유란시아 책
IV 부. 예수의 생애와 교훈
제158편
변형되신 산
변형되신 산
Paper 158
The Mount of Transfiguration
The Mount of Transfiguration
158:0.1 (1752.1)
IT WAS near sundown on Friday afternoon, August 12, {scaps{scaps{a.d.}scaps}scaps} 29, when Jesus and his associates reached the foot of Mount Hermon, near the very place where the lad Tiglath once waited while the Master ascended the mountain alone to settle the spiritual destinies of Urantia and technically to terminate the Lucifer rebellion. And here they sojourned for two days in spiritual preparation for the events so soon to follow.
대체로 말하자면, 예수께서는 산에서 무슨 일이 벌어질지 미리 알고 있었으며, 사도들 모가두 이 체험을 함께 나눌 수 있게 되기를 무척 열망했다. 예수께서 그들과 함께 산기슭에 머문 것은, 자신에 대한 이 계시에 그들이 준비되도록 하기 위함이었다. 그러나 그들은, 그토록 빨리 이 땅에 모습을 드러낸 천상의 존재들의 방문을 온전히 체험하기에는, 영적 수준이 아직 미치지 못했다. 그리고 동역자를 전부 데려갈 수는 없었으므로, 그런 특별한 경우마다 늘 자기를 따르게 했던 세 사람만 데려가기로 결정했다. 따라서, 베드로와 야고보와 요한만이, 비록 일부분이기는 했지만 이 독특한 체험에 주님과 함께 참여할 수 있었다.
158:0.2 (1752.2)
In a general way, Jesus knew beforehand what was to transpire on the mountain, and he much desired that all his apostles might share this experience. It was to fit them for this revelation of himself that he tarried with them at the foot of the mountain. But they could not attain those spiritual levels which would justify their exposure to the full experience of the visitation of the celestial beings so soon to appear on earth. And since he could not take all of his associates with him, he decided to take only the three who were in the habit of accompanying him on such special vigils. Accordingly, only Peter, James, and John shared even a part of this unique experience with the Master.
158:1.2 (1752.4)
Jesus had been summoned to go up on the mountain, apart by himself, for the transaction of important matters having to do with the progress of his bestowal in the flesh as this experience was related to the universe of his own creation. It is significant that this extraordinary event was timed to occur while Jesus and the apostles were in the lands of the gentiles, and that it actually transpired on a mountain of the gentiles.
158:1.3 (1752.5)
They reached their destination, about halfway up the mountain, shortly before noon, and while eating lunch, Jesus told the three apostles something of his experience in the hills to the east of Jordan shortly after his baptism and also some more of his experience on Mount Hermon in connection with his former visit to this lonely retreat.
예수께서는 소년 시절에 자기 집에서 가까운 그 언덕을 자주 올라갔었고, 에스드랠론 평원에서 여러 제국의 군대가 싸웠던 전투에 대해 꿈을 꾸곤 했으나;이제 다시 헤르몬 산으로 올라갔는데, 이는 유란시아에 자신을 증여하는 드라마의 마지막 장면을 펼치기 위해 요단 평원으로 내려가기 전에 필요한 자질을 부여받기 위해서였다. 주님은 이날, 헤르몬 산에서 투쟁을 포기하고 우주 영토들에 대한 통치로 돌아갈 수도 있었지만, 낙원에 계신 영원 아들의 명령에 담겨있는, 신성한 아들신분 계층에게 요구하는 바를 만족시키기로 선택했을 뿐만 아니라, 낙원 아버지의 당면한 뜻도 끝까지 온전히 이뤄드리기로 작정했다. 8월이었던 이날, 사도들 중 세 사람은 그가 온전한 우주 권세로 덧입힘 받기를 거절하는 모습을 목격했다. 그들은 천상의 사자들이 그를 홀로 두고 떠나는 모습을 경이로운 눈으로 바라봤으며, 그는 사람의 아들이자 하나님의 아들로서 이 세상 생애를 마무리해야 했다.
158:1.4 (1752.6)
When a boy, Jesus used to ascend the hill near his home and dream of the battles which had been fought by the armies of empires on the plain of Esdraelon; now he ascended Mount Hermon to receive the endowment which was to prepare him to descend upon the plains of the Jordan to enact the closing scenes of the drama of his bestowal on Urantia. The Master could have relinquished the struggle this day on Mount Hermon and returned to his rule of the universe domains, but he not only chose to meet the requirements of his order of divine sonship embraced in the mandate of the Eternal Son on Paradise, but he also elected to meet the last and full measure of the present will of his Paradise Father. On this day in August three of his apostles saw him decline to be invested with full universe authority. They looked on in amazement as the celestial messengers departed, leaving him alone to finish out his earth life as the Son of Man and the Son of God.
158:1.5 (1753.1)
The faith of the apostles was at a high point at the time of the feeding of the five thousand, and then it rapidly fell almost to zero. Now, as a result of the Master’s admission of his divinity, the lagging faith of the twelve arose in the next few weeks to its highest pitch, only to undergo a progressive decline. The third revival of their faith did not occur until after the Master’s resurrection.
이 아름다운 오후, 예수께서는 3시 무렵 세 사도로부터 떠나면서, “아버지와 그의 사자들과 대화하려고 잠시 나 혼자 가려 하니;너희는 여기 머물러 내가 돌아오기까지 기다리는 동안, 사람의 아들의 남은 증여 사명과 관련하여 너희가 겪을 모든 체험 속에 아버지 뜻이 이뤄지도록 기도하라”고 말씀했다. 이렇게 말씀한 후 예수께서는 가브리엘 및 아버지 멜기세덱과 긴 회담을 하려고 바리를 비웠고, 여섯 시가 되어서야 돌아왔다. 예수께서는 자신이 오랫동안 자리를 비운 탓에 그들이 염려했음을 보자 이렇게 말씀했다:“너희는 왜 두려워했느냐? 내가 아버지의 일을 해야 함을 잘 알면서;내가 너희와 함께 있지 않을 때 어찌하여 의심했느냐? 이제 선포하겠는데, 사람의 아들은 끝까지 너희 가운데서 그리고 너희 중 하나로서 살아가기로 작정했다. 기운 내라;내 업무가 완료될 때까지 너희 곁에 있을 것이다.”
158:1.6 (1753.2)
It was about three o’clock on this beautiful afternoon that Jesus took leave of the three apostles, saying: “I go apart by myself for a season to commune with the Father and his messengers; I bid you tarry here and, while awaiting my return, pray that the Father’s will may be done in all your experience in connection with the further bestowal mission of the Son of Man.” And after saying this to them, Jesus withdrew for a long conference with Gabriel and the Father Melchizedek, not returning until about six o’clock. When Jesus saw their anxiety over his prolonged absence, he said: “Why were you afraid? You well know I must be about my Father’s business; wherefore do you doubt when I am not with you? I now declare that the Son of Man has chosen to go through his full life in your midst and as one of you. Be of good cheer; I will not leave you until my work is finished.”
