THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

(244 Chapters)

 

Dictated to Jakob Lorber through the inner word by our Lord Jesus Christ during

August 1851 to July 1864

 

 

This is God’s Word and God’s Word is free. It may be copied freely on condition that the text will not be changed. To protect the integrity of this translation a copyright is added:

©Copyright 2004: Jürgen Pless

 

 

Original German book: “Das grosse Evangelium Johannes - Band 2” (1851-1864).

Missing chapters, paragraphs and sentences added by Albert Hoffmann. Still requires proper editing.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 1

 

Jesus and His stay at Kis and Nazareth

 

[01] Late at night, the treasures from Kisjonah’s cave arrive, consisting of gold, silver and an immense mass of polished and unpolished precious stones of great worth. These consisted of up to three pounds of polished and up to seven pounds of unpolished diamonds, with as many accompanying rubies, twice that many emeralds, hyacinths, sapphires, topaz and amethysts, and up to four pounds of pearls the size of large peas. There were over 20,000 pounds of gold and about five times that much silver.

[02] Faustus taking in this horrendous wealth, claps his hands above his head saying, “Oh Lord! As a son of one of the wealthiest patricians of Rome have I not had occasion to behold great terrestrial treasures; yet has my eye not seen anything like this! This exceeds all the Pharaohs and the legendary Croesus who in the end did not know what to do for all his wealth and would have in actual fact built himself three palaces of gold if his vanquisher had not relieved him of his excess.

[03] Now tell me, a poor sinner, oh Lord, to whom all things are known, how these twelve servants of Satan have come by such treasures! By even a small amount of honesty this could never be possible much less over a short period! - How then was such possible?”

[04] Say I, “Friend, trouble yourself no more about it! It truly is not worth wasting more words over this satanic filth. You can of course be assured that not one honest dime is involved. It would however be too drawn-out a thing to detail the thousand-fold trickeries by which this brood of vipers and serpents has amassed and robbed it.

[05] That these are villains of the craftiest variety you surely shall doubt no longer; in what way they are however even more than roguish, no man needs to know. They have already according to Roman law, merely on account of their robbery of the imperial tax troupe earned tenfold death; and this booty of an immeasurable treasure lying before us is not better by a hair’s breadth, notwithstanding that it does not concern imperial taxation moneys so plainly.

[06] Were you to even know everything, you surely would not kill them more than once. You can of course heighten the torture, but to what end? If the torture is most severe - in line with your legal jargon, then it is also lethal; but if less severe yet more prolonged, well, the prisoner then feels it hardly more than you would feel a bothersome fly; because a soul even of the most material type, fearing the death of her body beyond all measure, soon retreats to its innermost chambers, starting to voluntarily loosen from its body, within which there is no further tarrying, which totally de-sensitizes the body. You then can torment such body as much as you like and it shall feel little or nothing thereof. But were you to cause the soul’s body great and sudden pain, then the soul shall not bear it for long and tear out, and you then can boil or roast a dead body and it shall feel no more punishment.

[07] Therefore I am not in favour of the death penalty, because it is to no advantage of the dead person and is even less useful as a shield or purpose to any justice system; since you have killed one, - and thousands have sworn revenge to you because of it! However, out of the necessary divine order I’m very much in favour to place a criminal under the sharpest penalties and do not lift them until a complete improvement has taken place! A corrective rod applied in a justified manner at the right time is better than money and purest gold; because the soul is more and more loosened from matter by the blows of the corrective rod and finally turns to her spirit. And if the corrective rod has achieved this, it has saved the soul and therefore the whole person from the downfall and everlasting death.

[08] Therefore every judge should according to the order of God not punish even the greatest criminal by the death penalty, which is to no use, but always punish with the rod according to the measure of wrongdoing. If he does this, he is a judge for the people to heaven, however, if he does not do it, he is a judge for hell, for which he verily will never ever be rewarded by God; because for the kingdom he has judged the people, from the same kingdom he will receive his reward! - Now you know enough, and so let the treasures be put under lock and key! Tomorrow those from Chorazin shall also arrive, whereupon immediate distribution and dispatch of this devil’s filth shall be undertaken. But now let us proceed to the dining-room, for the evening meal is waiting for us! Verily, this whole thing is most irksome to Me, and time is pressing Me towards Nazareth!”

[09] Says Faustus, “Lord, I see all too clearly how this whole business must cause You revulsion beyond measure; but what can be done if the thing has taken this course? I beg You by the way, my Lord and my greatest and best friend, that You would not leave this place before me, for firstly without you I can do nothing, and secondly, without You the most terrible boredom would kill me notwithstanding my dearest little woman here! Hence I implore You not to leave this place until I have finished with this most tiresome business! With Your help I should hope to have this thing under control by lunch tomorrow!”

[08] Say I, “Very well! But I want to see no more of all the treasures and the eleven Pharisees, for they repel Me more than a carcass.”

[09] Says Faustus, “This shall be taken care of!”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 2

 

Judas Iscariot, the gold thief.

 

[01] We now entered the room, namely the dining hall, where an abundant supper awaits us. We hardly consume the meal, when two servants bring Judas Iscariot into the hall, informing the Chief Judge that this disciple or whatever he may be tried to steal two pounds of gold, and that they had seized him in the act, taking the gold off him and then bringing him here to account for himself.

[02] Judas stands here terribly embarrassed, saying, “I did not have the remotest intention of taking possession of the gold, but only to test a couple of bars to see whether they really are as heavy as they are said to be; these fools however at once grabbed me dragging me in as a common thief! I beg you Faustus, that this stain would be taken from me!”

[03] Says Faustus (to the servants), “Let him go! He is one of the Lord’s disciples and for that reason I want to go easy on him; (to Judas) but in future do not touch any gold bars, especially at night time - unless you become an imperial tax assessor, otherwise you shall be unavoidably punished for attempted robbery! Have you properly understood the Chief Justice Faustus?”

[04] Says Judas, terribly embarrassed, “Lord, there was in all earnest not the slightest intention to attempt a robbery, but of course rather an in-opportune trying out of a pound weight of a bar of gold.”

[05] Say I, “Go and seek yourself quarters! Because from this evil which kills all thieves through the hand of Satan, also you will soon die; for you have been, you are and will remain a thief! While you fear the severity of the law, you are not yet actively a thief, but in your heart which does not know any laws of justice and fairness, you have been one for a long time. If I were to remove every law today, then you would be the first to lay your hands on the treasures outside; because all laws of justice and propriety are foreign to your heart. It is a pity for your head that there does not beat a better heart beneath it! Go to bed now and be more sober tomorrow than today!”

[06] Rebuked thus and greatly embarrassed, Judas leaves the dining hall for his sleeping quarters, lying down but pondering for two hours on how to avoid what I foretold him but finding no way out in his heart, as this keeps raising its gold-thirsty voice, and so he falls asleep. We also betake ourselves to rest, as the previous two nights had been most demanding on us. Morning was not long in coming.

[07] Just as Faustus was about to turn for another morning nap, the treasure carriers from Chorazin arrive, waking him, to which he had to go and officially view, value and take it into custody. By the time he has finished we all are on our feet too, and the morning meal consisting in fresh and well-prepared fish also is upon the many tables in the large dining hall. Faustus comes quite work-fatigued into the dining hall with his young wife at his side, seating himself next to Me.

[08] Not until after the consumed morning meal, which was not lacking of a good wine, does Faustus tell me that his morning task, which normally with all due persistence would have taken him two weeks, is finished and that everything had already gone off to its proper destination. All documents were in their best order ready on the table in the big office together with their safe-conduct warrants. The treasure from Kisjonah’s cave was properly distributed and furnished with destination papers, as also the taxation moneys together with the great Temple treasure from Chorazin, all now being dispatched; a large set of carpenters tools are left over at the office for which no owner had yet been found.

[09] Say I, “Down there, at the foot of the table sitting next to the mother Mary, are two of Joseph’s sons named Jose and Joel; it belongs to those two! It was taken from them as security together with the small dwelling at Nazareth and is to be restored to them!”

[10] Says Faustus, “Lord, together with the dwelling! This I vouch for! Oh Lord and friend. What troubles these black ones have caused me already; the foolish law however protected them, and with the greatest determination one could not get hold of them. Right before my eyes they committed the most hideous injustices, yet with all the power at one’s disposal one could do nothing to them. Nevertheless here Satan has let them down, and I now have a file in my hands before which these fellows will shake as the storm-driven leaves in the forest! The report to the Chief Governor Cyrenius is a masterpiece which he shall at once be dispatching to Rome together with the certified taxes. From Tyre, Sidon and Caesarea, the imperial vessel of 24 oars and with a good wind, and equipped with strong sail and helm, can reach the Roman coast in twelve days and be in the Emperor’s hands! Rejoice for another twelve days after that you blackies! Quite curious barriers shall be brought down on your arrogance!”

[11] Say I, “Friend, I say unto you: don’t celebrate too early! A crow does not peck out another crow’s eyes! The eleven shall indeed not fare enviably on the inside. Whilst not killed they shall nevertheless be kept inside for life. But officially they shall be washed white as wool when justified to Rome, and only then shall further accounts be demanded of you, and you shall be hard-pressed to answer all the questions from Rome satisfactorily. Not one of your hairs shall of course be bent, yet you shall not escape some troubles unless you come up with relevant witnesses and other evidence. For this reason I shall leave you Pilah; he shall be of good service to you. But dress him up at once in Roman garb to prevent him being recongised by his colleagues stationed in Capernaum. For let Me tell you: Satan has not nearly so organised his regiment as this brood of serpents. Hence, beside your dove-like gentleness, be clever as a serpent, or you shall not be able to cope with this brood!”

[12] Says Faustus, “My eternal thanks to You for this counsel. But now that this business has been taken care of as well as could be, we ought perhaps to be undertaking something more cheerful.”

[13] Say I, “Quite so! I am all for it; but let us tarry for Kisjonah who is about to finish with his tills.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 3

 

Correct application of miracular- and healing powers.

  

[01] Shortly thereafter comes Kisjonah, greeting us most tenderly and amicably and saying, “My most endlessly beloved friend Jesus! - This I call you only officially for You know what and Who You are in my heart. - You alone I have to thank for all this! A mere 5,000 pounds in all of poor Cana citizen’s debts I had gladly crossed off the books, yet You have in return let 50,000 pounds come my way, not to mention the inestimable worth of the other treasures which perhaps are worth that much again! But with all my immeasurable love for You I promise that I shall use all this most effectively for the poor and the oppressed, and this Satanic filth, shall yet be turned into gold for God’s heavens!

[02] To be sure, I shall not be putting the gold and silver into the people’s hands, for it then is poison for men’s weak terrestrial hearts; but I shall provide the roofless and landless with roof and tax-free land and procure cattle, bread and clothing for them. But everyone I provide for shall have Your Word preached and your name made known to them, to make them vividly aware of Whom to thank for everything and that I am myself no more than a bad and lazy servant! You, oh Lord however strengthen me whenever I shall be serving in Your name! If however, I should have a mind of diverting even one of my senses to the world then cause all my powers to weaken, to make me aware of being a feeble human, not capable of accomplishing anything out of my own strength!”

[03] Thereupon I place My hand upon his heart, saying, “Friend and brother! Keep Me in there, and you shall not ever be lacking in power for carrying out noble deeds! From living faith and fullness of pure love for Me, and minded to do good to men in My name, you shall indeed command the elements and they shall obey you. Your call to the winds shall not go uncomprehended and the sea shall know your mind. And to one or the other mountain you shall be able to say “Arise and cast thyself into the sea”, and it shall be as you commanded.

[04] If however, someone asks for signs, that he may believe then let no sign be given him who asked. He who does not want to recognise truth for truth’s sake, and for whom same is not a sufficient sign, for him it is better to stay blind; for if he is forced to accept the truth through a sign but does not then act in accordance with the teaching, then the sign is a double judgement for him, He firstly is forced to accept the truth as truth regardless of whether or not he recognises it in his blindness, due to the sign, and he secondly must obviously plunge into still deeper judgement within himself on account of divine order if not acting in accordance with the truth forced on him, regardless of whether he fully recognises the truth as such or not; for the success of the sign has provided him with binding testimony. And this is already enough; here, comprehension or non-comprehension justifies nobody.

[05] For if someone asks for a sign as evidence of a truth heard, saying: “Notwithstanding my non-comprehension of the basis of truth from your talk, if a sign is given me as evidence for the truth of your statement, then I intend to accept such teaching as full truth.” Well then, a sign is given to the applicant, and he can no longer avoid the truth of the teaching, whether he comprehends it from its foundation or not; for now the sign stands there as an indisputable witness.

[06] Since it is however impossible for his blindness to fathom the truth and considering the keeping of the truth-teaching as potentially most cumbersome, he thinks to himself: “There could indeed be something to it, otherwise the sign would not have been possible; yet I still can’t probe its basis and by following same would demand dreadful self-denial. Hence I shall not do so, and keep to my habitual life-style which, lacking extraordinary signs indeed, nevertheless is fairly palatable!”

[07] Behold, in this very thing already lies the punishing judgement, which the sign-applicant has brought upon himself through the sign in response to his request, which has delivered him the incontrovertible proof; against which he can set up no counter-proof. Yet through his misguided life-style he nonetheless in effect fronts up as an antagonist of eternal truth, actually widely dismissing it, notwithstanding the fact of his incapacity to negate the success of the testifying sign as non-existent. Hence it is incomparably better to not work a sign as testimony of the truth!

[08] However, for the usefulness and other human benefit without being requested, you may work signs in secrecy as much as you like, and this shall then not be counted as sin to anyone and even less as judgement. But if you have worked signs for human benefit in advance, then you can also afterwards provide the people concerned with a doctrine, provided they desire it; if they have no such desire then warn them against sin forcefully. Let yourself not be drawn into further instruction, as you shall then be regarded by those you helped merely as a doctor of magic, and the sign shall have no further coercive, judgmental effect on them.

[09] All who were given power to work signs in an emergency shall however keep this My counsel, if desirous to effect the truly good.

[10] Let all beware however of working signs from a kind of outburst or anger. Because a sign should be worked only out of purest love and gentleness; if worked out of rage and fury however, which also is quite possible, then hell has already a part in it, and such sign then not only brings no blessing, but a curse.

[11] Since however I have already on several occasions taught you to bless even those who would curse you, how much less should you prepare a curse for the blind in spirit - those who do not confront you with a curse but merely a blindness of heart!

[12] Consider this well and act accordingly, and you shall be spreading blessing everywhere, even if not exclusively spiritually but nevertheless physically, as I Myself have done and am still constantly doing. For after a merely physical favour can have a greater effect on the heart and spirit of a wretched than a hundred lessons on virtue, and if its therefore also proper when spreading the Gospel, to forge a way to the wretch’s heart with physical benevolence and only afterwards preach the Gospel to the wholesome hearts, rather than precede with the Gospel and afterwards through a sign dump the wretched listeners into a manifestly judgement and hence into greater wretchedness than was the first, which affected only the body.

[13] When called to someone sick, then lay your hands upon him before the sermon, so that he may get better. If he then asks you, “Friend, how was this possible to you”? then, only say, “Through a living faith in the name of Him Who was sent by God from heaven for the true blissfullness of all men!” - If he then further asks you about the name, then give him introductory instruction commensurate with his capacity to grasp, so that he would begin to understand the possibility of such a phenomenon.

[14] If he has advanced to that stage, then continue to give him more information in the right measure. If you find the heart of the hearer gradually animating, then tell him everything, and he is certain to accept it and believe everyone of your words. If however you give him too much at once, it shall crush him and confuse his feelings, and then he shall be hard work for you.

[15] Just as one does not give the newborn infants a mature man’s fare which would kill them, one must even less give the child in spirit the fare of an advanced spirit, but only food that is most suitable for such children, otherwise it would give them death, and it would be extremely difficult to reanimate them in spirit. - Have all of you now properly grasped and understood this?”

[16] Moved deeply, all say thereto, “Yes Lord! This is now as clear to us as the midday sun, and we shall faithfully abide by it.”

[17] Say I, “Very well, let us proceed to the cave where the Pharisees had hidden their treasures; for there is another cave within the cave and we intend to look through it. But take sufficient number of flares, as well as wine and bread for there we shall encounter very hungry beings.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 4

 

Visit to a drip-stone cave.

  

[01] Kisjonah has it all brought out. Baram, who still did not want to leave us, also arranges for his remaining wine and bread stores to be brought out by his people. Jairuth and Jonael who also were reluctant to leave us ask Me if they could take part in this expedition.

[02] And I say, “Most certainly; for your presence actually is necessary, and Archiel shall render us services of another kind! But I also tell you another thing: A deputation of your arch enemies right now is leaving Sychar and heading our way in order to persuade you to an earliest return; for the people have risen up against them and driven the newly appointed priest away two days ago. He shall be among the deputation. They shall arrive here by tonight, whereupon we shall work them over somewhat. But for now let us get under way!” The women and maidens also wanted to come along with this expedition and asked Me for this.

[03] But I say unto them, “My dear daughters! This is no walk for you; hence stay at home and look to it that we have a meal tonight in proper measure.” The women are happy with that and Mary too, and they looked after the house; Lydia nevertheless would have been most keen to come along, but seeing it was not My will, she too stayed at home and did as the others.

[04] We started on our way, reaching the grotto or cave in a couple of hours, and at once entered it with our lighted flares. Kisjonah was astonished at the roominess, and the captivating configuration of the drip-stone, which would have been the most noteworthy within near-Asia, which counts many such caves. Gigantic shapes of every kind greeted the timid spectators.

[05] Faustus himself, who was not lacking in Roman valour, became quite subdued, saying, “One cannot resist the belief that there have to be subterranean gods ruling, who with their mighty power bring forth works of such magnitude. There are images of man, beast and trees; but the size! What would be the huge temples and statues of Rome by comparison? Here, this well-formed Arab. Verily, to climb him by stairs to his head would take a full hour. What’s more, he is in a sitting position yet it make me dizzy to look up to his head. Oh, this truly is memorable beyond all measure! Surely this could not be the work of chance? Over there from the deeper background a most colossal elephant is grinning at us; the sketch leaves nothing to be desired! Lord, Lord! How did this all come into being so miraculously?!”

[06] Say I, “Friend, just take in everything that presents itself to your view, not asking so much; the most natural explanation shall follow. Some things shall still be emerging which will cause you far greater astonishment; but there also do not ask! When we shall be out of the grotto in the open, I shall clarify these things to you all.”

[07] We now move on, coming to an exceedingly great and lofty hall, which however isn’t dark but quite well lit, for there are several oil wells in this hall which had already been lit many years ago by people who had occupied this grotto as an abode; burning with varying degrees of brightness and intense flames sporadically, partly lighting up this great hall, whilst fairly strong daylight also penetrated from one point of the high ceiling through a fairly wide outlet into the open.

[08] The floor of this grotto or grotto-hall exhibited all kinds of forms. There were snakes, gigantic toads as well as all sorts of well and not-so-well formed and half formed animal-formations, as well as small and gigantic crystal formations in all colours, which made an uncommonly and surprisingly beautiful sight.

[09] Here said Faustus, “Lord! This would be an abundance of imperial jewellery the like of which verily no Emperor would yet have dreamt of! Would not this be a kind of Tartarus as the Greek’s legend would have it? Only the Taurus, the old Charon, the familiar three inexorable psycho-judges Minos, Aeacus and Rhadamantus and lastly the triple-headed hound Cerberus, a few furies and finally perhaps Pluto with the beautiful Proserpina, and the Tartarus of torment would be complete. All these blazes out of the ground and wall, the thousand-fold varieties of hideous animal shapes on the ground - even if dead and fossilised and masses of other Tartarus like stuff testify only too loudly that we are either in the Tartarus itself already or at least heading that way by the shortest route; or what seems to me the most likely; that this or some other similar grotto is the definite origin of the Greek Tartar myth!”

[10] Say I, “The latter has much truth in it, although not entirely so, for the smart priesthood of every nation has at all times and everywhere known how to exploit such natural phenomena to their advantage. It also did so in Greece and in Rome and let their evil imagination roam, whereby nation after nation were talked around and blinded up till now, and indeed to the end of the world to greater or lesser degree.

[11] For so long as the earth with its necessary and diverse structure shall have any observable formations, its mankind, who for various reasons are blind and light-shy in spirit, shall formulate their imagination distortedly, adding all kinds of extraordinary and ficine effects not being capable of discerning the foundations due to being blind.

[12] Behold your ox now, or the seaman Charon, and over there, above twelve Klafters [approximately twenty-four metres] wide and a cubic deep (on average) river, which latter is only a kind of pond, through whose shallow part one can easily wade: you can in the faint light spot your three judges, several furies, Cerberus and Pluto with Proserpina - figures which give that impression only from a certain distance, but on close range resembling anything but that which human imagination has made out of them. But now let us walk on, without paying Charon the Naulaum (Shipping dues) over the ox, and have a look at Tartarus a little on the other side.”

[13] We wade across a shallow part of the so-called ox and break through a quite narrow crevice to the Tartarus which, lit up by our flares soon begins to expose a large treasure not yet given away by the Pharisees, and thus through Myself everything yet so hidden is exposed to the light of day.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 5

 

History of the discovered treasure.

  

[01] Faustus, clasping his hands above head, summon Pilah over, saying, “Had you no knowledge, since you said nothing? Speak, or you shall fare miserably!”

[02] Says Pilah “Lord! Of this I knew nothing, and had not ventured this far into the cave before! The old ones shall indeed have known about it but kept their silence in order to have a ransom out for any possible imprisonment. But take delivery of it all, as it is yours henceforth, thanks to God!”

[03] Faustus asks Me as well, as to whether Pilah spoke the truth and I confirm Pilah’s statement, saying to Faustus, “Friend, when someone has taken the daughter from a respected house as his wife then he has also the right to expect a dowry. You have now had much to do, and yet at the distribution of the previous goods nothing came your way - and so take this entire treasure as your rightful possession; terrestrially it is worth a thousand times a thousand pounds.

[04] Of the greatest worth however are the pearls each of which is the size of a hen’s egg. An entire trove, (measuring a volume of one thousand Drachmas) is filled with the big pearls of which each is by itself of inestimable worth. Such pearls no longer occur on earth as newly formed, because such crustaceans besides many other primordial animals no longer exist. These pearls however were not fished out of the sea, but King Ninias, also called Ninus, found them in the earth when building the city of Nineveh, during the excavations. Due to diverse wheels of fortune they ended up in Jerusalem already in David’s but mainly Solomon’s time. But they ended up in this cave when the Romans as conquerors of Palestine (actually nearly half of Asia) took possession of them.

[05] The High Priests, to whom the cave had already been known for a long time, when hearing of the Roman invasion at once gathered together all the biggest and movable Temple treasures, happily getting them into the cave. The golden lions however which carried Solomon’s throne and stood guard at its steps, ended up in the rubble during the destruction of Jerusalem, by the Babylonians, but were found during later re-construction and taken into possession by the Priests on behalf of the Temple. These for a large part are found here; because everything of superior value that could be gathered together in the hurry was brought here during the Roman invasion, just as during the invasion of the mighty Babylonians, a substantial mass of Temple treasures was brought to the familiar cave at Chorazim, notwithstanding the fact that the Babylonians later found plenty of vessels and treasures permanently consecrated for the Temple, to take with them to Babylon. Command your people now to move all this out of the cave; afterwards Archiel shall seal the entrance to this cave so that no man shall ever enter it again.”

[06] Faustus now commands the servants to move all these treasures out; but on starting to lift them they realise they don’t have the strength to lift the many heavy iron troves. They ask Me however to bestow strength upon them.

[07] I however call Archiel, saying, ‘so move out all this filth, and that to the great storehouse at Kis!” Instantly the many heavy cases disappeared, but Archiel was also back in an instant. So that no one had become aware of his absence.

[08] Says Faustus thereto, “This surely surpasses everything! My servants would have needed three days to do that - this however was an imperceptible moment, and not a single one of all those cases can be detected! Here I no longer wonder about the capability for such deed; a godly sense is required to understand and assess such appearances properly!”

[09] The Lord says, “Yes, yes, you are right. However, for man it is not very advantageous if he would immediately understand everything which manifests itself to him. Since it is written: ‘If you eat from the tree of knowledge, you will die!’ Therefore it is better, to accept every miraculous act in the light of its actual manifestation, vividly realising that with God nothing is impossible, rather than attempting to explain it from the ground of its effect in which case one will comprehend as little after the explanation as one did prior to it.

[10] It suffices for you to see that the earth exists and is suitable for carrying and supporting mankind. If you knew how it was basically made, it would lose its attraction for you and you would not find pleasure in it, but have an inordinate desire to investigate some other earth globe right to its foundation. And if there you discover the same basis for its existence and permanency and the same with a third, fourth and fifth one, you would no longer be interested in exploring a sixth and seventh. As a result you would become indolent, indifferent, scornful of life and begin to angrily deplore life and curse the hour that began to enrich you with such knowledge; and such a state would then be actual death for your soul.

[11] However, since according to divine order everything is arranged in such a way that man as well as every angelic spirit can only gradually, and even then only to a certain extent, gain an insight into the divine nature within him and also within all created things, and retains an ever growing interest in life and the love for God and the neighbour through which alone he can and will become eternally happy. Have you grasped this truth?”

[12] Says Faustus, “Yes, Lord and friend, I have grasped it fully. And so I will not ask You any further about the reason for the formations in this grotto.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 6

 

The emergence and collapse of the limestone cave.

  

[01] Say I, “And there isn’t much to it at all. Knowing or not knowing this will make you neither life-deficient nor life-abundant. But this much you can know nonetheless, that no human has had a hand in it but the nature of the elements alone formed such as if by chance. Mountains constantly absorb dissolving moisture from the air. Add frequent rain, snow and the mist that often enshrouds mountain tops. The accumulated moisture at the top gradually to a larger part seeps through the earth and stone, and wherever they come to a cavity, they collect in droplets which to nearly half consist of dissolved limestone. Such droplets fall, whilst the water itself then either seeps still further down or evaporates within the cavity. The limestone slime gradually hardens and through their building up gradually form all kinds of shapes which resemble one or other terrestrial formations to a greater or lesser extent. And in this cave too these formations came about in a most natural way although it can be assumed that Satan’s servants, for the blinding of weak mankind additionally contributed in the greater delineation of all kinds of man-like shapes.

[02] Hence it is better that such grotto encouraging dark superstition be made inaccessible for all future times. And so let us, move into the open again, so that Archiel can carry out his instructions with this cave!”

[03] Faustus thanks Me fervently for this explanation, saying, “This explanation is even more lucid to me, because of having heard Roman naturalists express such, although more as a hypothesis. But the supplement about Satan’s participation is priceless; for the adversary of life shall not fail to exploit such things, and in three corners of the world the evil consequences are evident! This is now of solar clarity to me, - but only one thing I cannot accommodate - God’s delight.

[04] Tell me: What pleasure can God, to Whom the innermost basis of all being must be constantly and penetratingly known have in His own indestructible life?! Can such necessary and steady clarity in the absence of being able to change out of Himself be of benefit to Him, since this would kill every man with boredom?”

[05] Say I, “Behold these people here. These are God’s delight when they become within His order what they are destined to become. In them God finds again of His own, and their steady growth in cognition of all kinds and hence in all love, wisdom and beauty, is God’s indestructible pleasure and delight! Because, all that infinity embraces is there only on account of tiny man, and there eternally exists nothing that is not on account of tiny man. Now you also know that!”

[06] Therewith we hurriedly leave the grotto, soon leaving its exit. Finding ourselves outside the grotto, I give Archiel a sign, and a mighty and an instant bang follows, the exceedingly roomy entrance now appearing as a lofty granite wall through which no mortal would easily penetrate, regardless how determined. To preclude so to say all possibility of entry however, a subsidence of the soil was effected after we found ourselves some three thousand paces from the spot, so that the entry was transposed by some hundred men’s heights from the accessible soil that had been pushed down; an over one hundred men’s heights ladder would now have been necessary to reach the erstwhile entry over the perpendicular cliff face. Which would still have been fruitless because the entry itself had become a most solid and perpendicular cliff face.

[07] When Faustus and those present see this transformation, Faustus says to Me, “Lord and friend! Verily, I can no longer get a grip on myself! The appearances are getting creationally too big: they lie an eternity beyond my grasping horizon. I verily no longer can tell whether I still live or whether I am dreaming! Such rarely intriguing and wondersome things are happening that even completely sober, one stands there as a complete drunkard and hardly able to say to which sex one belongs. Behold now this terrible cliff face! Where was same before, when we had a comfortable walk into the grotto along an easily negotiable footpath?

[08] But the most intriguing aspect of it is that in spite of the total transformation of several thousand acres of land there isn’t a trace of any violent destruction. Does not the thing stand there as if nothing had been altered since the earth’s primordial existence!? Verily, if a thousand people had worked here a hundred years, it is debatable whether they could have shifted such mass in a way that a cliff face, measuring some 150 man-heights and about an hour wide, would be stood up freely as it is now, when no trace of it was to be noticed a few moments ago, let alone without a trace of destruction! This is in the truest sense unheard of. I am really curious what faces seafarers shall cut when seeing this gigantic wall in place of the former lush forest area! Many shall be unable to determine where they are, whilst many others shall be staring like cattle at a new and strange gate!”

