Knjiga Urantije
DIO IV. Isusov život i učenja
POGLAVLJE 137 : BORAVAK U GALILEJI
RANO u subotu ujutro, 23. veljače 26. godine po Kr., Isus je sišao s planine kako bi se ponovno pridružio Ivanovoj skupini utaborenoj u Peli. Cijeli je dan proveo među mnoštvom. Pomogao je mladiću koji se ozlijedio pri padu, a zatim ga otpratio u obližnje selo Pelu kako bi ga sigurno predao njegovim roditeljima.
137:0.1 (1524.1)
EARLY on Saturday morning, February 23, {scaps{scaps{a.d.}scaps}scaps} 26, Jesus came down from the hills to rejoin John’s company encamped at Pella. All that day Jesus mingled with the multitude. He ministered to a lad who had injured himself in a fall and journeyed to the near-by village of Pella to deliver the boy safely into the hands of his parents.
Dvojica vodećih Ivanovih učenika provela su tijekom ove subote mnogo vremena s Isusom. Od svih Ivanovih sljedbenika, Isusova je ličnost ostavila najdublji dojam na Andriju; on je pratio Isusa na putu u Pelu kada je Isus poveo ozlijeđenoga mladića njegovim roditeljima. Na povratku u Ivanov tabor postavio je Isusu cijeli niz pitanja, a nedugo prije nego što su stigli na odredište, nakratko su zastali kako bi porazgovarali. Tada je Andrija rekao: „Promatram te još otkako si došao u Kafarnaum i vjerujem da si novi Učitelj. Premda ne razumijem u potpunosti sve tvoje učenje, čvrsto sam odlučio poći za tobom. Želim biti uz tebe i od tebe naučiti svu istinu o novome kraljevstvu.“ Isus je sa svesrdnim odobravanjem poželio dobrodošlicu Andriji kao prvomu od svojih apostola iz skupine dvanaestorice koji će zajedno s njim raditi na uspostavljanju novoga Božjeg kraljevstva u srcima ljudi.
137:1.1 (1524.2)
During this Sabbath two of John’s leading disciples spent much time with Jesus. Of all John’s followers one named Andrew was the most profoundly impressed with Jesus; he accompanied him on the trip to Pella with the injured boy. On the way back to John’s rendezvous he asked Jesus many questions, and just before reaching their destination, the two paused for a short talk, during which Andrew said: “I have observed you ever since you came to Capernaum, and I believe you are the new Teacher, and though I do not understand all your teaching, I have fully made up my mind to follow you; I would sit at your feet and learn the whole truth about the new kingdom.” And Jesus, with hearty assurance, welcomed Andrew as the first of his apostles, that group of twelve who were to labor with him in the work of establishing the new kingdom of God in the hearts of men.
Nedugo nakon što su se Isus i Andrija vratili u tabor, Andrija je potražio svojega brata Šimuna, odveo ga na stranu i ispričao mu da je u sebi čvrsto odlučio kako je Isus veliki Učitelj te da mu se obvezao kao učenik. Nastavio je govoreći da je Isus prihvatio njegovu ponudu služenja i predložio da i on (Šimun) ode k Isusu i ponudi sebe za zajedništvo u službi novoga kraljevstva. Šimun je rekao: „Otkako je ovaj čovjek došao raditi u Zebedejevoj radionici, vjerujem da ga je poslao Bog. Ali što je s Ivanom? Zar da ga napustimo? Je li to ispravno učiniti?“ Tada su odlučili odmah otići i posavjetovati se s Ivanom. Ivan je bio ožalošćen pri pomisli da će izgubiti dvojicu svojih sposobnih savjetnika i učenika koji su toliko obećavali, ali je hrabro odgovorio na njihova pitanja, rekavši: „Ovo je tek početak; uskoro će moje djelovanje završiti i svi ćemo postati njegovi učenici.“ Andrija je zatim pozvao Isusa na stranu kako bi mu rekao da se njegov brat želi pridružiti službi novoga kraljevstva. Prihvaćajući Šimuna kao svojega drugog apostola, Isus je rekao: „Šimune, tvoj je polet vrijedan pohvale, ali opasan za djelo kraljevstva. Opominjem te da budeš promišljeniji u svojim riječima. Dat ću ti ime Petar.“
137:1.3 (1524.4)
Soon after Jesus and Andrew returned to the camp, Andrew sought out his brother, Simon, and taking him aside, informed him that he had settled in his own mind that Jesus was the great Teacher, and that he had pledged himself as a disciple. He went on to say that Jesus had accepted his proffer of service and suggested that he (Simon) likewise go to Jesus and offer himself for fellowship in the service of the new kingdom. Said Simon: “Ever since this man came to work in Zebedee’s shop, I have believed he was sent by God, but what about John? Are we to forsake him? Is this the right thing to do?” Whereupon they agreed to go at once to consult John. John was saddened by the thought of losing two of his able advisers and most promising disciples, but he bravely answered their inquiries, saying: “This is but the beginning; presently will my work end, and we shall all become his disciples.” Then Andrew beckoned to Jesus to draw aside while he announced that his brother desired to join himself to the service of the new kingdom. And in welcoming Simon as his second apostle, Jesus said: “Simon, your enthusiasm is commendable, but it is dangerous to the work of the kingdom. I admonish you to become more thoughtful in your speech. I would change your name to Peter.”
Nakon što se Isus vratio u Pelu da prenoći i dok su Andrija i Šimun još raspravljali o naravi svoje službe u uspostavljanju budućega kraljevstva, na scenu su stigli Zebedejevi sinovi Jakov i Ivan, upravo se vrativši iz svoje duge i bezuspješne potrage za Isusom po brdima. Kad su od Šimuna Petra čuli kako su on i njegov brat Andrija postali prvi prihvaćeni savjetnici novoga kraljevstva te da će sutradan sa svojim novim Učiteljem krenuti u Galileju, Jakov i Ivan bili su ražalošćeni. Već su neko vrijeme poznavali Isusa i duboko su ga voljeli. Mnogo su ga dana tražili po brdima, a sada su se vratili i saznali da su drugi bili prihvaćeni prije njih. Upitali su kamo je Isus otišao i odmah požurili da ga pronađu.
137:1.5 (1525.2)
After Jesus had returned to Pella for the night, and while Andrew and Simon were yet discussing the nature of their service in the establishment of the forthcoming kingdom, James and John the sons of Zebedee arrived upon the scene, having just returned from their long and futile searching in the hills for Jesus. When they heard Simon Peter tell how he and his brother, Andrew, had become the first accepted counselors of the new kingdom, and that they were to leave with their new Master on the morrow for Galilee, both James and John were sad. They had known Jesus for some time, and they loved him. They had searched for him many days in the hills, and now they returned to learn that others had been preferred before them. They inquired where Jesus had gone and made haste to find him.
Isus je spavao kad su stigli do njegova boravišta, pa su ga probudili riječima: „Kako je moguće da smo mi, koji smo tako dugo živjeli s tobom, tražili te po brdima, dok ti daješ prednost drugima pred nama i biraš Andriju i Šimuna kao svoje prve suradnike u novome kraljevstvu?“ Isus im odgovori: „Uspokojite srca svoja i upitajte se: ‘Tko je odredio da tražite Sina Čovječjega dok je bio zauzet poslovima svojega Oca?’“ Nakon što su mu ispričali pojedinosti svoje duge potrage po brdima, Isus im je dalje rekao: „Trebate naučiti tražiti tajnu novoga kraljevstva u svojim srcima, a ne u brdima. Ono što ste tražili već se nalazilo u vašim dušama. Vi ste doista moja braća — nije bilo potrebno da vas ja primim; vi ste već bili u kraljevstvu. Zato budite radosni i pripremite se također sutra poći s nama u Galileju.“ Ivan se tada odvažio upitati: „Ali, Učitelju, hoćemo li Jakov i ja biti tvoji suradnici u novome kraljevstvu, kao što su Andrija i Šimun?“ A Isus, položivši ruku na rame svakoga od njih, reče: „Braćo moja, vi ste već bili sa mnom u duhu kraljevstva, čak i prije nego što su ovi drugi zatražili da budu primljeni. Vi, braćo moja, ne trebate tražiti ulazak u kraljevstvo; vi ste sa mnom bili u kraljevstvu od samoga početka. Pred ljudima drugi mogu imati prednost pred vama, ali u svojemu srcu ja sam vas također ubrojio među vijeća kraljevstva, čak i prije nego što ste pomislili da mi uputite ovaj zahtjev. A mogli ste i pred ljudima biti prvi da niste bili odsutni, zauzeti dobronamjernim, ali samoinicijativnim zadatkom traženja onoga koji nije bio izgubljen. U dolazećem kraljevstvu ne pridajte pažnju onome što potiče vašu tjeskobu, nego se uvijek brinite samo za izvršavanje volje Oca koji je na nebesima.“
137:1.6 (1525.3)
Jesus was asleep when they reached his abode, but they awakened him, saying: “How is it that, while we who have so long lived with you are searching in the hills for you, you prefer others before us and choose Andrew and Simon as your first associates in the new kingdom?” Jesus answered them, “Be calm in your hearts and ask yourselves, ‘who directed that you should search for the Son of Man when he was about his Father’s business?’” After they had recited the details of their long search in the hills, Jesus further instructed them: “You should learn to search for the secret of the new kingdom in your hearts and not in the hills. That which you sought was already present in your souls. You are indeed my brethren—you needed not to be received by me—already were you of the kingdom, and you should be of good cheer, making ready also to go with us tomorrow into Galilee.” John then made bold to ask, “But, Master, will James and I be associates with you in the new kingdom, even as Andrew and Simon?” And Jesus, laying a hand on the shoulder of each of them, said: “My brethren, you were already with me in the spirit of the kingdom, even before these others made request to be received. You, my brethren, have no need to make request for entrance into the kingdom; you have been with me in the kingdom from the beginning. Before men, others may take precedence over you, but in my heart did I also number you in the councils of the kingdom, even before you thought to make this request of me. And even so might you have been first before men had you not been absent engaged in a well-intentioned but self-appointed task of seeking for one who was not lost. In the coming kingdom, be not mindful of those things which foster your anxiety but rather at all times concern yourselves only with doing the will of the Father who is in heaven.”