158:1.7 (1753.3)
As they partook of their meager evening meal, Peter asked the Master, “How long do we remain on this mountain away from our brethren?” And Jesus answered: “Until you shall see the glory of the Son of Man and know that whatsoever I have declared to you is true.” And they talked over the affairs of the Lucifer rebellion while seated about the glowing embers of their fire until darkness drew on and the apostles’ eyes grew heavy, for they had begun their journey very early that morning.
세 사도는 약 반 시간쯤 깊이 잠들었다가, 곁에서 탁탁하는 소리를 듣고 급히 깨어났으며, 예수께서 천상의 세계의 광채로 빛나는 복장을 한 찬란한 두 존재와 긴밀하게 대화하는 것을 보고 깜짝 놀라 정신을 잃을 정도가 되었다. 그리고 예수의 얼굴과 외모도 하늘의 광채로 환하게 빛났다. 이상한 언어로 대화하는 이 세 명은 뭔가 특별한 일을 이야기하는 것 같았는데, 베드로는 예수와 함께 있는 이들이 모세와 엘리야라고 잘못 추론했으나;실제로는 가브리엘과 아버지 멜기세덱이었다. 예수의 요청으로, 사도들이 이 광경의 목격자가 될 수 있도록, 물리 통제관들이 미리 조처했다.
158:1.8 (1753.4)
When the three had been fast asleep for about half an hour, they were suddenly awakened by a near-by crackling sound, and much to their amazement and consternation, on looking about them, they beheld Jesus in intimate converse with two brilliant beings clothed in the habiliments of the light of the celestial world. And Jesus’ face and form shone with the luminosity of a heavenly light. These three conversed in a strange language, but from certain things said, Peter erroneously conjectured that the beings with Jesus were Moses and Elijah; in reality, they were Gabriel and the Father Melchizedek. The physical controllers had arranged for the apostles to witness this scene because of Jesus’ request.
세 사도는 너무 놀란 나머지 정신을 차리기까지 시간이 걸렸으나, 그 눈부신 광경이 그들 앞에서 사라지고 예수만 홀로 서 있음을 보자, 베드로가 맨 먼저 정신을 차리고 말했다:“예수님, 주님, 여기 있는 것이 좋습니다. 우리가 이 영광을 보니 너무나 기쁩니다. 우리는 영화롭지 못한 세속으로 돌아가기 싫습니다. 원하신다면, 우리로 여기 머물게 해주십시오, 그러면 우리가 장막 세 개를 짓되, 하나는 당신을 위해, 하나는 모세를 위해, 또 하나는 엘리야를 위해 짓겠습니다.” 베드로는 자신의 혼동 때문에, 그리고 바로 그 순간 다른 어떤 것도 생각나지 않았으므로 그렇게 말했다.
158:1.9 (1753.5)
The three apostles were so badly frightened that they were slow in collecting their wits, but Peter, who was first to recover himself, said, as the dazzling vision faded from before them and they observed Jesus standing alone: “Jesus, Master, it is good to have been here. We rejoice to see this glory. We are loath to go back down to the inglorious world. If you are willing, let us abide here, and we will erect three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” And Peter said this because of his confusion, and because nothing else came into his mind at just that moment.
베드로가 아직 말하고 있을 때, 은빛 구름이 가까이 다가와 그들 네 사람 위에 드리웠다. 이때 너무 놀란 사도들이 땅에 엎드려 경배할 때, 예수께서 세례 받으실 때 말했던 바로 그 음성이 말했다:“이는 내 사랑하는 아들이니;그의 말을 명심하라.” 그리고 구름이 사라지자, 예수와 세 사도 외에는 아무도 없었으며, 예수께서 그들에게 다가와 손을 얹고 말씀했다:“일어나라, 그리고 두려워 말라;이보다 더 큰 것들을 너희가 보게 될 것이다.” 그러나 사도들은 정말로 두려워했으며;자정이 되기 직전에 산을 내려가려고 준비하는 동안, 세 사람은 아무 말도 하지 못하고 생각에 잠겼다.
158:1.10 (1753.6)
While Peter was yet speaking, a silvery cloud drew near and overshadowed the four of them. The apostles now became greatly frightened, and as they fell down on their faces to worship, they heard a voice, the same that had spoken on the occasion of Jesus’ baptism, say: “This is my beloved Son; give heed to him.” And when the cloud vanished, again was Jesus alone with the three, and he reached down and touched them, saying: “Arise and be not afraid; you shall see greater things than this.” But the apostles were truly afraid; they were a silent and thoughtful trio as they made ready to descend the mountain shortly before midnight.
산을 반쯤 내려오는 동안, 그들은 한 마디 말도 없었다. 그때 예수께서 주의를 주는 말씀으로 대화를 시작했다:“사람의 아들이 죽었다가 다시 살아날 때까지, 이 산에서 너희가 보고 들은 것을 아무에게도, 심지어 너희 형제들에게도 말하지 말라.” 세 사도는, “사람의 아들이 죽었다가 다시 살아나기까지”라고 주님께서 말씀하는 것에 충격 받고 어리둥절했다. 예수가 구원주 곧 하나님의 아들이라고 믿는 신앙이 그들에게 다시 생긴 것은 아주 최근이었고, 방금 전에는 영광 중에 변형되신 주님을 바로 자신들의 눈으로 보았는데, 이제는 “죽었다가 살아날 것”에 관해 말씀하기 시작하다니!
158:2.1 (1754.1)
For about half the distance down the mountain not a word was spoken. Jesus then began the conversation by remarking: “Make certain that you tell no man, not even your brethren, what you have seen and heard on this mountain until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.” The three apostles were shocked and bewildered by the Master’s words, “until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.” They had so recently reaffirmed their faith in him as the Deliverer, the Son of God, and they had just beheld him transfigured in glory before their very eyes, and now he began to talk about “rising from the dead”!