[09] Say I, “Therefore I tell you to keep silent about it, not telling even your women about it, for it is the reason I did not let them come along this time, because with extraordinary happening they are unable to bridle their tongues in spite of exhortation to silence. Hence you are not to tell your women about these extraordinary events that have taken place here! You can indeed tell them about the shape of the grotto and inform them of the newly found treasures, but not a syllable more!” All promise it most solemnly, whereupon we quietly resume our way to Kis, arriving there exactly at sunset. The women and maidens left behind come and greet us in great number and are of course unable to at once regale us with questions about what wonders we may have encountered. But they are advised it is too early to ask and that there isn’t much to the whole thing other than the picking up of a treasure still kept secret by the Pharisees. With this the curious women are satisfied and refrain from much further questioning.

[10] Thereupon we betake ourselves to the evening meal, for none of those who came along had any lunch and had gotten quite hungry and hence longed for a good supper.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 7

 

Faustus finds the treasures in the storehouse well-sorted and under guard.

  

[01] Only after the quickly consumed meal, did Faustus upon My behest go to the big storeroom to check out the treasures moved to Kis from the grotto by Archiel. Everything was in the best of order, together with a lengthy record of all the various treasures and their value as found in the grotto. Faustus asks the guards as to who made these records.

[02] The guards however say, “Lord, these we found here already when posted here. Hence we can’t tell you who did it.”

[03] Asks Faustus further, “Tell me how these treasured actually got here, and who brought them!”

[04] Says the guards, “We don’t know that either; a young person, whom we had seen here for several days in company with the miraculous doctor from Nazareth just came and gave order to guard the treasures. Thereupon we have now been on guard here for about two hours. This is as much as we know about the treasure and how it go here, and not a thing further!”

[05] With that, Faustus goes over to the deputy judge, asking him as he did the guards, but the latter knew no more than the guards. On seeing that nobody in Kis knows about how the treasures got there, he says to himself: “Since none of them knows, I shall not keep drawing their attention to it, so that the thing does not unnecessarily spread among the people.”

[06] With such self-counsel, Faustus goes to his dwelling, where his young wife awaits him with open arms. Prior to retiring, he comes over to Me to discuss weighty matters. But I ask him to come to Me tomorrow and to give himself over to the resting of body and soul, of which he has need above all now. And Faustus then goes to take his rest, of which he and all the others have need.

[07] As with the night, good sleep has its end, and such was the case here; it seemed as if one had fallen asleep but two minutes ago, yet the bright morning was calling all to leave their sweet resting places and get on with the day’s labours. The morning meal prepared early called everyone from their various bedrooms to the large dining hall where all partake of their morning meals as on previous days, giving Me for the first time one and all thanks and praise in Jehovah’s name, in the manner of David who spoke [Psalm 33];

[08] “Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. Praise the Lord with the harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise. For the Word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth. He loveth righteousness and judgement: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. By the Word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast. The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. He fashioneth their hearts alike; he consideth all their works. There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy: To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 8

 

About the Kingdom of heaven

  

[01] After they had all rendered Me this morning praise, Faustus who of course was present at the meal and during the praise, briefly asked me, “But where from did Your disciples get those, so worthy of You, so glorious and totally true benedictions? Never have I heard anything so exalted.”

[02] Say I, “Obtain the Scriptures from the Pharisees and read King David’s Psalms therein; there you shall find it all. The Primate Jairus, with whom we shall have dealings still today, shall procure you such Scriptures for sure. Because two days ago his daughter was laid in the grave; she died! He has deeply repented his sin against Me, wherefore he shall also be helped, and he shall not be lost to the Kingdom of God”

[03] Asks Faustus, “Lord! What kind of Kingdom is that, and where is same?”

[04] Say I, “Well, My dear friend, the actual true Kingdom of God for the true friends of God is everywhere, but nowhere for the enemies of God; because for these in turn, everything is hell, where you can and want to cast your eyes, and other senses. Below and above, all is the same. Look neither up to the stars, for they are all earths like the one you tread, nor sink your eyes down to the earth, because it is under judgement like your flesh, which once must die and decay! But instead, seek diligently within your heart; there you shall find what you are seeking. For into every man’s heart is cast the living seed, from which the eternal dawn of eternal life shall bloom.

[05] Behold, the space within which this earth floats, as well as the big sun, the moon and the countless stars, which themselves in turn are again nothing but suns and earth, is limitless! You could, with the speed of thought leave this earth and continue at such speed in a straight line - yet rushing along at such speed for eternities upon eternities, then after many eternities of flying at the speed of thought, you would yet come nowhere near to the end! Yet you would encounter everywhere creations of the rarest and most wondersome nature, filling and enlivening endless space everywhere.

[06] After death of your body, through your heart you will step into the infinite space of God, and according to the state of your heart you will encounter it as either heaven or hell!

[07] Since nowhere there exists a separately created heaven, nor a separately created hell, for everything comes out of the heart of man; and thus everyone prepares for himself either heaven or hell in his heart, depending on whether his actions are good or bad, and as he believes, wants and acts, he will live his believe, out of which his will was nourished and passed into action.

[08] Let everyone examine the inclinations of his heart, and he will easily discover what kind of spirit prevails in his heart. If his inclinations draw the heart and its love towards the world and he feels within him a longing to become great and respected in the world, if the heart that is inclined to become proud feels discomfort with poor mankind and has the urge within to dominate others without having been chosen and anointed for it by God, the seed of hell is already lying in the heart and, if not overcome and nipped in the bud, will obviously prepare for such a person nothing but hell after the death of his body.

[09] However, if a man’s heart is full of humility and he feels happy to be the least among men, to serve all and disregard his own self because of his love for his brothers and sisters; if he willingly obeys his superiors in all things for the benefit of his brothers and love God above all, then in his heart the heavenly seed grows to a true and eternally living heaven. And this man, who thus has already all heaven in abundance in his heart, which is filled with true faith, the purest hope and love, can after the death of his body not possibly get anywhere else but to the Kingdom of God which he has already carried in his heart in all its abundance for a long time. - If you think this over you will easily comprehend what heaven and hell are really all about.”

[10] Says Faustus, “Most dear and most wise Lord, Master and Friend! Truly, Your words sounded most wisely; however, this time I could not comprehend your words in all their depth! How in a way heaven and hell could be together in one spot so that one would obviously have to permeate the other, that is for me, still a very materially thinking man, an impossibility! How finally from my heart an infinite prosperous or none-prosperous infinity can blossom, is even more incomprehensible than everything else! Therefore I must asked You, to give me a more comprehensible explanation about this; for otherwise I will leave here for home blind despite all the light of the brightest midday of the spirit!”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 9

 

The Lord depicts the nature of heaven and hell in parables.

  

[01] Say I: “So pay attention, because it matters to Me that you go home seeing!

[02] Behold, two persons are living in a house. One is satisfied with everything that he with the sweat of his brow draws from the soil with God’s blessing. Happy and serene, he enjoys the meagre yield of his hard work, and it is his greatest joy to share his laboriously gained supplies with his still poorer brothers. When a hungry one comes to him, it gives him pleasure to feed him. He never asks him with a vexed heart about the cause of his poverty and does not forbid him to return if he should be hungry again.

[03] He does not grumble at the order of earthly governments and when he has to pay taxes, he says always as Job did: “Lord, You gave it to me, it is all Yours! What You have given, You can take away again at any time. Your always alone holy will be done.”

[04] In short, nothing can disturb this man in his serenity as well as in his love and trust in God and therefrom in his love for his earthly brothers. Anger, envy, strife, hate and pride are for him alien notions.

[05] His brother, however, is the most discontented person. He does not believe in a God and says: “God is an empty concept by which people denote the top grade of earthly heroes. Only a very stupid man can be happy in poverty just as the animals that have no reason or intelligence are happy as long as they are barely provided with what their dumb and dull instinct demands. A man, however, who with his intellect has raised himself high above the animal, can no longer be satisfied with the low fare of pigs, must not burrow in the earth with his own hands destined for something better - which befits only animals and slaves - but one must reach for the sword, strive to become a mighty general and enter through triumphal arches the great cities of the world which one has conquered. The ground must tremble under the hoofs of the charger which, decorated with gold and gems, proudly carries the mighty commander-in-chief of the troops.

[06] A man with such a disposition then deplores his scanty existence, in his heart curses poverty and thinks of ways and means how to acquire great treasures and riches in order to realise his tyrannical ideas with their help.

[07] He has only contempt for his contented brother and loathes every even poorer man. He shows not even a trace of mercy which he regards as a ridiculous attribute of cowardly slaves and society-apes. Only generosity befits man - but that as rarely as possible. When a poor man comes to him, he lets fly abuse at him and says: “Go away, you lazy beast, you greedy monster with the ragged mask of a man! Work, you animal, if you want a feed! Go to that miserable brother of my body but never of my sublime spirit. He being himself a common beast of burden works for the likes of him and is as merciful as a society-ape. I am just generous and shall on this occasion still grant you your most miserable life.”

[08] Behold, these two brothers, children of one father and one mother, live together in one house. The first is an angel, the other almost a complete devil. To the first the scantiest hut is heaven, to the other the very same hut the truest hell full of bitter torment. Do you now see how heaven and hell can be together in one spot?

[09] But of course you will be thinking, ‘so what? Let the domineering one ascend the throne, and he shall be quite capable of protecting peoples and vanquishing enemies!” O yes, this could be so indeed! But where is the yardstick which shall prescribe to him the extent to which he can follow up his dictatorial plans? What shall he do with people who will not bow down low to him? Behold, these he shall have tortured in the most excruciating manner, and a human life will be to him no more than a trodden blade of grass! But what is such a person? Behold, that is a Satan!

[10] There indeed have to be rulers as well as commanders, but understand this - they must be chosen and called to it by God and in future be descendants of long-anointed kings. These are then called; but let all those beware who would leave their poor hut hurrying to wrest the scepter to themselves by all sorts of means! Verily, for such it would be better to have never been born!

[11] I shall give you another picture of God’s Kingdom of Heaven: It is exactly like a good soil in which the most noble grapes grow and ripen next to briers and thistles, and yet they both grow in one and the same good soil. The difference lies solely in the application. The grapevine converts it to something good, the briers and thistles to something bad, useless and not enjoyable for any human.

[12] Thus heaven also flows into the devil as it does into God’s angels; but each of the two makes different use of it.

[13] Heaven is also like a fruit tree which bears good sweet fruit. Now various people come under its richly blessed branches who want to enjoy such fruit. Some of them are moderate and gratefully enjoy only as much as is good for them, where as others who like the taste of the fruit begrudge it to others and do not want to leave anything on the tree but eat it all until the last apple has been consumed, so that the contented may not later find some more. But they fall ill and have to die while the contented ones feel refreshed through the moderate consumption of the fruit. And yet both parties had fruit from the same tree.

[14] Thus heaven is also like a good wine which invigorates the moderate, but destroys and kills the immoderate, and so one and the same wine becomes heaven for one and real hell for the other, -and yet it is drawn from one and the same skin.

[15] Tell Me, friend, whether you now comprehend what is heaven and what is hell?”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

  

Chapter 10

 

The Commandment of Order

  

[01] Says Faustus, “Lord, now the light is dawning within me. In all infinity there is but One God, One power and One law of eternal order. For him who adopts this law everything and everywhere is heaven, but the one who out of his own freedom wants to resist this law finds hell and torment everywhere.”

[02] Say I, “Indeed, so it is. Fire is an exceedingly useful element; he who uses it procures incalculable advantage. It would be too long-winded to enumerate all the advantages accruing to mankind from the proper, wise and expedient use of fire. If however someone were to use fire most unwisely and constantly only for fun and so recklessly as to light it upon the roofs of dwellings or in dense forest, there the same fire shall destroy and ruin everything!

[03] When it is frosty in winter, then everyone goes to the fireplace and gladly warms himself at the crackling fire filling the fireplace with the heating flames; but such as would fall in the fire it would kill and consume.

[04] But I tell you something else: In order to become truly God’s children men of this world must be led through water and fire. Heaven in its primal essence is water and fire. What has no affinity with water is killed by it, and what is not itself fire cannot exist in the fire.”

[05] Says Faustus, “Lord, this again I cannot understand! How is one to take this? How can one become water and fire at one and the same time? For water and fire are notoriously mutually hostile elements: one destroy and annihilates the other. If the fire is a mighty one, and one pours water over it, then the water is quickly converted to steam and air; if however the water is mightier than the fire then the latter is extinguished as soon as flooded. If then in order to be like heaven, one has to be simultaneously water and fire then one would in the end dissolve anyway!? What prospects then for life’s everlasting duration?”

[06] Say I, “Oh, quite good ones! Both in proper proportion whereupon the one constantly produces and sustains the other! For behold, if there were not any fire in and around the earth there would not be water either; and if there were not any water in and around the earth, there would not be any fire, - for one perpetually produces the other.”

[07] Asks Faustus, “Why? How come?”

[08] Say I, “Take all the fire, from which comes all heat, away from the earth, and the entire earth shall turn into a diamond-hard lump of ice upon which no life could subsist; then remove all water from the earth, and it shall only too soon turn to paltry dust. Because fire shall not maintain itself without water that is so essential for new creations upon earth; where however no sequential or new creations continue to take place, there death and decay have set in.

[09] Behold a tree that has lost its fluids and you shall become aware of how the tree shall shortly rot and therewith disintegrate. Do you understand this now?”

[10] Says Faustus, “Yes, Lord, now we all understand that too, and recognise that You are filled with divine spirit, and that You are Yourself the Creator of all things. For what man can fathom by himself how the entire creation functions and by what laws it endures? This can be clear and familiar in all depth to Him Who carries the spirit within Him, - through Whom all things were made and now continue to exist. - I can do no more than thank You from a heart filled with deepest love for You, for all the great spiritual and also material favours bestowed upon me here! For what else can I poor, weak and sinful man do for the Lord of infinity?”

[11] Say I, “You are right. But for the time being keep what you know and what you have seen and found out here to yourself, not making Me known before time, and do not forget the poor in your earthly fortune now! For whatever you have done for the poor in My name, that have you done for Me, and you shall be rewarded in heaven. But now that we have finished everything in Kis that needed doing and settling, we intend to get ready for our journey to Nazareth.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 11

 

The Lord and His disciples” departure to Nazareth.
[Matt. Chap. 13: 53]

  

[01] Says Faustus: “So I need to give the order to load my things on board?”

[02] Say I, “It has already been done. Since your ships would not have sufficed, Baram and Kisjonah have loaned their two big ships for the purpose, and everything but the departure is finalised.”

[03] Says Faustus: “That it is sure to be so, I would no longer question, for what should not be possible to the Almighty?”

[04] But now Joel and Jairuth together with Archiel step over to Me to thank Me for everything. Parting with Me amidst much thanksgiving, and starting on their way to Sichar, they are met by the deputation that I foretold them and are received with much honour, imploring Jonael with the solemn entreaty to accept back the office of the High Priest; and both Jonael and Jairuth recall how I had predicted it to them.

[05] We hove, after My repeated rendition of parables on the Kingdom of heaven [Matt 13:53] and after letting the Sycharites go, took leave of Kisjonah with the promise of soon calling on him again; and who upon My advice stayed home this time and also did not accompany Faustus. About two hours to midday we boarded a big ship, travelling with Faustus, who with his young wife had taken his place on My ship, to the vicinity of Capernaum, where the landing place was located for this city as well as for Nazareth, which as known is not far from Capernaum.

[06] After we landed and stepped ashore, Faustus said: “Lord, I shall go with You to Nazareth and restore their dwelling to Your mother and Your earthly brothers and sisters.”

[07] Say I, “This also is already done, and at home and out there in your large court district you shall find everything in the nicest and best order; because My Archiel has settled all your affairs. But go yourself to Capernaum, and when you run into the chief Jairus - which is certain to occur - and when he complains to you about his pains, then tell him that I shall now be staying in Nazareth for some time. If he desires anything then he should come to Me - but only by himself.”

[08] Says Faustus: “Could I accompany him?”

[09] Say I: “Oh, indeed, but also only yourself!” - With these words we parted.

[10] I now leave for My earthly fatherland with My numerous disciples, and Faustus at once orders a lot of carriers, packers and wagons by which he moves the treasures to be brought along to his dwelling in Capernaum. That the moving in of the chief justice so richly loaded by the side of a beautiful wife arousing much sensation hardly needs mentioning; but it is even easier to imagine that the chief of the Pharisees there named Jairus came to meet him for many reasons - for he also knew something of the troop of the twelve Pharisees to Jerusalem, and that Faustus has been summoned to Kis on their account.

[11] Faustus received him with full esteem, saying to him: “One honest one was saved, and the pledges which were unjustly extorted by these Pharisees in secret from the Jews have been restored to them to the last cent, and eleven are now enjoying their well-earned punishment in the Temple in Jerusalem for their numerous, unheard-of deceptions and robberies. It would be too long-winded to tell you everything the eleven have perpetrated, but when you enjoy some leisure, come and read all the files, and your hair will stand on end. But now to another matter! How are things with your sweet daughter? Does she live, or has she died?”

[12] Says an exceedingly sad Jairus, starting to cry: “Oh, friend, why do you remind me of it? She unfortunately died; for no physician could help her. The only physician, Borus of Nazareth, said that he could indeed help her but would not because I had sinned too exceedingly against his friend Jesus, Who is his Master. And so my most beloved has died. It was heart-rending how the dying one cried out to Jesus, that He should help her, and however whilst dying castigated me for sinning so despicably against Jesus, the greatest benefactor of poor suffering mankind, that she now has to irrevocably die, I had indeed tried everything to find Jesus, that He should help her! But Jesus would not hear my messengers, although I have now repented my sin against Him a thousandfold! But it is all over now! She has lain in the grave already four days and stinks pestilentially! May Jehovah now have grace and mercy upon her beautiful soul!”

[13] Says Faustus: “Friend! I sympathise with you whole-heartedly; but I also say unto you that the almighty Lord Jesus is now at Nazareth. According to my wide-ranging experience now, nothing is impossible to Him! How now, if you went to Him personally? I say unto you, He has power aplenty to call your daughter out of the grave into life and to give her back to you!”

[14] Says Jairus: “Even if the latter were no longer possible, I nevertheless want to go over and ask His thousandfold forgiveness for offending and saddening Him, even though not voluntarily of course but under coercion.”

[15] Says Faustus: “Good, then come along with me; we shall meet up with Him in Nazareth, and that at His mother’s house. But by his explicit wish no one is to accompany us!” Jairus, gripped by a blissful premonition, at once goes along with Faustus’ suggestion. Both have mules saddled, trotting off to Nazareth as quickly as possible. A couple of hours to sunset they reach Nazareth, leaving their mules at an inn and continuing on foot to My mother’s house finding Me with Borus who was one of the first from Nazareth to come and meet Me with open arms, for he was appraised of My arrival at Nazareth that day.

[16] As Faustus entered the room with Jairus, the latter began to cry, falling down before Me and begging Me loudly that I would forgive him his immense sin of ingratitude which he committed against Me.

[17] I say to him however: “Arise! Your transgression is forgiven you, but do not sin a second time! Where is your daughter buried?”

[18] Speaks Jairus: “Lord, You are aware of my having erected a school for the children of the land not far from here, provided with a small house of prayer. Inside this house of prayer I had a tomb built for myself; since my daughter died before however, I had her brought there and laid in the new tomb, where no dead had lain yet. This tomb is hardly two thousand paces distant from here. If You, oh Lord, would want to view her, it would make me blissful beyond measure; for otherwise I would be grieved to death!”

[19] Say I: “Well then, so take Me there, but none besides yourself and Faustus must follow Me.”

[20] The disciples however asked Me whether they must not be present either.

[21] Say I: “This time no one other than the two concerned.”

[22] Says Borus: “Lord, You know me, that I can be mute like a fish; would there be any harm in me as a physician accompanying You?”

[23] Say I: “As I have spoken, it is to be; only us three, and no one else!”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 12

 

Sarah’s second resurrection from death.

  

[01] After that, none dared to as, further questions and we went over to the tomb. I viewed the now pestilential corpse, asking Jairus whether he opined or believed his daughter to be only apparently dead?

[02] Says Jairus: “Lord, in my heart I did not believe this the first time either, and knew only too well that my most beloved daughter Sarah as fully dead. I was pulled into the false witness against You by the hair and had I not signed the evil testimony then You would have been persecuted even more sharply, which was most earnestly not my wish! Since I had however signed the false witness, one regarded You merely as a work-shy vagrant who indeed makes people well every now and then to make a name for himself in Israel as some sort of prophet awakened by God - or perhaps even the Messiah Himself, Whom the well-off and rich present priesthood fears above all else, because it is written that when the high priest in the order of Melchisedek from eternity comes to earth it shall mean the full end of all other priests, and that the new Melchisedek shall then reign with his angels over all generations of the earth forever.

[03] I say unto you: all the high priests and all junior priests fear neither the fire nor the big storm that passed the cave where the great prophet Elijah was hidden; but the gentle breeze above the prophet’s cave they fear, because they keep saying that the high priest in the order of Melchizedek will come quietly as a thief in the night and take everything they had earned up till now! Wherefore no priest wants to live through the arrival of God’s anointed from eternity but have same postponed as far as possible into the most remote future.

[04] But since the priesthood in general and especially the old ones have undoubtedly noted something like that about You on account of Your extraordinary deeds and doctrine, they also try everything, if possible, to ruin You! Were this to be impossible, on account of Your truly being that for which they take You, they would then do penance in sackcloth and ashes for their trouble, expecting the almighty stroke from above with which they have perpetually feared to lose everything or they would not have otherwise stoned nearly all prophets. Behold, this is the reason for which I declared You a vagabond, rather than Him Whom You surely are. For men cannot call their dead back to life: such only the Spirit of God is capable of doing, which in my opinion dwells and works within You in all fullness.”

[05] Say I: “It is because I secretly knew for what actual reason you denied Me that I came to you in your great distress, to help you for a lengthy period. This is also the actual reason why I took no one along besides you two. But when the time comes then they too shall find out the reason. But you shall now see God’s power and glory!”

[06] Here I leaned into the tomb inside which the young Sarah lay wrapped in linen, saying to Jairus: “Behold, night has come and the little lamp in the tomb gives only a most feeble shine! Go to the caretaker of this school and prayer house and obtain a strong light; because when life is given back to her, she has to see in order to climb out of the tomb.”

[07] Says Jairus: “Oh Lord, should this indeed be possible? There is advanced decomposition! But I do believe that with God, everything is possible, and I shall be back at once with a stronger light.”

[08] Jairus now hurries to get a stronger light, which however he is not able to obtain straight away, because the caretaker’s light has gone out, and it is taking the latter a long time to kindle the two wooden rubbing sticks.

[09] But I awaken and lift Sarah from the tomb as soon as Jairus was through the door.

[10] The awoken one asks Me somewhat drowsily: “For Jehovah’s sake! Where am I now? What happened to me? I had just been in a beautiful garden with lots of playmates, and now I am suddenly shifted to this dark and confined chamber!”

[11] Say I: “Be of good cheer and calm down, Sarah. For behold, I Your Jesus Who has awakened you from death to life the first time just a few weeks ago have now awoken you from death again and given you a solid life. Henceforth no sickness shall torment you, and when after many years your time shall come then I Myself, coming down from the heavens, shall fetch you and lead you into My Kingdom, of which there shall be no end everlastingly.”

[12] Only on hearing My voice, Sarah fully comes alive, saying with the most lovingly friendly voice in the world: “Oh, You only beloved of my young life and heart! I knew of course that he who loves You alone above all needs to fear no death! From an over-mighty love for You, my first bringer of life, I became sick, because I could not find out where You had gotten to; and on inquiring about Your whereabouts with the most fervent love for You, I was told, to calm me down with the most blatant killing of my feelings that You had been taken prisoner and handed over to the severe courts as a traitor! This broke the heart in my breast; I soon became sick and died a second time. Oh how endlessly happy I am to have You again, my only and most fervent love.

[13] Upon the death-bed I said indeed: ‘If my one and only Jesus still lives, He will not let me decompose in the cold tomb!’ - And behold, what my heart told me has happened. I fully live again, and that in the arms of my beloved Jesus. But from now on nothing shall be able to separate me from Your godly side. As the least of your maidens I shall follow You wherever You may go.”

[14] Even as Sarah is thus revealing her heart to Me, Jairus is at last approaching the tomb-chamber with a resin light. I say to her however: “Behold, your father Jairus is coming. Hide therefore behind Faustus’ back, so that he does not set his eyes on you straight away, as it would harm his health. But when I call you then quickly step forward with cheerful and happy mien, and such sight shall then not harm him.” Sarah at once follows such advice, and Jairus walks into the chamber the moment Sarah took good cover behind Faustus’ back.

[15] Jairus apologised for having taken so long getting the light.

[16] But I say: “It does not matter. For no one can sin beyond the possible, and he who is fully dead shall not be more so in about a further quarter hour, but rather more alive where there are any residual preconditions for life at all!”

[17] Says Jairus: “Now then Lord, if a poor sinner may also dare to beg You, then please bestow Your grace not on account of me unworthy one, but upon Sarah the one surely loving You above all else.”

[18] Say I: “But on one condition and one reason, that I don’t awaken her for you, but purely for Myself! She shall henceforth follow Me and not yourself; if you also wish to follow Me from time-to-time then you shall be near your daughter.”

[19] Says Jairus: “May everything be in accordance with Your will, if only my one and only child could be called back to life.”

[20] Say I: “Well then, shine into the open tomb!”

[21] Jairus steps up sighing to the edge of the tomb, looking and looking but seeing nothing but the linen and head-wrap and bindings all pressed into a heap. Not seeing his dead daughter he gets sorrowful, asking Me: “Lord, what went on here? The smell is here still, but nothing else! Has someone stolen the corpse? Why did he not take the scarves and bindings as well?”

[22] Say I: “Because the now living one no longer has need of such!”

[23] Jairus cries out with delight, which suddenly overcame his grief: “How?! What? - Where then is the re-animated Sarah?”

[24] I call out: “Sarah - step out!”

[25] The most beautiful Sarah suddenly steps out from behind Faustus’ back, saying with completely healthy and loud voice: “Here I am, fully alive and well! But now no longer belonging to you but fully to Jesus! Because the love of my heart for Jesus, the Lord over life and death, which they desperately tried to make out as the grossest of all sins, killed my feeble body for the second time. But this mighty love also gave it life back again! And behold, father Jairus, you call me your daughter also but you gave me life only once! What is He to me and I to Him, Who gave me life fully twice? Which of you two is now more really my father?”

[26] Says Jairus: “You are right! Obviously He Who fully gave you life back twice, and I here cannot contend with your love from time to time. Are you, who were everything to me on this earth, and now again shall be after Jesus the Lord satisfied with that?”

[27] Says Sarah: “Yes father Jairus, I am fully satisfied therewith!”

[28] Say I: “And I also! But now let us return to My house. There a good evening meal awaits us, and My daughter Sarah must above all be properly strengthened; since her newly animated body needs to be properly nourished with good food. Therefore let us hurriedly leave this place!”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 13

 

[01] Jairus now covers the grave and locks the door behind us, whereby one could get into the grave chamber and finally to the grave itself, and then walks with us. However, about seventy steps outside this school and chapel is the little dwelling of the keeper and guard located, with whom Jairus obtained the light earlier.

[02] Since the increasing moon illuminated the evening a little, the guard immediately recognized Jairus’ little daughter, who walked cheerfully next to Me dressed in a white sweeping garn. Horrified he asked Jairus: “What is this?! What do I see?! Is this not Sarah, your late little daughter?! - Was she also seemingly dead this time round?”

[03] Says Jairus: “May it be as it is! You do not have to ask any questions here, but to be completely silent about everything you see here, otherwise you will loose your job! However, take this deeply to heart and think, grasp and comprehend, that with God many things are quite easily possible! But it requires a firm believe and an enlivened trust! - Do you understand this?”

[04] Says the guard: “Yes, elated master!”

05] Thereupon says Jairus: “In future stay away from me with those honour-showing addresses and speak to me like a brother! But now, for you not have to guard a corpse anymore, go quickly to Capernaum and tell nobody their what you just have seen, also not to my wife! However tell her, that she must accompany immediately, if possible, to Nazareth to the house of Joseph; because I have to discuss very important matters with her! Take a few good mules, so that you can get quicker to the house of the carpenter in Nazareth!”

06] The guard who himself is the owner of a quick trotting donkey bridles and saddles hastily the animal, rides with it to Capernaum and delivers the given message to the wife of Jairus. The grieving wife gets up quickly and follows the messenger. The donkeys are moving quickly and within less than one hour they arrive at the house of My bodily mother Maria in Nazareth, who is now quite happy again for being allowed to call the old little house of Joseph her own. When Jairus’ wife entered the room where we enjoying quite a good evening meal, which this time was prepared by Borus, she soon notices her Sarah alongside Me, who cheerfully and happily and at the same time looking great, was busy to consume with the greatest appetite a good, boneless fish with salt, oil and somewhat wine vinegar.

07] The wife nearly can’t believe her eyes and says after a while, tapping Jairus on the shoulder: “Jairus, here stands your grieving wife, for whom you have send by messenger, as if you had to discuss important matters with me! But I already see the importance of all importances! Tell me, Man! Am I dreaming or is this reality? Is this girl sitting next to Jesus, looking so good, not a living match of our late, most dearest Sarah? - O Jehovah, why have You taken Sarah from me!?”