Jakov i Ivan prihvatili su ovu opomenu s puno dostojanstva; nikada više nisu zavidjeli Andriji i Šimunu. Zajedno s dvojicom svojih budućih apostolskih drugova pripremili su se da sljedećega jutra krenu u Galileju. Od ovoga se dana izraz „apostol“ počeo koristiti kako bi razlikovao izabranu skupinu Isusovih savjetnika od velikoga mnoštva vjernih učenika koji će ga kasnije slijediti.
137:1.7 (1525.4)
James and John received the rebuke in good grace; never more were they envious of Andrew and Simon. And they made ready, with their two associate apostles, to depart for Galilee the next morning. From this day on the term apostle was employed to distinguish the chosen family of Jesus’ advisers from the vast multitude of believing disciples who subsequently followed him.
Istoga dana, dok su Isus i njegova četvorica učenika-apostola odlazili u Galileju, u logoru je među Ivanovim sljedbenicima nastala velika pometnja. Na pomolu je bila prva velika podjela. Dan prije Ivan je s dubokim uvjerenjem potvrdio Andriji i Ezri da je Isus Izbavitelj. Andrija je odlučio slijediti Isusa, dok je Ezra odbio prihvatiti blagog nazaretskog tesara, govoreći svojim suradnicima: „Prorok Daniel kaže da će Sin Čovječji doći na oblacima nebeskim, u moći i velikoj slavi. Ovaj galilejski tesar, ovaj kafarnaumski graditelj brodova, ne može biti Izbavitelj. Može li takav dar Božji doći iz Nazareta? Ovaj Isus je Ivanov rođak i naš je učitelj, zbog velike dobrote srca, bio zaveden. Držimo se podalje od ovoga lažnog Mesije.“ Kad je Ivan ukorio Ezru zbog tih riječi, on se udaljio s mnogim učenicima i požurio prema jugu. Ta je skupina nastavila krstiti u Ivanovo ime i s vremenom osnovala sektu onih koji su vjerovali u Ivana, ali odbijali prihvatiti Isusa. Ostatak te skupine postoji u Mezopotamiji sve do današnjega dana.
137:2.2 (1526.2)
That day, as Jesus and his four disciple-apostles departed for Galilee, there was a great tumult in the camp of John’s followers. The first great division was about to take place. The day before, John had made his positive pronouncement to Andrew and Ezra that Jesus was the Deliverer. Andrew decided to follow Jesus, but Ezra rejected the mild-mannered carpenter of Nazareth, proclaiming to his associates: “The Prophet Daniel declares that the Son of Man will come with the clouds of heaven, in power and great glory. This Galilean carpenter, this Capernaum boatbuilder, cannot be the Deliverer. Can such a gift of God come out of Nazareth? This Jesus is a relative of John, and through much kindness of heart has our teacher been deceived. Let us remain aloof from this false Messiah.” When John rebuked Ezra for these utterances, he drew away with many disciples and hastened south. And this group continued to baptize in John’s name and eventually founded a sect of those who believed in John but refused to accept Jesus. A remnant of this group persists in Mesopotamia even to this day.
Dok je među Ivanovim sljedbenicima vladala velika uznemirenost, Isus i njegova četvorica učenika-apostola već su bili na putu prema Galileji. Prije nego što će prijeći rijeku Jordan, na putu prema Nainu i Nazaretu, Isus je opazio Filipa iz Betsaide kako im prilazi cestom s jednim prijateljem. Isus je Filipa već ranije poznavao, a bio je dobro poznat i svoj četvorici novih apostola. Filip je sa svojim prijateljem Natanaelom išao posjetiti Ivana u Pelu kako bi od njega saznao više o naviještenom dolasku Božjega kraljevstva, i bilo mu je drago susresti Isusa. Filip se divio Isusu još od dana kada ga je prvi put susreo u Kafarnaumu. Ali Natanael, koji je živio u Kani Galilejskoj, nije poznavao Isusa. Filip je otišao pozdraviti svoje prijatelje, dok se Natanael odmarao u sjeni drveta pokraj puta.
137:2.3 (1526.3)
While this trouble was brewing among John’s followers, Jesus and his four disciple-apostles were well on their way toward Galilee. Before they crossed the Jordan, to go by way of Nain to Nazareth, Jesus, looking ahead and up the road, saw one Philip of Bethsaida with a friend coming toward them. Jesus had known Philip aforetime, and he was also well known to all four of the new apostles. He was on his way with his friend Nathaniel to visit John at Pella to learn more about the reported coming of the kingdom of God, and he was delighted to greet Jesus. Philip had been an admirer of Jesus ever since he first came to Capernaum. But Nathaniel, who lived at Cana of Galilee, did not know Jesus. Philip went forward to greet his friends while Nathaniel rested under the shade of a tree by the roadside.
Petar je poveo Filipa na stranu i objasnio mu kako su on, Andrija, Jakov i Ivan postali Isusovi suradnici u novome kraljevstvu te ga snažno poticao da se i sam ponudi za službu. Filip se našao u nedoumici. Što je trebao učiniti? Ovdje, bez ikakva upozorenja — kraj puta nedaleko od Jordana — pred njim se iznenada našlo pitanje najvažnije odluke njegova života. U to je vrijeme već ozbiljno razgovarao s Petrom, Andrijom i Ivanom, dok je Isus Jakovu iznosio pojedinosti putovanja kroz Galileju i dalje do Kafarnauma. Napokon je Andrija predložio Filipu: „Zašto ne pitaš Učitelja?“
137:2.4 (1526.4)
Peter took Philip to one side and proceeded to explain that they, referring to himself, Andrew, James, and John, had all become associates of Jesus in the new kingdom and strongly urged Philip to volunteer for service. Philip was in a quandary. What should he do? Here, without a moment’s warning—on the roadside near the Jordan—there had come up for immediate decision the most momentous question of a lifetime. By this time he was in earnest converse with Peter, Andrew, and John while Jesus was outlining to James the trip through Galilee and on to Capernaum. Finally, Andrew suggested to Philip, “Why not ask the Teacher?”
Filipu je odjednom sinulo da je Isus doista velik čovjek, možda čak i Mesija, te je odlučio prihvatiti Isusovu odluku u ovom pitanju. Prišao mu je ravno i upitao: „Učitelju, trebam li otići k Ivanu ili se pridružiti svojim prijateljima koji te slijede?“ Isus odgovori: „Slijedi me.“ Filip je bio ushićen sigurnošću da je pronašao Izbavitelja.
137:2.5 (1526.5)
It suddenly dawned on Philip that Jesus was a really great man, possibly the Messiah, and he decided to abide by Jesus’ decision in this matter; and he went straight to him, asking, “Teacher, shall I go down to John or shall I join my friends who follow you?” And Jesus answered, “Follow me.” Philip was thrilled with the assurance that he had found the Deliverer.
Filip je tada dao znak skupini da ostane gdje jest, dok je on požurio natrag kako bi svom prijatelju Natanaelu prenio vijest o svojoj odluci. Natanael se još uvijek zadržavao pod dudom, razmišljajući o mnogim stvarima koje je čuo o Ivanu Krstitelju, dolasku kraljevstva i očekivanom Mesiji. Filip je prekinuo njegova razmišljanja uzbuđenim glasom: „Pronašao sam Izbavitelja, onoga o kojemu su pisali Mojsije i proroci i kojega je Ivan navijestio.“ Natanael podiže pogled i upita: „Odakle dolazi ovaj Učitelj?“ Filip odgovori: „On je Isus iz Nazareta, Josipov sin, tesar, koji je nedavno živio u Kafarnaumu.“ Tada, pomalo iznenađen, Natanael upita: „Može li išta dobro doći iz Nazareta?“ Filip ga prihvati za ruku i reče: „Dođi i vidi.“
137:2.6 (1526.6)
Philip now motioned to the group to remain where they were while he hurried back to break the news of his decision to his friend Nathaniel, who still tarried behind under the mulberry tree, turning over in his mind the many things which he had heard concerning John the Baptist, the coming kingdom, and the expected Messiah. Philip broke in upon these meditations, exclaiming, “I have found the Deliverer, him of whom Moses and the prophets wrote and whom John has proclaimed.” Nathaniel, looking up, inquired, “Whence comes this teacher?” And Philip replied, “He is Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph, the carpenter, more recently residing at Capernaum.” And then, somewhat shocked, Nathaniel asked, “Can any such good thing come out of Nazareth?” But Philip, taking him by the arm, said, “Come and see.”
Filip je doveo Natanaela k Isusu, koji je blagonaklono pogledao lice iskrenoga sumnjičavca i rekao: „Evo pravoga Izraelca, u kojemu nema prijevare. Slijedi me.“ A Natanael se okrenu Filipu i reče: „Bio si u pravu. On je doista poznavatelj ljudi. I ja ću ga slijediti, ako sam toga dostojan.“ Isus kimnu Natanaelu i ponovno reče: „Slijedi me.“
137:2.7 (1527.1)
Philip led Nathaniel to Jesus, who, looking benignly into the face of the sincere doubter, said: “Behold a genuine Israelite, in whom there is no deceit. Follow me.” And Nathaniel, turning to Philip, said: “You are right. He is indeed a master of men. I will also follow, if I am worthy.” And Jesus nodded to Nathaniel, again saying, “Follow me.”
Svi su te noći prenoćili kod Josipa u domu u kojem je Isus proveo svoje djetinjstvo. Isusovi suradnici nisu u potpunosti razumjeli zašto je njihov novopronađeni Učitelj toliko nastojao ukloniti svaki trag svojega pisanja koji je još postojao u domu, u obliku Deset zapovijedi i drugih izreka i gesla. Ovaj je postupak, zajedno s činjenicom da ga kasnije nikada nisu vidjeli kako piše — osim po prašini ili pijesku — ostavio dubok dojam na njihove umove.
137:2.9 (1527.3)
They all remained overnight with Joseph in Jesus’ boyhood home. The associates of Jesus little understood why their new-found teacher was so concerned with completely destroying every vestige of his writing which remained about the home in the form of the ten commandments and other mottoes and sayings. But this proceeding, together with the fact that they never saw him subsequently write—except upon the dust or in the sand—made a deep impression upon their minds.