베드로는 주님이 죽으실 것이라는 생각에 몸서리쳤으며 --생각조차 하기 싫었으며,-- 야고보나 요한이 이 말씀에 관련된 질문을 할까봐 두려운 나머지, 대화를 다른 주제로 돌리는 것이 상책이라고 생각했으나, 무슨 다른 말을 할지 몰랐으므로, 마음에 처음 떠오르는 생각을 말했는데, “주님, 왜 서기관들은 메시아가 나타나기 전에 엘리야가 먼저 와야 한다고 말합니까?”라고 질문했다. 예수께서는 자신의 죽음과 부활에 대해 베드로가 언급하지 않으려는 것을 알고 대답했다. “많은 고통을 받고 결국 버림받아야 할 사람의 아들의 길을 예비하려고 엘리야가 정말로 먼저 온다. 그러나 너희에게 말하는데, 엘리야가 이미 왔으나 그들은 그를 용납하지 않았을 뿐만 아니라, 자신들이 원하는 바를 그에게 행했다.” 그러자 세 사도는 예수께서 세례 요한을 엘리야로 언급하고 있음을 감지했다. 예수께서는 그들이 예수를 메시아라고 고집한다면, 요한이 예언서의 엘리야가 되어야함을 알고 있었다.
158:2.2 (1754.2)
Peter shuddered at the thought of the Master’s dying—it was too disagreeable an idea to entertain—and fearing that James or John might ask some question relative to this statement, he thought best to start up a diverting conversation and, not knowing what else to talk about, gave expression to the first thought coming into his mind, which was: “Master, why is it that the scribes say that Elijah must first come before the Messiah shall appear?” And Jesus, knowing that Peter sought to avoid reference to his death and resurrection, answered: “Elijah indeed comes first to prepare the way for the Son of Man, who must suffer many things and finally be rejected. But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they received him not but did to him whatsoever they willed.” And then did the three apostles perceive that he referred to John the Baptist as Elijah. Jesus knew that, if they insisted on regarding him as the Messiah, then must John be the Elijah of the prophecy.
158:2.3 (1754.3)
Jesus enjoined silence about their observation of the foretaste of his postresurrection glory because he did not want to foster the notion that, being now received as the Messiah, he would in any degree fulfill their erroneous concepts of a wonder-working deliverer. Although Peter, James, and John pondered all this in their minds, they spoke not of it to any man until after the Master’s resurrection.
158:2.4 (1754.4)
As they continued to descend the mountain, Jesus said to them: “You would not receive me as the Son of Man; therefore have I consented to be received in accordance with your settled determination, but, mistake not, the will of my Father must prevail. If you thus choose to follow the inclination of your own wills, you must prepare to suffer many disappointments and experience many trials, but the training which I have given you should suffice to bring you triumphantly through even these sorrows of your own choosing.”
158:2.5 (1754.5)
Jesus did not take Peter, James, and John with him up to the mount of the transfiguration because they were in any sense better prepared than the other apostles to witness what happened, or because they were spiritually more fit to enjoy such a rare privilege. Not at all. He well knew that none of the twelve were spiritually qualified for this experience; therefore did he take with him only the three apostles who were assigned to accompany him at those times when he desired to be alone to enjoy solitary communion.
158:3.2 (1755.2)
1. The acceptance of the fullness of the bestowal of the incarnated life of Michael on Urantia by the Eternal Mother-Son of Paradise. As far as concerned the requirements of the Eternal Son, Jesus had now received assurance of their fulfillment. And Gabriel brought Jesus that assurance.
158:3.3 (1755.3)
2. The testimony of the satisfaction of the Infinite Spirit as to the fullness of the Urantia bestowal in the likeness of mortal flesh. The universe representative of the Infinite Spirit, the immediate associate of Michael on Salvington and his ever-present coworker, on this occasion spoke through the Father Melchizedek.
158:3.4 (1755.4)
Jesus welcomed this testimony regarding the success of his earth mission presented by the messengers of the Eternal Son and the Infinite Spirit, but he noted that his Father did not indicate that the Urantia bestowal was finished; only did the unseen presence of the Father bear witness through Jesus’ Personalized Adjuster, saying, “This is my beloved Son; give heed to him.” And this was spoken in words to be heard also by the three apostles.
158:3.5 (1755.5)
After this celestial visitation Jesus sought to know his Father’s will and decided to pursue the mortal bestowal to its natural end. This was the significance of the transfiguration to Jesus. To the three apostles it was an event marking the entrance of the Master upon the final phase of his earth career as the Son of God and the Son of Man.
158:4.1 (1755.7)
It was shortly before breakfast time on this Tuesday morning when Jesus and his companions arrived at the apostolic camp. As they drew near, they discerned a considerable crowd gathered around the apostles and soon began to hear the loud words of argument and disputation of this group of about fifty persons, embracing the nine apostles and a gathering equally divided between Jerusalem scribes and believing disciples who had tracked Jesus and his associates in their journey from Magadan.
158:4.2 (1755.8)
Although the crowd engaged in numerous arguments, the chief controversy was about a certain citizen of Tiberias who had arrived the preceding day in quest of Jesus. This man, James of Safed, had a son about fourteen years old, an only child, who was severely afflicted with epilepsy. In addition to this nervous malady this lad had become possessed by one of those wandering, mischievous, and rebellious midwayers who were then present on earth and uncontrolled, so that the youth was both epileptic and demon-possessed.
158:4.3 (1755.9)
For almost two weeks this anxious father, a minor official of Herod Antipas, had wandered about through the western borders of Philip’s domains, seeking Jesus that he might entreat him to cure this afflicted son. And he did not catch up with the apostolic party until about noon of this day when Jesus was up on the mountain with the three apostles.
예수를 찾고 있던 거의 40명이나 되는 다른 사람들과 함께 이 사람이 갑자기 나타나자, 아홉 사도는 몹시 놀라고 심히 동요되었다. 이 무리가 도착했을 때 아홉 사도는, 적어도 그들 대부분은, 이전에 가졌던 유혹--즉 앞으로 이뤄질 천국에서 누가 클 것인지 의논하는 유혹--에 굴복하고 말았으며;사도 각자에게 어떤 지위가 주어질 것인가에 대해 열심히 쟁론하고 있었다. 솔직히 그들은 메시아의 물질적 사명에 대해 오랫동안-신봉했던 관념에서 전적으로 벗어날 수는 없었다. 그리고 이제 예수가 정말로 구원주라고 그들이 고백하는 것을 예수 자신이 용납했으니--적어도 그의 신성{神性}에 대한 사실은 본인이 인정했으니--, 주님과 떨어져 지내는 이 기간, 그들의 마음에 떠올랐던 기대감과 야망에 관한 대화에 몰두하게 된 것은 아주 자연스런 상황이라 할 수 있었다. 그리고 예수를 찾는 사페드의 야고보와 동료들이 그들에게 왔을 때, 그들은 이 문제를 토론하기에 바빴다.