08] Says Jairus, himself completely overwhelmed, to his wife: “Be consoled, you my beloved wife! This girl does not only looks like our most dearest Sarah, but most seriously, it is her! Lord Jesus, full of the divine spirit, has awakened her for the second time, just like He awakened her from death a few weeks ago. That she now looks so good is caused by His incomprehensible, apparent divine powers. But do not disturb her in her appetite; since she has fasted for quite some time now!”

09] Says the wife nearly not able to get a grip on herself because of amazement and happiness: “Tel me now, you wise master in Israel, what do you think about this Jesus! It appears more and more to me that He nevertheless His low birth level, is the promised Messiah!? Because such deeds have never before been performed by any prophet not of course not by any other person!”

10] Says Jairus: “Yes, yes, it is indeed so! But it means keep the greatest secrecy about it, since He Himself want’s it like this; because if this would become known, we soon would have the whole of Jerusalem and Rome on our neck, and if He would not oppose it with His divine powers, we would be in quite some trouble! Therefore, wife, be mute like a castle wall! For this reason Sarah will, in order not to betray the divine Master with her appearance and to recover her health completely, stay for at least a full year under the supervision and guidance of either Himself or at least under His loving, exceedingly wise mother Maria, and we will visit her from time to time. Correctly speaking both of us do not really have a claim to her anymore; for we gave her only a miserable, illness ridden life by our mute lust and did know what will become of our act when we slept with each other. This heavenly Sarah was given to us, who was given by God a most healthy soul, but from us a weak, sick body! Twice she has died on us and would have been lost forever for this world! However, at both occasions He gave her a new, healthy life! - The question is now, who is more her father and mother, - He or we two poor sinners!”

11] Says Sarah’s mother: “Yes, you are wise, knows the law and all the Prophets; therefore you are always right in all things, but for me it is already a heavenly bliss that she is alive again and that we have the good fortune to see and speak to her from time to time.”

12] Says Jairus: “Let us be quiet now; since the meal is finished and possibly He wants to say something!”

13] But I call on Faustus and say to him: “Friend and brother, I’m quite sorry that for today you cannot sleep over; important business is awaiting you at home and therefore I have to let you go for a few days. However, after a few days come again here! If there is any talk about Me, then you know what to say!”

14] Says Faustus: “Lord, You know me better than I know myself! Therefore You can depend on me; since a Roman is not a weak culm for the winds to play with loosely! If I say yes, not even death can force a no from me! But I’m going now and my mule is already saddled and bridled and within a small hour I will be at home. In your name, o my greatest Friend Jesus, the expected business will come to a good end. I put myself completely in your love, wisdom and divine power!” With these words Faustus leaves quickly by the door.

15] Thereupon Sarah’s mother comes to Me and thanked Me with a deeply humble hart, recognizing how much she is unworthy of such unheard of mercy.

16] But I console her and say to Sarah: “My little daughter, look, here is your mother!”

17] Only now does Sarah gets up and greets her mother with exceeding friendliness, but immediately remarks that she will stay with Me; since she loves Me too much to be able to be separated from me! The mother and also the high priest Jairus praise the daughter for this a lot but nevertheless asks her not to forget about them entirely! And Sarah solemnly promises both, that she loves them now more than ever before. With that both were beyond measure satisfied, became quiet and caressed their daughter.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

  

Chapter 14

 

01] Now the Greek Philopold from Kana in Samaria came to Me and said: “Lord, I have been now over three days with You but could not find one moment to discuss with You what I according to Your will have accomplished, and how through my preaching which I gave them after Your departure from Kana, have converted all to believe in You. It seems now that You have some spare time; could You also listen a little to what I have to say!”

[02] Says I: “My very worthy friend Philopold. Would you not think that I would have long since asked you various things concerning Cana if I did not know exactly how matters stand? -Look at all My brothers. Do I talk with them much? For days not a word outwardly, but all the more often inwardly-spiritually through their heart and look. None of them come to Me asking: “Lord, why do You not speak to me?” I tell you, as I have for a long time told everyone: I do not call disciples so as to talk with them without any cause whatsoever, but so that they hear My teaching and witness My deeds. For all that they know I have known already long before, and what they want to know in particular, I tell them through their heart the moment it is needed. And if this is so, ask yourself why My initiated disciples should require a daily discussion. You, too, are now My disciple and, therefore, will have to submit to such an order in My school.

[03] With other people, however, who are not My closest disciples I do have to exchange words outwardly, for with their very worldly hearts they would not hear let alone understand Me. I do still speak also with My disciples outwardly if and when required, but that is then not for the sake of the disciples, but for the sake of these who are not disciples. - Tell Me, have you comprehended this!”

[04] Says Philopold: Yes, Lord, now Your mercy is so clear to me as the sun on a brightest midday, and I thank You for such most amicable clarification! But Lord, if I now observe this most glorious and beautiful Sarah who with her beauty could compare herself with every angel of heaven, then it seems impossible to me that she is supposed to have pain in the grave for even a second. Because such vitality I have not yet encountered. Yet it is nevertheless true that You have awoken her from death twice. Now my heart is urging me mightily to find out from You how such is possible to You!”

[05] Say I to him softly: “surely you found out at Cana Who I am? If you know that then it is odd that you can ask how I can revive a dead person. Did not sun, moon and stars as well as this earth go forth from Me, and did not I populate this earth with countless living beings? If I could give them an existence, and independent life in the beginning how should that be impossible for Me with a maiden that was possible for Me with countless beings from eternity to eternity? If you know this and even received instruction on it from an angel, how can you still ask?

[06] Behold, every stone even against which you may knock heavily is only maintained through My will; were I to release it from My all-creating and maintaining Will but for a moment, it would also cease to exist in the same moment.

[07] You may indeed crush the stone and through intensive heat even dissolve it into a kind of air, as taught in secretive chemistry; but all this can take place with the stone and every other type of matter only because I permit it for man’s benefit and advantage. Were I not to permit it then you could move even the smallest stone no more than a mountain. You can furthermore throw a stone high up, and it shall, depending on your strength and skill ascend to an impressive height; but after reaching maximum height in relation to hurling effect, it shall at once fall back to earth. And behold, this is all My will, and My permission up to a point, where it says, this far and no further!”

[08] A stone-throw clearly shows you the scope of man’s power and will. A few moments in time and man’s feeble will is seized by Me and driven back into the due order set by Me from eternity, which is weighed out to the minutest particle through all of eternal infinity! If therefore all this depends exclusively on My will and permission, how could it not be possible to me to revive a deceased maiden?

[09] But do go outside and fetch Me a piece of wood and a stone and I will show you how I can accomplish all these things through the might of the Father within Me.”

[10] Philopold promptly brings a stone and a rotten piece of wood. And I say to him, speaking in an undertone: “Look, I lift up the stone and place it in the free air and, look, it does not fall. Do try to push it from this position.” Philopold tries, but the stone cannot be shifted even by a hair’s breadth.

[11] However I say: “Now I shall allow the stone to be shifted by you as you please; but once you let it go it will again take this position and will after some swaying or suddenly be fixed to this given position.”

[12] Says Philopold: “Lord, spare me this test, for Your holy word is sufficient for me.”

[13] Say I: “All right. It is now My will that this stone disappears, and this wood shall sprout and bring forth leaves, blossoms and fruit of its kind.” Thereupon the stone becomes invisible, and the old wood becomes fresh, sprouts and brings forth leaves, blossoms and finally ripe fruit, that is, some figs since the wood came from a fig tree.

[14] Now everybody’s attention is turning to Me and Philopold, for most of the disciples had already fallen asleep and Jairus and his wife could not stop fondling their daughter. I and Philopold, however, had carried out our experiments further away at a little table below a dim lamp and, therefore, had not been noticed by hundreds until Philopold’s astonishment became too conspicuous whereupon many soon turned their attention to us. But I told them to rest and silence reigned once more.

[15] Then I again bade the stone to be and it was once more lying on the table, but left the fig branch with the fruits which in the morning were eaten with much pleasure by My Sarah.

[16] But I then asked Philopold whether he is in the clear. And bowing down deeply, he said: “Lord, now I am fully in the clear.”

[17] I said: “Good, then let’s take our rest.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 15

 

Philopold’s testimony to Jesus” Deity.

  

[01] Philopold then went to take a rest, as commended by Me. But his sleep was not of course a salubrious one, because the day’s happenings took a toll of his emotions; on top of that the bunk’s were in no good shape, as the bailiffs had taken possession of almost everything other than a bit of straw, and we thus found a literally empty house. While Sarah was being re-awakened, Borus, my brethren and many other disciples had indeed been engaged in moving proper bunks, tables, benched, kitchen and tableware into the house; but to do so on short notice along natural lines for some hundred people who partly found accommodation in the open or in other houses was possible only for barest essential.

[02] And so I Myself spent the night on a bench with a bit of straw under My head - and Philopold even on the floor and without straw. Hence he also was one of the first on his feet in the morning; and when asked by Jairus, who with his wife and daughter Sarah enjoyed quite a good straw bunk, how he had rested on the hard floor, he replied,

[03] Philopold: “As the nature of the floor permits! But it all depends on habit; in the course of a year the body would certainly befriend it more than during a night.”

[04] Says Jairus: “Had you only mentioned it; we had plenty of straw!”

[05] Says Philopold: “Here, behold the Lord! He Whom all heavens and worlds obey, and for whose will all angels watch! His bunk is no better by a hair’s breadth than mine!”

[06] Says Jairus, in whom Pharisaism still resided to a large extent: “Friend, are you not perhaps overstating the case? It is indeed indisputable that this Jesus is full of the godly spirit, to a greater extent than any prophet ever was filled - because his deeds exceed sky-high all the deeds of Moses, Elijah and all the other great and smaller prophets. But that the fullness of the Godhead should reside in him seems a rather risky assumption to me! The prophets too awoke the dead through the divine Spirit with which they were filled; but they merely not dared ascribing to themselves but to God. For had they ascribed the success to themselves, it would have made them gross sinners against God, and God would have taken the spirit from them. But Jesus does everything as if from Himself and like a Lord - and this indeed favours your speculative assumption, and to a certain extent I am completely of your opinion, but as said with all caution! Because this could also be permission from above to test our faith in the one God! But if all the fullness of the Godhead were to really dwell in Jesus, then indeed we would have accept His testimony as eternally true under all circumstances! What do you say to that?”

[07] Says Philopold: “I am fully of the latter view and think His testimony of the fullness of the Godhead in Him completely true. It is Him and no one else!

[08] The thing is especially hard to explain in this our miracle-working time, for one can always say: I saw magicians there and there who of a truth performed extraordinary deeds and the prophets of old also awoke the dead, one of them indeed clothing a heap of skeletons with flesh and reviving them. Hence miraculous deeds are by far no proof yet for hailing a worker of miracles as a God!

[09] But here with Jesus it is an entirely different thing. With all the prophets, extended prayer and fasting had to precede a miraculous deed, for God to find them worthy of performing a miracle through them; the magicians need a magic wand together with a great many signs and formulas, besides carrying a lot of ointments, oils, waters, metals, stones, herbs and roots with whose hidden powers they are familiar, applying same with their performances; but where has anything like that ever been seen with Jesus, the Lord? No trace of praying or fasting, at least during the short time I had the privilege of knowing Him, not to mention a magic wand or any magical paraphernalia!

[10] Besides that, all prophets spoke and wrote in secretive imagery, and none but those coming from their school could understand them. Notwithstanding the fact that I am a Greek, your Scriptures are not unknown to me, and I know Moses and all your prophets! Whoever understand these one and all verily must be of a special extraction!

[11] Jesus however, expresses the most hidden things with such clarity, that not seldom a child must understand them! He explained the Creation and I nearly believed myself capable of creating a world! Where is the prophet, or the master of all magicians who speaks like Jesus?

[12] Who has ever understood a syllable of what the magician says at his performances? Deepest night reigns in their talks, and in the speeches of the prophets it indeed dawns here and there; yet their dawn does not help anyone to make out an object thirty paces ahead. Here however it is all sunshine on the brightest midday. Whatever He says is deepest divine wisdom, yet bright and clear for every man’s intellect. And whether He will happens instantly!

[13] If things are like with Jesus to a hair’s breadth, then I fail to see for what reason I should still hesitate to acknowledge Him as the indisputable Lord of heaven and earth, loving Him beyond all measure and giving Him alone all honour?

[14] Look here on the table! This fresh fig branch with a great many fully ripe fruits is a live explanation He gave me yesterday, when asking Him, after you all slept already, how it was possible for Him to awaken the fully dead. He asked for a completely decayed, therefore completely dead branch., I brought whatever my hands got hold of in the night. He did not even touch the dead wood, but just commanded it, and the dead wood began to sprout, to bloom, and here you have the ripe fruit. Take and give them to the most beloved Sarah - who will feast herself thereon.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 16

 

The Lord visits the Synagogue.
[Matt. 13:54]

  

[01] Jairus wakes Sarah, who had already began to stir, handing her the branch, and she is overjoyed therewith, biting straight away into the honey-sweet fruits and consuming them all. After she had eaten them all, I awaken on My bench.

[02] Sarah is the first to give Me a heart-felt morning greeting, and I ask her how the figs tasted. And she said with great joy: “Lord, they were heavenly and sweet as honey! Philopold, Your friend, gave them to me in Your name, and I ate them all, for they were exceedingly good! You probably got them for me?”

[03] Say I: “My most beloved Sarah. Indeed for you; because you were the reason last night for My showing friend Philopold how I awaken the dead, by revitalising a completely rotten fig branch, so it might bear sweet fruit one more time for you, My beloved Sarah. Hence you did well to consume it, for it shall multiply your lasting health! But now let us at once move into the open, until the rooms are tidied and cleaned and then we shall partake of a morning-meal and then turn to today’s business.”

[04] Following these words all move into the open, enjoying the bright and crystal-clear morning, and all were uplifted by the most beautiful morning.

[05] But Jairus came over to Me, saying: “Lord! There shall never be an end to my thanks! Rather than ever allowing myself to be ever led astray against You again I shall become a most zealous follower of Your holy doctrine, and Philopold shall remain my friend for life, for it is only he I can be thankful for the true light about You. Notwithstanding him being a Greek, he nevertheless is more knowledgeable in our Scriptures than all the Scribes of Judea, Galilee, Samaria and Palestine! In short, I am now fully in the clear about You, and it is factually as I have often thought secretly. But I must be off to Capernaum, where certain concerns await me. But my wife and daughter Sarah I leave in Your care for a time convenient to You; for not even in heaven could they be better looked after. But if I can get away in the evening, then I shall here with Faustus and Conrnelius and perhaps also the old Cyrenius, who is supposed to come to Capernaum today. And so I take my leave of Your love, patience and grace.” Thereupon he takes his leave of his wife and sweet Sarah, then lets his fast mules be brought, mounting the strongest and trotting off at fast pace.

[06] I however now call everyone to breakfast, and we move into cleaned and tidied rooms where a good meal prepared by Borus awaits us.

[07] After the meal, Borus beckons Me aside, saying: “My most intimately beloved friend! I know that You have perceived well in advance what I want to share privately; but there are some among Your disciples who I don’t thing need to know what we are discussing, the only reason I asked You over.”

[08] Say I: “That would not be necessary, because what you want to tell Me, I have already told My disciples at length in Kis, voicing My praise. They know everything, and hence we need not keep it secret.”

[09] Says Borus: “Ah, in that case is shall speak openly!”

[10] Hence we go back, to the company, and I say to Borus: “My most beloved friend! What you want to tell Me I already know, and all the disciples know it as well, and hence we can regard the matter as finalised. But as a Greek who simply believes in Judaism without coming under Jewish law; it is easier for you to talk to the Pharisees; if however you were an orthodox Jew through circumcision and the Law, then you would have had to severely bridle your tongue. But it was right that you spoke as you did, and so let us now write the matter into the sand. But now take Me to the Nazarene school. I shall instruct the people, that they may recognise what time this is!” [Matt. 13:54]

[11] Mother Mary asks whether I shall be coming home for lunch.

[12] Say I: “Don’t trouble yourself about whether I come; it is enough that I carry all burden! I shall come in the evening.”

[13] Sarah asks whether it is permitted that she come with Me to the school.

[14] Say I: “Indeed, notwithstanding that a woman is not according with the Law allowed to enter the school in male company. But all is now going to change; because like man, woman has equal right to My love and grace, which proceeds from God the Father through Me. And so come along now cheerfully and confidently, learning together with the others at the school what time it now is, hence let us go! You Sarah stay by My side, and you shall serve Me as a mighty witness! Hence keep that burial clothing on your body, for the dress too shall serve Me as testimony. But now let’s go!”

15] Upon these My words we immediately went to the school.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 17

 

The Lord reveals a text from Isaiah.

  

[01] When I entered the school there were about ten Nazarene elders, together with several Pharisees and Scribes seated at a large table discussing verses from Isaiah reading as follows [Isaiah 1:16-24]:

16. Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; cease to do evil.

17. Learn to do well; seek justice, relieve the oppressed, give rights to the orphans, plead for the widow.

18. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

19. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the Land.

20. But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

21. How is the faithful city become an harlot! It was full of judgement; righteousness lodged in it, but now murderers.

22. Thy silver has become dross, thy wine mixed with water.

23. Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves; every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards; they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.

24. Therefore, saith the Lord, the Lord of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will rid Myself of Mine adversaries, and avenge Myself of Mine enemies: They were discussing the meaning of such verses and could not be in the clear.

[02] I stepped forward, saying to them: “What are you pondering about something that stands as clearly revealed before you factually as the sun at midday? Look at your orphans, your widows! What is their state? Instead of taking care of them you even take from them what they have, whilst the poor orphans you take to the heathens as slaves, just as a few days ago you attempted to carry out such secretly and would have carried it out, had not the tax-collector Kisjonah mightily prevented you.

[03] The Lord indeed speaks: “Come now, and let us reason together! Though your sins be blood-red, it shall be white as snow, and though it be crimson, it shall be as white!” - but I ask when and under what condition! How is it with you and the devout city which is also called “The city of God”? What multitudes of the most abominable sins crying to heaven have already been committed therein, and what multitudes are still being committed!?

[04] “Wash and clean yourselves, and put away your evil nature from before Mine eyes” spoke Jehovah through the mouth of the prophet. You wash your body seven times a day indeed, cleaning your garments and whitewashing the graves of your dead two or three times a year; but your hearts remain obstinate and are full of obscenity, wherefore you resemble your whitewashed graves, which indeed appear adorned and cleaned on the outside but are inwardly pestilential, full of dead bones and stinking rot!

[05] The prophet spoke of the cleansing of your hearts, reminding you to put away your sins before the all-seeing eye of God; but this sense you have never taken into your heart, hence cleaning only your skin whilst letting your heart sink into all hellish filth! Oh, you hellish generation, who has taught you thus!?

[06] Indeed you say: “The he-goat that Moses and Aaron commanded, has right up till now been yearly laden with all Israel’s sins, killed and thrown into the Jordan”! Oh you blind ones! How is it the he-goat’s fault that you continue to sin on and on, not bettering yourselves in your hearts?

[07] This function was only a sign from which you should have learned long ago that the he-goat only represents your evil, worldly lusts, such as your arrogance which like the he-goat is kicking and stinking beyond all measure, and your fornication and filthiness in all things, your meanness, envy and hypocrisy! With the destruction of the scapegoat you ought to have forever annihilated your heart-goat, thus fulfilling Moses” and Aaron’s commandment in a living way and thus reaping their blessings unfailingly. Failing this, you have indeed killed the rams, which could be of no use to you, but your sinful hearts have remained with you. Wherefore Jehovah has carried out His threat and shall further do so when your evil measure is full.

[08] A nice thing it is that the heathens have now to maintain justice for the people and to care for the widows and orphans! But hence it also is true what the prophet speaks: “I shall be comforted through Mine enemies, the heathens, and be avenged through them”! To where has your power gone, and where spent your strength? A small flock of heathens is ruling God’s mighty people of yours! Ugh! For the everlasting disgrace and shame! The children of the serpent are wiser and more upright than the children of light.

[09] Wherefore it shall soon come to pass that this holy land shall be handed over to the heathens, and you shall henceforth have neither land and even less a king, but shall serve strange tyrants as slaves, and your noble daughters shall sleep with the heathens and the servants of heathens, and their fruit hated like a generation of serpents and vipers!

[10] You are here discussing from the prophet who wrote for your heart, as to how you could make idle ceremony more splendid through the practice of the trivial washing and cleaning of your bodies, clothing and sepulchres so that the sacrament would yield you more offerings, yet you are not capable of discerning that which alone would be pleasing to God! Oh you evil devil-servants! It is him you serve with your ceremony - and hence shall also once reap his wages in the mire, as you have also fully deserved it always.

[11] One cleans the body once, twice or three times a day if desirable, and one cleans clothing when it is dirty; for this Moses has commanded for the health of the body. Thus one also covers the sepulchres with a span of clay, and then covers such clay with several coats of good lime, so that the covering would not develop cracks through which particularly in the first few years of decomposition, harmful fumes would not escape, causing all kinds of dangerous sickness to man, animal and plant.

[12] Behold, that is the reason for ordering the whitewashing of graves, which can be grasped with the hands! How could you make this into a divine service? Oh you absurd ones, you fools! What can this do for the soul of the departed?!”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 18

 

About the nature of God, and worshipping Him.

  

[01] (The Lord:) “After a man dies, the soul is taken from the body and prevailing as an isolated spirit man, comes to a location corresponding to its complete living being; and here nothing will help it other than its free will and love. If the will and the love are good, then the location also will be good, which the soul itself shall prepare for itself in accordance with its God-implanted strength and authority. If the will and predilection are bad, then its effort also shall be bad - just as on earth a bad tree bears no good fruit and a good tree no bad fruit. Go and adorn a thorn bush with gold and precious stones and see whether it shall bear you grapes as a result! A vine however shall nevertheless bear sweet grapes full of flavour, whether you adorn it with gold or not.

[02] If that is so and, impossibly otherwise, ask yourselves what the whitewashing of graves, within which reside only decaying skeletons and obnoxious filth, should or could benefit the souls of the dead!

[03] Do you earnestly believe that God is so feeble minded and vainly foolish that He should let Himself be served with the most vain and trivial parade of matter through matter?!

[04] I say unto you: God is a Spirit, and those who would serve Him must do so in spirit and fullest, living truth of their heart, but not in matter through matter, which is nothing but the transitorily shackled will of the almighty Father!

[05] What would you say to someone who came to you asking to be paid even for devastating your crop, whilst asserting that he has given you good service? - Behold, that which you would say to such a fool is what the Father shall once say to you in the beyond, and you shall have to depart from Him even whilst being thrust out into uttermost darkness, where wailing and gnashing of teeth shall be your wages!

[06] As to how you look after widow’s affairs, My mother Mary first of all is testimony, from whom you have taken everything, and thereafter a thousand others with whom you did not proceed any better and still don’t.

[07] Does it not cry to heaven that Jewesses have to seek justice from the heathens and also receive it? Must it not seem really funny to Satan that his children now exceed God’s children sky high on justice and righteousness? Yes, the children of the world shall indeed become children of God in future; yet you shall become children of him whom you have faithfully served at all times!

[08] Since you are reading Isaiah, did you never come across the passage where he says:

[09] “I delight in mercy and not burnt offering” or “This people honours Me with its lips, but its heart is far from Me”!

[10] Since you say: “such has God spoken through the prophets”. What respect must you have for Him if you prefer your despicable statutes to His Commandments at all times, keeping only your own for your worldly advantage but treading the divine ones with your feet? Oh you evil ones, you perpetual servants of the devil! How shall you fare once before God’s judgment-seat? Verily, the Sodomites shall fare better than you. For had such signs been given there as have been given you, they would have repented in sack-cloth and ashes, and God would not have judged them with fire and brimstone from above! Beware, the time is at hand when you shall fare as I foretold you!”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 19

 

The spiritually blind, impudent and confused Pharisees.

  

[01] Here the elders, Pharisees and Scribes rise most angrily, saying: “How dare you fluffy-beard to argue with us? - What signs occurred here?”

[02] Say I, standing the to them well known Sarah in front of these school and Scripture Knight’s faces: “Do you know this little maiden, and are you aware of what occurred with her for the second time?”

[03] Here they look wide-eyed and baffle-eyed, saying softly among themselves: “By heaven, this is the Chief’s daughter to a T. Did He re-awaken her again? What happened here? If he has awakened her, and this time as she was really dead a second time, then what are we going to do? Jairus appears to be on his side, or he would not have entrusted his most beloved daughter to him! Or is he perhaps not aware of it? Did Joseph’s son perhaps secretly awaken her, wanting to escort her back to Jairus at an appropriate occasion? Should we perhaps let Jairus know? This thing is too conspicuous! - It is her, without any doubt it is her! And yet we all were at her funeral, as well as previously at Capernaum when she died! What’s to be done? What’s going to happen if this God-man accomplished such unprecedented things by whatever craft or power?” - Here they fall silent.

[04] I say however, scrutinising them sharply: “Now then, what does your evil heart say to that? Is this an adequate sign or not, to testify of the truth that I spoke to you?”

[05] Say the elders: “We are neither physicians nor chemists, who investigate the forces of nature and know how to apply them to their craft; neither are we familiar with magic when one can learn from the devil, because this would be the most monumental sin before God, and hence we cannot say by what craft or power you awakened in her! We hence are agreed not to let ourselves be deceived by such signs in our faith in Moses and all the prophets, as well as in our interpretation of Scriptures, which in the Temple has the authority as sworn by heaven! Right now several magicians are working signs, who come to us partly from the East and many from Egypt; they all perform wondrous things which no Jew can comprehend, nor wants to or is allowed because all those magic things originate from the devil. And to sum up: Your signs, because they also belong to magic, have no value for us and prove only your capacity to happily carry them out and you therefore are an accomplished master therein; but far be it from us to account of your signs accept your doctrine, which disgusts us! For a physician is no priest to us by far, and even less a prophet, - and least of all Yourself, as we have known you already of thirty years, and we knew your father. Hence see to it that you get out of our school quickly together with your idlers, or we shall have to apply force!”

[06] Says Sarah: “I beg You to depart from these miserable ones! For these are obstinate like stones, darker than night and more loveless than an abyss! Twice You have given me back life, yet this is nothing to these miserable ones. They even regard it as blasphemous magic and even in their crude blindness try expelling You from the school. Lord, this is ever wicked! Let’s go, let’s go! I feel as if Satan was standing before us in their presence.”

[07] Say I: “My most beloved Sarah! Just calm down. We shall remain here for as long as it is My wish; for I am a Lord! Does not the earth’s mighty call themselves lords, yet often have very little power; I however have all power over heaven, hell and the entire earth. I therefore am quite really a lord and shall not be commanded by anything eternally. What I do, that I do of My own free will; because I am a Lord totally!”

[08] On hearing this the elders and rend their vestments, shouting: “Away with You! Because we heard it clearly now that You are a blasphemer! Your works You accomplish with Beelzebub’s help and are trying with Your doctrine to turn the nations away from Moses and God; hence we have no alternative but to dispatch You with stones from the world!”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 20

 

The Templers fear the Roman court.

  

[01] There were stones kept for stoning in all schools as well as in the Temple, and therefore also in this Nazarene school. As the elders, Pharisees and Scribes of this city were blindingly enraged, they took hold of the stones to throw at Me. Then all the disciples rose to their feet and threatened the mad ones. At this moment Faustus, Cornelius, Jairus and the old Cyrenius entered the large hall.

[02] When the enraged priests caught sight of these most eminent and well-known personages, they promptly put down their murderous objects and bowed very deeply.

[03] Jairus at once rushes over to Myself and Sarah, embracing Me and saying loudly to Cyrenius: “Here stand He, the great Man of all men, and here my beloved Sarah, who He twice awakened from fullest death!”

[04] Here the old Cyrenius steps over to Me, tears in his eyes, saying: “Oh, my God and my Lord! With what words should I, a poor, weak human thank You for all the endlessly great graces You have bestowed upon me?! Oh how happy I am for my eyes to once again be inestimably fortunate in beholding You, my holy Friend! For more than twenty years I had heard nothing more of You, notwithstanding that I thought of You many times each day, and also often making appropriate inquiries about You.

[05] How downcast I was even a few days ago, when the Emperor in all earnestness began to demand the unfortunate taxation moneys from Pontus and Asia Minor, with my not knowing where they had gotten to! Yet how happy, inexpressibly happy indeed, was I when about three days ago not only the missing taxes, but far more priceless treasures in gold, silver, pearls and precious stones were dispatched to me by my upright friends, Faustus and Cornelius, and all that through Your holy mediation!

[06] My Lord, my holy greatest Friend Jesus! Oh tell me, what I can do to reciprocate this great indebtedness even marginally! If You were willing to set my Province Chief’s crown upon Your head, oh with what unmentionable joy and honour would I desire to place it at Your feet!

[07] Verily of a truth, Lord, You my life as you are certain to be aware of, the treasures of this earth mean exceedingly little to me; if that which I have already dispatched to Rome were mine, then many thousands of poor people would have already received help! But it was the Emperor’s and it had to be my task to produce what had been lost! How should this nevertheless have been possible without You, and thereafter my dear Faustus and brother Cornelius? Oh, You have rolled a world of burden from my breast. Now it is my turn to pay and reward to the limit of my authority! Oh, speak, most holy great friend of mankind, what should I do?”

[08] With this brilliant address of Me by Cyrenius, those who previously were about to stone Me turn deathly pale, starting to shake all over as if gripped by high fever, in the assumption that I would now take fullest revenge on them and complain about them to Cyrenius, whom they feared more than death; for he never joked! The Roman judges were notorious for their strictness in carrying out their pronounced judgments and sentences, the reason for the Jews” inordinate fear of them, especially these Nazarene Elders, Pharisees and Scribes, of whom some were accessories to the Roman taxation robbery.