Prije nego što su napustili Nazaret, njegovi novi suradnici ispričali su Josipu i drugim članovima Isusove obitelji o čudesnim događajima iz nedavne prošlosti i otvoreno izrazili svoje uvjerenje da je Isus dugo očekivani Izbavitelj. Članovi Isusove obitelji potom su sve to zajedno razmotrili, a Josip je rekao: „Možda je ipak Majka bila u pravu — možda je naš neobični brat kralj koji dolazi.“
137:3.2 (1527.5)
Before leaving Nazareth, the new associates of Jesus told Joseph and other members of Jesus’ family about the wonderful events of the then recent past and gave free expression to their belief that Jesus was the long-expected deliverer. And these members of Jesus’ family talked all this over, and Joseph said: “Maybe, after all, Mother was right—maybe our strange brother is the coming king.”
Juda je bio prisutan prilikom Isusova krštenja i zajedno sa svojim bratom Jakovom postao čvrst vjernik u Isusovu misiju na zemlji. Iako su Jakov i Juda bili veoma zbunjeni naravi misije svojega brata, njihova je majka ponovno oživjela sve svoje nekadašnje nade da je Isus Mesija, sin Davidov, te je poticala svoje sinove da vjeruju svome bratu kao Izbavitelju Izraela.
137:3.3 (1527.6)
Jude was present at Jesus’ baptism and, with his brother James, had become a firm believer in Jesus’ mission on earth. Although both James and Jude were much perplexed as to the nature of their brother’s mission, their mother had resurrected all her early hopes of Jesus as the Messiah, the son of David, and she encouraged her sons to have faith in their brother as the deliverer of Israel.
Isus je stigao u Kafarnaum u ponedjeljak navečer, ali nije otišao u svoj dom, gdje su živjeli Jakov i njegova majka; otišao je izravno u Zebedejev dom. Svi njegovi prijatelji u Kafarnaumu primijetili su veliku i ugodnu promjenu u njemu. Ponovno je djelovao prilično vedro i više nalik onome kakav je bio tijekom ranijih godina u Nazaretu. Tijekom godina prije svojega krštenja i razdoblja osame neposredno prije i poslije toga, postajao je sve ozbiljniji i zatvoreniji. Sada je svima izgledao gotovo kao nekada. U njemu je bilo nečega veličanstvenoga i uzvišenoga, ali ponovno je bio vedar i radostan.
137:3.4 (1527.7)
Jesus arrived in Capernaum Monday night, but he did not go to his own home, where lived James and his mother; he went directly to the home of Zebedee. All his friends at Capernaum saw a great and pleasant change in him. Once more he seemed to be comparatively cheerful and more like himself as he was during the earlier years at Nazareth. For years previous to his baptism and the isolation periods just before and just after, he had grown increasingly serious and self-contained. Now he seemed quite like his old self to all of them. There was about him something of majestic import and exalted aspect, but he was once again lighthearted and joyful.
Marija je bila prepuna iščekivanja. Nadala se da se približilo ispunjenje Gabrijelova obećanja. Očekivala je da će uskoro cijela Palestina biti začuđena i zapanjena čudesnim otkrivenjem njezina sina kao nadnaravnoga kralja Židova. Ali na sva mnogobrojna pitanja koja su mu postavljali njegova majka, Jakov, Juda i Zebedej, Isus je samo sa smiješkom odgovorio: „Bolje je da ovdje još neko vrijeme ostanem; moram vršiti volju svojega Oca koji je na nebu.“
137:3.5 (1528.1)
Mary was thrilled with expectation. She anticipated that the promise of Gabriel was nearing fulfillment. She expected all Palestine soon to be startled and stunned by the miraculous revelation of her son as the supernatural king of the Jews. But to all of the many questions which his mother, James, Jude, and Zebedee asked, Jesus only smilingly replied: “It is better that I tarry here for a while; I must do the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
Sljedećega dana, u utorak, svi su otputovali u Kanu na svadbu Naomi, koja se trebala održati idućega dana. Unatoč Isusovim ponovljenim upozorenjima da nikome ne govore o njemu „dok ne dođe Očev čas“, oni su i dalje ustrajno potajno širili vijest da su pronašli Izbavitelja. Svatko je od njih s velikim pouzdanjem očekivao da će Isus na predstojećoj svadbi u Kani započeti svoje preuzimanje mesijanske vlasti i da će to učiniti s velikom moći i uzvišenom veličanstvenošću. Sjećali su se svega što im je bilo rečeno o pojavama koje su pratile njegovo krštenje i vjerovali da će njegov budući put na zemlji biti obilježen sve većim očitovanjima nadnaravne moći i čudesnim djelovanjima. Stoga se cijela okolica pripremala okupiti u Kani na svadbenoj gozbi Naomi i Johaba, sina Natanova.
137:3.6 (1527.9)
On the next day, Tuesday, they all journeyed over to Cana for the wedding of Naomi, which was to take place on the following day. And in spite of Jesus’ repeated warnings that they tell no man about him “until the Father’s hour shall come,” they insisted on quietly spreading the news abroad that they had found the Deliverer. They each confidently expected that Jesus would inaugurate his assumption of Messianic authority at the forthcoming wedding at Cana, and that he would do so with great power and sublime grandeur. They remembered what had been told them about the phenomena attendant upon his baptism, and they believed that his future course on earth would be marked by increasing manifestations of supernatural wonders and miraculous demonstrations. Accordingly, the entire countryside was preparing to gather together at Cana for the wedding feast of Naomi and Johab the son of Nathan.
Marija godinama nije bila tako radosna. Putovala je u Kanu u duhu kraljice-majke koja ide svjedočiti krunidbi svojega sina. Još od vremena kada je imao trinaest godina, Isusova obitelj i prijatelji nisu ga vidjeli tako vedroga i radosnoga, tako obzirnoga i punoga razumijevanja za želje i potrebe svojih suradnika, tako dirljivo suosjećajnoga. I zato su svi među sobom tiho razgovarali u manjim skupinama, pitajući se što će se dogoditi. Što će ova neobična osoba sljedeće učiniti? Kako će uvesti slavu dolazećega kraljevstva? Sve ih je ispunjavala ushićena pomisao da će biti prisutni i vidjeti objavu moći i sile Boga Izraela.
137:3.7 (1527.10)
Mary had not been so joyous in years. She journeyed to Cana in the spirit of the queen mother on the way to witness the coronation of her son. Not since he was thirteen years old had Jesus’ family and friends seen him so carefree and happy, so thoughtful and understanding of the wishes and desires of his associates, so touchingly sympathetic. And so they all whispered among themselves, in small groups, wondering what was going to happen. What would this strange person do next? How would he usher in the glory of the coming kingdom? And they were all thrilled with the thought that they were to be present to see the revelation of the might and power of Israel’s God.
U srijedu prije podne u Kanu je stiglo gotovo tisuću gostiju, više od četiri puta koliko ih je bilo pozvano. Bio je židovski običaj održavati svadbe srijedom, a pozivnice su bile poslane mjesec dana unaprijed. Tijekom prijepodneva i ranoga poslijepodneva činilo se više kao javni prijem za Isusa nego kao svadba. Svatko je želio pozdraviti ovoga gotovo već proslavljenoga Galilejca, a on je bio iznimno srdačan prema svima, mladima i starima, Židovima i nežidovima. Svi su se obradovali kada je Isus pristao predvoditi uvodnu svadbenu povorku.
137:4.1 (1528.4)
By noon on Wednesday almost a thousand guests had arrived in Cana, more than four times the number bidden to the wedding feast. It was a Jewish custom to celebrate weddings on Wednesday, and the invitations had been sent abroad for the wedding one month previously. In the forenoon and early afternoon it appeared more like a public reception for Jesus than a wedding. Everybody wanted to greet this near-famous Galilean, and he was most cordial to all, young and old, Jew and gentile. And everybody rejoiced when Jesus consented to lead the preliminary wedding procession.
Isus je sada bio potpuno svjestan svojega ljudskog postojanja, svojega božanskog predpostojanja i stanja svoje združene, odnosno sjedinjene, ljudske i božanske naravi. Sa savršenom je sabranošću mogao u jednom trenutku djelovati u svojoj ljudskoj ulozi, a već u sljedećem preuzeti povlastice ličnosti božanske naravi.
137:4.2 (1528.5)
Jesus was now thoroughly self-conscious regarding his human existence, his divine pre-existence, and the status of his combined, or fused, human and divine natures. With perfect poise he could at one moment enact the human role or immediately assume the personality prerogatives of the divine nature.
137:4.3 (1528.6)
As the day wore on, Jesus became increasingly conscious that the people were expecting him to perform some wonder; more especially he recognized that his family and his six disciple-apostles were looking for him appropriately to announce his forthcoming kingdom by some startling and supernatural manifestation.
Marija je rano poslijepodne pozvala Jakova i zajedno su se odvažili prići Isusu kako bi ga upitali bi li ih primio u svoje povjerenje do te mjere da im kaže u koje vrijeme i u kojem dijelu svadbenih obreda namjerava očitovati svoju „nadnaravnost“. Čim su mu spomenuli te stvari, vidjeli su da su u njemu probudili njegovo uobičajeno negodovanje. Isus je samo rekao: „Ako me volite, budite spremni sa mnom čekati ispunjenje volje mojega nebeskog Oca.“ Ali prava snaga njegove opomene bila je u izrazu njegova lica.
137:4.4 (1529.1)
Early in the afternoon Mary summoned James, and together they made bold to approach Jesus to inquire if he would admit them to his confidence to the extent of informing them at what hour and at what point in connection with the wedding ceremonies he had planned to manifest himself as the “supernatural one.” No sooner had they spoken of these matters to Jesus than they saw they had aroused his characteristic indignation. He said only: “If you love me, then be willing to tarry with me while I wait upon the will of my Father who is in heaven.” But the eloquence of his rebuke lay in the expression of his face.
