  Joram, the innkeeper, is pleased to welcome his guest again and invites him to supper.  But Jesus gives thanks and says: "Joram, another has already invited Me into his heart; it is the merchant Hiram.  Prepare the meal in your other room, so that we can stay together undisturbed. “

"Jesus!" - exclaims the innkeeper in astonishment - "You are again asserting something that could be otherwise!  But for your sake, let it be as you wish."

Jesus answers seriously: "Joram, this is not for My sake, but for yours!  Of course, you do not know Me and My mission yet.  But in a short time, the star will also shine over all Judea and Samaria, which at My birth shone only over Bethlehem.  Does not the great longing that lives in you and in all your tribesmen make you think?  Behold, your lot is not the worst; your children love you, and you have done right to educate them in the fear of God; but you have also planted your longing in their young minds, they too long for a deliverer, a savior from the distress of their people, which is in reality a distress.  But soon the light will be in you too, and you will recognize the great grace that God has always been with His people.  Then remember: God can never separate from His children; but the child can separate from his God!"

The innkeeper asks in amazement: "Jesus!  Jesus!  Who are you?  What language do you speak?  How do you come to such knowledge in your young years?"

Jesus answers: "Joram!  Only on the way of self-knowledge and humility.  You and all people must also go this way!  Then the word through Moses will come true: ‘Behold, I am sending an angel before you to guard you on your way and to bring you to the place I have prepared for you!  Watch for Him, and obey His voice, and be not rebellious against Him; for [then] He will not forgive your transgressions: for My name is in Him!’ (Exodus 23:20,21).  Behold, this place and this destination I have reached and is now My own!  Therefore I speak not My language, but that of My God and Eternal Father!"

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Table of Contents

1. Farewell feast in the house of Joseph 4

2. Hilarius 5

3. Jesus and His messenger Gabriel 8

4. The evening meal 10

5. Experiences on a star 11

6. Farewell to the mother 13

7. Farewell to the brothers 15

8. Jesus and Lucifer 15

9. Rest in the inn 18

10. Jesus walks through the fair hustle and bustle 21

11. First encounter with Judas 24

12. The evening in the inn 24