[09] But I said to Cyrenius most amicably: “Do you suppose that the Man has forgotten what you had done for the Child when It had to flee before Herod, from Bethlehem to Egypt? Oh, the Man remember this only too well that you did it all without self-interest, because you loved Me, and I should now desire some reward from you? No, such be eternally far from Me! But since you are in command over Asia as the Emperor’s representative, command these recalcitrants, Satan-servants and not servants of God, to keep their silence on all that has taken place here, or they shall receive the most severe punishment! For all who take up stones against their neighbours shall receive the most severe punishment!”

[10] Says Cyrenius: “Have these miserable ones dared perchance to take up stones against You?”

[11] Says Sarah: “Yes, exalted Cyrenius! These miserable ones intended stoning the Lord for telling them the Truth. They call themselves ‘servants of God yet are the greatest blasphemers; for they keep only their most selfish and domineering regulations, giving them a godly shine through the most shameful strong-arm tactics!

[12] Whoever does not allow himself to be blinded by their deceptions will be kept blind by the most shameful high-handedness, and we no longer enjoy liberty on God’s dear earth! One only has to read Moses and the prophets and next to that their statutes and one can easily discover what I as a young girl not yet sixteen have discovered a long time ago! Verily, whoever follows Moses and the prophets is their fiercest foe. Like the Samaritans, who still are staunch mosaists and disciples of the prophets, is regarded as cursed all the days, and he, like they, amount to the most vehement curse from the mouth of a Jew.

[13] But as a young girl I ask, is this the Word of God, is this divine service? Jesus clearly demonstrated to them that this can only be the word of hell, and a service that Satan could wish for; wherefore they intended stoning Him, because He told them the truth too convincingly before the people, who in the end could cost them a lowering of their income.

[14] Noble lord! Already twice I have been fully in the beyond and I know what my soul has seen. I saw Moses and all the good prophets. They were at peace and their joy is this time which they call “the great day of the Lord”. However, I did not see one Pharisee or teacher of the law among them righteous of Israel. So I asked where they were.

[15] Then an angel of light came and bade me follow him, which I did. Soon we were standing at an extremely gloomy place; there was hardly as much light as in a clouded night. A great glow could be seen in the distance and the angel said to me: “Look there. That is the pit where the ones for whom you were asking are dwelling.” And I looked but saw nothing but devils and said to the angel: “Messenger of the Lord. I see only devils and no one else. Where then are the ones for whom I asked?” Then the angel replied: “They are the ones you are seeing.”

[16] This gave me a terrible shock and I remembered my father who is even a head of the Pharisees. But the angel noticed what made me tremble and said: “Do not worry. Your father will find the right way, and you will be a guide for him on this earth.”

[17] This I have seen and heard and therefore know it; not from hearsay, but from experience. So I need not learn anything from these fools and wicked servants of Satan, for I have seen and learnt truth in a living lesson and can, therefore, as one who has returned from the beyond, testify for the sake of the eternal truth which Jesus, the Lord from eternity, is preaching, that everything these evil teachers say and teach is an absolute lie and does not have a grain of truth in it. - I have spoken.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 21

 

Cyrenius and the Templers

  

[01] Says Cyrenius: “Did you hear the testimony against you, by one resurrected from the dead, which incriminates you more heavily than all robbery and murder? What should I do with you in the light of this most truthful accusation? To hang you upon the cross would be far too little! To scourge you for a whole day and only then behead you would also be too lenient. But I know what I shall do, and you should be quite happy with me.” To this Cyrenius’ address all become deathly pale, giving out immense howling and pleading.

[02] Cyrenius however asks Me on the side whether he ought to in earnest impose a penalty upon these miscreants, following his verdict, in accordance with which eternal silence should be dished out to them.

[03] Say I: “Impose only the verdict, threatening its execution without further leniency with the first violation. Thereafter release them.”

[04] Cyrenius steps forward commanding silence, saying: “Lend me your ear, you miscreant goblins! You have only this One to thank, Whom you wanted to stone on account of the holy truth that came to you from His mouth, that I am not having you one and all driven into the desert, to there set you upon rocks amidst an abyss and gouge out your eyes! But should any of you dare to so much as prattle outside this school even one syllable about anything that has taken place here, either verbally or in writing or by gesture, expression, or by hand signals, upon such the execution shall be carried out with the most inexorable sharpness!

[05] Nor shall I desist from punishment upon hearing of your tormenting the people with unlawful extortions, and the persecution by you of divine truth, for the sake of your shameful and selfish ordinances! Teach the people God’s Commandments and their keeping, and you shall be regarded like this godly Jesus, Who is not at all proclaiming a new but age-old doctrine from God to nations precipitated by you into deepest night; something He can do the more readily and truly, since He is in the Spirit Himself the One Who according to your doctrine gave you the Commandments on Sinai through Moses; something that you do not comprehend, yet I do quite well, notwithstanding your declaring me a heathen! Hence beware of persecuting this holy One; for such persecution would cost you your life twice - physically here and spiritually in the beyond! Have you understood me?”

[06] Say all those concerned: “Yes, exalted lord, and we intend doing everything you require of us But you also know that we men are no gods, and endued with all sorts of weaknesses; if therefore someone were to transgress somewhat in whatever way, so hold us to account, and as human yourself, punish us humanely”

[07] Says Cyrenius: “Greek merchants and shopkeepers indeed are in the habit of putting up with bartering, but never the Romans! Consider same and act accordingly, then you shall have need of no clemency; for men vex strong and into heroes of order only through sharp and unbending laws, becoming of one mind and full of eagerness in all lawful pursuits.

[08] If the soldier were not to have the most uncompromisingly sharp military rules, he would be a coward, and when it came to pursuing, fighting and vanquishing the foe, the enemy would have an easy time, and essential national security would be done for! But by prescribing for the soldier every step upon death and life with iron law as to his bearing before the foe, he is likely to do it with certainty. For were he not to do so, death at the hands of the enemy is not certain, and he then can emerge from battle as conqueror and crowned hero.

[09] The sternest rule in Rome then is: A stern law makes for stern and orderly citizens. Wherefore we don’t allow bartering with ourselves by a hair’s breadth, and all men are equal before the law! You are now familiar with my legal sentiments. Act accordingly, and you shall be free under law; if you do not conform, then the law shall judge you without every grace precisely for being law.

[10] The entire earth with everything in and upon it endures only for the unbending will of God. Were God to admit bartering with Himself only to the smallest degree, what would become of the earth and ourselves in the next moment? Everything would come unstuck!

[11] A national society would fare likewise; if just one law were to slacken off then the others too would lose their force and application, and the great edifice of state would only too soon be in ruins! Hence my warning to you stands inexorably.”

[12] To this decisive chief governor’s retort, the elders’ and Pharisees’ faces turn acrid, and one of them spoke in a kind of painful amazement: “Oh, Rome. Oh, Rome! You are dreadfully hard and difficult! Jehovah! You freed Your children from Babylonian captivity when they repented and prayed for it; will You not free us from this thousandfold harder captivity for evermore?”

[13] Say I: “If you remain as you are and do not change from your foundations, then you shall not only remain everlastingly subservient to Rome, but fully consumed by the latter, as is an ass by the eagles! Only for a short time shall God be patient with you yet, after which an acute fate shall befall you, and it shall be with you as I prophesied to you earlier, and they shall persecute you to the end of the world. -Depart now and be offended no more.”

[14] Upon these My words they all move to an adjacent chamber; we remained in the school, which a large number of Nazarenes soon came to see the lofty Roman lords. We had to eventually stand upon tables and benches in order not to be crushed, and to be seen by the gaping folk.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 22

 

Healing of a palsied. The Nazarene’s witness of Jesus.[Matt 13:55-56.]

  

[01] Borus himself brought along one palsied, whose hands and feet were already so withered and twisted and contracted that no mortal physician was ever likely to heal him by whatsoever means.

[02] However, Borus after having the palsied brought over to Me in a basket through the heavy throng by two carriers, spoke loudly before the people: “Only God alone can help this sick one! I am one of the top physicians in all of Galilee, and the sick come to the physician Borus from Jerusalem and Bethlehem, and he helps them; but this one he cannot help! But I beg You, my holy friend Jesus, since nothing is to my knowledge and belief impossible to You, that You would once again give this person straight limbs, if it is Your will!”

[03] Say I: “Friend, there are too many faithless around here, and such healing is consequently a hard thing to accomplish! But between ourselves I shall heal him at your place.”

[04] Thereto some of the people started murmuring: “Oh, the carpenter’s son is cleave! This sick one is too much for him, whence he would rather heal him secretly, so that we should not know whether he became better or not.”

[05] I heard such talk, saying to the grumblers: “Oh you mad and crazy ones! Do you know this girl at Jairus” side? Is this not his daughter, and was she not twice dead? Who gave her life back? - You fools! If the Son of Man has power to call back the dead to life, shall He not have power to say unto this sick: “Rise and walk”? But that you may see that I indeed have such power, I say unto you palsied person that you get up and walk with completely healthy limbs.”

[06] The same moment a fire went through the sick one’s limbs, and he felt completely strong, got up and walked, and his limbs were totally fresh; he had flesh and complete muscles, walking cheerfully and with grateful heart, saying after a while of his own astonishment: “This is possible only to God! Without medicines, without the laying on of hands, but bringing forth such healing solely through the word, momentarily, this has not been heard of! Lord Jesus, I confess and now fully believe that You are either God’s Son or God Himself in the human form! It appears to me that I should actually worship You!”

[07] Say I: “Leave that go and make no noise over it. That which you feel in your heart however that preserve faithfully. A time shall come when you have need of it, and then you may pray to the Father in heaven, Who alone has given such power to His Son!” With these words the healed one falls silent.

[08] The people were horrified, saying: “From where does this one get such wisdom, not to mention such deeds and power? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother’s name Mary? And his brethren; Jacob, Jose, Simon and Judas? [Matt. 13:55]. And his sisters, are not they all with us? For heaven’s sake, whence does He derive all this? [Matt. 13:56]

[09] While they were yet conversing thus, many others vexed angry, saying: “Would not this drive you mad! Our sons studied at Jerusalem, acquiring knowledge in all kinds of art and science. Besides that they attended the school of prophets in existence, fully learning the wisdom of Egypt in the interpretation of signs! And this carpenter who has demonstrably never attended any school; whom we constantly saw working with hoe and saw shames us and our children in a way that astounds even the top rulers, taking the usually nearly silly carpenter all but for a God! This truly is annoying. He is all in all, speaks all languages as if a native, being a prophet of the first order working signs and things of which no god might be embarrassed; our sons together with ourselves, who surely also learnt something in our time, are as if they could not count the fingers on their hands! Does anyone of us know anything how the carpenter has acquired all this?”

[10] Said others: “Wherefrom should He have acquired anything? Was He not until a few months ago always at home building houses around us and other places with his father and brethren; we never saw a trace of the unusual with him. Besides that He was a man of few words, and when asked about anything then he either gave no answer at all or just a monosyllable so that one took Him for mentally handicapped, and now he suddenly stands their as a man with all the world’s attention! This surely is too vexing for all human reason!

[11] What has taken place with this person? We indeed know that from his earliest childhood he is supposed to have manifested some magical qualities as an almost dumb boy! Father and mother believed that something big should once become of the boy, but all the much-promising faculties disappeared to such extent that not the slightest trace of them could be discovered on any occasion. Already as a boy he did not want to attend school, and as a simple carpenter was without any scientific education. I often asked the old Joseph how things were with Jesus, and whether he also was so terse at home. And the answer was: even more so than outside the house. This his brethren said so as well. If so, then wherefrom such abilities now?”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 23

 

The Nazarenes rebuked. [Matt. 13:57]

  

[01] Since I nevertheless seemed a prophet to them, on account of what they had seen, one Nazarene elder said: “I once heard about a Babylonian traveller, such as are often wont to travel our districts and places as extraordinary beggars, putting up all sorts of magic and prophesying performances for a few pence, who made the following prediction to my neighbour:

[02] “Within thy walls Nazareth, liveth a man thou knowest not. He is quiet and short on words; when his time comes, mountains shall bow to his speech, and winds and sea shall obey him, and death shall tremble before him and have no power over him. Thereupon all the people of this city shall be offended with astonishment, but none shall be able to withstand his power, and death shall flee him as a timid gazelle from a pursuing lion. But when he intends going from this world into the heavens he will allow his enemies to kill him for three days. After three days he shall of his own power dismiss death and rise from the dead in all power and glory and ascend to the heavens with flesh and blood. But then woe betide all those who persecuted him; their fate shall be a most terrible judgement by fire, the like of which has not occurred on earth before. Woe betide all arrogant Jews! They shall not again have a land of their own to the end of the world but wander scattered over all the earth like cursed game in the desert, preparing inedible bread from stubble, thorns and thistles to satisfy their hunger, and shall die of such fare.”

[03] So spoke the Babylonian about three years ago, and it is truly memorable that precisely such a man has arisen from within our walls in Jesus, whose speeches and deeds substantiate almost to a hair’s breadth what this Babylonian prophesied! What therefore is to be done? If the one has come to pass, then the other - namely the judgement could also do so. Hence it is my well-considered view that we let him carry on as he will and can, for it could turn out hard to fight him! Because he who can awaken the dead must be capable of more still. We should fare badly with the one before whom mountains bow down and the winds and seas fall silent. Hence we should let him go, particularly since, as you can see hundreds already follow his teaching with body and soul, taking him for the promised Messiah!”

[04] With this talk by the old Nazarene, the others get even more annoyed but none dares to say another word.

[05] I however saw quite well that nothing could be done with these people, as they had neither faith nor trust, and hence I said briefly but loudly enough for all to hear: “Why are you angry? Have you not heard how it was said of old: “A prophet is not without honour, except in his own country, and in his own house?” [Matt 13:57]. If so however, as experience always taught of old, why are you offended? You would be clever, but I say unto you that you are blind, deaf and full of foolishness. If I am He Who I am, and My words and deeds testify thereof, why do you not believe? Must a prophet always come from a far country to find faith? Does his native country have to be unknown and his tongue foreign?

[06] Had I come from Persia, and not to mention India, doing the signs which I do now, and as none had done before Me, then you would be prostrated before Me on your faces, crying: “It is God’s visitation and we are full of sin and afflictions! Who shall hide us from His wrath?” Being the familiar Joseph’s son, you ask: “How did He come by this?” Oh you blind fools! Is not the land here as much God’s earth as in Persia and India? Does not the same sun shine here, and all kinds of fruit made to grow and ripen through God’s constantly ruling power and might? Are the moon and the stars together with the sun and this earth less godly here than the aforementioned countries?

[07] Since without any doubt everything is as godly and of God here as in other distant countries, why should not man be so? If I perform deeds before your eyes which were never possible to a Persian or Indian before, why should not I like any foolish Persian or Indian earn your respect and faith? Verily, were I to go to the Greeks and Romans today, they would build Me temples and altars!

[08] You however, among whose midst I grew up and known to you from My childhood, ask with angry surprise: “Where does this carpenter, whom we had always known as a real dim wit, get this from?” Oh just wait, the dim wit has ceased being a dim wit and has done you many favours - formerly as dim wit, and now as Master and Saviour evermore; but He shall henceforth not do so anymore.”

[09] To these words the Nazarenes were annoyed even more and left the school.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 24

 

Cyrenius” comments on the Nazarenes

 

[01] Cyrenius said thereto: “Lord and Master, as far as I can with these, stupidity rather than malevolence is the case. For the Nazarenes, except for a few, are notorious as fools, and a fool is always hard to enlighten. Little schooling, no experience, mostly poor, little trade and travel. They subsist mostly from moderate farming and some cattle breeding, and are known not to get to Jerusalem but once a year perhaps, where they not only gain no spiritual education but always rather lose it. Whence should they therefore obtain a better intellect to judge your godly doctrine and godly deeds? On top of that these foolish people are usually jealous; and what I noticed annoyed them most was that their sons, whom they sent to all kinds of schools, are so infinitely behind You in wisdom, knowledge and the most energetic drive! I would not ascribe evil but rather barest stupidity to them which of course can sometimes turn into evil, but naturally not in the most harmful variety, for a foolish person necessarily is too stupid in perpetrating serious damage to anyone. Hence we ought to let them go!

[02] Should someone try to attack You physically, then that would worry me the least. For a start You undisputably possess enough godly power to put an entire well-armed legion to flight - let alone these barest fools, and secondly You have us highest Roman rulers over all Asia fully on Your side, and hence You should never lack proper protection! Should You find persecution here, well, then You know where Sidon and Tyre are situated. Come there and You are safe against whatever kind of persecution.

[03] That these Nazarene townsfolk are almost without any education was shown by the fact that they all streamed into the school more like gapers than humans, out of animalistic curiosity, attested by the fact that they greeted neither myself nor any other ranking lords and governors with any gesture whatsoever! Like donkeys, oxen and stupid sheep they stormed in acting as if they alone were the lords of the world! I cannot even count it to these people as a sin, as they are too crude, stupid and uneducated, and I believe that You oh Lord, Who knows them a thousand times better, shall not count it to show as sin either.”

[04] Say I: “There you are quite right. But it is most important that they recognise Me in their heart as what I really am, for their eternal life depends wholly on this. If they do not recognise Me, they cannot possibly recognise the One who sent Me into the world - and even less the fact that I and the One who sent Me are one and the same Being. As long as their heart does not recognise that, they do not have Me within them and thus also not eternal life and are spiritually dead. For I Myself am eternal life and through My teaching the way to it.

[05] Therefore, who does not accept Me and My teaching does not accept eternal life either and, consequently reap eternal death.

[06] However, I may still not force anyone to believe because any compulsion would be a judgement of the spirit which would give it death just as would the unbelief. Therefore it is even for God difficult to work in such a way that man’s soul is not harmed. If there is any compulsion through an ever so hidden force, he is under judgement. And if there is absolutely no compulsion, he remains an unbeliever, doubts everything and thereby proves that his spirit is completely dead. Who or what shall then enliven his spirit?

[07] He does not accept My life-giving word - and thus also not Me as the sole source of all life in the whole of infinity. Now ask yourself, where else could he obtain the life that I brought and want to give to all men?”

[08] Says Cyrenius: “Yes, indeed I see this clearly now and also have to do so, as I have known for thirty years Who You are; but let us now keep going and see where we can get lunch. It is quite late in the afternoon.” We now left the school and town and went to My house, where a good meal already awaited us. We ate and drank cheerfully and were in good spirits the whole day.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 25

 

The unworthy people. [Matt. 13:55]

  

[01] There was much discussion about the events at Ostracine in Egypt where I spent My childhood and the mother was quite communicative and enjoyed the talks with the viceroy of Asia, as Cyrenius was also called.

[02] James, Joseph’s son, who was well-versed in writing, fetched a rather thick scroll from his cabinet and handed it to Cyrenius with the words: “Noble lord, here I have recorded everything from His birth until His fifteenth year; eventful actually only to His twelfth year, for after that he lost his divine gift so completely that not a trace of it could be detected. That is also why the three years –from 13 to 15 - look quite empty except for some rather wise words, nothing notable took place, and do I did not regard it as necessary to record the very ordinary happenings beyond His fifteenth year. Thus this account of His early years may be considered complete.

[03] However, beside my notes there exist many false records, most likely the work of some old, idle fishwives and, therefore, I do ask everyone to regard my description as the only correct, true and comprehensive one. If I can thereby give you, noble lord, some pleasure, I would like you to graciously accept this my little effort as a small token of gratitude on my part for the many favours you have shown us.”

[04] Cyrenius joyfully takes the scroll into his hands, goes through the pages for a while reading some of it aloud and everybody enjoys it very much. But this gives particular pleasure to the lovely Sarah and also her mother.

[05] Sarah, who was constantly moved to tears, at last saying with a kind of agitation: “What else is needed for grasping even with the hands what I had already discerned from my first healing? God! Such deeds, such signs - and still no belief, no insight, no recognition of the only too truly divine?! Lord, I as a poor weak sinner beg You, work no more signs here. For these Nazarene people with very few exceptions are not worth spitting on, let alone Your too holy words and deeds! I admit it openly that if I were given the authority, I would let these people fast and hunger until they gained insight and recognition of how greatly they had sinned by not recognising this holy time of its visitation and grace!”

[06] Said I to Sarah: “Don’t be offended on account of these foolish and blind ones, My one and only! I know them and their unbelief, and in accordance with your wish I shall work few or no more signs [Matt. 13:58]. You My scribe Matthew make a note of the fact that on account of the prevalent unbelief, I worked very few further signs in My physical homeland, so that in remote future times all the world may know what knuckleheads and unbelievers these Nazarene citizens were in My time! We shall nevertheless stay a few more days and take it easy as idlers, as denounced by the citizens! Since they are so angry, let them be more so, that they might sooner ripen for Satan and his cursed kingdom!”

[07] Says Cyrenius: “I very much regret that, on account of grave matters of state I am not able to remain here for more than a day; but if, oh Lord, I can do anything about this most shamefully unbelieving folk then say so and demand it, and I shall at once take appropriate measures! I will at once if it pleases You, have the entire town caned!”

[08] Say I: “Lets leave all that. These are already caned and punished overabundantly through not believing on Me; for their faithlessness shall once be their inexorable judge, for whom they shall have not one refounder in a thousand. Verily, I say unto you, the Kingdom of God shall sooner be entered by fornicators, adulterers and thieves than by these faithless he-goats and clods! Oh, I tell you what I know only too well: these he-goats and clods are not as unbelieving as they make out to be; they merely don’t want to believe in order that they can sin more freely. Because if they accept My doctrine coercively through the signs, their conscience of necessity would be convicted which would restrict them in their evil hustle and bustle; wherefore they rather believe nothing, and mutually, dismiss anything evident from their feelings, so that they may do as dictated by their evil lusts. Friend, here one could say much, but it is better to keep silent. Hence let us leave them as they are; for whatever is once of the devil, that is difficult to make godly along natural lines!”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 26

 

Hints for law-givers.

  

[01] Says Cyrenius: “It is good for me to know this; the rest shall transpire. Since they don’t accept Your doctrine I shall fix them another. I shall acquaint them through Faustus and his servants with imperial decrees which were sent to me already a half year ago from Rome, already sanctioned for my examination. Perhaps the Gospel from Rome will elicit more respect from them than Your Gospel from the heavens. The decree contains a hundred items as laws, each backed by the cross and the scourge; polygamy is abolished, fornication and whoring punished by most severe scourging, adultery by the cross, robbery and deception by the cross, smuggling with the scourge and a hundred pounds of silver, besides a host of property laws whose transgression is followed by the scourge and a hundred pounds of silver. Travelling without a passport shall be strictly forbidden; a passport however shall be obtainable for a hundred pounds of silver. - Yes, this I shall do and implement these laws most strictly especially in these Galilean cities and see whether no conscience at all is to be discovered or awoken among these people!”

[02] Say I: “This goes with your governing sphere, and I can respond to that with neither a no, nor a yes. Do as you see fit; but do not therewith complicate travelling for Myself and Mine!”

[03] Says Cyrenius: “Definitely not; for artists, physicians, wise men and prophets are excepted. Their references, deeds and rhetoric serve them as fully valid passports, and the death penalty imposed on anyone hindering them. For Yourself I shall have a certificate issued forthwith, and no one shall stop You if You produce the certificate.”

[04] Say I: “Your perpetually good will pleases Me; but save yourself the trouble nonetheless. Because for as long as I wish to travel about, no power shall be able to stop Me! If, however I shall once desire to sacrifice Myself for mankind in aggregate, then no power in the world shall be able to protect Me either; and even if they offered Me such, I would not accept it. Because, friend: Him Whom heaven and earth obey will surely be mightier than all men upon this earth, which latter would hardly serve Me as a footstool! Hence do whatever you see fit, but not much thereof shall come to fruition. For you may bring out an ever so tight law and soon you will see how skillfully men circumvent the law, and you shall be able to do nothing.

[05] God’s Commandments, which were given to the people through Moses, surely are as exhaustive as anything perfect can be; yet men, as these times show, saw fit to quite cleverly transform God’s Commandment into their most truly own evil ordinances that contemporary mankind has no compunction about transgressing God’s Commandment so long as they fulfil those worldly ordinances!

[06] If people can do so with green wood, what shall they not do with a withered block from Rome? Hence do indeed as you think fit, and it shall be right by Me; but I also say unto you:

[07] The more laws, the more criminals, for whom with time your crosses and scourges shall not suffice by far!”

[08] Says Cyrenius: “All that You have said to me so far is irrefutably true; but for my very own instruction I would yet ask; what can one do about the stubbornness of men who in the first instance, like these Nazarenes, believe in no God nor any longer in Revelation from on high, making the most obvious mockery of God’s Commandment with everyone of their deeds? Should one even then leave them with any most severely sanctioned laws, that they may fearlessly indulge in loosest hedonism to their liking, as it would please them, having for such a long time already been without any divine Commandments starting to deal among themselves and with their neighbours in a manner far worse than the rapacious beasts of the desert and forest? Here it is my view that strict worldly laws would be well placed in order to return such people gone completely wild to some order and from such lead them back to a recognition of God!”

[09] Say I: “Quite so; because no way other than coercion through worldly law is thinkable. But it there depends overwhelmingly on what kind of laws mankind is to be given!

[10] For this, an exceedingly deep knowledge of human nature is needed; and the law-giver must not lose sight of the fundamental reason mankind was led into degeneration, or he would resemble a physician who wants to heal all human sicknesses with the self-same medicine, not thinking that the most diverse sicknesses befalling man’s body are of an entirely different nature each having a different origin. Such physician shall indeed find here and there a sick for whose problem the medicine works, and the sick gets well; but a hundred other sick whose problem is of a different nature not only don’t improve with such medicine but get much worse and even die!

[11] If it is difficult to determine the right medicine even for a sick body, which surely every doctor can see and touch, how much more difficult is it to find the right medicine for a sick human soul!

[12] The law indeed is the medicine, provided that the right doctrine, as to how and why it is to be kept is given in conjunction with it; consider however:

[13] Here you have an ill-tempered soul, there a timorous, over there a status-seeking, a jealous, a mean and a deceiving soul; furthermore you find an investigative, next to a lazy and sleepy one; inside one house are four obedient and humble ones, in another, five stubborn ones - and so forth with countless attributes, weaknesses and vices.

[14] Then you bring the one law for all these countless diversely natured souls; how will it avail them? The timorous shall despair, the ill-tempered plot vengeance and overthrow, the lazy remain lazy, whilst the exploring one shall lose courage and pause in his good work. The mean will get meaner, the haughty shall plot with the angry and the clever offer his services to both!

[15] Now consider these and thousands of other results that must go forth from an unwise and clumsy law, and you shall besides that the need for a law other need, namely its close examination as to whether it shall correspond beneficially to all natures or not!

[16] If a law about to be decreed is not proved thus, it should not be presented to the public for observing, as it would obviously have to cause more harm than good in general.

[17] Behold, God, the wisest Creator, has as it were found in the depth of His wisdom only ten commandments that are suitable for all human character types, and they can be easily observed by everyone who is willing, If, however, God Himself finds only ten commandments which fully and beneficially correspond to the nature and peculiarity of every human soul, how can a pagan Emperor in Rome find a hundred laws from the observance of which the human souls are to gain their salvation?”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

  

Chapter 27

 

Suitability of the ten commandments of God for the nature of the soul,

but their disregard by human (civil) laws.

  

[01] The Lord: “I tell you: As long as the Jewish people were ruled by the Judges, who upheld only the laws of God, they complied - except for a few peculiarities - for a long time fully with the divine order. When later, however, they had the opportunity to see the splendour of heathen kings, how they resided in large, magnificent palaces and how their subjects bowed before them into the dust, the blind fools among the Jewish people liked this very much, and since they considered themselves to be the mightiest nation on earth, they demanded of God a king, too. God did not immediately want to grant the foolish wish of the people, but warned them and showed them the bad consequences they would have to put up with under a king. But God preached through the prophets to deaf ears. It did not help, the people wanted a king at any cost.

[02] So God gave the people in Saul their first king and had him anointed by the old, faithful servant Samuel. When the people had their king, who promptly gave them hard to keep laws, they began to sink ever lower - right to the present state of utter depravity.

[03] And what is the main cause of this? Behold, the inept laws that stem from men who did not know their own, let alone their fellowmen’s, nature and with the awkward laws taking only their self-interest into account completely ruined all inner soul-life.

[04] Ask yourself and consider well: If there were somewhere in existence an artful mechanism which had been in efficient operation for a long time in accordance with the designer’s will, yet having stopped in the end due to some damaged part, whereupon some conceited person along to the owner, saying: “Hand the work over to me and I shall restore it”, and the owner did so believing the loud-mouth to be an expert, - what shall most certainly become of the machine if the loud-mouth gets his hands on the machine? Will not this loud-mouth, bereft of all basic mechanical knowledge, trying only to get a few gold pieces out of the equally blind machine owner, not do the machine more harm than good? Will he not rather damage the machine to the extent where even the actual machine builder shall hardly be able to fix it?