Ovaj postupak njegove majke jako je razočarao Isusovu ljudsku prirodu, a vlastita reakcija na njezin prikriveni prijedlog da si dopusti neko vanjsko očitovanje svoje božanskosti duboko ga je otrijeznila. Upravo je to bilo među onim stvarima koje je odlučio ne učiniti tijekom svoje nedavne osame u brdima. Marija je nekoliko sati nakon ove Isusove reakcije bila veoma potištena. Rekla je Jakovu: „Ja ga nikako ne razumijem; što sve ovo treba značiti? Ima li kraja njegovom neobičnom ponašanju?“ Jakov i Juda pokušavali su utješiti svoju majku, dok se Isus na jedan sat povukao u osamu. Ali vratio se među okupljene i ponovno bio vedar i radostan.
137:4.5 (1529.2)
This move of his mother was a great disappointment to the human Jesus, and he was much sobered by his reaction to her suggestive proposal that he permit himself to indulge in some outward demonstration of his divinity. That was one of the very things he had decided not to do when so recently isolated in the hills. For several hours Mary was much depressed. She said to James: “I cannot understand him; what can it all mean? Is there no end to his strange conduct?” James and Jude tried to comfort their mother, while Jesus withdrew for an hour’s solitude. But he returned to the gathering and was once more lighthearted and joyous.
Dok se svadba nastavila odvijati u ozračju tihog iščekivanja, cijela je ceremonija završila, a počasni gost nije učinio ni jedan pokret niti izgovorio ijednu riječ. Tada se počelo šaptati da će ovaj tesar i brodograditelj, kojega je Ivan proglasio „Izbaviteljem“, tijekom večernjih svečanosti pokazati svoju moć, možda za vrijeme svadbene večere. Ali svako očekivanje takvoga očitovanja potpuno je nestalo iz umova njegovih šest učenika-apostola kada ih je Isus okupio neposredno prije svadbene večere i s velikom ozbiljnošću rekao: „Nemojte misliti da sam došao ovamo učiniti neko čudo radi zadovoljenja radoznalih ili kako bih uvjerio one koji sumnjaju. Naprotiv, ovdje smo da čekamo volju našega Oca koji je na nebu.“ Ali kada su Marija i ostali vidjeli da se savjetuje sa svojim suradnicima, bili su potpuno uvjereni da će se nešto neobično dogoditi. I svi su sjeli uživati u svadbenoj gozbi i večeri radosnog zajedništva.
137:4.6 (1529.3)
The wedding proceeded with a hush of expectancy, but the entire ceremony was finished and not a move, not a word, from the honored guest. Then it was whispered about that the carpenter and boatbuilder, announced by John as “the Deliverer,” would show his hand during the evening festivities, perhaps at the wedding supper. But all expectance of such a demonstration was effectually removed from the minds of his six disciple-apostles when he called them together just before the wedding supper and, in great earnestness, said: “Think not that I have come to this place to work some wonder for the gratification of the curious or for the conviction of those who doubt. Rather are we here to wait upon the will of our Father who is in heaven.” But when Mary and the others saw him in consultation with his associates, they were fully persuaded in their own minds that something extraordinary was about to happen. And they all sat down to enjoy the wedding supper and the evening of festive good fellowship.
Dok je otac mladoženje osigurao dovoljnu količinu vina za sve goste pozvane na svadbu, nije mogao znati da će svadba njegova sina postati tako usko povezana s očekivanim očitovanjem Isusa kao mesijanskog Izbavitelja. Bilo mu je velika čast i radost ugostiti ovoga proslavljenoga Galilejca, ali prije nego što je svadbena gozba završila, sluge su mu donijele obeshrabrujuću vijest da vina ponestaje. Na kraju službene večere, dok su se gosti šetali vrtom, majka mladoženje povjerila je Mariji da je zaliha vina iscrpljena. Marija je s pouzdanjem rekla: „Ne brini se — razgovarat ću sa svojim sinom. On će nam pomoći.“ I tako se usudila govoriti, unatoč opomeni koju je od Isusa primila samo nekoliko sati ranije.
137:4.7 (1529.4)
The father of the bridegroom had provided plenty of wine for all the guests bidden to the marriage feast, but how was he to know that the marriage of his son was to become an event so closely associated with the expected manifestation of Jesus as the Messianic deliverer? He was delighted to have the honor of numbering the celebrated Galilean among his guests, but before the wedding supper was over, the servants brought him the disconcerting news that the wine was running short. By the time the formal supper had ended and the guests were strolling about in the garden, the mother of the bridegroom confided to Mary that the supply of wine was exhausted. And Mary confidently said: “Have no worry—I will speak to my son. He will help us.” And thus did she presume to speak, notwithstanding the rebuke of but a few hours before.
Marija se tijekom mnogih godina uvijek obraćala Isusu za pomoć u svakoj krizi njihova života u nazaretskom domu, pa joj je bilo sasvim prirodno da ga se i sada sjeti. Ali ova ambiciozna majka imala je i druge pobude kada je tom prilikom zatražila pomoć od svojega najstarijeg sina. Dok je Isus sam stajao u jednom kutu vrta, majka mu je prišla i rekla: „Sine moj, nemaju vina.“ Isus je odgovorio: „Dobra ženo, što ja imam s tim?“ Marija je uzvratila: „Ali vjerujem da je tvoj čas došao; zar nam ne možeš pomoći?“ Isus je odgovorio: „Ponovno ti kažem da nisam došao činiti stvari na ovaj način. Zašto me opet uznemiruješ tim stvarima?“ A tada je Marija, briznuvši u plač, preklinjala: „Ali, sine moj, obećala sam im da ćeš nam pomoći; zar mi, molim te, nećeš nešto učiniti?“ Tada Isus reče: „Ženo, što ti imaš s davanjem takvih obećanja? Pazi da to više ne činiš. U svemu moramo čekati volju Oca koji je na nebu.“
137:4.8 (1529.5)
Throughout a period of many years, Mary had always turned to Jesus for help in every crisis of their home life at Nazareth so that it was only natural for her to think of him at this time. But this ambitious mother had still other motives for appealing to her eldest son on this occasion. As Jesus was standing alone in a corner of the garden, his mother approached him, saying, “My son, they have no wine.” And Jesus answered, “My good woman, what have I to do with that?” Said Mary, “But I believe your hour has come; cannot you help us?” Jesus replied: “Again I declare that I have not come to do things in this wise. Why do you trouble me again with these matters?” And then, breaking down in tears, Mary entreated him, “But, my son, I promised them that you would help us; won’t you please do something for me?” And then spoke Jesus: “Woman, what have you to do with making such promises? See that you do it not again. We must in all things wait upon the will of the Father in heaven.”
Isusova majka Marija bila je slomljena; bila je zaprepaštena! Dok je pred njim nepomično stajala, sa suzama koje su joj tekle niz lice, Isusovo ljudsko srce bilo je preplavljeno samilošću prema ženi koja ga je rodila u tijelu; i prignuvši se prema njoj, nježno joj je položio ruku na glavu govoreći: „Sada, sada, majko Marijo, nemoj se žalostiti zbog mojih naizgled oštrih riječi, jer zar ti nisam mnogo puta rekao da sam došao samo izvršiti volju svojega nebeskog Oca? Najradije bih učinio ono što od mene tražiš kad bi to bilo u skladu s Očevom voljom—“ I Isus se naglo zaustavio; oklijevao je. Marija je osjetila da se nešto događa. Naglo ustavši, bacila mu je ruke oko vrata, poljubila ga i pohitala prema prostorijama za poslugu govoreći: „Što god moj sin kaže, to učinite.“ Ali Isus nije rekao ništa. Sada je shvatio da je već rekao — ili bolje rečeno, da je u sebi silno poželio — previše.
137:4.9 (1530.1)
Mary the mother of Jesus was crushed; she was stunned! As she stood there before him motionless, with the tears streaming down her face, the human heart of Jesus was overcome with compassion for the woman who had borne him in the flesh; and bending forward, he laid his hand tenderly upon her head, saying: “Now, now, Mother Mary, grieve not over my apparently hard sayings, for have I not many times told you that I have come only to do the will of my heavenly Father? Most gladly would I do what you ask of me if it were a part of the Father’s will—” and Jesus stopped short, he hesitated. Mary seemed to sense that something was happening. Leaping up, she threw her arms around Jesus’ neck, kissed him, and rushed off to the servants’ quarters, saying, “Whatever my son says, that do.” But Jesus said nothing. He now realized that he had already said—or rather desirefully thought—too much.
Marija je bila izvan sebe od radosti. Nije znala kako će vino biti pribavljeno, ali je s pouzdanjem vjerovala da je napokon nagovorila svojega prvorođenog sina da potvrdi svoj autoritet, da se odvaži istupiti, zauzme svoj položaj i očituje svoju mesijansku moć. Zbog prisutnosti i djelovanja određenih kozmičkih sila i ličnosti, o kojima nitko od prisutnih nije imao ni najmanje znanje, Marija nije ostala razočarana. Vino koje je Marija željela i koje je Isus, Bogočovjek, u svojoj ljudskosti i suosjećanju želio, bilo je na putu.
137:4.10 (1530.2)
Mary was dancing with glee. She did not know how the wine would be produced, but she confidently believed that she had finally persuaded her first-born son to assert his authority, to dare to step forth and claim his position and exhibit his Messianic power. And, because of the presence and association of certain universe powers and personalities, of which all those present were wholly ignorant, she was not to be disappointed. The wine Mary desired and which Jesus, the God-man, humanly and sympathetically wished for, was forthcoming.
U blizini je stajalo šest kamenih posuda za vodu, napunjenih vodom, od kojih je svaka sadržavala oko dvadeset galona. Ta je voda bila namijenjena za kasniju uporabu u završnim obredima očišćenja tijekom svadbene svečanosti. Uzbuđenje slugu oko tih velikih kamenih posuda, pod budnim vodstvom njegove majke, privuklo je Isusovu pozornost. Kad im je prišao, vidio je da iz njih vrčevima zahvaćaju vino.
137:4.11 (1530.3)
Near at hand stood six waterpots of stone, filled with water, holding about twenty gallons apiece. This water was intended for subsequent use in the final purification ceremonies of the wedding celebration. The commotion of the servants about these huge stone vessels, under the busy direction of his mother, attracted Jesus’ attention, and going over, he observed that they were drawing wine out of them by the pitcherful.