158:4.4 (1756.1)
The nine apostles were much surprised and considerably perturbed when this man, accompanied by almost forty other persons who were looking for Jesus, suddenly came upon them. At the time of the arrival of this group the nine apostles, at least the majority of them, had succumbed to their old temptation—that of discussing who should be greatest in the coming kingdom; they were busily arguing about the probable positions which would be assigned the individual apostles. They simply could not free themselves entirely from the long-cherished idea of the material mission of the Messiah. And now that Jesus himself had accepted their confession that he was indeed the Deliverer—at least he had admitted the fact of his divinity—what was more natural than that, during this period of separation from the Master, they should fall to talking about those hopes and ambitions which were uppermost in their hearts. And they were engaged in these discussions when James of Safed and his fellow seekers after Jesus came upon them.
158:4.5 (1756.2)
Andrew stepped up to greet this father and his son, saying, “Whom do you seek?” Said James: “My good man, I search for your Master. I seek healing for my afflicted son. I would have Jesus cast out this devil that possesses my child.” And then the father proceeded to relate to the apostles how his son was so afflicted that he had many times almost lost his life as a result of these malignant seizures.
사도들이 듣고 있을 때, 열심당 시몬과 가룟 유다가 아이의 아버지 앞에 나서면서 말했다:“우리가 그 아이를 치유할 수 있으니;주님이 돌아오시기까지 기다리지 않아도 됩니다. 우리가 바로 천국의 대사이며;이것을 더 이상 숨기지 않겠습니다. 예수께서 구원주시고, 천국 열쇠들을 우리에게 주셨습니다.” 안드레와 도마는 이때까지 한 쪽에서 의논하고 있었다. 나다니엘 및 다른 사도들은 놀라서 지켜보았으며;무례한 행동은 아닐지라도 시몬과 유다의 갑작스런 대담성에 모두 아연실색하고 있었다. 그때 아이의 아버지가 말했다:“당신들에게도 이 일을 할 수 있는 능력이 주어졌다면, 이 속박에서 내 아이를 구출해줄 수 있는 말로 명해주시기를 원합니다.” 그러자 시몬이 앞으로 나서면서, 아이의 머리에 손을 얹고 그의 눈을 똑바로 쳐다보면서 명령했다. “너 더러운 영아 그에게서 나오라;예수의 이름으로 내 말에 복종하라.” 그러나 아이는 더 격렬하게 발작할 뿐이었고, 서기관들은 비웃으면서 사도들을 조롱했고, 실망한 신자들은 비협조적으로 비판하는 이 빈정거림을 그대로 당하고 있을 수밖에 없었다.
158:4.6 (1756.3)
As the apostles listened, Simon Zelotes and Judas Iscariot stepped into the presence of the father, saying: “We can heal him; you need not wait for the Master’s return. We are ambassadors of the kingdom; no longer do we hold these things in secret. Jesus is the Deliverer, and the keys of the kingdom have been delivered to us.” By this time Andrew and Thomas were in consultation at one side. Nathaniel and the others looked on in amazement; they were all aghast at the sudden boldness, if not presumption, of Simon and Judas. Then said the father: “If it has been given you to do these works, I pray that you will speak those words which will deliver my child from this bondage.” Then Simon stepped forward and, placing his hand on the head of the child, looked directly into his eyes and commanded: “Come out of him, you unclean spirit; in the name of Jesus obey me.” But the lad had only a more violent fit, while the scribes mocked the apostles in derision, and the disappointed believers suffered the taunts of these unfriendly critics.
158:4.7 (1756.4)
Andrew was deeply chagrined at this ill-advised effort and its dismal failure. He called the apostles aside for conference and prayer. After this season of meditation, feeling keenly the sting of their defeat and sensing the humiliation resting upon all of them, Andrew sought, in a second attempt, to cast out the demon, but only failure crowned his efforts. Andrew frankly confessed defeat and requested the father to remain with them overnight or until Jesus’ return, saying: “Perhaps this sort goes not out except by the Master’s personal command.”
158:4.8 (1756.5)
And so, while Jesus was descending the mountain with the exuberant and ecstatic Peter, James, and John, their nine brethren likewise were sleepless in their confusion and downcast humiliation. They were a dejected and chastened group. But James of Safed would not give up. Although they could give him no idea as to when Jesus might return, he decided to stay on until the Master came back.
예수께서 가까이 오자, 아홉 사도는 무척 안심하면서 맞이했으며, 베드로와 야고보와 요한의 표정에서 활력과 보기 드문 열광을 보고, 더욱 용기를 얻었다. 그들은 세 형제와 예수께 인사하려고 달려 나갔다. 그들이 인사하는 동안 인파가 다가왔고, 예수께서 물었다:“우리가 가까이 올 때 너희가 무슨 일로 논쟁했느냐?” 그러나 당황하고 낙심한 사도들이 주님의 질문에 대답할 겨를도 없이, 고난당하는 아이 때문에 걱정하는 그 아버지가 나아와, 예수의 발 앞에 무릎을 꿇고 말했다:“주님, 나에게 하나뿐인 아들이 있는데, 악한 영에 사로잡혔습니다. 아이가 놀라서 소리 지르고, 입에 거품을 품고, 발작할 때는 죽은 사람처럼 넘어질 뿐만 아니라, 이 악한 영이 자주 아이를 사로잡아 경련을 일으키게 하고, 어떤 때는 물속으로, 그리고 심지어 불 속에 넣기도 합니다. 이를 한참 갈면서 많은 상처를 입은 후에야 기진맥진합니다. 죽는 것이 차라리 나을 정도이며;아이의 어머니와 나는 너무 슬퍼서 가슴이 찢어질듯 합니다. 당신을 찾다가, 어제 오후에 당신의 제자들을 따라잡았는데, 기다리는 동안 당신의 사도들이 이 귀신을 쫓아내려고 애썼으나, 할 수 없었습니다. 그러하오나 주님, 우리를 위해 이것을 해주시겠습니까? 내 아들을 치유해주시렵니까?
158:5.1 (1757.1)
As Jesus drew near, the nine apostles were more than relieved to welcome him, and they were greatly encouraged to behold the good cheer and unusual enthusiasm which marked the countenances of Peter, James, and John. They all rushed forward to greet Jesus and their three brethren. As they exchanged greetings, the crowd came up, and Jesus asked, “What were you disputing about as we drew near?” But before the disconcerted and humiliated apostles could reply to the Master’s question, the anxious father of the afflicted lad stepped forward and, kneeling at Jesus’ feet, said: “Master, I have a son, an only child, who is possessed by an evil spirit. Not only does he cry out in terror, foam at the mouth, and fall like a dead person at the time of seizure, but oftentimes this evil spirit which possesses him rends him in convulsions and sometimes has cast him into the water and even into the fire. With much grinding of teeth and as a result of many bruises, my child wastes away. His life is worse than death; his mother and I are of a sad heart and a broken spirit. About noon yesterday, seeking for you, I caught up with your disciples, and while we were waiting, your apostles sought to cast out this demon, but they could not do it. And now, Master, will you do this for us, will you heal my son?”