[05] If this necessarily would and has to be the case with a most rudimentary and clumsy machine whose parts can readily be seen, counted and grasped by hand withal, if an ignorant loud-mouth wanted to restore it, how much more would a human who is in all his parts the wisest and most artful life-machine, of whose total fitting together only God has full knowledge and insight, be harmed if an ignorant and most unwise, selfish law-giver were intent on reforming him through the most clumsy and counter-productive laws, where he has not the faintest notion for comprehending even a thousandth part what is required to just make one hair grow upon a human head!

[06] Therefore, My dear friend Cyrenius, do leave your intended hundred laws at home, for you would not better anyone through them. Instead, let God’s laws rule and sanction them, and through the observance of these you will be making true humans out of human machines.

[07] Once they have become humans you can present to them the needs of the state, and as true humans they will voluntarily do more than they could ever have done as the gagged slaves of hard and awkward laws.

[08] I say unto you: only that which man does out of free will and well-developed insight is truly done brings benefits one way or another; every coerced work or deed however is not worth a penny. Because alongside every coerced work or deed, anger and revenge against the enforcer are also at work and this shall not be a blessing for whatever labour eternally.

[09] When you have thought through these My words, My dearest Cyrenius then it also shall become plain to you that I told you only the fullest truth!”

[10] Says Cyrenius: “Most noble and godly friend, here truly I don’t need much thought; for Your words are as clear and true as the sun at high noon, and I shall do as advised by You. I shall sanction Moses’ Commandments anew and shall know how to make the people act accordingly! Noblest friend, if it should please You, then I shall also with Your secret spiritual assistance proclaim the well-known Mosaic Commandments to the Greeks for their strictest keeping! For that I should not be lacking even political reasons; because the constant frictions between the Jews and Greeks are notorious, forming from the differing faiths in God and the equally diverse concepts of Him. The Jews assert their thing, come murder or fire, whilst the Greeks, being way ahead of the Jews dialectically, with their smooth tongues so beat the dull Jews that the latter cannot give the Greeks one rejoinder in a thousand, escalating not seldom to bloody consequences, something that surely is not a desirable consequence for differences in faith and divine Commandments.

[11] If therefore I give the Jewish divine Commandments to the Greeks as well, sanctioning them as said even for political reasons, then such disputations shall surely cease. Lord and Master, am I right to do so? And if I am to do it, then please tell me from Your unfathomable wisdom how to go about achieving the said result.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 28

 

The need for spiritual freedom and a free will.

  

[01] The Lord: “In spiritual matters of life do beware above all of the Roman “must” for that is at all times damaging rather than useful to man. For every “must” is a judgement and does not allow any freedom which in purely divine matters of life is the only well-fertilised field in which the seed of life can germinate, sprout and finally develop into a blessed and mature fruit of life.

[02] If you take a recently hatched bird to feed it for strength and rapid flying yet, good feeding not withstanding, keep trimming its wings, - say, will even the best feeding help him? The bird shall be subsisting for sure, but there shall be a problem with free flying until you stop trimming its wings!

[03] Just as the bird is incapable of flying without flying feathers, so also man’s spirit cannot attain to a free life-activity, when his free cognition is trimmed by the sanctioned “must”. A spirit without freedom of action is dead because he does not have what fundamentally conditions and comprises his life.

[04] For his mere terrestrial life-sphere you can give man a thousand laws sanctioned under “must”, and you will harm man’s spirit therewith far less than if you sanction him even one divine Commandment terrestrially.

[05] The spiritual must remain free and has to determine the sanction freely within itself, as also the judgment associated therewith; only thus can it gain life’s perfection in and out of itself.

[06] Free cognition of the good and true are the spirit’s life-light; out of these he then himself determines laws that appeal to him. These are then free laws and the only ones harmonious to free life. The spirit’s violation in accordance with his cognition is the free law within the spirit, and the necessity to eternally act in free will is the everlasting sanction in accordance with which no spirit surely shall act otherwise than in free volition.

[07] And behold, this also is the everlasting self-determining order in God, who surely has no law-giver above Himself.

[08] God’s freest will itself, in accordance with the most perfect cognition and wisest insights within Himself determines the law, sanctioning it out of its very own, although admittedly free necessity. And this then is the basis of all created, terrestrial things and continuance, in so far as this essential for the development, solidification and ultimate isolation of the spirit.

09] The human spirit should however become perfect in himself and by himself like the primordial spirit of God is in Himself and by Himself perfect, otherwise the spirit is no spirit but a judged death.

10] So that the human spirit can become this, the opportunity must be offered to him, to develop himself with time, just like the divine spirit in God Himself has developed Himself from eternity!

11] Behold, since eternity I surely would have sufficient power, to coerce all people with compellingly inner power, to precisely act according to any given law, so that they are not able to deviate one hair’s breath from it; but then man would cease to be man and he would be an animal just like any other in the large kingdom of animals. He would of course very precisely conduct his work but regarding the work itself you would discover just as little difference as with the work of cell building bees and countless many other large and smaller animals.

12] If you then wanted to develop such animal-humans to something higher with your free recognition, you would achieve just as little with them as when it occurred to you to send the bees to a school, where they finally should learn to start building their cells in a better and more effective manner.

13] Therefore you should not judge the ability of man to sin so low and not as too felonious; since without this ability to act against such given laws, man would be an animal and not a person!

14] And I say to you: Sin gives man the testimonial that he is human; without it he would be an animal!”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

  

Chapter 29

 

Blessedness of free development.

  

[01] (The Lord:) “Therefore, it is good and right to punish sinners if they have strayed too much from the order which God Himself has set for certain perfection attainable in the shortest possible time. But no one should be prevented from the possibility of sinning through an inflexible “must”. For I assure you: I prefer a sinner who voluntarily repents to 99 righteous according to the law who never needed repentance. The first one is a complete man, the others only partly.

[02] Thereby I do not, of course, want to say that I prefer a sinner, who is always a sinner, to a righteous man, for to continue in sin means: to also become an animal which lives an unclean life prompted by a false instinctive motivation. Here I speak only of a sinner who in himself freely recognises that it was wrong to act contrary to the law and who begins to change his attitude according to the recognised order of God and becomes a man who is familiar with every lesson life teaches.

[03] Once in My Kingdom such a spirit will be capable of achieving endlessly greater things than one who out of slavish fear never strayed from the law by a hair’s breadth and in this be fear dictated observance of the law has physically and spiritually turned himself into a machine without a free will.

[04] Take a stone and throw it upwards! In accordance with the “must” law put into it, it shall not take long for it to fall back to earth. Is the stone to be praised for keeping the law so strictly? You can certainly do all sorts of things with the stone as far as a solid foundation is concerned; but create some free activity for it, and it shall not abandon its dead rest!

[05] Hence you should not turn people into stones through “must” laws but rather educate them in their freedom, then you have acted fully in accordance with God’s order.

[06] Behold, if the people highly placed upon earth were not as lazy as they are, with rare exception they would with just a random amount of investigative spirit have quite easily noted that any person with a certain degree of education shall not in all eternity be satisfied with an animalistic monotony. He no longer builds a hut with thatches, straw and kneaded clay, but masons stones and bakes clay into bricks, building himself a stately dwelling with encircling walls, adding solid towers from whose battlements he can espy the approach of potential enemies!

[07] And so a thousand educated people shall build themselves dwellings from which none resembles another - neither in shape nor interior design; but in contrast look at the nest of birds and animal retreats, and you shall never find diversification! Look at a swallow’s or sparrow’s nest or a spider’s web or bee’s cell and a thousand other products or efforts brought forth by animals, and you shall find neither an improvement nor retrogression. But compare human works: what almost limitless diversity! And yet it is always only humans which bring all this about with often much effort!

[08] This proves clearly that God Who endowed man with a spirit similar to His own, did not create man to become an animal, but to gain the fullest and freest God-likeness.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 30

 

Development and law.

  

[01] The Lord: “If man, irrespective of sex, colour of skin and earthly rank has been created by God for such a supreme goal, which is now no doubt quite clear to you, his spiritual part cannot ever be given a “must” law if he is finally to become that for which God has destined him. Instead, every law should be given with a “shall,” and only for wicked opponents of the free law there should be a suitable punishment, always providing a chance for voluntary betterment, which must never appear as an arbitrary, but as a necessary consequence of disregarding the law of order. In this manner the human spirit will arrive at independent thinking and sooner accept the given law and act in accordance with it, whereas an arbitrary punishment for an offence always hardens and embitters the human heart and turns man into a devil show vengeance will not die until he has, either while still in this world, but quite certainly in the beyond, taken terrible revenge. This has to be allowed, for otherwise he could not ever be bettered in the hell of his own heart.

[02] The law-giver and punisher shall never forget that man’s spirit, be it good or evil, can never be put to death, but lives on. While he still walks visibly on earth you can defend yourself and drive him off if he persecutes you; but once he has left the body and is able to approach you in a thousand ways to harm you and dog your steps without being seen and detected by you, - say, with what weapons can you then defend yourself?

[03] Behold, I now tell you: the great calamity which would have completely crushed you without Me, you have alone to thank those spirits whom you made into irreconcilable enemies through your over-strict implementation of Roman state law. Hence let this My all-embracing instruction be impressed upon your senses, whereby you shall then become a good worker in God’s vineyard, for you lack neither authority nor means, nor a consistently good will; that which you had been lacking however you have now received from Myself. Apply it faithfully, and a fruition-blessed crown shall not fail to reward you!”

[04] Says Cyrenius fully touched by the wise practicality of My instruction to him: “Oh You my holiest, foremost and greatest friend, Master and God of my heart! Only now am I fully in the clear. A thousand and multiple thousands of happenings in my life now come to mind, and I now see that notwithstanding my honest and good will, have sinned against the divine order towards those I condemned to execution will the law’s full force was unfortunately greater than theirs. Who shall therefore be capable of ever making good such blatant sins before You?”

[05] Say I: “Don’t be troubled. With God nothing is impossible, and I have made everything good for you a long time hence, - or you should not now be with Me!”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 31

 

Jairus” talk about the effect of miracles.

  

[01] Says Jairus thereto: “Yes, indeed, mighty Cyrenius, you are fully right in saying about yourself that you are now in the clear; because I too and surely each one of us is so and is able to grasp the sheerest eternal necessity for this incontrovertible truth from its foundation as to how things are and how man should be constituted. But what can be done? Mankind has sunk too deeply, - it does not comprehend a gentle, free doctrine, and to be honest, one would waste the time, because one would go into fruitless effort, hardly bringing forth thistles and thorns for vainest fruition! Hence through gentle means no results are possible, at least not with the Jews I know!

[02] To teach the people through signs however is doubly wrong, because persuaded through miracles to receive the truth, man is under judgement and bonded, believing the words reinforced through miracles not on account of the truth but solely on account of the mighty wonders, and not from inner conviction and consequent self-determination; hence becoming active in accordance with such word out of slavish fear of some sudden punishment. If someone cleverly dissuades him against the miracle, he shall also be the first to say a glad goodbye to the world with the accompanying faith! And secondly, the doctrine supported by miracles is bad also because the miracle as such cannot have a duration in itself, and cannot move forward to generations to come as more than a told and not experienced one, unable to serve more than as a children’s tale.

[03] If a miracle could be made to last, or empower all teacher’s hearing these truths to work signs perpetually, then such lasting wonder would be relegated only too soon to natural daily occurrences by the human intellect, losing the force of its significance. A miracle that can be worked by all teachers of truth at all times would also secondly become mundane like the commonplace magic of the troubadours, which certainly I am not able to emulate, neither seeing how and by what means they are effected; but because one sees such only too often, it loses the attribute of the wondrous, sinking to the commonplace and unusual.

[04] Is not everything that daily surrounds us wonder upon wonder? That which we hear, see, feel, smell, taste - is nothing but wonder upon wonder! Yet because it endures and always proceeds in the same order, it loses the attribute of the miraculous and hence does not bond man’s feeling as does judgement but merely engages the attention of some scientist. These put the ear to the ground, desperately trying to hear the grass grow; but notwithstanding all their efforts they achieve little or nothing, not being able to find out how the grass does grow, they in the end put on airs of comprehension. Not being able to make the grass grow, others learn ancient and worn out bits of magic to confound those blind and therewith make the seeing laugh at how harmlessly the blind let themselves be talked around.

[05] It is therefore certain that miracles basically have either very little or as is usually the case nothing whatever for reforming mankind because of what I rightly just said about miracles; they indeed normally arouse the idle curiosity of the onlookers, but with all due effort they nevertheless don’t loosen the sinister heart-strings of the soul, the miracle-gapers remaining as they were and at most ask each other usually as foolishly as possible - “yet how the magician got it going!” - but the still more foolish ones don’t see anything about the wonder-man other than devils and their spooking anyway.

[06] However, if so few desirable fruits emerge from the sphere of the miraculous and even fewer and inferior ones by legal coercion, according to Your most lucid presentation Oh Lord and Master, hardly five in a thousand people being open to free learning, then I believe myself not wrong in asking what in the end is one to do as teacher? Miracles harm and so do harsh laws - whilst only sporadically is any man capable of freely absorbing instruction from Your divine wisdom depth! How can one effectively free oneself from this dilemma? How can one steer the ship past the world-renowned Scylla and Charybdis in order not to be swallowed by either the one or the other?”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 32

 

Basics about God’s nature.

  

[01] Say I: “You have judged correctly, My friend; but one thing you still forgot - that to God many things are still possible which seem impossible to men. Behold and count My disciples! There are few school-educated amongst them; I first awakened them through the Word and only then let them experience in actuality the foretold power of the divine word. A miracle worked after the preceding pure word is no longer judgmental but merely a reinforcement of the Word.

[02] But I nevertheless do not place the proofs of the miracles that I work into the miracles themselves, but into the light of the world, saying: he who lives in accordance with My Word, such alone shall gain living conviction within himself that My words are not vainly human ones but the words of God!

[03] Verily he who does not receive this stated proof in his heart, to him all other proofs shall be of little or no use! For My words are themselves light, truth and life.

[04] He who hears My Word therefore and accepts same, living in accordance with it, he has taken Me up personally within himself; he who receives Me also perceive Him Who sent Me into the world and who nevertheless is completely one with Me. For whatever I want, He wants too! And He is none other than I and I none other than He right down to the skin which encloses us both. In whomsoever as in Myself, love and wisdom reside in the heart is like Me and like He Who sent Me into this world to heal and make blissful all who will believe on the Son of Man! - Do you all comprehend this?”

[05] Say many: “Yes, Lord!” But some say: “This is for the first time a difficult doctrine, and we can hardly grasp its meaning. How can You and Your Word be one and the same?”

[06] Say I: “If you are not able to grasp what shines as brightly before you as the midday sun, how shall you grasp greater things? If you don’t understand the terrestrial, how shall you grasp heavenly things? What and Who is the Father? Behold and understand: The eternal love in God is the Father. What and Who is the Son? That which goes forth from the fire of love, - the light, which is the wisdom in God. And as love and wisdom are one, thus also Father and Son are one.

[07] Where is there one among you who does not have some sort of love and hence some corresponding degree of intellect? Is he on that account of a twofold nature? Or if a lamp is burning with a bright flame that surely is a fire, must he go about lighting flames all over in order to see within the same room? Does not one bright flame light up the one room so well that one has enough light in the whole room? Does not the light proceed from the flame, which is a fire? And since it goes forth from the flame, is it therefore something other than the shining flame itself? - Oh you blind ones! - Natural things like that you are not able to grasp, - how then will you understand the celestial?

[08] Wherefore let him who is offended in Me go home and do and believe whatever seems right to him. For everyone shall once live in accordance with his belief, and the deeds which he shall carry out in accordance with his belief out of his love shall be his judges!

[09] For I shall not judge anyone, but each man’s judge shall be his love - in accordance with the Word that I have now spoken unto you!”

[10] Following this explanation, those who previously had not understood My talk come forward asking Me whether they can stay; because they started to see the light, and they would spare no effort in trying to understand My Word more clearly than had been the case before.

[11] And I say: “surely I never removed you but only advised everybody who would be offended in Me to rather leave for their own sake than continue to be offended. Since I have therefore not removed you, why should you not be allowed to stay? Stay if your hearts are anger-free!” With this advice they move back reassured.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 33

 

Healing of an old Jew’s sick relative.

  

[01] Thereupon an old Jew from the district of Nazareth suddenly enters the room asking for Me. The disciples point me out and he steps over to Me, falling on his knees and saying in a sobbing voice,

[02] “Most beloved Master, son of my old friend Joseph! I heard of Your miraculous way of healing the sick and therefore set out to see You in my great plight, as I heard that You are now staying in Nazareth again.

[03] Behold, I count ninety years already and quite toilsome; I have children and grandchildren who have looked after me with all love and attention. But now some unknown sickness has come over them, making them all bedridden and I as a feeble old man am the only one in the house spared and don’t know what to do. No neighbour ventures into my house for fear of contracting the serious disease, and so I stand there helplessly by myself and at a loss what to do. I have prayed to God the Lord for help - even through death if that be His will!

[04] As I was praying thus, a person came to my window saying: “What makes you doubt since help is so near you? Go to Joseph’s house! The Saviour Jesus Himself is there; He alone can and will help you!” - Thereupon I gathered together all my strength, handed all my sick, whom I couldn’t help anyway to God the Lord and set upon the not too distant walk to You here. And since I was so fortunate as to find You good, beloved Saviour here, I would also beg You with all my vital powers to go over to my seventeen sick, who are being tormented terribly by the unknown sickness!”

[05] Say I: “I had actually decided to work no more signs for this area on account of the exceeding lack of faith. If you believe that I am able to help you, then return home confidently and what you have believed shall happen to you.”

[06] Deeply moved, the old man thanked Me and went home. And fortified himself, and still approaching the house, the seventeen, as well, came to meet him, as if they had never been ill greeting him faithfully and amicably as always, assuring him that they suddenly got well a half hour earlier, and hazarding to get up, they had felt stronger than ever before in their healthy state. They had looked for him everywhere and had started worrying about him.

[07] Hearing this, the old man realised that the nasty sickness left his relatives at exactly the time I had said to him at My house - Let it be done to you according to your faith.

[08] Only at the house, after his relatives asked him where he had been, did he say: “I had heard that the world-renown Saviour Jesus was again staying at Nazareth, and so I got up and went over - and behold, he heard me and just said: “Let it be done to you according to your faith” and you became well instantly upon this His Word! Say it yourselves whether anything like it had ever been experienced in Israel before!”

[09] Say the healed ones: “Hearken, father, if so then He must be more than just a wonder-healer! Father, this could in the end at last be another great prophet, greater than Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel, - in the end perhaps as great as Moses, Aarona and Elijah! Only to these was it possible to work such miracles with Jehovah’s help, because all spirits, under the earth as well as upon it, in the water and in the air had to subject themselves to them. If however they are subject to such exceedingly great prophet, then of course he has to be capable of accomplishing anything he wants!

[10] But how did the carpenter’s son come by such inestimable grace from God? We all know him only too well; it is hardly three years since he was carpenting for us with his brothers. There was nothing like that noticeable with him then. He must only recently received such gift! A pious man he was at all times indeed; his demeanour was always highly respectable; he was a quiet worker speaking only essentials. He was hardly ever seen laughing, but neither mourning. Thus Jehovah could well have regarded his virtues and now given him such grace. For Jehovah never looks on a person’s worldly standing but only upon his pure, unspoiled heart!”

[11] Says the old man: “Yes indeed, you could be right there, it is bound to be so. But if it is indisputably thus, then we must go there early in the morning and bring him our praise and thanks! Because everyman should bow his knees before a prophet obviously called and anointed by God with His Spirit! Because it is not the prophet but God Himself Who speaks and acts through the heart and mouth of same!”

[12] Say all: “Amen, let this be our first and highest duty!” These people then moved into the house, and the young ones prepared supper, for they all were hungry.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 34

 

01] However, the pharisees from Nazareth have heard about the dangerous illness of the occupants of this house and that they never will recover. They went there to settle everything about the tenth of the estate and about the funeral; since after death they had no right anymore to the inheritance, because the ill has departed without their support, - in which case the state acted as heir. When thus the pharisees arrived already late at night when the people of the house began to go to bed, the greedy transporters of souls into the aftermath showed very disappointed faces when they found the people of the house in the best of health of whom they were expecting at least half of them to be dead already.

02] The first pharisee who entered with great precaution holding his breath, said: “Yes, what is this? Are you still alive? We thought that at least half of you have passed away already, and we come to bless your souls and to bury your bodies according to the custom of our fathers! Who made you well again? Surely not Borus! We know that he did not visited you when he was called; for he was like us equally afraid of your extremely dangerous illness. Who thus was your doctor?”

03] Said the son-in-law of the old man, who was a strong man regarding work and talking: “Why are you asking about it? You have not supported us and therefore we do not owe each other anything! You have not come to us because of our salvation, but for the tenth of the inheritance; and I say to you: about this you can forever stay away from our house! For if you not can, want and dare to provide assistance to a house in all danger, then you can go elsewhere! This house will never require any help from you! Truly, with all your actions you are worse than the evil worms of the earth who only devour, do no good but ruin all kind of good fruit of the earth and make it wretched! Therefore leave our faces soon otherwise you will get mugged!”

04] Said one of the elders: “Alright, we will leave; but you could do us favour by telling us who have helped you! Daily we have prayed for you for seven hours and therefore would like to know if you have been miraculously healed by our prayers! Since it would be impossible for you to have recovered along conventional methods! Tel us therefore; it costs you in anyway nothing!”

05] Says the son-in-law: “Leave, you liars! You might have prayed for our death for seven hours daily to obtain the inheritance tenth, but surely not for our life; for you have not come here to greet us as recovered, but to write up the tenth and greedily take possession of it after the death of us all! O you loose villains, I know you only too well and your prayers as well! Therefore leave, otherwise I will be forced to make use of my house-rights! You are forever not worthy to pronounce the name of Him who helped us!”

06] Said the elder once more: “Now then, let it be that we are as you think; but we still can change! Since a miracle has taken place and it can reform us in all our thinking and actions! Therefore tell us!”

07] Said the son-in-law quite heatedly: “Nothing on this earth will change you, also not God! If you could have changed you would have changed long ago; since you have Moses and all the Prophets who testify against you! However, your god is Mammon and consists of gold and silver! This god you serve in your hearts and only outwardly wrap yourself with the cloth of Moses and Aaron for pretence, so that you more easily as tearing wolves in sheep clothes can attack the herds with your deadly teeth and tear them to pieces and consume them!

08] However, Jehovah knows you and soon will give you the long overdue deserved reward! God has now awaken Jesus, the son of the carpenter, just like Moses once, and this Jesus who healed us from a distance only by His mighty word, will also tell you how much your reward is worth before God; since He is filled with the spirit of God and you with the spirit of Beelzebub! Therefore let it be said to you for the last time, that you better leave and never set foot in this house again, - otherwise you will experience evil!”

09] After these words the pharisees leave the house and think quite strange things about Jesus who again crossed their actions, and they started to plan how to get rid of him, otherwise the certain possibility exists that in a short time all Jews will be instigated against them just like this house.

10] But when they allowed these thoughts to quite animated arise in them, a mighty, thundering bang occurred behind them so that they were immensely terrified and began running back to town.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 35

 

Occasion with the inheritance-seeking Pharisees and the old man’s son-in-law.

 

[01] When they entered the dwelling they immediately picked up David’s Psalter and with the first throw opened it at Psalm 37 and the elders starts to read:

[02] “Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good: so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him: and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

[03] Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.

[04] For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming. The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.

[05] A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous. The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away. The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

[06] After this verse, one Pharisee rises, saying to the elder reading: “What kind of silly stuff are your reading? Don’t you notice that this all concerns us from a bad angle whilst from the good angle none other than the carpenter’s son? This is quite a damning incrimination of us, yet you are reading as lightly and cheerfully as if it were some written praise of us from the Jerusalem High Priest!”

[07] Says the elder: “Friend, it will do us no harm if we are therewith lit up to each other a little more brightly than we are! It is better that we lit up a little in front of each other than be lit up a little later naked before the whole world as deceivers of the people, despised and abandoned by everyone. Because it depends in the final analysis on God alone as to how long in our current ways and means we remain standing un-exposed, and hence I am going to continue reading this most extraordinary Psalm!”

[08] Says several: “You are right, do so!”

[09] And the elder continues reading:

[10] “For such as are blessed by Him shall inherit the earth; and they who are cursed by Him shall be cut off.”

[11] Here the incensed Pharisee asks again: “Who are the blessed, and who the cursed?”

[12] Says the Elder: “That we are not the blessed ones can be grasped with the hands, with the rising persecution through the Romans! For were we the blessed then God would not have set down such plague in our promised land! Everything else you can easily work out yourself. But I shall continue to read,

[13] The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen ten righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.

[14] Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.

[15] The mouth of the rigious speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.

[16] Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

[17] I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green by tree. Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.

[18] Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

[19] As the elder finished the Psalm, the Pharisee furiously assails him, shouting: “Old donkey you, do you not notice that we are described as the wicked in this Psalm, whilst those on Jesus” side as the righteous? Do you not notice that we shall be cut off, whilst they shall inherit the land? Are not we the ones trying to kill him, the righteous one, whilst God preserves him? This is a nice Psalm for us!”

[20] Says the Elder: “I did not write it! It is in the Book; and if we remain as we are we shall also have to bear it in actuality! Do you understand such, and God’s power?!”

[21] Says another: “This thing I understand better than all of you! Our friend Roban was bound to read this Psalm; this was effected by the carpenter son’s most inexplicable magic powers of course! For he was able to heal with one word the entire family, where we had only just heretofore sought our gold and silver fortune then he is equally able to force us to read only such Psalms which testify as forcibly against us as the testimony once against David’s foes.

[22] Beside this, the old Joseph is supposed to definitely be descended from David’s lineage, and Jesus also is referred to now as Son of David as Joseph’s second wife Mary also is supposed to be a descendant of that same tribe, for which reason the old Joseph who has always been a clever fox most probably caused his son secretly to learn all sorts of magical powers, so that the latter would confound the superstitious Romans and Greeks thereafter to then introduce himself as a son of Jupiter or Apollo, thereupon the Romans would have to indisputably proclaim and elevate him as their emperor! And if those lords residing in Rome are as blind as these wielding power over Asia, whom Jesus already has in his bag to so speak, then he may not be failing in a short time to prescribe laws to the Romans - and we are then all done for!”

[23] Says another: “surely it ought to be possible to put a stop to such undertaking through secret correspondence with the emperor!”

[24] Says the first: “You shall find it hard to put a stop to one who sees everything with his magical sight that you think ever so secretly. Who else but he frightened us with the thunderclap on the way home, as he is sure to have heard what we said against him? And who else but he caused us to read the Psalm so severely condemning us? And why? Because he was sure to know what we intended undertaking against him! Go and sit at the writing table and try a secret writing to the Emperor - and I vouch for it that you shall either not be able to write one word down, or you shall be forced to depict a dreadful self-incrimination through his inexplicable secret magic power!

[25] On top of that our chief Jairus is now taken in by him body and soul for twice awakening his daughter from death and backs him up in whatever the former wants - and hence we shall also accomplish nothing against him in Jerusalem. In short, we are nailed up on all sides, and tied up and cannot move against him. The best thing still it seems to me is to grin and bear it or declare ourselves fully as his disciples, for we can otherwise do nothing worthwhile against him, since we are not so much as able to think it without him finding out instantly in the most penetrating way.”

[26] Says old Roban: “I am of the same opinion! We have only once option: that we maintain complete neutrality, or we all embrace his doctrine and do as he advises and commands us for one cannot kick against this prickle.”

[27] Say all: “We shall maintain ourselves completely neutral, that shall be the best; for therewith we shall alienate neither Rome nor Jerusalem, and therein lies our prudence along which we must order our lives.”

[28] After this all go to take their rest and each is secretly pondering what to do for his part.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 36

 

The Pharisees’ elder Roban with Jesus.

  

[01] In the morning Roban nevertheless comes to Me in the house asking to speak with Me.

[02] I say to him: “I know what you want to tell Me; but that which I want to tell you, you know not, and so you may hear Me.”

[03] Says Roban: “If You intend to speak, then do, and I will hear You.”

[04] Say I: “Yesterday you were reciting a Psalm; it turned out to be Psalm 37, and it hit you as well as your colleagues hard, and you turned somewhat inwardly and then discussed whether to be neutral towards me or become My disciples. You decided on neutrality. You yourself thought during the night about becoming My disciple, and have now come to ask Me about it.

[05] I say to you neither yes or no and remain if you wish, or go if you will! For behold, I have plenty of disciples! There are several rooms in this My house and they are all full of disciples. Out there in the open you see tents occupied by My disciples. Here, next to this My smallest room, is the big work and dining room; inside are resting still the big lords of Rome, and these are My disciples as well. Inside one small room lives the chief Jairus with wife and daughter whom I had twice awakened from the dead. And behold, he too is My disciple. If I have people like that as My disciples, then you can just as well also become My disciple. But as you see, I am not insisting! Stay if you wish, and if not, leave. Because both roads are open to you.”

[06] Says Roban: “Lord, I stay, - and it is highly likely that more of my colleagues shall come and stay like I. Because I am starting to comprehend that there must be more to You than mere secret magical powers of an occidental magician. You are a god-anointed prophet of a distinct order as never was one before You and hence I say,

[07] It is indeed written that no prophet shall arise out of Galilee; but I no longer adhere to that, - because an obvious deed counts more with me than the mysterious Word of Scripture which none can understand in its true depth. On top of that You are not to my knowledge a native of Galilee but of Bethlehem, and You therefore could quite well be a prophet. I feel myself powerfully attracted to You, and Your proximity has an agreeable effect on me, and so I stay. I don’t actually possess great wealth, but what I have, we could all live on for thirty years. If You charge tuition fees then half my wealth is at Your disposal.”