Isus je postupno počeo shvaćati što se dogodilo. Od svih prisutnih na svadbi u Kani upravo je on bio najviše iznenađen. Drugi su očekivali da će učiniti čudo, ali upravo je to bilo ono što je odlučio ne učiniti. Tada se Sin Čovječji prisjetio opomene koju je u brdima primio od svoga Personificiranog Ispravljača Misli. Prisjetio se kako ga je Ispravljač upozorio da mu nikakva moć ni ličnost ne mogu oduzeti stvaralački prerogativ neovisnosti o vremenu. Ovom su se prilikom uz vodu i druge potrebne sastojke okupili upravitelji moći, srednja bića i sve druge neophodne ličnosti te, suočeni s izraženom željom Suverenoga Svemirskog Stvoritelja, nisu mogli spriječiti trenutačnu pojavu vina. A ovaj je ishod bio utoliko sigurniji što je Personificirani Ispravljač dao do znanja da ostvarenje Sinove želje ni na koji način nije bilo protivno Očevoj volji.
137:4.12 (1530.4)
It was gradually dawning upon Jesus what had happened. Of all persons present at the marriage feast of Cana, Jesus was the most surprised. Others had expected him to work a wonder, but that was just what he had purposed not to do. And then the Son of Man recalled the admonition of his Personalized Thought Adjuster in the hills. He recounted how the Adjuster had warned him about the inability of any power or personality to deprive him of the creator prerogative of independence of time. On this occasion power transformers, midwayers, and all other required personalities were assembled near the water and other necessary elements, and in the face of the expressed wish of the Universe Creator Sovereign, there was no escaping the instantaneous appearance of wine. And this occurrence was made doubly certain since the Personalized Adjuster had signified that the execution of the Son’s desire was in no way a contravention of the Father’s will.
Ali ovo ni u kojem smislu nije bilo čudo. Nijedan prirodni zakon nije bio izmijenjen, ukinut ili čak nadmašen. Jedino što se dogodilo bilo je uklanjanje vremenskog čimbenika pri nebeskom okupljanju kemijskih elemenata potrebnih za nastanak vina. Stvoriteljevi su djelatnici ovom prilikom načinili vino na isti način na koji ono nastaje uobičajenim prirodnim procesima, osim što su djelovali neovisno o vremenu i uz posredovanje nadljudskih ličnosti pri prostornom okupljanju potrebnih kemijskih sastojaka.
137:4.13 (1530.5)
But this was in no sense a miracle. No law of nature was modified, abrogated, or even transcended. Nothing happened but the abrogation of time in association with the celestial assembly of the chemical elements requisite for the elaboration of the wine. At Cana on this occasion the agents of the Creator made wine just as they do by the ordinary natural processes except that they did it independently of time and with the intervention of superhuman agencies in the matter of the space assembly of the necessary chemical ingredients.
137:4.15 (1531.2)
When the servants drew this new wine and carried it to the best man, the “ruler of the feast,” and when he had tasted it, he called to the bridegroom, saying: “It is the custom to set out first the good wine and, when the guests have well drunk, to bring forth the inferior fruit of the vine; but you have kept the best of the wine until the last of the feast.”
Marija i Isusovi učenici silno su se obradovali ovom navodnom čudu za koje su vjerovali da ga je Isus namjerno učinio, dok se Isus povukao u zaklonjeni kut vrta kako bi nekoliko trenutaka ozbiljno razmislio. Konačno je odlučio da je, u danim okolnostima, ovaj događaj bio izvan njegove osobne kontrole te da je, budući da nije bio protivan Očevoj volji, bio neizbježan. Kad se vratio među okupljene, svi su ga promatrali sa strahopoštovanjem; svi su vjerovali u njega kao Mesiju. Ali Isus je bio duboko zbunjen, znajući da vjeruju u njega samo zbog neobičnog događaja kojemu su upravo, posve nenamjerno, bili svjedoci. Isus se zatim ponovno povukao na krov kuće kako bi o svemu još jednom razmislio.
137:4.16 (1531.3)
Mary and the disciples of Jesus were greatly rejoiced at the supposed miracle which they thought Jesus had intentionally performed, but Jesus withdrew to a sheltered nook of the garden and engaged in serious thought for a few brief moments. He finally decided that the episode was beyond his personal control under the circumstances and, not being adverse to his Father’s will, was inevitable. When he returned to the people, they regarded him with awe; they all believed in him as the Messiah. But Jesus was sorely perplexed, knowing that they believed in him only because of the unusual occurrence which they had just inadvertently beheld. Again Jesus retired for a season to the housetop that he might think it all over.
Premda su mnogi gosti ostali tijekom cijelog tjedna svadbenih svečanosti, Isus je sa svojim novoodabranim učenicima-apostolima — Jakovom, Ivanom, Andrijom, Petrom, Filipom i Natanaelom — vrlo rano sljedećeg jutra krenuo za Kafarnaum, otišavši bez pozdrava i oproštaja. Isusova obitelj i svi njegovi prijatelji u Kani bili su jako ožalošćeni što ih je tako iznenada napustio, pa je Juda, Isusov najmlađi brat, krenuo u potragu za njim. Isus i njegovi apostoli uputili su se ravno u Zebedejevu kuću u Betsaidi. Tijekom ovog putovanja Isus je sa svojim novoodabranim suradnicima razgovarao o mnogim važnim pitanjima budućeg kraljevstva, a osobito ih je upozorio da nikome ne govore o pretvaranju vode u vino. Također im je savjetovao da se u svom budućem radu klone gradova Seforisa i Tiberijade.
137:5.1 (1531.5)
Though many of the guests remained for the full week of wedding festivities, Jesus, with his newly chosen disciple-apostles—James, John, Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathaniel—departed very early the next morning for Capernaum, going away without taking leave of anyone. Jesus’ family and all his friends in Cana were much distressed because he so suddenly left them, and Jude, Jesus’ youngest brother, set out in search of him. Jesus and his apostles went directly to the home of Zebedee at Bethsaida. On this journey Jesus talked over many things of importance to the coming kingdom with his newly chosen associates and especially warned them to make no mention of the turning of the water into wine. He also advised them to avoid the cities of Sepphoris and Tiberias in their future work.
Te noći poslije večere u domu Zebedeja i Šalome održano je jedno od najvažnijih savjetovanja u cijelom Isusovom zemaljskom djelovanju. Na tom su sastanku bili prisutni samo šestorica apostola; Juda je stigao upravo prije nego što su se trebali razići. Šestorica odabranih ljudi putovala su s Isusom od Kane do Betsaide, hodajući, takoreći, po zraku. Bili su puni iščekivanja i ushićeni mišlju da su bili izabrani za bliske suradnike Sina Čovječjeg. Ali kad im je Isus počeo objašnjavati tko je on, kakva će biti njegova misija na zemlji i kako bi ona mogla završiti, ostali su zaprepašteni. Nisu mogli shvatiti ono što im je govorio. Ostali su bez riječi; čak je i Petar bio toliko potresen da nije mogao izraziti svoje osjećaje. Samo se dubokoumni Andrija usudio odgovoriti na Isusove riječi savjeta. Kad je Isus uvidio da nisu razumjeli njegovu poruku, kad je vidio da su njihove predodžbe o židovskom Mesiji bile tako potpuno ukorijenjene, poslao ih je na počinak dok je on otišao u šetnju i razgovor sa svojim bratom Judom. A prije nego što se Juda oprostio od Isusa, rekao mu je duboko ganut: „Oče i brate moj, nikada te nisam razumio. Ne znam sa sigurnošću jesi li ti ono što nas je majka učila i ne shvaćam u potpunosti dolazeće kraljevstvo, ali znam da si moćan čovjek Božji. Čuo sam glas na Jordanu i vjerujem u tebe, tko god da si.“ Nakon što je to rekao, otišao je u svoj dom u Magdalu.
137:5.2 (1531.6)
After supper that evening, in this home of Zebedee and Salome, there was held one of the most important conferences of all Jesus’ earthly career. Only the six apostles were present at this meeting; Jude arrived as they were about to separate. These six chosen men had journeyed from Cana to Bethsaida with Jesus, walking, as it were, on air. They were alive with expectancy and thrilled with the thought of having been selected as close associates of the Son of Man. But when Jesus set out to make clear to them who he was and what was to be his mission on earth and how it might possibly end, they were stunned. They could not grasp what he was telling them. They were speechless; even Peter was crushed beyond expression. Only the deep-thinking Andrew dared to make reply to Jesus’ words of counsel. When Jesus perceived that they did not comprehend his message, when he saw that their ideas of the Jewish Messiah were so completely crystallized, he sent them to their rest while he walked and talked with his brother Jude. And before Jude took leave of Jesus, he said with much feeling: “My father-brother, I never have understood you. I do not know of a certainty whether you are what my mother has taught us, and I do not fully comprehend the coming kingdom, but I do know you are a mighty man of God. I heard the voice at the Jordan, and I am a believer in you, no matter who you are.” And when he had spoken, he departed, going to his own home at Magdala.
Te noći Isus nije spavao. Ogrnut svojim večernjim ogrtačem, sjedio je na obali jezera, zaokupljen dubokim mislima koje je promišljao sve do svitanja sljedećeg dana. Tijekom dugih sati te noćne meditacije Isus je jasno spoznao da svoje sljedbenike nikada neće moći navesti da ga vide u bilo kojem drugom svjetlu osim kao dugo očekivanog Mesiju. Naposljetku je uvidio da svoju poruku o kraljevstvu neće moći započeti ni na koji drugi način osim kao ispunjenje Ivanova proročanstva i kao onaj kojega su Židovi očekivali. Premda nije bio Mesija koji bi sjeo na Davidovu stolicu, on je uistinu bio ispunjenje proročkih izreka duhovno najuzvišenijih vidjelaca iz davnine. Nikada više nije potpuno nijekao da je Mesija. Odlučio je prepustiti konačno razrješenje ove složene situacije djelovanju Očeve volje.