자세한 이야기를 들은 후, 예수께서는 무릎 꿇고 있는 아버지에게 손을 얹고 일어나라고 명하면서, 가까이 있는 사도들을 자세히 둘러보았다. 그리고 나서 예수께서는 앞에 서 있는 모든 사람에게 말씀했다:“오, 신앙이 없고 고집불통인 세대여! 내가 얼마나 더 너희를 참아야 하겠느냐? 내가 얼마나 더 너희와 함께 있어야 하겠느냐? 의심하면서 내리는 명령에는 신앙의 효과가 반응하여 나타나지 않는다는 것을 배우기까지, 얼마나 오래 기다려야 하겠느냐?” 그리고 나서, 예수께서는 어쩔 줄 모르는 아버지를 가리키면서 말씀했다:“아들을 여기로 데려오라.” 야고보가 아이를 예수 앞에 데려오자:“소년이 얼마나 오랫동안 이렇게 고난당했느냐?”고 물었다. 아버지가 대답했다:“아주 어려서부터입니다.” 그들이 이야기하고 있을 때, 아이는 심한 공격을 당해서 무리 가운데 쓰러졌고, 이를 갈면서 입에 거품을 물었다. 격렬한 발작이 끝나자, 그들 앞에서 마치 죽은 아이처럼 축 늘어졌다. 그러자 아버지는 다시 예수의 발 앞에 무릎을 꿇고 주님께 애원하면서 말했다:“내 아이를 고치실 수 있거든, 우리를 측은히 여기셔서, 이 고난에서 우리를 구출해주십시오.” 이 말을 듣자, 예수께서는 걱정하는 아버지의 얼굴을 내려다보면서 말씀했다:“내 아버지의 사랑의 능력을 의심하지 말고, 오직 네신앙의 진지함과 그 한계를 의심해보라. 진실로 믿는 자에게는 모든 것이 가능하다.” 그러자 사페드의 야고보는, 신앙과 의심이 뒤섞인, 오랫동안 기억될만한 말을 했다:“주님 내가 믿습니다. 나의 믿음 없음을 도와주시기 바랍니다.”
158:5.2 (1757.2)
When Jesus had listened to this recital, he touched the kneeling father and bade him rise while he gave the near-by apostles a searching survey. Then said Jesus to all those who stood before him: “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I bear with you? How long shall I be with you? How long ere you learn that the works of faith come not forth at the bidding of doubting unbelief?” And then, pointing to the bewildered father, Jesus said, “Bring hither your son.” And when James had brought the lad before Jesus, he asked, “How long has the boy been afflicted in this way?” The father answered, “Since he was a very young child.” And as they talked, the youth was seized with a violent attack and fell in their midst, gnashing his teeth and foaming at the mouth. After a succession of violent convulsions he lay there before them as one dead. Now did the father again kneel at Jesus’ feet while he implored the Master, saying: “If you can cure him, I beseech you to have compassion on us and deliver us from this affliction.” And when Jesus heard these words, he looked down into the father’s anxious face, saying: “Question not my Father’s power of love, only the sincerity and reach of your faith. All things are possible to him who really believes.” And then James of Safed spoke those long-to-be-remembered words of commingled faith and doubt, “Lord, I believe. I pray you help my unbelief.”
158:5.3 (1757.3)
When Jesus heard these words, he stepped forward and, taking the lad by the hand, said: “I will do this in accordance with my Father’s will and in honor of living faith. My son, arise! Come out of him, disobedient spirit, and go not back into him.” And placing the hand of the lad in the hand of the father, Jesus said: “Go your way. The Father has granted the desire of your soul.” And all who were present, even the enemies of Jesus, were astonished at what they saw.
158:5.4 (1757.4)
It was indeed a disillusionment for the three apostles who had so recently enjoyed the spiritual ecstasy of the scenes and experiences of the transfiguration, so soon to return to this scene of the defeat and discomfiture of their fellow apostles. But it was ever so with these twelve ambassadors of the kingdom. They never failed to alternate between exaltation and humiliation in their life experiences.
158:5.5 (1758.1)
This was a true healing of a double affliction, a physical ailment and a spirit malady. And the lad was permanently cured from that hour. When James had departed with his restored son, Jesus said: “We go now to Caesarea-Philippi; make ready at once.” And they were a quiet group as they journeyed southward while the crowd followed on behind.
158:6.1 (1758.2)
They remained overnight with Celsus, and that evening in the garden, after they had eaten and rested, the twelve gathered about Jesus, and Thomas said: “Master, while we who tarried behind still remain ignorant of what transpired up on the mountain, and which so greatly cheered our brethren who were with you, we crave to have you talk with us concerning our defeat and instruct us in these matters, seeing that those things which happened on the mountain cannot be disclosed at this time.”
그러자 예수께서 도마에게 대답하여 말씀했다:“형제들이 산에서 들은 모든 것은 때가 되면 너희에게도 밝히 알려질 것이다. 그러나 지금은 너희가 너무 어리석게 시도하다가 실패한 것에 대해 그 이유를 설명하겠다. 너희의 주님과 동행자들 곧 너희의 형제들이, 아버지 뜻을 더 많이 알려고, 그리고 신의 뜻을 효과적으로 실행할 지혜를 더 풍성히 받으려고 어제 저쪽 산에 올라간 동안 여기 남아서 지키던 너희는, 영적 통찰력이 있는 정신을 획득하려 애쓰고, 아버지 뜻이 좀 더 충분하게 계시되도록 우리와 함께 기도하라고 지시 받았으나, 멋대로 명령함으로써 신앙을 시험하려다가 실패했으며, 그보다도 유혹에 굴복하여, 하늘 나라--곧 너희가 성찰하면서 고집하는 물질적이고 현세적인 나라--에서 자신을 위해 더 좋은 자리를 차지해보려는 악한 구습{舊習}에 다시 빠졌다. 내 나라가 이 세상에 있지 않다고 거듭 선포함에도, 너희는 잘못된 이 개념에 집착하고 있다.”