[08] Say I: “Go over to My disciples and ask them how much they pay Me for tuition and maintenance; then pay Me the same!”

[09] Roban immediately asks several disciples in attendance. These however spoke: “Our holy Master has never yet asked us for a stater [Austrian currency. The Ed.], although we are constantly provided by Him with everything He is bound to ask no more of you than of us. Faith and love is all He asks of us.”

[10] Asks Roban further: “Can you actually already perform some deeds that are beyond human comprehension? And if you are capable of doing so, do you also understand how such is possible?”

[11] Says Peter: “If necessary we too can perform such deeds through the Master’s power and also understand quite thoroughly how these are quite easily possible. If you intend to be a genuine disciple of His, you too shall be able to carry out such deeds and then understand quite well what you are doing! For here love is the law, and wisdom carries it out.”

[12] Roban continues to ask: “And were you able to discover here or there whether Satan perhaps invisibly has a part in it?”

[13] Says Peter: “What wicked are you poor blind man not asking! How can Satan have a part where all the supremely highest heavens exert the almightiest influence?! I and all of us have seen the heavens open and the angels of God descending to earth in countless hosts; and we saw how they served Him - and us all! If so, how is Satan’s participation possible?!

[14] If you cannot believe me then go to Sychar and inquire of the High Priest Joel and the wholesaler merchant Jairuth who now occupies the well known castle Esau! These our friends shall faithfully acquaint you with Who He is Whose disciples we have the never-deserved highest grace to be! At Jonael’s as well as Jairuth’s, you shall also encounter serving angels in seemingly physical form.”

[15] On hearing such, Roban steps up to Me full of reverence whether I have any objection to him travelling to Sychar.

[16] Say I: “Not in the least. Go there and inquire about all these things and when you are back again inform your brothers and colleagues of all the things you have heard and seen. When you have completed this mission successfully, come back here and follow Me. For you shall be able to find out which direction I headed off meanwhile. But when travelling through the first toll-district from here, and afterwards Kis and Cana in Samaria, and they ask you whereto and in whose name you are undertaking this journey then mention My name, and they shall let you go for free everywhere. But don’t travel with the outfit of a Pharisee elder, for that way you would not get far; but put on simple and ordinary citizen’s clothing, and they shall have no objection even in Samaria.”

[17] On hearing such, Roban at once got under way, going to foreign parts seeking and recognising what was so close to him at home.

[18] But these are people and spirits at all times that one can see, experience and learn more abroad than at home; yet the same sun shines everywhere. Of course one can get to know other areas, other people and other customs and other tongues; but whether the heart has won anything therefrom is another thing!

[19] He who goes travelling to foreign parts for idle curiosity or to amuse or divert himself shall win little for educating his heart; but he who goes abroad to be of use to those people and to bring them a new light, let him journey and act, and the journey shall yield him much gain.

[20] Every prophet accomplishes more in a foreign land than in his own house.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 37

 

Jose the old man thanks the Lord.

  

[01] After Roban was gone, the old man, who was named Jose, came with his children and grand-children who were all healed that night and gave Me thanks, praise and honour, asking whether he and his could keep Me company that day.

[02] And I spoke to him: “Do as it pleases you! You had to put up a fight for Me last night with the Pharisees, and you all carried yourselves well in My name. Wherefore you shall in future be freed from all such plague, and no greedy zealot shall in future cross the threshold of your house. But go over to My disciples now, and these shall instruct you on what to believe and do in future!”

[03] At this point Peter steps forward and leads the entire company over to Matthew the scribe and the latter lets them read all that has taken place with My disciples and what I have taught.

[04] Only after these were thus looked after spiritually do Cyrenius, Cornelius, Faustus and the Chief Jairus with wife and daughter emerge from their bedrooms, greeting Me most amicably and thanking Me for the good and fortifying sleep and exceedingly beautiful dreams that night; I reciprocate their greetings, pointing out the new arrivals who had been healed.

[05] And Cyrenius steps over to them, questioning them in detail. On hearing about the mighty machinations of the Pharisees he became enraged and spoke: “Nay, Lord, in your exceedingly holy name, I can not forgive these disciples of Satan! I must have them punished even if I should lose my life! Are not these wolves, hyenas and foxes the likes of which there are none in Palestine or even all of Asia! What difference is there indeed between these and the worst thieves and highway robbers? Oh you wicked ones, you beasts of the first and most rapacious order! Servants of God they call themselves, having themselves honoured sky-high and praised by day; come night and they go most openly on the prowl! Well, just wait, I shall drive your nocturnal prowling out of you in a way that you won’t know whether you are coming or going!”

[06] Say I to the incensed chief governor: “Friend, let it be; for what you are about to do, I have already done this night in the deftest manner, resulting in their early acceptance of My doctrine. Their elder by the name of Roban was here already today and has accepted My doctrine, wherefore I have already sent him as a converted disciple to Sychar where he shall see and learn much. He shall return in two days and shall quite certainly bring his disciples under My wing. And behold, this is better than rod, cross and axe.”

[07] Says Cyrenius somewhat less agitated: “If so then I certainly retract my words and not sentence them harshly; but they shall have to answer for themselves!”

[08] Say I: “Just not this morning, but in the afternoon. Because we want to spend this beautiful time on something better. Before everything, lets proceed to the morning meal.”

[09] Borus had ordered the setting up of a large number of tables in the open, with which work My carpenter brothers of course assisted him, and thus on this pre-Sabbath, ie. on this holiday, breakfast was eaten in the open. About fifty large tables were provided with benches and set with eats and wine and it was delightful to see hundreds of all kinds of guests seated straightway, singing Psalms and praise and consuming the plentiful breakfast. In the midst of the tables a sort of stage was erected where a large decorated table with food awaited us, and we, ie. I Myself, Cyrenius, Cornelius, Faustus, Jairus with wife and daughter, My mother and the twelve disciples took our seats, enjoying our breakfast ordered by Faustus and Borus amidst all kinds of uplifting and cheerful conversations.

[10] But Lydia, the young wife of Faustus, was absent as she had been left at home in Capernaum because of the many duties there, although she would have loved to come to Nazareth too. My mother reproached him about that, quite gently of course, and he regretted to have left his beloved wife at home and decided to fetch her himself without delay.

[11] But I said to him: “Leave that alone; if I will it she shall be here about noon safe and sound.” Faustus asked Me for this and I promised to do it.

[12] Promptly two extremely beautiful youths in light blue pleated garments could be seen at My side. They bowed to the ground before Me and said: “Lord, Your servants are waiting for Your holiest commands with deepest reverence.”

[13] And I said to them: “Go and fetch Lydia, so that she may be with us.”

[14] The two vanish and Cyrenius asks Me quite surprised: “Friend, who were these two so exceedingly beautiful and charming youths? By heaven, my eyes have never yet seen such glorious figures.”

[15] Say I: “Behold, every master has his servants, and when he calls them, they must come and serve him. Since I am also a master, I too have My servants who have to proclaim My orders to the entire infinity. They are indeed not visible to you, but they are to Me; and where you do not suspect anything, countless legions are waiting for My sign. And these My servants - although they look so delicate - are strong enough to destroy this earth in a moment, if I should bid them to do so. - But look, there the two are already coming with Lydia,”

[16] Now all those at My table are amazed and Cyrenius says: “How is that possible? The two could have been hardly 500 paces from here - from here to Capernaum it is almost two leagues - and now they are already back. That really surpasses everything a poor human can ever experience on this earth.”

[17] When Lydia is gently led to our table by the amazed Faustus, Cyrenius promptly asks her: “But sweetest Lydia, how did you arrive here from Capernaum so quickly? Were you maybe already on your way?”

[18] Says Lydia: “Do you not see the two angels of God? They carried me here faster than with the speed of an arrow. I saw neither earth nor air on the way but from there to here was only a moment and now I am here. But do ask the two angels, they will be able to tell you more about it than I.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 38

 

About the Lord’s Deity and His humanness.

  

[01] Now Cyrenius turns to the two angels and asks them how such a thing could be possible, but they with the greatest reverence point to Me with their heavenly beautiful hands and say with an extremely pure and melodious voice: “His will is our being, our power and our speed. We are unable to do anything out of ourselves; but if He wills it, we absorb His will and are then able to do everything through it. Our beauty which is blinding your eyes is our love for Him, and this love is again nothing else but His will within us. If you want to become similar to us, do absorb His living word into your heart and act voluntarily in accordance with it, then you will like us have His word’s almighty power and strength within you. And if He will then call you to act according to His will, all things will be possible to you and you will be able to do more than we because you have gone forth form His love, whereas we originate only from His wisdom. - Now you know how we could easily perform what amazed you so much. Do comply fully with His word in future and you, too, will be capable of most miraculous things.”

[02] Here Cyrenius opens his eyes in surprise and says: “So I am right after all if I regard Jesus as the sole God and Creator of the entire world?”

[03] Say the angels: “You are indeed right, but do not make a great fuss about it, and when you notice on Him things that are so very human, don’t take offence at it, for all that is human would not be such unless it had not previously been of God from eternity. Therefore if He sometimes moves within to you familiar and accustomed forms, this is still not unworthy of Him, for every form, every thought was first in Him before it according to His will began to constitute and direct a free will independent of Him. There does not exist any thing or being in infinity that has not gone forth from Him. This earth and everything in and on it is nothing but His forever unchanged fixed thought and which became a reality through His word. If He - and this would be very easy for Him - were to relinquish this substantial thought in His mind and will, that same moment the earth would cease to exist and everything it contains and carries would share its lot of destruction.

[04] However, the Lord’s will is not like a man’s will who wants today this and tomorrow something else. The Lord’s will is eternally one and the same and nothing can bend it in the from eternity established order. But there nevertheless rules the greatest freedom within this order, and the Lord can do whatever He wishes and so can also every angel and man. That this is so, you can notice in your very own being and from a thousand other things.

[05] With your actual physical form you can do as you please, and nothing but your own will can hinder you therein. But the individual actual physical form admits of no variation because it finds itself within firm divine order.

[06] Equally you can change the earth’s exterior considerably, digging away mountains and changing river bends. You can dry out seas and create beds for new seas. You can build bridges over seas and transform desert to blessed fruition through diligence and effort: in short, you can carry out countless changes upon earth; - yet, you cannot make the day longer by a hair’s breadth nor the night equally shorter, and you cannot command the winds and storms.

[07] You must endure the winter and tolerate the heat of summer, and notwithstanding all your will-power, you can change the shape and constitution of no creature. You shall never make a lamb into a lion nor a lion into a lamb; and behold, that again is God’s rigid Order, within which indeed you have much freedom to act, notwithstanding that you cannot displace God’s actual Order by a hair’s breadth.

[08] And here before you is He Who has established such order from eternity and alone can discontinue it if He so wills just as you within this fixed divine order. On which depends your existence and the existence of everything that surrounds you, you are still free in your thinking, willing and acting, all the more free is the Lord and can do whatever He wishes.

[09] Therefore, we tell you once more: Do not take offence if the Lord moves before you in a human form, for every form is His very own work.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 39

 

Angelic influence upon man.

  

[01] When Cyrenius heard this from the two angels, he became absolutely certain and ceased to guess that I must surely be a higher being, but said to himself: “Yes, it is He!” Then he, full of reference, went to Me and said: “Lord, now it is all clear to me. You are the One.

[02] My heart had told me that already long ago, but then there were always Your human forms and movements which made my belief shaky. But now all my secret misgivings have vanished from my mind whatever may happen now I shall remain firm like a rock in my faith. Oh, how endlessly happy I now am that even the eyes of my flesh can see Him Who has created me and Who now supports me and can and will do so everlastingly.”

[03] Say I: “My beloved friend, what you now have you shall keep forever. But for the time being keep it to yourself and for only very few of your friends who are the most enlightened. For, if you would speak too openly about it this would harm rather than help My mission and thereby men. Besides, remember also this that you do not take offence if here and there you notice very human things about Me, for I was from eternity, before any angels and men existed, the first man and am therefore surely entitled to be still a man among My created men.”

[04] Says Cyrenius: “Do as You will, and You shall nevertheless eternally remain to me that which You now are to me indisputably! But these two angels I should like to have with me till the end of my terrestrial life. They are so exceedingly beautiful, dear and wise.”

[05] Say I: “This cannot be, for you should not be able to bear their visible presence, nor would this benefit our soul. But they shall visibly for your senses remain henceforth with you as your guardians, as they have already been from your birth. But for the present, since they need to remain here visibly throughout the day, you can still associate with them aplenty.

[06] But even when you are not able to see them, you can ask them anything and they shall place the answer in your heart, which you shall always perceive in your heart as a well-defined thought. And this is far superior to external speech! I say unto you: A word that an angel has laid in your own heart is more beneficial for your soul than thousands of words heaved through the ear externally! Because what you hear in your heart is already your own whereas that which you hear from without you still have to make your own through action in accordance with the heard word.

[07] Because having the word in your heart but still sinning in your external being from time to time, your heart nevertheless is not acquiescent and immediately compels you to recognition and repentance of same, and you cease being a sinner therewith already. If you do not have the word in your heart but only in the brain brought there through the ear, and you then sin, then the empty heart sins as well, compelling you neither to recognition nor repentance of the sin, and sin remains in you and you make yourself guilty before God and man!

[08] And so My friend, it is more beneficial for you to not see your spirit guardians for the duration of your presence in the body; when once you shall have to leave the body, then as spirit yourself you shall have them for seeing and touching in eternity anyway - not only these two but countlessly many others.

[09] Says Cyrenius: “Now I am comforted again, but intend nevertheless to communicate with them most spiritually today!”

[10] Say I: “Well, how about that? Did you not promise the obstinate Pharisees in My name that you will give them a sharp rebuke; will not that withdraw the company of the angels?”

[11] Says Cyrenius: “Verily indeed, - that I nearly plain forgot! Oh, that is now most inconvenient! What shall I do?”

[12] Say I: “What if I release you from your oath and you waive your intended rebuke, since they have enough with your threat yesterday anyway?”

[13] Says Cyrenius: “Lord, if it please You then I gladly waive my intended rebuke and leave everything to You and the old Roban, who in any case shall bring them around within a couple of days.”

[14] Say I: “Oh, to that I shall certainly have the least objection, for I had already postponed your intentions with the Pharisees till afternoon, fully knowing that you would be of a different disposition. - Now that the day has turned out quite well, let us all go out to catch ourselves some fish for lunch and dinner. Let all who come along get to their legs!”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 40

 

Love towards the Lord.

  

[01] Ask Peter and Nathanael: “But Lord, we have no tackle with us: what shall come of it? Should we hurry ahead and maybe borrow some from the fishers at sea?”

[02] Say I: “There is no need of that, but something else - your memory which tends every moment to forget that I am the Lord, for Whom nothing is impossible! Hence keep our company and instead while fishing explain to old Josa and his family the power and authority of God also in man.” To these My words the two then introvert, thinking about how they could be so blind as to regale Me with such worldly questions. Even Josa says to them that he can hardly think on how they could have asked Me that.

[03] Says Nathanael: “Friend, like yourself we are still human and too set in the world for us not to come out with something really stupid from time to time, but we shall pull ourselves together in future. Have we not been fishers from our youth, and when hearing fish talk we easily step back into our old worries, forgetting the spiritual. But we are on track again.

[04] Sarah also comes over, asking Me whether she could come along.

[05] Say I: “But of course, it is for your sake that I am organising this work. You are My beloved, Why did you not take a seat by My side during the morning meal?”

[06] Says Sarah, trembling with love: “Lord, I did not have the courage. Just think! The three supreme Roman commanders by Your side and I a poor maiden! Where was I to take the courage from?”

[07] Say I: “Now, now, My darling, I have noticed only too well that you would rather have been with Me than anywhere else. Oh, I miss nothing that takes place in a person’s heart and, therefore, I also love you so dearly.

[08] But now tell Me, you My sweetest Sarah, how you like these two youths? Don’t you think you could love one or the other more than I could? For, behold, in My form I am not as beautiful as those two.”

[09] Says Sarah: “But Lord, You my forever sole love, how can You think such a thing of me? I would not accept a whole heaven full of a thousand times more beautiful angels for one hair from Your head let alone one of the two for You as a whole, full of love in my heart. Although they are beautiful, I ask: Who gave them such beauty? It was You. And how could You have given them this beauty if it had not been in You first?

[10] I tell You: You are for me all in all, and I shall never give You up, even if You gave me all the heavens full of the most glorious angels.”

[11] Say I: “So it is right, this is how I prefer it. Who loves Me must love Me fully and above all if he wants to be loved also by Me above all. Look, the two angels are no doubt very beautiful, but you are now also dearer to me than countless hosts of the purest angels, and so do firmly stick to Me. I tell you: Out of many you are a proper bride of Mine. - Do you understand this?”

[12] Says Sarah: “Lord, this I do not understand. How could I be Your bride? Could I be to You what my mother is to my father? You are the Lord over heaven and earth and I am only one of Your created beings. How could it be possible for the lowest to unite with the very highest?”

[13] Say I: “Behold, that is quite easy, and that for the quite simple reason that what to you seems to be the lowest has also gone forth from the highest and is thus also part of the highest.

[14] I am a tree of life and you are its fruit. The fruit does appear to be smaller and less constant than the tree, but in its centre there lies a seed that is nourished and matured by the fruit. In the seed, however, there are again trees of the same kind themselves capable of bearing the same fruits again with living seeds like the one they have gone forth from.

[15] From this you can easily see that the difference between Creator and created being is in a certain respect not so great as you imagine, for the created being is in and for itself the will of the Creator which is certainly good and worthy. If this will, gone forth from the Creator and underbthe Creator’s own form endowed with an independent life, recognises itself in its free isolation as what it fundamentally is and acts accordingly, then it is equal to its Creator and in its small way fully that which the Creator is in His infinite way, If, however, the part-will, made independent by the Creator, does not recognise itself as what it is, it does not cease to be that, but is unable to reach the supreme goal until it has recognised itself as what it fundamentally is.

[16] In order to make it easier for such made independent part-wills, called “men”, to recognise themselves the Creator has at all times sent to men from the heavens revelations, laws and precepts and has now even come to the earth Himself in the flesh to help mankind with their task of recognising themselves and to give them more light to make it easier for them than it has so far been.

[17] Now you will understand the relation of Creator to created beings and how you, as fully equal to Me, can be My bride and My wife bound forever through your great love for Me. - Do you now understand what I have revealed to you?”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 41

 

True love for God is God’s spirit within every man.

  

[01] Says the extremely beautiful and lovable Sarah: “Yes, now this is already clearer to me, but then all the daughters of Eve have the same right to You as I?”

[02] Say I: “Certainly, if they are as you now are. But if they are not like this, they can become My handmaidens, also My brides but never completely My wives. The original father of My body, David, had also many wives and was a man according to God’s heart. Since I am more than David is, should not I be free to have many wives? And I can add to this that I do have the means to support in great bliss as many wives as there is sand in the sea and grass on the earth, and that each one will be looked after in such a way that she could not ever have a wish that is not fulfilled for her in the most satisfactory way. Since this is so, could it bother you if I want to give this happiness, which I am giving you in superabundance, to many?”

[03] Says Sarah: “You alone are the Lord and most endless love and wisdom in person, and what You do is done wisely; but I still cannot help it that I love You so mightily and, therefore, would like to possess You as if alone. You must excuse my childish heart, which in love is still so foolish.”

[04] Say I: “That is just the right way, I tell you. Who does not love Me quite jealously as you do and wants to possess Me in his heart as if exclusively, has still not true, living love for Me. And if he does not possess this, he also does not possess the fullness of life within, for I am the true life in man through the love for Me in his soul, and this love is My Spirit in every human.

[05] Therefore, he who awakens love for Me also awakens the spirit I have given Him, and since I Myself am this spirit and must be it because there does not ever exist any other spirit of life beside Me, he thus awakens Me within him, is thereby fully born into eternal life and cannot ever die from then on or be annihilated; - not even through My omnipotence, because he is one with Me. I cannot annihilate Myself because My infinite existence cannot ever by changed to non-existence. Therefore, do not think that your love for Me is foolish, but it is exactly as it must be. Stay with it and you will not ever see, feel or taste any death.”

[06] This My explanation to Sarah made her very happy and she embraced Me with all her strength and began to caress Me tenderly.

[07] Sarah’s mother rebuked her and said: “But dear Sarah, this is not proper. You are quite naughty.”

[08] Says Sarah: “Why, proper or not proper. It is also not proper to die and be quite dead, but when then the Lord comes and restores the dead one to life drawing him from the grave, which is certainly most unusual, how proper is that before the world? O mother, it is surely most proper for everyone to love the Lord before all the world above all. - Is that not so, Lord Jesus, am I right?”

[09] Say I: “Quite right and it is absolutely true. If a person is in the world embarrassed to love Me openly and above all, I shall also be embarrassed to love him before all the heavens and to awaken him at the last judgement.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 42

 

About judgement day.

  

[01] Several now asked Me when the “last judgement” would come. [In the German language the term for “The last judgement” or “Judgement Day” is - verbally translated - “the youngest day” and the Lord’s reply is based on this term.]

[02] And I said: “When the older day has passed, there always comes a youngest day. And since I cannot awaken anybody on a day that has already passed, this must naturally happen on a youngest day as a past older day cannot possibly be used. Is not every new day of your life a youngest one? Or can anyone experience a still younger day than the one on which he is living? Behold, all of us are today surely living on a youngest day, for yesterday can no longer be the youngest and tomorrow has not come yet. Considering all this it must surely be obvious that a man has as many youngest days as days he has already lived. I tell you that all of you will pass away on the youngest day and cannot possibly be awakened from death to life at any other time than on a youngest day. And since a man, and all men, have to experience this, it cannot possibly happen on an old, past day, but only on some future, obviously youngest day. Which day will be appointed for it has not been determined in advance, neither by Me nor by any angelic, spirit, for every coming day is very good and useful for this purpose. - Do you understand this now?”

[03] The askers withdraw somewhat perplexed and say: “Truly, this is as clear as the purest air and yet our stupidity made us ask. This can truly be grasped with the hands. If we also talk often about the olden days, then these have to be also young and youngest days! This indeed was silly of us! He really needs a lot of patience on His exceedingly wise part in order to bear with us!”

[04] Says Sarah with a faint smile: “Indeed, the Lord is exceedingly patient with us all! But what a youngest day is and when it shall come I have known from the cradle; and whenever someone asked me about it I always said: “Tomorrow will come the youngest day!” Did you in all earnest not know this?”

[05] Say the ones that asked: “For sure, we really were too stupid to know it and always suffered the greatest trepidation about such day to once come! Now of course we are in the clear about it but are also properly embarrassed about a thing escaping us that surely is so clear before everyone’s eyes and ears!”

[06] Say I: “Do not worry about it, for this is a stone over which in the future many thousand times thousands will stumble, and they will prophesy a lot about it, write and preach to the blind people.

[07] But now let’s see how we shall cope with the fish, for you see we are now at the beach and there are plenty of fishing boats at our disposal. Nor are there a shortage of nets and other tackle, and so we can at once proceed with. The two youths with which Cyrenius is most zealously engaging in conversation shall also render us good service! Let us therefore lend our hands to it!”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 43

 

The Lord Jesus and His at the catch.

  

[01] But now everyone started to marvel, not knowing how they got here to the sea from My house.

[02] But I said: “How can you still wonder at it? Did you not experience the like with Me several times before? That the old Josa with his children and grandchildren should marvel is understandable. With you, My by now much experienced disciples, it is actually incomprehensible how you can still be astonished since it should be already very clear to you that nothing is and can be impossible to Me.

[03] Behold, I had good reason to say “incomprehensible”, for every astonishment at any extraordinary act I perform also implies on some small, still somewhere in the soul latent unbelief. Man doubts in advance the possibility of some particular act or manifestation; but if notwithstanding his doubt the act is still carried out, the witness who doubted its success is standing there perplexed, wondering and asks: “How was that possible?” And what does he say with this question? I tell you, nothing else but: “ I doubted the possibility of success, but it still happened. That is peculiar and strange.”

[04] It is possible for a lay person to marvel thus, but if initiates marvel then they show therewith that they too can rightly be called lay persons! Hence marvel not in future, lest of all before strangers when I accomplish some extraordinary deed, so that the strangers would not regard you as strangers as well!”

[05] Say the disciples: “Lord, You know that we love You above everything else and we know who and what You are, yet we nevertheless cannot help it that sometimes we marvel anew at some new miracle, because Your obviously miraculous deeds take place so unexpectedly and unpreparedly that all one’s composure and faith notwithstanding, one still has to stand there somewhat intrigued. Behold, the sun also has often been seen to rise and set; but where is or resides a man of moderate feelings who is not somehow enticed to marvel at every new, glorious sunrise!? And behold, Lord so it is also with us! You are endlessly more than countless sunrises and hence we would beg You to be somewhat tolerant of such indiscretions which with hearts exceedingly loving of You we are basically driven by Yourself to constantly commit.”

[06] Say I: “Now then all is in best of order again; but in future heed such advice on account of the strangers, so that these may recognise My true disciples in you! - Now lets get on with fishing! Here also small miracles shall take place, but act as if they were not miracles! Let the stranger themselves come upon and judge whether these are normal or extraordinary deeds!”

[07] After the necessary briefing the disciples quickly board the boats, spreading the nets and casting them into the sea with very little catch.

[08] Peter remarks that it is probably due to the strong westerly, driving the fish to the bottom whilst another reckons that not much shall be accomplished before evening as the sun from a cloudless sky is too powerful a light for their tolerance.

[09] Here the two youths also boarded two boats, spreading a big net and casting a mighty long way out to sea.

[10] Spoke Andrew who too was adept at fishing: “If those don’t drive fish into their net through the power of their spirit then they can fish on the high seas for ten years and not bring in even one!”

[11] But the two youths make a mighty draught, are back on shore soon with about thirty good pieces.

[12] Says Andrew: “This is not a miracle, and yet indeed quite so, - catching thirty catfish upon the high seas.”

[13] Finally I too boarded a boat, as well as the courageous Sarah. We stretched out a fairly large net and let it down in the water. After making a draught not far from shore the net had already filled with five hundred pieces of eels, salmon and catfish, so that the two youths had to rush to Sarah’s assistance in holding the net. The fish were moved to shore at once and placed into lots of small drums that were here in plentiful supply.

[14] The disciples make another draught, but on hauling the net to shore they found only a few tiny fish.

[15] Said Peter: “That was my last draught for today! Such draught is not worth the effort when as an old and experienced fisherman one takes only one boat!” Thereupon he wanted to toss these tiny fish back into the sea.

[16] Say I: “Keep what you have caught. The small fish are often quite good fish and I prefer them to the big ones, which quite often are tough and hard to digest. Keep this relevant manifestation in mind however!

[17] When you will be going out as fisher for men do not be discouraged if small fishes let themselves be caught in the net of the Gospel, for I truly prefer them to the big ones. Hence everything that is big and of value before the world is in a certain sense an abomination before Me! - But let us now leave fishing and turn home! For today and tomorrow we are well-provided; the post-Sabbath shall if necessary take care of itself.”

[01] All the nets were pulled in and a lot of all kinds of fish brought ashore and put in the drums and brought to the fairly large fish tanks near My house, which in his time Joseph himself had built.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 44

 

Personal details about Borus.

  

[01] Coming home from the fishing about an hour past midday, a good lunch yet again awaited us which Borus, who had not come along fishing with us on that account, had prepared; for his biggest joy was to prepare meals for large numbers of people, and he was especially fond of cooking in the open with his cooks of both sexes. For he was like Kisjonah, sufficiently wealthy to feed and sup with the best wine. For he firstly was the son of an immensely wealthy Greek from Athens who also possessed properties in Asia as well as several small islands. Secondly he was the sole heir of such huge and extensive properties, and thirdly he was by far the most skilled physician of the entire Jewish nation, earning large sums of gold and silver especially from the high-standing and rich persons, which he then on the other hand used to give the sick and poor all kinds of free treatment, wherefore he was also hailed as the greatest philanthropist of the land.

[02] In addition he was single, had neither wife nor children, but it nevertheless gave him great pleasure to arrange marriages between poor young men and young and healthy maidens, give them his blessing and provide them with a sufficient dowry. And so he was also now in his happiest frame of mind because he secretly believed that I would really marry the very beautiful and tender Sarah.

[03] As we were all sitting at the table, full of good cheer, eating and drinking, he came to Me and secretly asked Me whether something might come of it?

[04] And I replied: “Dearest friend and brother. I know your very good and noble heart only too well. I am also quite aware that in your soul you are happiest when you have made others happy. You have hardly ever thought of yourself and since you have noticed between me and the loveliest Sarah a truly notable great love and also heard how this morning we were talking about bride and wife, you are secretly of the happy opinion that a union between Me and the loveliest Sarah is close at hand. But I tell you: There you are slightly wrong. For behold, all the women who live, have lived and are still going to live on earth, provide they lead a pure life, are more or less My brides and My wives as well, but such a very close union with Me does not ever prevent them from becoming the wife of a good man. And it is exactly such a relationship that at present exists between Me and the most lovable Sarah. Therefore, she can quite well become your wife and in spirit be now and forever My true wife.