137:5.3 (1532.1)
That night Jesus did not sleep. Donning his evening wraps, he sat out on the lake shore thinking, thinking until the dawn of the next day. In the long hours of that night of meditation Jesus came clearly to comprehend that he never would be able to make his followers see him in any other light than as the long-expected Messiah. At last he recognized that there was no way to launch his message of the kingdom except as the fulfillment of John’s prediction and as the one for whom the Jews were looking. After all, though he was not the Davidic type of Messiah, he was truly the fulfillment of the prophetic utterances of the more spiritually minded of the olden seers. Never again did he wholly deny that he was the Messiah. He decided to leave the final untangling of this complicated situation to the outworking of the Father’s will.
Narednog jutra Isus se pridružio prijateljima za doručkom, premda među njima nije bilo radosti. Razgovarao je s njima i nakon obroka okupio ih oko sebe, govoreći: „Volja je moga Oca da se neko vrijeme zadržimo u ovom kraju. Čuli ste kako je Ivan rekao da je došao pripremiti put kraljevstvu; stoga nam priliči pričekati dovršenje Ivanova propovijedanja. Kada preteča Sina Čovječjeg dovrši svoje djelo, započet ćemo naviještanje radosne vijesti kraljevstva“. Rekao je apostolima da se vrate svojim mrežama dok se sam pripremao poći sa Zebedejem u brodograditeljsku radionicu, obećavši da će ih vidjeti narednog dana u sinagogi gdje je trebao održati govor, te je s njima ugovorio sastanak u subotu poslijepodne.
137:5.4 (1532.2)
The next morning Jesus joined his friends at breakfast, but they were a cheerless group. He visited with them and at the end of the meal gathered them about him, saying: “It is my Father’s will that we tarry hereabouts for a season. You have heard John say that he came to prepare the way for the kingdom; therefore it behooves us to await the completion of John’s preaching. When the forerunner of the Son of Man shall have finished his work, we will begin the proclamation of the good tidings of the kingdom.” He directed his apostles to return to their nets while he made ready to go with Zebedee to the boatshop, promising to see them the next day at the synagogue, where he was to speak, and appointing a conference with them that Sabbath afternoon.
Prva Isusova javna pojava nakon krštenja bila je u kafarnaumskoj sinagogi, u subotu, 2. ožujka 26. godine po Kr. Sinagoga je bila prepuna do posljednjeg mjesta. Priča o krštenju na Jordanu sada je bila nadopunjena svježim vijestima iz Kane o vodi i vinu. Isus je dao počasna mjesta šestorici apostola, a pored njih sjedila su njegova dva brata po krvi, Jakov i Juda. Među prisutnima je bila i njegova majka, koja se prethodne večeri s Jakovom vratila u Kafarnaum i koja je sjedila u ženskom dijelu sinagoge. Svi prisutni bili su puni iščekivanja; očekivali su očitovanje neke izvanredne nadnaravne moći koje bi bilo prikladno svjedočanstvo o naravi i autoritetu onoga koji će im toga dana govoriti. Ali svi su bili osuđeni na razočaranje.
137:6.1 (1532.3)
Jesus’ first public appearance following his baptism was in the Capernaum synagogue on Sabbath, March 2, {scaps{scaps{a.d.}scaps}scaps} 26. The synagogue was crowded to overflowing. The story of the baptism in the Jordan was now augmented by the fresh news from Cana about the water and the wine. Jesus gave seats of honor to his six apostles, and seated with them were his brothers in the flesh James and Jude. His mother, having returned to Capernaum with James the evening before, was also present, being seated in the women’s section of the synagogue. The entire audience was on edge; they expected to behold some extraordinary manifestation of supernatural power which would be a fitting testimony to the nature and authority of him who was that day to speak to them. But they were destined to disappointment.
Kad je Isus ustao, upravitelj sinagoge pružio mu je svitak Pisama i Isus je počeo čitati iz proroka Izaije: „Ovako govori Gospodin: ‘Nebesa su moje prijestolje, a zemlja podnožje mojim nogama! Kakvu mi kuću možete sagraditi i gdje je mjesto moga prebivališta? Ta sve je to moja ruka načinila’, kaže Gospodin. ‘Ali na ovoga čovjeka svoj pogled svraćam: na siromaha i čovjeka ponizna duha, koji drhti pred mojom riječju.’ Čujte riječ Gospodnju, vi koji drhtite pred njegovom riječju. ‘Braća vas vaša mrze i odbacuju radi moga imena.’ Neka se Gospodin proslavi; on će vam se ukazati u radosti, a svi će se drugi postidjeti. Čuj! Buka iz grada, glas iz hrama, glas je to Gospodnji koji kaže: ‘Prije nego što je trudove osjetila, rodila je; prije nego što su je bolovi obuzeli, rodila je dječaka.’ Tko je takvo što čuo? Može li se zemlja u jednom danu roditi? Može li se narod odjednom roditi? Ali ovako govori Gospodin: ‘Gle, mir ću na njih svratiti kao rijeku, i slava naroda bit će poput potoka koji teče. Kao što majka tješi svoje dijete, tako ću ja vas tješiti. Bit ćete utješeni čak i u Jeruzalemu. Kad ovo vidite, srce će vam se radovati.’“
137:6.2 (1532.4)
When Jesus stood up, the ruler of the synagogue handed him the Scripture roll, and he read from the Prophet Isaiah: “Thus says the Lord: ‘The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house that you built for me? And where is the place of my dwelling? All these things have my hands made,’ says the Lord. ‘But to this man will I look, even to him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at my word.’ Hear the word of the Lord, you who tremble and fear: ‘Your brethren hated you and cast you out for my name’s sake.’ But let the Lord be glorified. He shall appear to you in joy, and all others shall be ashamed. A voice from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice from the Lord says: ‘Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.’ Who has heard such a thing? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? Or can a nation be born at once? But thus says the Lord: ‘Behold I will extend peace like a river, and the glory of even the gentiles shall be like a flowing stream. As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you. And you shall be comforted even in Jerusalem. And when you see these things, your heart shall rejoice.’”
Kad je završio s čitanjem, Isus je vratio smotak njegovom čuvaru. Prije nego što je sjeo, jednostavno je rekao: „Budite strpljivi i vidjet ćete slavu Božju; tako će biti sa svima koji ostanu sa mnom i koji tako nauče vršiti volju moga Oca koji je na nebesima.“ I ljudi su otišli svojim kućama, pitajući se što sve to znači.
137:6.3 (1533.1)
When he had finished this reading, Jesus handed the roll back to its keeper. Before sitting down, he simply said: “Be patient and you shall see the glory of God; even so shall it be with all those who tarry with me and thus learn to do the will of my Father who is in heaven.” And the people went to their homes, wondering what was the meaning of all this.
Isus im je savjetovao da se vrate svojim uobičajenim dužnostima dok „ne dođe čas kraljevstva“. I kako bi ih ohrabrio, dao im je vlastiti primjer redovito se vraćajući radu u brodograditeljskoj radionici. Isus im je objasnio da trebaju svake večeri provesti tri sata u učenju i pripremi za budući rad, dalje govoreći: „Ovdje ćemo svi ostati dok me Otac ne pozove. Svaki od vas sada se mora vratiti svojim uobičajenim dužnostima kao da se ništa nije dogodilo. Nikome ne govorite o meni i zapamtite da moje kraljevstvo neće doći s bukom i grajom, nego mora doći kroz veliku promjenu koju će moj Otac izazvati u vašim srcima i u srcima onih koji će biti pozvani da vam se pridruže u vijećima kraljevstva. Vi ste sada moji prijatelji; vjerujem vam i volim vas; uskoro ćete postati moji osobni suradnici. Budite strpljivi, budite blagi. Uvijek se povinujte Očevoj volji. Budite spremni odazvati se pozivu kraljevstva. Premda ćete u službi moga Oca naći veliku radost, budite spremni i na velike teškoće, jer vas upozoravam da će mnogi samo kroz velike nevolje ući u kraljevstvo. Ali onima koji su pronašli kraljevstvo njihova će radost biti potpuna i bit će nazvani blaženima među svim narodima na zemlji. Ali ne gajite lažne nade; svijet će se spotaknuti o moje riječi. Čak ni vi, moji prijatelji, ne shvaćate u potpunosti ono što vam otkrivam dok su vam umovi još zbunjeni. Ali pazite; mi idemo raditi među pripadnicima naraštaja koji traži znakove. Oni će zahtijevati čudotvorna djela kao dokaz da me je poslao moj Otac i dugo će im trebati da u otkrivenju ljubavi moga Oca prepoznaju potvrdu moje misije.“
137:6.5 (1533.3)
Jesus instructed them to take up their regular duties until “the hour of the kingdom comes.” And to encourage them, he set an example by going back regularly to work in the boatshop. In explaining that they should spend three hours every evening in study and preparation for their future work, Jesus further said: “We will all remain hereabout until the Father bids me call you. Each of you must now return to his accustomed work just as if nothing had happened. Tell no man about me and remember that my kingdom is not to come with noise and glamor, but rather must it come through the great change which my Father will have wrought in your hearts and in the hearts of those who shall be called to join you in the councils of the kingdom. You are now my friends; I trust you and I love you; you are soon to become my personal associates. Be patient, be gentle. Be ever obedient to the Father’s will. Make yourselves ready for the call of the kingdom. While you will experience great joy in the service of my Father, you should also be prepared for trouble, for I warn you that it will be only through much tribulation that many will enter the kingdom. But those who have found the kingdom, their joy will be full, and they shall be called the blest of all the earth. But do not entertain false hope; the world will stumble at my words. Even you, my friends, do not fully perceive what I am unfolding to your confused minds. Make no mistake; we go forth to labor for a generation of sign seekers. They will demand wonder-working as the proof that I am sent by my Father, and they will be slow to recognize in the revelation of my Father’s love the credentials of my mission.”
137:6.6 (1533.4)
That evening, when they had returned to the land, before they went their way, Jesus, standing by the water’s edge, prayed: “My Father, I thank you for these little ones who, in spite of their doubts, even now believe. And for their sakes have I set myself apart to do your will. And now may they learn to be one, even as we are one.”