158:6.2 (1758.3)
And Jesus answered Thomas, saying: “Everything which your brethren heard on the mountain shall be revealed to you in due season. But I will now show you the cause of your defeat in that which you so unwisely attempted. While your Master and his companions, your brethren, ascended yonder mountain yesterday to seek for a larger knowledge of the Father’s will and to ask for a richer endowment of wisdom effectively to do that divine will, you who remained on watch here with instructions to strive to acquire the mind of spiritual insight and to pray with us for a fuller revelation of the Father’s will, failed to exercise the faith at your command but, instead, yielded to the temptation and fell into your old evil tendencies to seek for yourselves preferred places in the kingdom of heaven—the material and temporal kingdom which you persist in contemplating. And you cling to these erroneous concepts in spite of the reiterated declaration that my kingdom is not of this world.
“사람의 아들의 정체성을 너희의 신앙이 파악하자마자, 세속에서 승진하기 위한 이기적인 욕구가 슬며시 너희에게 임했고, 누가 하늘 나라에서 가장 클 것인지에 대해 너희끼리 의논하게 되었지만, 천국에 대해 너희가 아무리 계속 상상할지라도, 그런 나라는 존재하지 않으며, 앞으로도 존재하지 않을 것이다. 내 아버지의 영적 형제관계가 이뤄진 나라에서는, 가장 크고자 하는 자는 자기 눈으로 볼 때 아주 작게 되어야 하고, 그리하여 형제에게 봉사하는 자가 되어야 한다고 너희에게 말하지 않았느냐? 영적 위대함은, 하나님다운 이해심 있는 사랑에 있으며, 자신을 높이려고 물질적 능력을 즐겨 행하는 데 있지 않다. 너희는 시도한 것에 아주 철저히 실패했고, 너희의 의도는 순수하지 못했다. 너희의 동기는 신성하지 않았다. 너희의 이상은 영적이지 않았다. 너희의 야망은 이타적이지 않았다. 그 과정은 사랑에 기초하지 않았으며, 너희가 달성하려던 목표도, 하늘에 계신 아버지의 뜻이 아니었다.
158:6.3 (1758.4)
“No sooner does your faith grasp the identity of the Son of Man than your selfish desire for worldly preferment creeps back upon you, and you fall to discussing among yourselves as to who should be greatest in the kingdom of heaven, a kingdom which, as you persist in conceiving it, does not exist, nor ever shall. Have not I told you that he who would be greatest in the kingdom of my Father’s spiritual brotherhood must become little in his own eyes and thus become the server of his brethren? Spiritual greatness consists in an understanding love that is Godlike and not in an enjoyment of the exercise of material power for the exaltation of self. In what you attempted, in which you so completely failed, your purpose was not pure. Your motive was not divine. Your ideal was not spiritual. Your ambition was not altruistic. Your procedure was not based on love, and your goal of attainment was not the will of the Father in heaven.
“너희는 아버지 뜻에 부합하는 경우가 아니면, 이미 확립된 자연 현상의 진행 과정을 단축시킬 수 없다는 것을 대체 언제쯤 깨닫게 되겠느냐? 뿐만 아니라 너희는 영적 권능 없이는 영적인 일을 할 수 없다. 그리고 가능성이 보일지라도, 셋째이자 근본적인 그 인간 요소, 즉 살아있는 신앙을 소유하는 개인 체험이 있지 않으면, 너희가 이런 것들 가운데 하나도 행할 수 없다. 너희는 천국의 영적 실체들에 이끌리기 위해 반드시 물질적 징후가 있어야만 하느냐? 유별난 작용이 눈에 보이지 않으면, 너희는 내 사명의 영 취지를 파악할 수 없단 말이냐? 모든 물질적 징후가 밖으로 나타나는 것과 상관없이, 너희가 천국의 더 높고 영적인 실체에 충실할 것이라고, 언제쯤 되어야 내가 기대할 수 있겠느냐?”
158:6.4 (1758.5)
“How long will it take you to learn that you cannot time-shorten the course of established natural phenomena except when such things are in accordance with the Father’s will? nor can you do spiritual work in the absence of spiritual power. And you can do neither of these, even when their potential is present, without the existence of that third and essential human factor, the personal experience of the possession of living faith. Must you always have material manifestations as an attraction for the spiritual realities of the kingdom? Can you not grasp the spirit significance of my mission without the visible exhibition of unusual works? When can you be depended upon to adhere to the higher and spiritual realities of the kingdom regardless of the outward appearance of all material manifestations?”
예수께서 열두 사도에게 말씀을 마치면서 덧붙였다:“자 이제는 가서 쉬어라, 날이 새면 마가단으로 돌아가서, 데가볼리 지방의 성읍과 동네들로 가려는 우리의 사명에 관해 거기서 상의할 것이다. 그리고 오늘 겪은 체험에 대한 결론으로, 내가 산에서 너희 형제에게 말했던 것을 너희 각자에게도 증거하는데, 이 말을 너희 마음 깊은 곳에 잘 간직해라:사람의 아들은 이제 마지막 증여 국면에 들어간다. 우리가 곧 애써서 수고하게 될 것인데, 나를 제거하려는 자들의 손에 내가 넘겨질 때, 이 수고가 너희의 신앙과 헌신에 대한 엄중하고 최종적인 시험으로 이끌 것이다. 그리고 내가 너희에게 이른 말을 꼭 기억하라:사람의 아들이 죽음에 넘겨지겠으나, 다시 살아날 것이다.”
158:6.5 (1759.1)
When Jesus had thus spoken to the twelve, he added: “And now go to your rest, for on the morrow we return to Magadan and there take counsel concerning our mission to the cities and villages of the Decapolis. And in the conclusion of this day’s experience, let me declare to each of you that which I spoke to your brethren on the mountain, and let these words find a deep lodgment in your hearts: The Son of Man now enters upon the last phase of the bestowal. We are about to begin those labors which shall presently lead to the great and final testing of your faith and devotion when I shall be delivered into the hands of the men who seek my destruction. And remember what I am saying to you: The Son of Man will be put to death, but he shall rise again.”
이번 수요일 아침 일찍, 예수와 열두 사도는 가이사랴-빌립보에서 출발하여 벳새다-율리아에서 가까운 마가단 공원으로 향했다. 사도들은 지난밤에 거의 잠을 이루지 못했으며;그래서 일찍 일어났고 떠날 준비가 되어있었다. 둔감한 알패오 쌍둥이들조차, 예수의 죽음에 관한 말씀 때문에 충격 받았었다. 남쪽으로 내려갔고, 메롬 물가를 막 지나 다마스커스 길에 이르렀을 때, 예수께서는 서기관과 다른 사람들이 지금도 뒤따라오고 있음을 알고 그들을 피하고자, 갈릴리를 통과하는 다마스커스 길을 따라 가버나움으로 가도록 지시했다. 그리고 예수와 사도들이 이렇게 한 것은, 헤롯 안티파스를 두려워하여 그의 영지를 통과하지 않을 것이라 생각하면서, 뒤따라오는 사람들이 요단강 동쪽 길로 내려갈 것을 알았기 때문이었다. 예수께서는 좇아오고 있는 비난자들과 인파를 피해 오직 사도들과 이날을 보내려 했다.