[05] I am now of the opinion: Since you have helped so many very poor, but upright men to good and loving wives, which the young in their youth burning men regarded as a very great blessing, I will now help you to such a blessing too. Behold, it is this truly heavenly beautiful Sarah who shall become your wife. You stood up for Me after her first raising from the dead when she was again dying, and for you I restored her to life a second time and already then destined her as your proper reward. As she looks now, she will also look in her seventieth year; this child will not age on this earth. Look at the two angels with whom Cyrenius is now talking, whether they are as beautiful as this girl. Tell Me honestly whether you have not several times looked meaningfully at this most lovely Sarah and whether your heart has not felt anything.”

[06] Says Borus somewhat embarrassed: “Lord, to hide that from You would be absolutely impossible. Therefore, I rather say it quite openly: Sarah is the only being on earth whom I would rather possess myself than help someone else to possess. I am already considerably over thirty years and she cannot be more than sixteen, but my heart seems to have hardly reached her beautiful age. If she possibly did become my wife I would love her a thousand times more than my own life.”

[07] Sarah had attentively listened to this conversation, and when I looked at her and asked her how she liked the discussion between Me and the distinguished looking Borus, she looked down, blushing and said after a while: “But You do really notice everything. I have only once fleetingly looked at the dear Borus because he is such a dear and very obliging man.”

[08] Say I, in a more joking tone: “But in your heart you have looked at him already several times if I am not wrong?”

[09] Says Sarah, hiding her face even more: “But Lord, You are really beginning to get a little bit naughty. Oh, that You have to know everything!”

[10] Say I: “Sarah, if this happened and he asked you from all his heart for your most beautiful hand, would you refuse it to him?”

[11] Says Sarah, quite pleasantly perplexed at this question: “If I did not do that, how could I then become Your wife? After all, I can love only You, although I must openly admit to You that I very much respect and like the good Borus, for after You he seems to me to be the best man in all the Jewish land, although he was born a Greek and has only recently become a Jew by his conviction, not by circumcision.”

[12] Say I: “Well, things will work out. Do think it over and look at Lydia over there who is also My wife spiritually, but physically nevertheless the wife of the good Faustus. This does not, however, interfere with our relationship at all, for you still remain My bride, My heavenly wife.”

[13] Says Sarah after a while: “Even if I may agree to marry the good Borus, I do not know what my earthly parents will say. I would have to ask them too. I would like to marry the good Borus because You would like that, but father and mother should really be asked.”

[14] Say I: “Well, look at them, they have already been asked and are in full agreement with Me: but by no means do I urge you. You have your completely free will.”

[15] Says Sarah increasingly embarrassed: “Lord, - yes, I do know, - but - well, I would - rather not.”

[16] Say I: “What is it that you do not want?”

[17] Says Sarah: “Ah, ah, You do embarrass me very much. Oh, if I only had not looked at the so very dear Borus.”

[18] Ask I: “But you have not told Me yet what it actually is that you do not want. Do now be brave, dearest Sarah, and tell me what you do not really want.”

[19] Says Sarah: “But Lord, how can you ask? You know anyway what I do not want. Let me guess and by a slight nod I shall reveal what it is that I do not want.”

[20] Say I: “Well, since it is your wish I will let you guess what I think that you do not want. And now listen: you no doubt do not want the good Borus to suffer from grief if you refused him your beautiful hand in marriage?”

[21] Sarah rises to her feet, taps Me on the shoulder and says, pro forma gently vexed: “The - is that letting a person guess when one immediately comes out with - almost made a slip of the tongue.”

[22] Say I: “Now, out with the truth!”

[23] Says Sarah: “Well, You already said ‘With the truth’, but it is also true that this is not ‘guessing’ if one immediately comes out with the truth.”

[24] Say I: “Now look, I was quite aware that you were more interested in My dearest friend Borus than you wished us to see. But all this is quite in order. The maiden should not reveal until the last moment the special feeling she carries in her heart for a man. Only when the matter is considered in all earnest she should open her heart to the man who wants to make her his wife. Otherwise she entices him before the time, and if possibly obstacles should arise she only saddens his heart and troubles his mind. And all this is then very bad.”

[25] Says Sarah: “But Lord, I did not do all that.”

[26] Say I: “No, My dearest Sarah, that is why I praised you as an example. - Now, however, you can tell the dear Borus gradually how you really feel.”

[27] Says Sarah: “Ah, - I will not tell him yet; it will be time enough when he is my husband.”

[28] Say I: “But if he were already your husband as far as I am concerned, what then?”

[29] Says Sarah, secretly happily surprised: “Well, what then? - Well, yes,. Then - then - well yes - then - I would have to completely reveal my heart to him.”

[30] Say I to Borus: “Look, how indescribably sweet she is. Take her, love her dearly and tend her like a most tender plant, for I give her to you from the heavens as a well-deserved reward. Go to the parents that they may bless you and then come to Me that I too bless you once more.”

[31] Borus thanks Me, hardly able to speak for joy, and Sarah modestly rises from her seat and says in a happily exited voice: “Lord, only because it is Your will do I do it with pleasure. If You had not willed it, I would have resisted my heart, - but as it is, I thank you for the best man in all the Jewish land.”

[32] After these words they both go to the parents asking them for their blessing, and when that is joyfully given, they immediately return to Me. And I also bless them for a marriage valid for all the heavens, and they both thank Me from their deeply touched hearts.

[33] Thus here a marriage was quite unexpectedly contracted which could be considered as one of the happiest on earth. Hence it follows that a person never loses what he fully sacrifices to Me, but receives it back full of supreme blessing, and that always at a time when he least expects it. Borus was very much in love with Sarah and would have given all the treasures of the world for her if that had been demanded of him, for her wondrous beauty, particularly after her second raising from the dead, was for Borus something he could not describe, but he nevertheless sacrifice her completely to Me and intended to celebrate My imagined wedding with everything at his disposal. Thus also Sarah had a deep love for Borus, but sacrificed him fully to Me and definitely wanted to belong only to Me. But then the tide suddenly turned and I gave to both what they had given Me with all their heart. Who acts like these two, for him I shall also do what I did for them.

[34] This as a lesson for everyone who will hear or read it, for in this way one can obtain everything from Me. Whoever sacrifices to Me everything, but nevertheless retains much for himself, will receive back only what he has sacrificed. - And now back to our subject.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 45

 

About the inner nature of angels.

  

[01] Following this marvellous incident, Cyrenius once again stepped over to Me, saying: “Lord, I have discussed quite a few things with the angels; but from everything that they told me I learnt nothing other than what through Your goodness and grace I already knew. Therefore nothing new came out of that. But what intrigued me was that these indescribably beautiful youths are as it were indifferent towards all that is taking place! Their speech is full of wisdom and the tone of their voices exceeds the most charming lyre harmony. From their faces smiles constant, pure dawn whilst their breath is the fragrance of roses, jasmine and ambrosia. Their hair is as purest gold. Their alabaster-white hands are so rounded and sumptuously tender that I can verily find nothing comparable on earth. Their breasts are the fullest measure of a maiden in bloom the like of which I sighted but once in the Pontus area. And their feet likewise are beautiful and of burstingly luxuriant and glorious proportion. In short, one could get crazy for love towards the two beings! Yet all these glorious, indescribable advantages notwithstanding, from which nothing but the fragrant love and thousandfold love emanates, through which they could reduce even the hardest stone to wax, they nevertheless are so cold and dispassionate as a marble statue in deepest winter. And this also leaves me just about as cold as those two.

[02] There is by no means anything repulsive about them, neither in their speech nor in their conduct; yet nothing moves them and nothing can deflect them from their over-stoic indifference towards all that is and takes place. Their utterances about Yourself are indeed of exceedingly deep wisdom, but their speech seems to me like the reading out of a letter in a language one cannot understand.

[03] Will You not tell me how this is possible with such purely celestial beings? Is this the actual custom of the pure spirits in Your heavens?”

[04] Say I: “That indeed not! But these two behave here in this manner because they have to; yet they have nevertheless in respect of themselves the freest will, and a heart filled with the most intense love glow which would momentarily consume you if the two were to manifest their love towards you!

[05] Terrestrial man indeed can withstand angelic wisdom of the deepest magnitude, but their love only when the love in his heart has equalled theirs.

[06] That this is the state of things you can already discern from the quite natural relationship between terrestrial fire and light. You indeed can tolerate the light emerging from the fire; can you however on that account also tolerate the flame radiating the light?

[07] The sun surely has the strongest light for this earth, yet you can tolerate it quite comfortably! And when the heat rises with the intensifying light, you shall of course find the light harder to tolerate; but would you be like an angel also to withstand the unspeakable light-glow of the solar atmospheres? I say unto you: this solar atmosphere would in one moment destroy this earth with everything it carries like the destruction of a drop of water on a white-hot ore.

[08] He who would withstand such light and fire first has to be of the same light and fire. This is the reason why the two angels cannot express their love toward you because their mighty love would consume you.”

[09] Says Cyrenius: “I very nearly understand it, but not entirely like a few other things. Because it does not yet transpire how I could be killed by excessive love.”

[10] Say I: “Well then, this also shall be made as clear to you as possible, and so hearken: Have you not of a truth a son and also an exceedingly lovable daughter. These two children you love almost to distraction. Your heart can hardly - for all the love - judge how much it loves the two children, because of how mightily their love is returned. But now vividly visualise the loss of the two through disease and ask your heart whether it could withstand the pain of such loss! Behold, you are already gripped by proper fever at the mere mention of the possibility as an example. How would you bear the reality? I say unto you from knowing your heart that you could not bear the pain a full three hours, it would kill you without fail.

[11] Well then, what is the love and the lovability of your children in comparison with the love and supremely amicable lovability of these two heavenly messengers? If these two were to just moderately look at you with a loving eye and gave you only a finger to taste then the love in your heart would escalate so mightily that you could not bear it but a few moments; and if the two angels then left you only apparently, then such mourning would take over your heart that you would have to die!

[12] For behold notwithstanding the beauty of these My two favourite angels then such their beauty is as nothing compared to when their being is fully penetrated by My love in their heart! I say unto you: everything beautiful and lovely that the world has to offer would then retreat endlessly into the background. - Now I dare say that you have understood Me!?”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 46

 

About physicians” service out of neighborly love.

  

[01] Says Cyrenius: “Yes my Lord and most manifestly my God, now I understand that too; their apparent coldness nonetheless is love.

[02] This reminds me of the maid’s legend who through peculiar forces of nature was incomprehensibly beautiful and charming, the youths, men and old men seeing her soon got into a big fight to decide whose wife she would be. But the number of contestants was daily on the rise to their own destruction since it was realised in the end that the gooal wols not be realise through mortal combat the fighters finally came to an agreement, saying: “This creature is not of this earth but the high heavens and a goddess! Hence we must settle on steep sacrifices. To whoever out of the offerers she chooses to give her most beautiful hand shall henceforth possess her undisturbed. Upon this agreement immeasurable treasures were brought from every side and divine adulation accorded her. Adoration of this beauty reached a point where adoration and worship of the gods was set aside. Therewith the gods became furious and made the beautiful maiden even more seductive, but also on the other hand made her breath so poisonous that on whosoever she breathed even from afar fell insensibly to the ground, remaining prostrated for hours. In addition to that, they fitted the tip of her tongue with such deadly sting that she could kill anyone who came near her mouth against her will.

[03] When a youth of bloomingly beautiful shape came along, the maiden’s heart suddenly came alive. But what was she to do about loving him, since she was sure it would make the youth glow in love for her. If she turns her face towards him then her darling falls stunned to the ground; kissing him he will die. Out of love therefore she turned her face away from the youth, so he would not approach her mouth. For the sake of preventing her darling’s death, she had to love him with the greatest apparent coldness.

[04] In similar fashion to this legend the two youths also leave poor mankind of this earth with the deepest apparent coldness, knowing people could not bear the glowing love of their celestial hearts!”

[05] Say I: “Just so indeed, with the difference that their breath is not poisonous and their tongue not provided with deadly sting; but rather that their breath vitalizes, and their tongue blesses the earth.”

[06] Here Borus stepped over to me again with Sarah, asking Me what he really ought to do to show himself more thankful than has been the case until this overjoyous moment for the exceedingly great grace.

[07] Say I: “Tell Me, My friend and brother, where is the person who from their childhood would have been more favourably disposed towards Me than yourself? As a boy you were My daily companion and did for Me whatever you saw in My eyes that it would please Me. When you went annually with your parents to their properties in Greece, returning a few weeks later, then I was always the first you visited, bringing all sorts of good and often quite costly and beautiful things as presents, and were not cross with Me for smashing the silver Diana Temple you gave Me with a hammer, forbidding you to ever give Me such present again!

[08] After I became a youth and hardly anyone took note of Me, you were the only one who remained steady; and just as you have always been so you shall also remain. Hence I did no more for you here than as a friend overduly reciprocate after many years. Hence make no big fuss about it. For sure have you received the most love worthy and beautiful and spiritually awoken wife, - and Sarah in yourself the best, most faithful and in every sense the wealthiest and most highly regarded man. You shall not eternally on My part be lacking My blessing in every good respect, and besides that you shall remain the best physician not only in this country but the entire world. And therewith you two shall I presume be able to live quite well!?

[09] Notwithstanding this never forget the poor and not charge either money, or through any services or grain or cattle any poor citizen and even less any servant for your skill in healing all sicknesses, which is not achievable to any other person in the world.

[10] But charge your skill to the big gold-owners, brokers, moneychangers, merchants and big landlords for whatever is justly due; for he who has and wants to live should make an offering for his life every now and then! There shall afterwards be no shortage of the poor to whom you can pass on that for which a man of property buys his life.

[11] A physician like yourself sells men life, which especially for worldly men is the greatest possession. Whence they should also have to buy it for good money and goods and besides that there should be a person upon earth from whom one can buy life.

[12] For I say unto you: The truly penultimate and pure skill in the world, which no worldly man can learn is to heal any kind of mental or physical illness through the word, though the will and only sometimes by the laying on of hands and, besides, to tell the poor about the Kingdom of God.

[13] At Sychar too I awakened a physician so that he can effect quite noteworthy healings; but since he was not quite able to let go of his herbal fluids, he trails you by a long way.

[14] My disciples shall catch up with you in a few short years as well, yet not all whom you see here.

[15] But My most beloved Sarah also shall gain a skill, and namely that of a midwife; because this is a most worthy service before God - to always stand by women in great pain. And thus you two are provided for like no royal couple ever was before you!

[16] But I also advise you as follows: When someone sick comes to you or you are called away to one, then always ask him earnestly: “Do you believe that I can heal you in the name of Jesus the Saviour from the heavens”? If the sick says convincingly thereto “Yes, I believe”, then heal him; but if he doubts then do not heal him until he believes that you can heal him in My name. - But now a word with you Jairus.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 47

 

Suggestions for Jairus. About outward sacraments.

  

[01] Says Jairus: “Lord, speak, and I will listen and act in accordance with Your Word.”

[02] Say I: “Very well then; if you act accordingly then you shall be happy temporally and eternally. And so hear Me: You are now a Pharisees’ Chief and their schools of this entire district of Nazareth, Capernaum and Chorazim, of Cana in Galilee and many other spots, villages and hamlets. Hence your standing in Galilee is high and not much below that of the High Priest in Jerusalem.

[03] But behold, none of this stature could save your daughter’s two deaths and even less re-awaken from death after she had truly died.

[04] From that you see that such an office of high standing is good for little other than to heighten the arrogance of the high official still further, making this rising living standard into a necessity but becoming weaker and more helpless in his use and true help towards mankind and hence confronting the needy as himself helpless -- in helping. Because whoever is not capable or willing to help someone in need is as helpless as the needy himself.

[05] Hence a high office, especially yours is of very little consequence. How about putting it back in the hands of the Jerusalemite High Priest and afterwards go to your son-in-law by whom you surely shall be better provided and with higher standing than you currently are so by bat-blind Jerusalem? You could enlighten Borus gradually in the Scriptures in which you are well-versed which would be of inestimable advantage to him, whilst he would instruct you diversely in the art of healing. But I burden you with no command over it but put it to your volition. Should you follow this My advice you shall fare well, but if not then you shall commit no sin therewith.”

[06] Says Jairus: “Lord, here You have truly anticipated my own wishes! It has been not just now my desire, but for a long time hence to lay down my tiresome office; but now that all circumstances have turned so favourably for me, I shall tomorrow already dispatch a messenger with a letter of resignation to Jerusalem with a request to confer the office upon another. There are always plenty of candidates for the office in Jerusalem who can pay the Temple tenfold fees for the bestowal of such office and such application therefore shall be sure to welcome the lords of the temple shall find such application most desirable, for they even make offers to high-ranking officials to step down, which could give some competitor the opportunity to make the Temple richer by a few hundred pounds of silver and gold. Quite profitable barter takes place for such positions in Jerusalem!”

[07] Say I: “Oh, none know better than I the goings on in Jerusalem! One looks only to the weight of silver and gold and the pearls and precious stones but never to man’s spirit. If you came to the Temple as a prophet greater than Moses and Elijah and started preaching as such they would soon show you the cursed stones with which most prophets were stoned; but were you to come with 10,000 pounds of gold then they would render you the highest honour. Just have two fat oxen driven into the temple and you can be assured that they would be far preferable to them than Moses and Elijah. - But lets now leave that. The time is not far off which shall give the templers and all of Jerusalem the well-deserved reward; for these abominations shall not be tolerated much longer. But now to another matter!

[08] What has been heard of John? Is he still in Herod’s custody?”

[09] Says Jairus: “I have heard nothing about him being released yet. But I shall have insistent inquiries made about it through the messenger I shall dispatch to Jerusalem tomorrow about the former matter, if it will please You, Lord.”

[10] Say I: “Let it be, for Herod is a cunning fox, and your messenger may strike problems as a Galilean. But in My spirit I see how things are with John anyway. The day after tomorrow we shall receive sad news which none shall rejoice in, Myself not excluded.”

[11] Following these words Cyrenius and Cornelius ask Me whether this means that they too should lay down their high offices.

[12] Say I: “Not at all. Your offices are of an entirely different order and exceedingly necessary and of great importance. But always administer your high offices justly and fairly, making everyone equal before the law. But, as you have heard of My mouth - let love always precede the law, remembering that a sinner against the wide-ranging state laws, being completely ignorant of these many laws and easily prone to act contrary to them, also is a human destined like yourselves for everlasting life in God’s kingdom! If you always administer your laws thus, you shall be akin to the angels who are servants of God the way you are servants of the emperor.”

[13] Says Cyrenius: “This we want to and intend doing! But now we still have an extremely important question, and it is, as You are well aware, we are Romans and hence, as you say, heathens, should we remain by appearance what we are, namely heathens, or should we officially renounce heathendom and be circumcised?”

[14] Say I: “Neither the one nor the other! Because he who like yourselves is circumcised in the heart through faith and love towards God needs nothing further for this completely suffices for gaining eternal life. But in a few years My disciples, filled with God’s spirit, shall come to you anyway and baptise you with God’s spirit and shall therewith receive everything you still lack. Now you know everything! Evening is not far off, and on account of the Jews we shall on this pre-Sabbath take our rest a little earlier than on another day. After the evening meal we shall then deal with nothing further.”

[15] Here the two angels come to Me in deepest reverence and ask Me to be allowed to stay for another few days visibly here in My physical presence, for this was for them the greatest bliss they had ever experienced.

[16] And I say aloud: “You always possess the greatest freedom, and so do what is of benefit to you, but do not forget the service you have to render. The central suns require a lot of care, and you know how many there are in God’s endless space.”

[17] Say the two angels: “Lord, this has all been taken care of and will be done also in future.”

[18] Say I: “Yes, yes, I know, and therefore you may remain here according to your wish, for the least of all these people around me is more than countless central, secondary and planetary suns. The suns, however, were created for the sake of men and must, therefore, be at all times tended with the greatest care.” - The angels bow, supremely happy, and return to My disciples for further discussions, giving them extremely important explanations about many a thing in the world.

[19] Here Borus rushes into the house to organise a good and abundant supper.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 48

 

Concerning Jairus” resignation.

  

[01] After supper, which had lasted over one hour, Cornelius asked Cyrenius: “Exalted brother, what will you say? Ought we to remain here today, or make off on account of urgent matters awaiting us? I subordinate myself to your opinion.”

[02] Says Cyrenius: “I should in actuality have departed this morning because urgent affairs are certain to await me. But tell me, who can extricate oneself knowing Who resides here? One would already find it difficult to leave a friendly Emperor if he were to say: ‘stay if you will! What is an Emperor compared to here, where indisputably the Creator of Heaven and Earth is tarrying as a human among His humans and His angels?! Besides this, His angels also had their stay here prolonged from whom we could still learn and find out much. Ah, I simply am not leaving! Not for the entire Roman Empire shall anyone move me from here, come what may. Just stay here too! You have fullest authority on my part, and even if something were to turn up then two days won’t make the Earth disintegrate. On top of that I think we are better looked after by these two Lords than my Rome?! And even if something urgent should come up, then in the Almighty’s hands there are ways of fixing the most urgent task instantly.”

[03] Says Cornelius: “Exalted brother. With this proposition I am immeasurably happy indeed, and I shall have no desire to leave this place for a long while yet. I put the question solely on account of political and state affairs. But from another angle it may be a good thing to perhaps organise our guards on a spying venture to the city this night to see what the people are saying about our stay here?!”

[04] Says Cyrenius: “We could indeed do so if it please the Lord; but I also think that in the Lord and in the two angels we have the most reliable secret police of all, and that we may not need to avail ourselves of another while here. Once we are again isolated from His holy company from the heavens then unfortunately we shall have to resort to secret agents for keeping public opinion monitored and immediately anticipate conspirational tendencies. But as said, if it please the Lord and it is His will, then I am ready to order what is necessary.”

[05] Say I to Cyrenius: “Let it be, for I firstly know from Alpha to Omega everything that is being said for and against us. On the whole no danger is lurking, because these people are too stupid and blind even for nasty things. Hence let none be concerned, for no uprising shall come from Nazareth, of that you can be assured. Incidentally, Borus is himself always the best secret police. Nothing easily escapes him, which is not difficult for such not too large city. Besides I could make My angels into secret agents, and in one moment you shall find out more through them than if you engaged the craftiest spies for ten years. As said however, neither the one nor the other is necessary here, and so let us take our rest untroubled. Only Jairus will have to go and ready a messenger for Jerusalem and furnish him with a letter of resignation. Because tomorrow we shall get quite different things to deal with.”

[06] Says Jairus quite sad at having to now leave the company: “Lord, would it not be possible to just draw up a title deed here and dispatch a messenger from here? The house at Capernaum is fully my own anyway, together with everything in it. Land as well as fields and meadows we priests were not allowed to possess anyway, and so everything consists in my house, as You are well aware. Hence I presently have nothing to do at Capernaum and probably nothing more later either; and my house together with everything in it I shall give forthwith to my dear son-in-law. He shall with my document in his hand go over and take everything into possession under official seal just like a rightful inheritor after my death, and I and my wife shall be quite dispensable. Concerning friends in Capernaum, these are all here. But those who count themselves as my friends still at Capernaum verily are not worthy of a farewell visit, for they are all friends to the face but carry no weight in the heart!”

[07] Say I: “Very well, then you remain too, and I shall send one of My present attendants to Jerusalem in your stead and he shall complete such errand faster than if you were to dispatch a messenger to Jerusalem yourself. Not today, but tomorrow as on a Sabbath!”

[08] Says Jairus: “On a Sabbath it shall probably be least appropriate at the Temple; for the High and Chief priests to observe nothing more strictly than the keeping of the Sabbath.”

[09] Say I: “Don’t let that trouble you. They make a great deal out of keeping the Sabbath because it is most often vital and is necessarily so, since every person quite often is forced to do one thing or another on a Sabbath giving the Pharisees the most numerous opportunities for saddling the transgressors with stiff fines.

[10] Just bring them as much gold and silver on a Sabbath as you will, and they shall proceed to immediately desecrate the Sabbath and happily receive your gold and silver. Hence let you not be troubled about the Sabbath in the Temple; My messenger shall have much success in carrying out the errand entrusted with.

[11] Do you think that it would please the Pharisees of none had some urgent business now and then with which to defile the day of the Lord? Oh let us be reassured! The more numerous the defiling of the Sabbath, especially by the rich, the more the Temple lords jubilate in secret.

[12] Hence let Me repeat: let yourself be completely at ease. Tomorrow during Offering, which always takes place on a Sabbath, My messenger shall be exceedingly well received! Because he shall be entering the Temple with a heavy golden contribution and be so-to-say received by the Pharisees with the most amicable mien and open arms; besides, ten competitors for the position of Chief are already on the waiting list, for which they are offering large sums. And hence your resignation shall be exceedingly welcome, particularly for the Templers.

[13] Sabbath shall at once be profaned with the familiar ceremony, and the auctioning of the Chief’s position of Capernaum gone ahead with, and you shall even find out your successor’s name through the returning messenger.

[14] Behold, thus stand things now in the House of God at Jerusalem, which latter also is called the city of God, but actually is Satan’s city. But since everything is worked out now, let us take our rest, for tomorrow shall start early for us.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 49

 

Jairus” resignation. The Lord at the Synagogue.

  

[01] After these My words, all take to their rest; only My brethren, mother Mary and Borus are still busy in the kitchen in order to prepare everything necessary for the approaching Sabbath. Sarah and Lydia too are assisting Mary, happily romping about in the kitchen. After having everything under control they too take to their rest; and the first on her legs as usual in the morning is Mary, waking up those she needs long before dawn, so as to have everything in order and ready before Sabbath starts according to Jewish custom. Borus too is busy, and so the tables are set when we are all getting up from our quarters.

[02] Outside, Psalms are being sung, and upon the many tables in the open well-prepared fish, bread and wine are waiting for their consumers.

[03] Thereupon we move over to the morning meal, even as I dispatch the messenger to Jerusalem upon the matter in question. Jairus anxiously awaits the messenger’s return, who of course remains absent for only the human time it takes him to negotiate with the Clerics. Since it took close on two hours to deal with the Clerics, the messenger also came back only after two hours to Jairus” immense joy, bringing Jairus besides the happy acceptance of his resignation notice also an official letter of praise and thanks for his faithfully conducted ministry, advising him also the name of his successor and asking him to if necessary assist same with advice and deed.

[04] Jairus now is fully cheered, saying to Me: “Lord, I thank You from the depth of my heart for this wonderful rescue from an office which along such ungodly engagement conditions was bound to obviously make me a Satan’s booty!”

[05] Say I: “Now then, did I not say unto you: when it concerns brilliant Clerics” deals, then the Sabbath can be profaned in the midst of the offering at any time of day! From this you can see how much the Clerics think of God and His holy Commandments!

[06] But now we shall nevertheless visit the Synagogue on account of the people and see all that the Pharisees shall be doing and teaching; but we shall take our place at the back so as not to be noticed by the puffed up Pharisees and Elders straight away!

[07] Says Jairus: “But I shall not go in, as every boy would know me; were I inside the Synagogue then I would have to be seated at the front in the Chief’s presbytery and You should be betrayed therewith!”

[08] Say I: “Don’t grow grey hair over it. For when I suggest what is to happen, then you can act accordingly without misgivings, and not one of your hairs shall be bent. And so let us get under way one and all.” – Thereon we move, shortly reaching the Synagogue.

[09] Entering same it proves to be quite empty, with the Presbytery occupied only by the serving Pharisees. Gradually a few old Jews arrive, taking their place in their pews in order to take their morning nap with gusto.

[10] After completion of offerings and dull rattling off of the Commandments, suitable Psalms and Solomon’s song, a speaker mounts the pulpit, starting to preach the following with a hoarse voice: “My beloved in the name of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! We now are living in stressful times, nearly akin to when Noah was building the Ark and finally locking himself in with his family upon Jehovah’s Commandment! We are now standing at the holy place of which Daniel prophesied, seeing his prophesied abominations – how the spellbound pagan slaves had to painfully watch and wait for their turn to be laid in molten iron by the pagan witch Megaera even whilst watching the tormenting of their brethren – without our being able to turn left or right! We stand abandoned like a long dead tree trunk on a mountaintop as gaping testimony that luscious woods might have flourished even at such altitude! But what can be done? That’s the big question. A crown of diamonds to him who can find a pertinent answer thereto! But let him well keep in mind our spellbound and bonded condition with the entire world’s chains!

[11] On the one hand the Romans breathe down our necks like the entire Sinai mountain, on the other, the carpenter’s son who as if suddenly dropped out of the clouds, has risen into a prophet, from the merest domestic fool, the like of whom there has not lived among us since Abraham. All run after him, great or small, young or old. If Jehovah Himself came down to earth today it is highly questionable whether He could accomplish greater deeds! Every sickness he heals by mere word from afar, the dead he calls forth from the grave, giving them back a completely healthy life. Likewise he commands the winds and the waves of the sea, and they obey him like slaves their master. When he speaks, then deepest godly wisdom shines forth withal, and all are gripped by the power of his word, follow him from one city to another. Besides that he has the great of Rome on his side who would stand by him with their legions if he were in need of them. We however stand at the edge of the most dreadful abyss, to be swallowed up at any moment, whilst having not one mortal being on our side – other than these old dozers in the Synagogue! Here I ask again: what are we to do?