Četiri duga mjeseca — ožujak, travanj, svibanj i lipanj — bila su vrijeme čekanja; Isus je održao više od stotinu dugih i ozbiljnih, premda vedrih i radosnih, pouka šestorici apostola i svojem bratu Jakovu. Zbog bolesti u obitelji Juda je rijetko bio u mogućnosti prisustvovati tim poukama. Jakov, Isusov brat, nije izgubio vjeru u njega, ali tijekom tih mjeseci čekanja i neaktivnosti Marija je gotovo očajavala zbog svojega sina. Njezina vjera, koja je u Kani bila uzdignuta do takvih visina, sada je dosegnula nove dubine. Mogla je samo ponavljati ono što je toliko puta rekla: „Ne mogu ga razumjeti. Ne mogu shvatiti što sve ovo znači.“ Ali Jakovljeva je žena mnogo pridonijela jačanju Marijine hrabrosti.
137:7.1 (1533.5)
For four long months—March, April, May, and June—this tarrying time continued; Jesus held over one hundred long and earnest, though cheerful and joyous, sessions with these six associates and his own brother James. Owing to sickness in his family, Jude seldom was able to attend these classes. James, Jesus’ brother, did not lose faith in him, but during these months of delay and inaction Mary nearly despaired of her son. Her faith, raised to such heights at Cana, now sank to new low levels. She could only fall back on her so oft-repeated exclamation: “I cannot understand him. I cannot figure out what it all means.” But James’s wife did much to bolster Mary’s courage.
Ovih je sedam vjernika — od kojih je jedan bio Isusov brat po krvi — tijekom ova četiri mjeseca sve više upoznavalo Isusa; navikavali su se na pomisao da žive s ovim Bogočovjekom. Zvali su ga Rabijem, ali su učili da ga se ne boje. Isus je imao onu neusporedivu milost ličnosti koja mu je omogućavala da živi među njima, a da ih njegova božanstvenost nije plašila. Naučili su da je doista lako biti „prijatelj s Bogom“, s Bogom utjelovljenim u obličju smrtnog tijela. Ovo je razdoblje čekanja bilo ozbiljan ispit za cijelu skupinu vjernika. Nije se dogodilo ništa, apsolutno ništa, čudesno. Iz dana u dan obavljali su svoje uobičajene poslove, dok su se iz večeri u večer okupljali kraj Isusovih nogu. A držali su ih zajedno njegova neusporediva ličnost i milostive riječi koje im je iz večeri u večer govorio.
137:7.2 (1534.1)
Throughout these four months these seven believers, one his own brother in the flesh, were getting acquainted with Jesus; they were getting used to the idea of living with this God-man. Though they called him Rabbi, they were learning not to be afraid of him. Jesus possessed that matchless grace of personality which enabled him so to live among them that they were not dismayed by his divinity. They found it really easy to be “friends with God,” God incarnate in the likeness of mortal flesh. This time of waiting severely tested the entire group of believers. Nothing, absolutely nothing, miraculous happened. Day by day they went about their ordinary work, while night after night they sat at Jesus’ feet. And they were held together by his matchless personality and by the gracious words which he spoke to them evening upon evening.
Ovo razdoblje čekanja i učenja osobito je teško padalo Šimunu Petru. On je više puta nastojao nagovoriti Isusa da započne propovijedanje kraljevstva u Galileji dok je Ivan još uvijek propovijedao u Judeji. Ali Isusov odgovor Petru uvijek je bio: „Budi strpljiv, Šimune. Napreduj. Nećemo biti nimalo spremni kada nas Otac pozove.“ Andrija bi s vremena na vrijeme umirio Petra svojim iskusnijim i razboritijim savjetom. Andriju je neizmjerno dojmila Isusova ljudska prirodnost. Nikada se nije umorio od razmišljanja o tome kako onaj koji je mogao živjeti tako blizu Boga može istodobno biti tako prijazan i obziran prema ljudima.
137:7.3 (1534.2)
This period of waiting and teaching was especially hard on Simon Peter. He repeatedly sought to persuade Jesus to launch forth with the preaching of the kingdom in Galilee while John continued to preach in Judea. But Jesus’ reply to Peter ever was: “Be patient, Simon. Make progress. We shall be none too ready when the Father calls.” And Andrew would calm Peter now and then with his more seasoned and philosophic counsel. Andrew was tremendously impressed with the human naturalness of Jesus. He never grew weary of contemplating how one who could live so near God could be so friendly and considerate of men.
Tijekom cijelog ovog razdoblja Isus je govorio u sinagogi samo dva puta. Do kraja tih mnogih tjedana čekanja počele su se stišavati vijesti o njegovu krštenju i vinu iz Kane. Isus se pobrinuo da se tijekom ovog vremena više ne dogodi nijedno prividno čudo. Ali čak i premda su u Betsaidi živjeli tako tiho, vijesti o Isusovim čudesnim djelima doprle su do Heroda Antipe, koji je zauzvrat poslao uhode da utvrde što on radi. Ali Heroda je više zanimalo Ivanovo propovijedanje. Odlučio je ne uznemiravati Isusa, čije se djelovanje tako mirno nastavilo u Kafarnaumu.
137:7.4 (1534.3)
Throughout this entire period Jesus spoke in the synagogue but twice. By the end of these many weeks of waiting the reports about his baptism and the wine of Cana had begun to quiet down. And Jesus saw to it that no more apparent miracles happened during this time. But even though they lived so quietly at Bethsaida, reports of the strange doings of Jesus had been carried to Herod Antipas, who in turn sent spies to ascertain what he was about. But Herod was more concerned about the preaching of John. He decided not to molest Jesus, whose work continued along so quietly at Capernaum.
Pismoznanci i rabini, uzeti zajedno, bili su poznati kao farizeji. Sami su sebe nazivali „suradnicima“. Po mnogo čemu bili su napredna skupina među Židovima, jer su prihvatili mnoga učenja koja se nisu jasno nalazila u hebrejskim Pismima, kao što je vjerovanje u uskrsnuće mrtvih, nauk koji je spomenuo tek kasniji prorok Danijel.
137:7.6 (1534.5)
The scribes and rabbis, taken together, were called Pharisees. They referred to themselves as the “associates.” In many ways they were the progressive group among the Jews, having adopted many teachings not clearly found in the Hebrew scriptures, such as belief in the resurrection of the dead, a doctrine only mentioned by a later prophet, Daniel.
Eseni su bili prava vjerska sekta koja se pojavila tijekom Makabejske pobune i čiji su zahtjevi u nekim pogledima bili stroži od farizejskih. Usvojili su mnoga perzijska vjerovanja i običaje, živjeli kao bratstvo u samostanima, suzdržavali se od braka i imali svu imovinu zajedničkom. Posebno su se bavili učenjima o anđelima.
137:7.8 (1534.7)
The Essenes were a true religious sect, originating during the Maccabean revolt, whose requirements were in some respects more exacting than those of the Pharisees. They had adopted many Persian beliefs and practices, lived as a brotherhood in monasteries, refrained from marriage, and had all things in common. They specialized in teachings about angels.
Sve su ove stranke i sekte, uključujući i manje nazaritsko bratstvo, vjerovale u skori dolazak Mesije. Sve su očekivale nacionalnog izbavitelja. Ali Isus je vrlo jasno dao do znanja da se on i njegovi učenici neće povezati ni s jednom od ovih škola mišljenja ili prakse. Sin Čovječji nije trebao biti ni nazarit ni esen.
137:7.12 (1535.4)
All of these parties and sects, including the smaller Nazarite brotherhood, believed in the sometime coming of the Messiah. They all looked for a national deliverer. But Jesus was very positive in making it clear that he and his disciples would not become allied to any of these schools of thought or practice. The Son of Man was to be neither a Nazarite nor an Essene.
Dok je Isus kasnije tražio od apostola da, poput Ivana, krenu propovijedati evanđelje i poučavati vjernike, naglasio je da trebaju navješćivati „radosnu vijest kraljevstva nebeskog“. Neumorno je svojim suradnicima naglašavao da moraju pokazivati „ljubav, samilost i suosjećanje“. Još je rano poučio svoje sljedbenike da je kraljevstvo nebesko duhovno iskustvo povezano s ustoličenjem Boga u ljudskim srcima.
137:7.13 (1535.5)
While Jesus later directed that the apostles should go forth, as John had, preaching the gospel and instructing believers, he laid emphasis on the proclamation of the “good tidings of the kingdom of heaven.” He unfailingly impressed upon his associates that they must “show forth love, compassion, and sympathy.” He early taught his followers that the kingdom of heaven was a spiritual experience having to do with the enthronement of God in the hearts of men.
Dok su tako čekali prije nego što će započeti svoje aktivno javno propovijedanje, Isus i sedmorica provodili su dvije večeri svakoga tjedna u sinagogi proučavajući židovska Pisma. U kasnijim godinama, nakon razdoblja intenzivnog javnog rada, apostoli su se osvrtali na ova četiri mjeseca kao na najdragocjenije i najplodotvornije razdoblje cijelog svog druženja s Učiteljem. Isus je ove ljude poučio svemu što su mogli usvojiti. Nije pogriješio pretjerano ih poučavajući. Nije izazvao zbrku iznoseći istinu koja je daleko nadilazila njihovu sposobnost shvaćanja.
137:7.14 (1535.6)
As they thus tarried before embarking on their active public preaching, Jesus and the seven spent two evenings each week at the synagogue in the study of the Hebrew scriptures. In later years after seasons of intense public work, the apostles looked back upon these four months as the most precious and profitable of all their association with the Master. Jesus taught these men all they could assimilate. He did not make the mistake of overteaching them. He did not precipitate confusion by the presentation of truth too far beyond their capacity to comprehend.
137:8.2 (1535.8)
A few days before the preaching of this sermon on “The Kingdom,” as Jesus was at work in the boatshop, Peter brought him the news of John’s arrest. Jesus laid down his tools once more, removed his apron, and said to Peter: “The Father’s hour has come. Let us make ready to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom.”