158:7.1 (1759.3)
Early this Wednesday morning Jesus and the twelve departed from Caesarea-Philippi for Magadan Park near Bethsaida-Julias. The apostles had slept very little that night, so they were up early and ready to go. Even the stolid Alpheus twins had been shocked by this talk about the death of Jesus. As they journeyed south, just beyond the Waters of Merom they came to the Damascus road, and desiring to avoid the scribes and others whom Jesus knew would presently be coming along after them, he directed that they go on to Capernaum by the Damascus road which passes through Galilee. And he did this because he knew that those who followed after him would go on down over the east Jordan road since they reckoned that Jesus and the apostles would fear to pass through the territory of Herod Antipas. Jesus sought to elude his critics and the crowd which followed him that he might be alone with his apostles this day.
158:7.2 (1759.4)
They traveled on through Galilee until well past the time for their lunch, when they stopped in the shade to refresh themselves. And after they had partaken of food, Andrew, speaking to Jesus, said: “Master, my brethren do not comprehend your deep sayings. We have come fully to believe that you are the Son of God, and now we hear these strange words about leaving us, about dying. We do not understand your teaching. Are you speaking to us in parables? We pray you to speak to us directly and in undisguised form.”
예수께서 안드레에게 대답했다:“형제여, 사람의 아들이 이 땅에서 증여를 어떻게 끝내야 하는지에 대해 너희에게 부득이 사실대로 드러내기 시작한 것은, 너희가 나를 하나님의 아들이라 고백했기 때문이다. 너희는 나를 메시아로 믿기를 계속 고집하면서, 메시아가 예루살렘에서 권좌에 앉아야 한다는 관념을 버리지 않을 것이며;따라서 사람의 아들은 얼마 안 있어 반드시 예루살렘에 가서 많은 고난을 받고 서기관, 장로, 및 수석 제사장들에게 버림받을 것이고, 이 모든 일이 있은 후 죽임을 당하고, 죽었다가 살아나리라고 너희에게 계속 말하고 있다. 너희에게 비유로 말하는 것이 아니며;우리에게 이 사건들이 갑자기 닥칠 때, 너희가 잘 대처할까 하여 사실을 말하고 있다.” 예수께서 아직 말씀하고 있을 때, 시몬 베드로가 성급하게 예수 앞으로 뛰쳐나와, 그의 어깨에 손을 얹고 말했다;“주님과 논쟁하고 싶지 않습니다만, 이런 일이 주님께 절대로 일어나지 않을 것이라고 내가 장담합니다.”
158:7.3 (1759.5)
In answer to Andrew, Jesus said: “My brethren, it is because you have confessed that I am the Son of God that I am constrained to begin to unfold to you the truth about the end of the bestowal of the Son of Man on earth. You insist on clinging to the belief that I am the Messiah, and you will not abandon the idea that the Messiah must sit upon a throne in Jerusalem; wherefore do I persist in telling you that the Son of Man must presently go to Jerusalem, suffer many things, be rejected by the scribes, the elders, and the chief priests, and after all this be killed and raised from the dead. And I speak not a parable to you; I speak the truth to you that you may be prepared for these events when they suddenly come upon us.” And while he was yet speaking, Simon Peter, rushing impetuously toward him, laid his hand upon the Master’s shoulder and said: “Master, be it far from us to contend with you, but I declare that these things shall never happen to you.”
베드로가 이렇게 말한 것은 예수를 사랑했기 때문이지만;주님의 인간 본성은 선의의 감동을 주는 이 말에서, 낙원에 계시는 아버지 뜻에 따라 이 세상에 증여된 삶을 마치기로 결정한 것을 바꾸려는, 미묘한 유혹의 암시를 알아차렸다. 그리고 심지어 다정하고 충성스런 친구들조차, 그를 단념시키려는 그 제안을 용납하는 위험에 처했음을 간파했기 때문에, 베드로와 다른 사도들에게 돌아서서 말씀했다:“내 뒤로 물러서라. 너는 마치 유혹하는 자 곧 원수처럼 느껴진다. 네가 이런 식으로 이야기 할 때, 너는 내 편이 아니라 원수 편에 있다. 이런 방법으로 나를 사랑하려 한다면, 내가 아버지 뜻을 행하는 데 방해된다. 사람의 방법이 아니라 오직 하나님 뜻을 따르라.”
158:7.4 (1760.1)
Peter spoke thus because he loved Jesus; but the Master’s human nature recognized in these words of well-meant affection the subtle suggestion of temptation that he change his policy of pursuing to the end his earth bestowal in accordance with the will of his Paradise Father. And it was because he detected the danger of permitting the suggestions of even his affectionate and loyal friends to dissuade him, that he turned upon Peter and the other apostles, saying: “Get you behind me. You savor of the spirit of the adversary, the tempter. When you talk in this manner, you are not on my side but rather on the side of our enemy. In this way do you make your love for me a stumbling block to my doing the Father’s will. Mind not the ways of men but rather the will of God.”
그들이 예수의 따끔한 꾸지람으로 처음에 충격을 받고나서 정신을 차린 후 여행을 계속하기 전, 주님은 덧붙여 말씀했다:“누구든지 나를 따라오려거든, 자신을 부인하고 매일 매일의 자기 책임에 충실하면서 나를 따라오라. 누구든지 이기적으로 자기 생명을 지키려 하는 자는 생명을 잃겠지만, 누구든지 나를 위해 그리고 복음을 위해 자기 생명을 잃는 자는 생명을 지킬 것이다. 사람이 온 세상을 얻은 후 자기 혼을 잃으면 무슨 소용이 있겠느냐? 사람이 영생과 바꿀 수 있는 것이 무엇이냐? 이 죄 많고 위선적인 세대에, 나와 내 말을 부끄러워하지 말라, 모든 천상의 무리가 참석한 가운데 내 아버지 앞에 영광스럽게 나타날 때, 나도 너희를 시인하기에 부끄러워하지 않을 것이다. 그럼에도 내 앞에 서 있는 너희 중에 여럿은, 이 하나님 나라가 권능으로 오는 것을 볼 때까지 죽음을 맛보지 않을 것이다.”
158:7.5 (1760.2)
After they had recovered from the first shock of Jesus’ stinging rebuke, and before they resumed their journey, the Master spoke further: “If any man would come after me, let him disregard himself, take up his responsibilities daily, and follow me. For whosoever would save his life selfishly, shall lose it, but whosoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s, shall save it. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul? What would a man give in exchange for eternal life? Be not ashamed of me and my words in this sinful and hypocritical generation, even as I will not be ashamed to acknowledge you when in glory I appear before my Father in the presence of all the celestial hosts. Nevertheless, many of you now standing before me shall not taste death till you see this kingdom of God come with power.”
158:7.6 (1760.3)
And thus did Jesus make plain to the twelve the painful and conflicting path which they must tread if they would follow him. What a shock these words were to these Galilean fishermen who persisted in dreaming of an earthly kingdom with positions of honor for themselves! But their loyal hearts were stirred by this courageous appeal, and not one of them was minded to forsake him. Jesus was not sending them alone into the conflict; he was leading them. He asked only that they bravely follow.
158:7.7 (1760.4)
Slowly the twelve were grasping the idea that Jesus was telling them something about the possibility of his dying. They only vaguely comprehended what he said about his death, while his statement about rising from the dead utterly failed to register in their minds. As the days passed, Peter, James, and John, recalling their experience upon the mount of the transfiguration, arrived at a fuller understanding of certain of these matters.
열두 사도가 주님과 교제하는 동안 내내, 이번에 베드로와 그들 모두에게 한 것처럼 번쩍이는 눈빛과 신속하고도 엄한 책망의 말씀을 하는 모습을 본 적은 불과 몇 번뿐이었다. 예수께서는 그들의 인간적 결점에는 항상 인내했지만, 남아있는 이 세상 생애에서 아버지의 뜻을 절대로 실행하는 동안, 그 계획표에 반대되는 절박한 위협에 직면했을 때는 그렇지 않았다. 사도들은 정말로 대경실색했으며;몹시 놀라고 무서워했다. 그들은 자신의 슬픈 마음을 표현할 말을 찾지 못했다. 주님께서 무엇을 견뎌야만 하는지를, 그리고 이 체험에 주님과 함께 자신들도 동참해야함을 서서히 깨닫기 시작했지만, 그들은 나중에 일어날 임박한 비극에 대해 미리 암시했던 이때로부터 시간이 많이 흐른 뒤까지도, 다가올 이 사건의 실상을 자각하지 못했다.
158:7.8 (1760.5)
In all the association of the twelve with their Master, only a few times did they see that flashing eye and hear such swift words of rebuke as were administered to Peter and the rest of them on this occasion. Jesus had always been patient with their human shortcomings, but not so when faced by an impending threat against the program of implicitly carrying out his Father’s will regarding the remainder of his earth career. The apostles were literally stunned; they were amazed and horrified. They could not find words to express their sorrow. Slowly they began to realize what the Master must endure, and that they must go through these experiences with him, but they did not awaken to the reality of these coming events until long after these early hints of the impending tragedy of his latter days.
황혼 무렵 가버나움으로 들어가면서, 저녁식사를 하려고 인적이 드문 길을 따라 곧바로 시몬 베드로의 집으로 향했다. 다윗 세베대가 그들을 호수 반대편으로 데려가려고 준비하는 동안, 그들은 시몬의 집에서 서성이고 있었는데, 그때 예수께서 베드로와 다른 사도들을 보면서 물었다:“오늘 오후에 함께 걸어오면서, 너희끼리 무슨 이야기를 그토록 진지하게 나눴느냐?” 사도들은 입을 다물 수밖에 없었는데, 그들 가운데 여럿이, 앞으로 이뤄질 천국에서 어떤 지위를 가질 것인지;누가 가장 큰 자가 될 것인지 등에 관해, 헤르몬 산에서 시작된 똑같은 논의를 계속했기 때문이었다. 예수께서는 이날 사도들의 생각이 무엇으로 가득한지 알고, 베드로의 아이들 가운데 하나를 손짓으로 불러서 그들 가운데에 앉히고 말씀했다:“진실로 진실로 너희에게 말하나니, 너희가 돌이켜 이 어린아이처럼 되지 않으면, 하늘 나라에서 거의 진보하지 못할 것이다. 누구든지 자신을 낮춰 이 어린아이처럼 되는 그이가, 하늘 나라에서 가장 큰 이가 될 것이다. 그리고 이와 같은 어린아이를 환영하는 이는 나를 환영하는 것이다. 그리고 나를 환영하는 이는 또한 나를 보내신 그분을 환영하는 것이다. 너희가 천국에서 첫째가 되고자 한다면, 육신을 입은 형제들에게 이 선한 진리를 전하려고 애쓰라. 그러나 이 작은 이들 가운데 하나라고 실족하게 하는 사람은, 차라리 맷돌을 목에 매고 바다에 던져지는 것이 나을 것이다. 너희가 손으로 하는 일이나 눈으로 보는 것 중에 천국의 진보에 방해되는 것이 있다면, 소중히 여기는 그 우상들을 버려라, 삶에서 아끼는 많은 것을 잃더라도 천국에 들어가는 것이, 이런 우상들에 매달리다가 결국 천국 문 밖으로 내쫓기는 것보다 낫기 때문이다. 그러나 무엇보다도, 이 어린 자들 중 하나라도 멸시하지 않도록 주의하라, 저희의 천사들이 하늘의 무리를 항상 대면하고 있기 때문이다.
158:8.1 (1761.2)
Entering Capernaum at twilight, they went by unfrequented thoroughfares directly to the home of Simon Peter for their evening meal. While David Zebedee made ready to take them across the lake, they lingered at Simon’s house, and Jesus, looking up at Peter and the other apostles, asked: “As you walked along together this afternoon, what was it that you talked about so earnestly among yourselves?” The apostles held their peace because many of them had continued the discussion begun at Mount Hermon as to what positions they were to have in the coming kingdom; who should be the greatest, and so on. Jesus, knowing what it was that occupied their thoughts that day, beckoned to one of Peter’s little ones and, setting the child down among them, said: “Verily, verily, I say to you, except you turn about and become more like this child, you will make little progress in the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever shall humble himself and become as this little one, the same shall become greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso receives such a little one receives me. And they who receive me receive also Him who sent me. If you would be first in the kingdom, seek to minister these good truths to your brethren in the flesh. But whosoever causes one of these little ones to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hanged about his neck and he were cast into the sea. If the things you do with your hands, or the things you see with your eyes give offense in the progress of the kingdom, sacrifice these cherished idols, for it is better to enter the kingdom minus many of the beloved things of life rather than to cling to these idols and find yourself shut out of the kingdom. But most of all, see that you despise not one of these little ones, for their angels do always behold the faces of the heavenly hosts.”