Isus je ovog utorka, 18. lipnja 26. godine po Kr., posljednji put radio za stolarskim stolom. Petar je pojurio iz radionice i do sredine poslijepodneva okupio sve svoje suradnike. Ostavio ih je u gaju kraj obale dok je otišao potražiti Isusa. Ali ga nije mogao pronaći jer je Učitelj otišao u drugi gaj kako bi se pomolio. Nisu ga vidjeli sve do kasne večeri, kada se vratio u Zebedejevu kuću i zatražio nešto za jelo. Narednog je dana poslao svog brata Jakova da zamoli za dopuštenje da govori u sinagogi nadolazeće subote. Ravnatelj sinagoge bio je vrlo zadovoljan što je Isus ponovno bio spreman voditi službu.
137:8.3 (1535.9)
Jesus did his last work at the carpenter bench on this Tuesday, June 18, {scaps{scaps{a.d.}scaps}scaps} 26. Peter rushed out of the shop and by midafternoon had rounded up all of his associates, and leaving them in a grove by the shore, he went in quest of Jesus. But he could not find him, for the Master had gone to a different grove to pray. And they did not see him until late that evening when he returned to Zebedee’s house and asked for food. The next day he sent his brother James to ask for the privilege of speaking in the synagogue the coming Sabbath day. And the ruler of the synagogue was much pleased that Jesus was again willing to conduct the service.
Prije nego što je održao ovu znamenitu propovijed o Božjem kraljevstvu, prvi značajni pothvat njegova javnog djelovanja, Isus je iz Pisama pročitao sljedeće odlomke: „Vi ćete mi biti kraljevstvo svećenika, narod svet. Gospod je sudac naš, Gospod je naš zakonodavac, Gospod je kralj naš; on će nas spasiti. Gospod je moj kralj i moj Bog. On je veliki kralj nad svom zemljom. Dobrohotna ljubav je nad Izraelom u njegovu kraljevstvu. Blagoslovljena neka je slava Gospodnja, jer je on naš Kralj.”
137:8.4 (1536.1)
Before Jesus preached this memorable sermon on the kingdom of God, the first pretentious effort of his public career, he read from the Scriptures these passages: “You shall be to me a kingdom of priests, a holy people. Yahweh is our judge, Yahweh is our lawgiver, Yahweh is our king; he will save us. Yahweh is my king and my God. He is a great king over all the earth. Loving-kindness is upon Israel in this kingdom. Blessed be the glory of the Lord for he is our King.”
„Otac na nebu šalje svoj duh da prebiva u ljudskim umovima, a nakon što završim svoj rad na zemlji, Duh Istine bit će izliven na svako tijelo. Duh moga Oca i Duh Istine uvest će vas u nastupajuće kraljevstvo duhovnog razumijevanja i božanske pravednosti. Moje kraljevstvo nije od ovoga svijeta. Sin Čovječji neće voditi vojske u borbu kako bi uspostavio prijestolje moći ili kraljevstvo svjetovne slave. Kada dođe moje kraljevstvo, upoznat ćete Sina Čovječjeg kao Princa Mira, otkrivenje vječnog Oca. Djeca ovoga svijeta bore se za uspostavu i proširenje kraljevstava ovoga svijeta, dok će moji učenici ući u kraljevstvo nebesko svojim moralnim odlukama i svojim pobjedama duha; a kada jednom uđu u njega, pronaći će radost, pravednost i vječni život.
137:8.7 (1536.4)
“The Father in heaven sends his spirit to indwell the minds of men, and when I shall have finished my work on earth, likewise shall the Spirit of Truth be poured out upon all flesh. And the spirit of my Father and the Spirit of Truth shall establish you in the coming kingdom of spiritual understanding and divine righteousness. My kingdom is not of this world. The Son of Man will not lead forth armies in battle for the establishment of a throne of power or a kingdom of worldly glory. When my kingdom shall have come, you shall know the Son of Man as the Prince of Peace, the revelation of the everlasting Father. The children of this world fight for the establishment and enlargement of the kingdoms of this world, but my disciples shall enter the kingdom of heaven by their moral decisions and by their spirit victories; and when they once enter therein, they shall find joy, righteousness, and eternal life.
„Oni koji najprije nastoje ući u kraljevstvo i koji tako počnu težiti plemenitosti karaktera kakva obilježava moga Oca, s vremenom će primiti sve drugo što im je potrebno. Ali kažem vam sa svom iskrenošću: Ako ne budete tražili ulazak u kraljevstvo s vjerom i pouzdanim oslanjanjem malog djeteta, nikako nećete u njega ući.
137:8.8 (1536.5)
“Those who first seek to enter the kingdom, thus beginning to strive for a nobility of character like that of my Father, shall presently possess all else that is needful. But I say to you in all sincerity: Unless you seek entrance into the kingdom with the faith and trusting dependence of a little child, you shall in no wise gain admission.
„Neka vas ne zavaraju oni koji će doći govoreći: ‘Evo ga ovdje’ ili ‘Eno ga ondje’, jer se kraljevstvo moga Oca ne odnosi na vidljive i materijalne stvari. Ovo je kraljevstvo čak i sada među vama, jer gdje Duh Božji poučava i vodi ljudsku dušu, tamo je uistinu kraljevstvo nebesko. A ovo kraljevstvo Božje jest pravednost, mir i radost u Svetom Duhu.
137:8.9 (1536.6)
“Be not deceived by those who come saying here is the kingdom or there is the kingdom, for my Father’s kingdom concerns not things visible and material. And this kingdom is even now among you, for where the spirit of God teaches and leads the soul of man, there in reality is the kingdom of heaven. And this kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
„U kraljevstvu moga Oca neće biti ni Židova ni nežidova, već samo onih koji teže savršenstvu kroz služenje, jer kažem vam: onaj koji želi biti velik u kraljevstvu moga Oca mora najprije postati sluga sviju. Ako ste voljni služiti svojim bližnjima, sjedit ćete sa mnom u mome kraljevstvu, kao što ću ja, nakon ove službe u ljudskom obličju, sjediti sa svojim Ocem u njegovu.
137:8.11 (1536.8)
“In my Father’s kingdom there shall be neither Jew nor gentile, only those who seek perfection through service, for I declare that he who would be great in my Father’s kingdom must first become server of all. If you are willing to serve your fellows, you shall sit down with me in my kingdom, even as, by serving in the similitude of the creature, I shall presently sit down with my Father in his kingdom.
137:8.12 (1536.9)
“This new kingdom is like a seed growing in the good soil of a field. It does not attain full fruit quickly. There is an interval of time between the establishment of the kingdom in the soul of man and that hour when the kingdom ripens into the full fruit of everlasting righteousness and eternal salvation.
„I ovo kraljevstvo o kojem vam govorim nije vladavina moći i obilja. Kraljevstvo nebesko ne sastoji se u jelu i piću, nego u sve većoj pravednosti i rastućoj radosti u usavršavajućem služenju mome Ocu koji je na nebu. Jer zar Otac nije rekao svojoj djeci ovoga svijeta: ‘Moja je volja da ona naposljetku budu savršena, kao što sam ja savršen.’
137:8.13 (1536.10)
“And this kingdom which I declare to you is not a reign of power and plenty. The kingdom of heaven is not a matter of meat and drink but rather a life of progressive righteousness and increasing joy in the perfecting service of my Father who is in heaven. For has not the Father said of his children of the world, ‘It is my will that they should eventually be perfect, even as I am perfect.’
„Došao sam proglasiti radosnu vijest kraljevstva. Nisam došao dodati teškim bremenima onih koji žele ući u kraljevstvo. Ja navješćujem novi i bolji put, a oni koji budu kadri ući u nastupajuće kraljevstvo uživat će božanski počinak. Što god vas bude koštalo od stvari ovoga svijeta, koliku god cijenu budete morali platiti kako biste ušli u nebesko kraljevstvo, primit ćete mnogostruko više radosti i duhovnog napretka u ovom svijetu, a u budućem dobu vječni život.
137:8.14 (1537.1)
“I have come to preach the glad tidings of the kingdom. I have not come to add to the heavy burdens of those who would enter this kingdom. I proclaim the new and better way, and those who are able to enter the coming kingdom shall enjoy the divine rest. And whatever it shall cost you in the things of the world, no matter what price you may pay to enter the kingdom of heaven, you shall receive manyfold more of joy and spiritual progress in this world, and in the age to come eternal life.
„Ovo je kraljevstvo vječna vlast. Svi koji uđu u kraljevstvo uzdići će se k mome Ocu; oni će zasigurno dosegnuti desnicu njegove slave u Raju. I svi koji uđu u kraljevstvo nebesko postat će sinovi Božji, a u budućem dobu tako će se uzdići k Ocu. Ja nisam došao pozvati tobožnje pravednike, nego grešnike i sve one koji gladuju i žeđaju za pravednošću božanskog savršenstva.
137:8.16 (1537.3)
“This kingdom is an everlasting dominion. Those who enter the kingdom shall ascend to my Father; they will certainly attain the right hand of his glory in Paradise. And all who enter the kingdom of heaven shall become the sons of God, and in the age to come so shall they ascend to the Father. And I have not come to call the would-be righteous but sinners and all who hunger and thirst for the righteousness of divine perfection.
Kad je to izgovorio, sjeo je. Svi koji su ga čuli bili su zaprepašteni njegovim riječima. Njegovi su učenici bili zadivljeni. Ali ljudi nisu bili spremni primiti radosnu vijest s usana ovoga Bogočovjeka. Od prisutnih, otprilike jedna trećina povjerovala je ovoj poruci, premda je nije bila u stanju potpuno razumjeti; druga se trećina već u svome srcu pripremila odbaciti ovaj posve duhovni pojam očekivanog kraljevstva, dok preostala trećina nije bila u stanju shvatiti njegovo učenje, a među njima je bilo i mnogih koji su iskreno vjerovali da je bio „izvan sebe“.
137:8.18 (1537.5)
When he had thus spoken, he sat down. All who heard him were astonished at his words. His disciples marveled. But the people were not prepared to receive the good news from the lips of this God-man. About one third who heard him believed the message even though they could not fully comprehend it; about one third prepared in their hearts to reject such a purely spiritual concept of the expected kingdom, while the remaining one third could not grasp his teaching, many truly believing that he “was beside himself.”