[12] Of what use now Moses and all the prophets, and what even Jehovah Who spoke with Moses and the prophets, and Who has now left us stuck in the deepest mire for more than a century?! And whether we scream loud enough to be heard in the stars, no Jehovah answers any more, leaving us in a more shameful fix than a poor, tenfold seduced and languishing bride by her perfectly cream-puffed bridegroom. On top of that we carry the honorary title “the people of God”, even whilst the supposedly godless heathens stand in highest prestige and possession of all the earth’s power and wealth the way Jehovah according to Scripture promised it to His David, but which has never been fulfilled.

[13] Here it says, speaking in grandiose godly fashion: “And to your kingdom there shall henceforth be no end.” Behold David’s everlasting kingdom now! Oh you beautiful lie of a David-flattering prophet! How often there has been an end to David’s kingdom already! He had himself already had such pleasure at the hands of his son, and had an oak tree not captured his son, then David could have sung his sweet Jehovah another ten thousand Psalms and Absalom would still have sat upon the throne! But lets leave the past and look at the contemporary promised everlasting kingdom of David. Oh you beautiful kingdom! Perhaps David’s soul migrated to the Caesars of Rome, whose kingdom at least for the present has an appearance of by far greater everlasting endurance than the snail’s kingdom of the man in accordance with God’s heart. Brethren, have you not worked it out yet that our entire age-old doctrine is a fairy tale pure and simple having nothing to it but fabricated names of yore? And we are still the dupes sticking to it as if some real salvation could be won therefrom. What donkey or ox would tolerate a completely tattered old coat on his body if he could get ten new ones of the best material for it?!

[14] History and our very own experience show us with solar brilliance that there is no more to the entire Mosaic doctrine and all the prophets than a hollow, deaf, nut, and yet we cling to it quite starved as to some absolute calculation and out of sheer deep-seated ancient stupidity are not to be moved from the spot even when the water is already running into all our bodily orifices like the Jordan into the Dead Sea!

[15] Hence brethren arise and let us too join up with the carpenter’s son and we are safe. Because he is doing before our eyes that which the elders did not fabricate about Jehovah. Whom they saw no more than we have done. I consider that with this talk I have answered the most ponderous question which I myself raised. Act accordingly, and we shall at once fare better, physically and morally.

[16] Roban our elder preceded us with a good example; let’s follow him and we shall not go amiss! Maybe it is precisely this previously sparsely regarded carpenter Jesus is the right one to at least partly restore the truly unhappy supposedly everlasting kingdom of David. Because with his really incomprehensible magical power, which no worldly power can match, it is most probable to inspire such respect in the superstitious Romans that their mighty legions could shortly grow a thousand legs for retreat.”

[17] Here the Elders, Scribes, Pharisees and Levites rise, saying: “You cannot understand Scripture properly if you can speak in such heretical fashion which in a worldly sense indeed could have some substance but in a spiritual sense blackens God’s indisputable majesty, on account of which we are forced to expel you from our company to the heathens.”

[18] Says the speaker: “Do you actually think to punish me therewith? Oh, there you err mightily! If you intend to remain fools and starve to death, then by all means do so, so that you remain in your ancient night and darkness. You old numbskulls, tell me a precent where a preacher of God called forth a dead from the grave back to life, the way this our carpenter had done!”

[19] Say the Elders: “This God Himself shall do on Judgement Day!”

[20] Says the speaker: “On Judgement Day your God shall pipe something to you for sure! No man knows anything about Jehovah, as we know Him from Scripture has ever called any man back from death to life! Since no man ever experienced such, having nothing certain but eternal death before him at the end of his short earthly life, has become extremely sad, and he began in his despair to ask: “What am I, and whither do I go when this life ceases?” And since there never was any lack of such servants of God as we have the honour to be, these had to invent something for the comfort of the inquirers and their own best interests, so that the acutely inquiring one obtained some comfort, and from this emerged the awakening on Judgement Day, which the wide heavens are not likely to ever let arise; yet we pensive fools even allow ourselves to be talked around therewith but are nonetheless blind to the unheard-of actual deeds and happenings that are being accomplished right in front of our eyes, noses and ears! Is it in all earnest something lofty for an old man to be incapable of separating himself from the complety mouldy dummy?

[21] What are you going to do with the old trash of the Jews which, with the enlightenment of the nations will hardly maintain itself for another half century? I for one am not going to be the fool to wait for the demise of this blind doctrine, to which there is no more than void historical names or names and fairytales that some wet-nurses may have told their infants ad-lib, out of which grown up infants may later have stubbled together a fabulous God-doctrine within which no system or spark of any logical order in the Greek sense can be detected which grown-up infants may later have stubbled together a fabulous God – a doctrine within which no system or spark of any logical order in the Greek sense can be detected.

[22] Should Jehovah perhaps not be capable of speaking and teaching logically like some wretched Greek philosopher, then He may need to attend a Greek school before teaching truth, order and wisdom to His not altogether foolish peoples!

[23] Be it eternally far from me to not imagine Jehovah wiser than a prophet who was brought up by his nanny, and in addition to his customary stupidity, possesses just enough natural wit to bring forth such shady doctrine as to not understand it himself or be capable of doing so, which actually is part of his plan, so that such doctrine would be understood even less by any other man. – Leave me alone with your Jehovah! Verily, as an honest man I have to begin to be properly ashamed for ever having embraced such inhumanly stupid doctrine.

[24] If however there ever was something to Moses” doctrine in the beginning, then this ‘something” now is so distorted through lowest human dirty tricks that we possess no more of it than perhaps even its mispronounced name.

[25] Therefore I am even from today a disciple of the carpenter Jesus! He is good, and unlike you, shall not cast out an honest fellow!”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 50

 

The Elders” comments on the state of Jewry.

  

[01] Say the Elders in furious astonishment at the speaker: “Infidel! Blasphemer! Do you realise that your supremely blasphemous talk deserves immediate stoning in the Synagogue, in strict accordance with Moses? How can you dare to shake other people’s firm faith, making them doubt God and Moses just because you have no faith?

[02] Are you really so deficient in reason as to not see that no man’s age in itself, even with thousands of years of experience, can bring sufficient insight for believing only ones” own experience? Whence God has taught men lettering through which to record their experiences, which their descendants are not likely to experience, and for the benefit of those very descendants, so that the latter may gain beneficial knowledge of what they could hardly experience in their own time, because every period brings forth something different. This manifestly our few days that we have to live through on earth teaches us, in that no year, month, week or even day completely resembles the other in what happens! Look up the Chronicles, and we give you everything we have if you can show us a time in which that very thing took place which is taking place before our eyes and ears.

[03] If things are undisputably thus on earth and not otherwise, what will you have with your loose and crude casting of suspicion upon Scripture which is a holy legacy from our forefathers to us, their descendants teaching is in clear sketches what they as pious, God-fearing men experienced, and what measures were taken for enabling their descendants to more easily live a more ordered and God-pleasing life than was probably their case?!

[04] Do you actually think that we are too stupid to evaluate what is now taking place before our eyes? Oh, there you err mightily! But we apply the wisdom of our fathers, who examined everything for many years before accepting it as that which it appeared!

[05] Had our ancestors been as impressionable as you, they would not have stoned the prophets! After they saw who unbending a true prophet was under a hail of deadly stones, not departing from his testimony by even a hair’s breadth, then his testimony took on a different aspect, and the fathers then accepted same as going forth from God!

[06] If our forefathers proceeded so fastidiously with a prophet’s” new proclamation of God’s will to mankind then is it even moderately reasonable to assume that our divine doctrine is no more than some defamatory writing of some good-natured irresponsible young lads who got some fun out of making fools of all future generations?

[07] You called us fools and numbskulls; but isn’t it questionable whether you are not the biggest?! Because it does not behove a man from Levi’s tribe to judge his brethren so lovelessly.

[08] If with your contemptible speech you only wanted to test whether with all the extraordinary events of this time, we still are what we should be as orthodox Jews then you have taken a bad approach and have therewith only exposed the true nature of your heart.

[09] Because every man is betrayed most of all by his zeal, testifying of how his feelings, are made up, because therewith he gives free rein to his favourite ideas, attitudes and vices.

[10] But a sober listener thinks his part, having the advantage of getting to know his friend from rock bottom.

[11] Do you think that we are not aware of how quite huge abuses have crept into our doctrine of God, especially in its practical performance, which unfortunately not seldom hides Moses and the Prophets more than the sun is obscured by the thickest storm clouds? But pure, unadulterated Scripture does not lend itself to such cloud cover, and a true Scribe shall always know where he stands with pure truth.

[12] We all can see it as well as you do how the abuses can in the end kill the divine doctrine in people like the nasty woodworm a young tree, but only with people like you; yet the doctrine itself shall remain pure and shall always have its staunch followers.

[13] Have you never seen a tree upon whose bough a great many parasite growths have taken root for the destruction of the tree for man, taking their nutrients out of the tree? Does the tree on that account cease to be what it basically is?

[14] We men cannot of course with our foolish senses determine the grounds for such aberrations; but that much we can work out, that these could not possibly arise without the almighty and all-wise God’s will. Why must there be wolves only for the purpose of destroying peaceful and harmless herds of lambs to sate themselves on their blood and flesh? Why must there be a lion, a bear, a tiger, a hyena and other predators; why next to the gentle dove a mighty, rapacious falcon? Behold, these are imponderable secrets for us shortsighted men, and we are unable to shed light on them!

[15] A man of the land cultivates his field and it stands ready fully blessed, and he is already enlarging his granary to accommodate the new blessings. But then in one day there comes an unexpected stormy hour, - and the entire blessing is destroyed. Could one not put the pertinent question: “God, if it had pleased You that this field should bear no fruit for this man of the land due to his being perhaps a sinner then You would have surely had sufficient power to destroy the field’s blessing in the germ saving the man of the land cost and effort”! But behold, such occurrences happen quite often before our eyes, and none is able to give a sensible explanation.

[16] Likewise we see to a greater or lesser extent deviations both in the Temple and by all followers from Moses” pure doctrine. We see the traveller upon false courses. Upon the old tree of life we see a great many parasitic growths. But what can we do about it and how blamed? We have neither done nor desired it, but have found it so, having to tolerate it even if ever so bitter to the palate.

[17] But on that account alone we have not been spiritually restricted by having to buy the parasites into the bargain as equal to the tree of life. The tree itself still remains with us in its original authenticity, and its parasites are regarded for what they are, and no God shall have an objection to such common sense. God would be silly indeed if He said to each one of us individually: “Go and destroy the Temple which has become offensive, for I, God am greatly displeased with its abominations”. Could not a weak man say to his God: “Lord, what nonsensical thing are You asking of your poor, weak creature? If my existence troubles You it takes You only a thought and I cease to be. But to ask the impossible of me would be like commanding a fly with its unaided strength to put an elephant on its back to carry away.”

[18] We however think that God is too wise not to see that man cannot swim against a raging stream.

[19] Tell us now whether you see the truth of our talk, and we shall forgive what you threw at us blindly and foolishly.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 51

 

One speakers’ testimony to the Ark of the Covenant.

  

[01] Says the speaker, not having lost his quite stoic composure for one moment during this fairly convincing lecture: “Dear friends and brethren. That which you now sermonised to me I know as well as you do, but nevertheless for the first time in my life among you I am very fortunate to find out that like myself, you are no fools either. What you have said is true, but it still leaves my question unanswered.

[02] It is as you have spoken, as I quite clearly perceive, although I wanted through my seeming refutations to nudge you into opening your perpetually sealed lips. And behold, for the first time in our joint living and acting in twenty years, you have spoken with me openly.

[03] But neither my own nor your clear insight minimises the dilemma on which we obviously find ourselves. The big and important question remains, what are we to do now?

[04] I, the son of a High Priest, grown and brought up in the Temple know only too well how it stands with the Ark of the Covenant. The wood, silver and gold still are of your; but the evergreen Aaron’s Rod is powder-dry, the Commandment tablets are broken, whilst the Manna consists only in the concept. And the Pillar of Fire, where might be same? From the Chronicles one knows that he who touched the Ark with unconsecrated hands, being un-called lost his life; now one can climb upon the Ark and touch it at will, and no deadly fire flashes from it.

[05] When for much money foreign travellers desire to view the old miracle under sworn secrecy, it is granted them without any objections, but only on the day after the permission is given. Thereupon an artificial pillar of fire is presented, but mark well, not above the red ancient one, but above an artificial imitation metal ark! This ark is equipped with a black cup in the middle, at the top sunk into the lid in such a way that it is not easily detected in the dark holiest of holies, on account of the intense flame emanating therefrom into this cup the finest ethereal naphthalene is blended with other fragrant finest oils and lit about an hour before. In this way it then burns forth about six spans high to represent the pillar of fire.

[06] When the curious onlookers have stared at this beautiful pillar of fire with much contentment and then wish to see the Ark’s interior, then under much ceremonial formality and void prayers the upper lid with its continuing flame-throwing is gently lifted unto a golden rack. The spectators are shown the naturally new Mosaic tablets as the genuine ones, likewise the Manna which is quite fresh, as well as a sprouting Aaron Rod and similar other things the Ark contains.

[07] Some onlookers become deeply stirred; others, in particular Greeks, smiling to themselves leave the Holy of Holies finally saying; “This actually is quite a cleaver contraption!” The majority however regret that the rest of the Temple is kept in such a filthy state. I tell you and would also bet you a large sum, that in time the old Ark of the Covenant shall be put out of the way altogether and henceforth only the new iron one will take its place and function.

[08] If you don’t want to believe me then let us dress up as for example Romans, go to Jerusalem and enter the Temple as strangers; at once an obliging spirit shall attend to us, asking us in great detail where we are from and what we are seeking in Jerusalem, how long our stay in “The City of God” shall be, where we are heading thereafter and whether we carry large sums; whether we have gold or silver for sale, and whether we would not like to see the Holy of Holies for a modest fee. Then we ask about the fee and are told something like a hundred pounds of silver. We say that this is too much and that we are not interested in seeing such things; if it is possible for ten pounds then we are all for it. And for ten miserable pounds we get into the Holiest of Holies, if we solemnly promise the chief caretaker in question not to betray a syllable of it for anything in the world either within the Jewish land nor any distant foreign land, nor tell anyone of having been in the Holiest of Holies. This we can promise quite easily and thus get into the Holiest of Holies as pseudo-Romans, and you can then convince yourselves as to whether even one syllable of all this what I have told you about the Ark of the Covenant is a lie!

09] And, dear friends and brothers, if one as a human being with a somewhat brighter intelligence has seen with one’s very own eyes such things in the Holiest of Holies, and where at such opportunities oneself has served as a shrewd and useful sidekick, surely for a honest person this will become forever a bitter thing, to become a shamefully paid deceiver and liar of the people! How often have I thought about it and said to myself: ‘If the supposed to be living Holiest of Hollies, on which the whole doctrine of God and all the laws are based, is a blandishment kept secret, what should one think of the whole doctrine and of all the laws?’ - I have now spoken, now you can speak again; I’m inclined to listen to you.”

10] Says one of the elders: “Were you then allowed to give away such secrets? Weren’t you asked to swear an oath of everlasting silence before you were released from the temple as an adept?”

11] Says the speaker: “Certainly; however, now I’m free not to keep this stupid oath which does not can have any value for me, anymore, and to inform the whole world how it has been deceived! And here in Nazareth we take these things anyhow less serious, and therefore one can dare to brake such fraudulent oath, without having a bad conscience about it.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 52

 

[01] Say the elder: “We now admit that you are right to a certain extend, - but not with everything; therefore you are lacking at least twenty years experience. The temple looks like you have told us; but it was not always like this. For if you are able to think thoroughly and logically, you must necessarily accept the statement as undeniable true: ‘If something true and real never existed, no person could ever think to replicate something false and untrue.’ Why does one in our over-informed time of all kinds of arts come across false diamonds, false pearls, as well as false gold and silver?

[02] We know that the Persians produce the best and finest scarfs and other clothes and also add to it the most durable colours according to their secret art, which is why their produce is highly valuable. But if you today visit the markets in Jerusalem, Sichar or even Damascus, you must be a knowledgeable product expert, not to buy in our country produced counterfeits, thus false and bad materials as original Persian for a high price what one normally would pay for Persian material! - But what can be deduced from that?

[03] Behold, had these never been real diamonds, pearls, silver and exquisite Persian materials, it would also never occur to any person to imitate such! And if the genuine were not so highly valued then the fake imitations also would cease, for it would not occur to someone to imitate false limestone due to the limitless abundance of the real. And so can easily see that a false Ark with the pillar of fire would never have been imitated if formerly an authentic and wonderfully true one had not been in existence.”

[04] Says the speaker, by the name of Chiwar: “Quite so! This is clear; but it begs the question: what took place in actuality, by the ancient once duying, so to speak. It still is in existence and is occasionally found on the spot of the false Holiest of Holies precinct, which nevertheless hardly ever happens these days because of the frequent visits paid to the Holiest of Holies hall, in spite of it being known very well that until hardly thirty years ago, no man besides the High Priest who had the right to sit upon Aaron’s chair, could enter the Holiest of Holies, and even the High Priest himself only twice a year, according to regulations; only under exceptional circumstances was he allowed to enter the Holiest of Holies three or four times.

[05] How did it therefore happen that the Holiest of Holies is now only so in name but is basically no more a Holiest of Holies than this Synagogue?”

[06] Says one seasoned Elder: “What may have led to it or be the cause, neither I nor any initiate in all of Israel knows. Only this much is certain: that with the wicked murder of the High Priest Zacharias between the sacrificial altar and the Holiest of Holies, the Pillar of Fire suddenly went out and did not reappear with all pleading and prayer.

[07] We hope that you will understand that such goings on could not be made known to the people. Because this would have caused a great furore among the people, on top of the Romans in the land! What bloodbath and devastation would necessarily have followed!

[08] In this way however in all of Israel, except us initiates, nobody knows anything about it, whilst these Galileans sleeping here and hardly capable of hearing our whispering even if not asleep, would not do anything even if they knew, for they are of little faith one and all, being Greeks more than Jews and persuaded of the expedient premise: “There has to be a religion for holding the common people down, making them the easier for the educated classes to exploit, and that it is quite immaterial as to what mystique underlies a religion.

[09] What concern to a real and better Galilean as to whether the Ark is authentic or not if only it has the right effect on the common folk that is superstitious and too easily deceived!? Here in Nazareth, in Capernaum and Chorazim therefore one can be quite open among relatives and friends without causing damage; regarding the Greeks and Romans, well, there we know whom we are dealing with!

[10] That was also the main reason for getting the preacher John, who hung around Bethabara for several years, to prison, as it was feared that, as a son of Zacharias, giving no good testimony of the Jerusalamite priests, might know and tell the people about the false Ark!

[11] That is also the reason for persecuting the carpenter, because with his obvious gifts of prophecy one feared he could reveal things to the people. Hence let this remain a secret among us for now, and we must not give ourselves away too easily.”

[12] Says Chiwar: “This is of course a most exasperating tale; if only those down there near the main entrance overheard us!”

[13] Says the Elder: “Well, we actually mumbled more than spoke and those down there will have heard very little if anything. And even if they had heard anything, they are mostly Greeks and Romans and don’t understand what we discussed among ourselves.”

[14] Says Chiwar: “I nevertheless noticed the carpenter’s son Jesus, the chief governor Cyrenius, the Chief Jairus, the chief Cornelius, Faustus and other officials!”

[15] Says the Elder: “These are people against whom we cannot guard ourselves anyway; it matters little whether these heard it or not. If these want to make it known to the people then they are not likely to need our discussion, as they are likely to have for along time now it is with the Ark in the Temple; and if they don’t want to, then our discussion is not going to motivate them, - and so we can be untroubled! But let us now see to it that this questionable thing is not broadcast by us. And if it has to be done in times to come then utmost caution shall be needed.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 53

 

Chiwar’s testimony on Jesus” works and life.

  

[01] Says Chiwar: “Verily, I must commend your wisdom. Notwithstanding the length of time we have lived and acted together, there was never an opportunity yet for getting to know you, my colleagues, the way I have done today and I am particularly pleased to have you at my side as humans rather than just foolish Temple servants. Nonetheless, the advent of the carpenter remains the most extraordinary thing witnessed by human perception since humans settled the earth. Here Adam sinks with all his thousand years of experience and visions! A Henoch belongs to a nation of spiritual beggars, and Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Moses, Aaron and Elijah are poor devils in comparison with us. Just on e day now brings more of the most miraculous and unheard of than what all the ancient and forefathers ever experienced!

[02] I have myself played a secret observer from a distance, yesterday as well as already today, of all that which went on inside and outside old Joseph’s house, I will say it: nothing but miracles upon miracles! Two visible fully live angels serve Him! Faustus’ wife was at Capernaum and the carpenter wanted to have her at the breakfast table; but four hours time would have been required to bring her from Capernaum to Nazareth. What happens? The carpenter gives the two obvious angels a nod. These two disappear for just a couple of moments, bringing the completely cheerful beautiful Lydia to Nazareth! – What say you to that? This surely is more than we are able to grasp?!”

[03] Ask the Elders: “What else have you seen?”

[04] Says Chiwar: “You certainly know Jairus’ daughter and also that she died twice and that the second time she had already lain in the grave several days. But that you don’t know that Jairus’ celestially beautiful daughter has become Borus’ wife! Is not this unheard of, that a twice fully dead female being becomes a man’s wife and a wedding by ways and means as the earth has not experienced before?! When the carpenter’s son had blessed her she saw the heavens open and countless hosts of angels filled the air praising God for showing the earth’s mankind such honours and graces. After the pair were blessed by Jesus however the heavens closed in response the carpenter’s visible nod and only the two angels remained, as they were previously, and as you are able to see them there in the Synagogue, - over there standing near the door, in the shape of two celestially beautiful youths. Look at them and say whether they can be from anywhere else but purely from the heavens!

[05] If however things all are of such wonderful nature, which none of us can deny, why should we not take the carpenter’s son for something higher than a student of the Essenes, whom he could not ver have seen, since he has to my knowledge never left our district, except a couple of times for Jerusalem with his father and brethren, and I think once to Sidon to erect a dwelling there, at all other times he was at home.

[06] Although one knows that the he was always quiet, withdrawn worker, and that he was even regarded as somewhat stupid, one also knows that from his birth to his twelfth year truly exceptional things took place with him; even his birth was supposed to have been quite miraculous – according to the Roman chief Cornelius’ account, who told me this only recently during a festive occasion.

[07] If things are thus, then I earnestly ask whether one should still have misgivings about regarding this Jesus as at least a son of God; because such things as he accomplishes, and how he commands the angels and how they obey at the least hint obviously allows the conclusion that there must be the fullness of God’s primeval Spirit behind this Jesus.

[08] If that is the case - as his deeds and doctrines testify - then I really don’t know why we still hang unto the dead Ark, even whilst the living one is moving and acting before our eyes. We could even in front of the people still in appearance remain what we are, in order not to make the thing too conspicuous; but in our hearts we should firmly convert to him!”

[09] Says the wise Elder: “Either fully or not at all! For if godliness is in him it shall abhor all half-heartedness; if this is not the case however, then it nevertheless is better to stay with the dead Ark with at least the memory of its former constitution, than to embrace something whose foundations one does not know!

[10] Says Chiwar: “Wherefore we shall test the thing on your account, because it needs no testing on my account. I am in the clear and know exactly what I do by following him.”

[11] Says the Elder: “But do you think that the Temple will take no further steps if one community and district after another falls away from it like ripened fruit from the tree? I think the Temple won’t keep us waiting too long before sending its heavy fathers into every precinct. Then beware all apostates - these shall be tormented in every manner! Then those who embraced the wise Greek’s doctrine may still fare better than disciples of Jesus, who are neither fully Jews and even less Greeks yet might be, at least some of them, informed about the bad and completely void Temple conditions together with its holy mysteries.

[12] I say unto you: nothing incenses the Clerics into more threatening disquiet, kept secret of course than Jesus” obvious prophetic nature and that of his disciples. And such disquiet shall seize upon every Satanic measure to destroy a doctrine, which evidently must prepare the Temple’s demise.

[13] Or did you not hear what the Clerics did last year even with a Greek who made it known to the people that the former were now accepting Roman gold and silver in the Temple notwithstanding that only Aaron’s coinage was determined for this and that no other money was to ever be accepted? Behold, he was enticed into the Temple with promises of profit, and when gotten hold of in this way he was killed in a manner that finds no precedent in the Chronicles. Hence the greatest caution must be applied! We have to either become wholly Greeks and as such then join Jesus’ disciples, or on the other hand remain completely what we are, because half-measures shall in no way help us.”

[14] Says Chiwar: “Speaking openly between ourselves, what if this apparent carpenter is really the promised Messiah, thus - as David calls Him with the deepest reverence - Jehovah Himself? Should we then still become His disciples by subterfuge, or should we not rather join up with the heavenly banner and not allow ourselves to be intimidated by Satan’s trickery because through Him we can be assured of eternal life even if it may cost us this insignificant, miserable temporal life which is only short anyway?”

[15] At Chiwar’s proposition all became hesitant, not know how to act decisively.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 54

 

The angel’s counselling of the converted Clerics

  

[01] There the two angels step up to them and say: “Chiwar is right on the one hand, but you, Elder, are right too in saying that one must belong fully to God since God detests any lukewarmness. But we as His witnesses from the heavens tell you: Do not fear those who cannot harm your soul, but rather fear Him Who is the Lord, over all life in heaven and on earth. Without Him there is no life, neither in heaven nor on earth. Therefore we, as His most truthful witnesses from the heavens, do advise you to do what your friend Chiwar has suggested.”

[02] Says the Elder: “Who are you, most charming youths, that you call yourselves before us “witnesses from the heavens”?”

[03] Say the two: “Ask Chiwar who saw us fetch the wife of Faustus from Capernaum, and he will tell you who we are.”

[04] Says the Elder: “If so, there is no more to be reflected on and we must turn our backs upon the temple.”

[05] Say the two: “Not this way, dear friends, for the Lord is tolerant in all things. As long as you follow Him in your hearts, have a living faith in Him and believe that through Him the Scripture will be fulfilled and for the greater part have already been fulfilled, you are doing enough. Otherwise stay as you are, so that the servants of the world and the devil of whom the temple is full are not awakened before the time. Teach the people of Moses and the prophets and see that the true commandments of God are observed, but regard the observance of the worldly laws of the temple as you would lukewarm water, then you will be as much His disciples as those whom He called and chose from among the fishermen.

[06] In two days time, you shall get a new Chief from Jerusalem who shall be very templeristically-minded at the start but later be quite open to wheeling and dealing and hand out dispensation after dispensation for money; because he does not believe one iota in the Temple himself and you shall get off easily. Jairus has retired and is going to reside with his son-in-law. But say nothing to the new Chief about all the miracles that has taken place here!”

[07] Says Chiwar in deepest reverence: “Servants of God from the kingdom of Light and eternal life. We shall do well if we act in accordance with your counsel through the grace of God; but for myself I would like to take it a step further. How about my personally join the disciples as a disciple myself?”

[08] Say the two: “Every man of this earth is free and can do what he will and believe and say as he will; but whoever like yourselves has received divine counsel does well to heed same because heavy days of temptation are yet to come over the disciples constantly about the Lord, for the purpose of testing their spirit even in the fire, and many shall become feeble and fall away. For yourselves, it shall be easier, and you shall quietly achieve what the disciples shall only achieve under much fear and persecution. You Chiwar can yourself now do as you wish; yet it is better for you to remain in your position.”

[09] Says Chiwar: “Indeed I shall remain so; but for the duration of the Lord’s stay here I would like to stay in His proximity and hear and see Him diversely. Should I let that go too?”

[10] Say the two: “Oh, that you can indeed, although the Lord shall be saying little here, and even less, do anything in particular, because the people here are almost entirely without faith, taking the Lord to be a magician. You shall yourselves get ample opportunity to teach them something better for which the Lord shall not let you go unrewarded. Towards evening Roban also shall come back to you and bring you important testimony of Jesus the Lord, and in him you shall have a cleaver and wise leader; for Roban is one of the most forceful spirits among you.” – With these words the two angels leave and join our company.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 55

 

The relation of the people to their leaders.

  

[01] After this, Cyrenius asks Me whether it were advisable to release the Pharisees, Elders, Levites and Scribes from his sharp edict as they appear in his view to be fully converted.

[02] Say I: “One should not as an empowered legislator be precipitating and enacting a new law! Once a law is enacted, one should even less precipitate in abolishing a given law, for here the law of sensibility should guide. Behold, when enacting a new law you shall make enemies of all on whom the law imposed; if you abolish the law, none shall thank you but rather reproach you as weak and say triumphantly: ‘Do you see a tyrant! Seeing himself outnumbered by enemies, who is toying to re-ingratiate himself with the people by suddenly abolishing the tough law. But he shall have few friends among the people, for once someone is a tyrant is so a second time and doubly so when re-gaining power!’

[03] It is therefore better to let a given law stand than abolish it too soon; but one can instead secretly lapse it, and whose transgressions against it occur, one can show leniency and not sentence too strictly. When a new leader emerges, it is then up to him to either completely abolish the laws his predecessor enacted or to enact wilder ones commensurate with the spirit of the people; or be it that the people themselves came to you to ask it, whereupon you can remove the stricter portion of an enacted law but always retaining the option of re-implementing it in all severity if traces of pursuing the wilful digressions can be found which the law is designed to alleviate.

[04] Behold, this is the cleverness with which every regent should lead his subjects, if he desires to rule with gladness! A half-hearted careless regent shall come to the constantly sad insight that he should not have allowed the people to grow over his head through excessive pliability!

[05] For peoples relate towards regents the way children relate to their parents. Strict but also wise parents shall have good, obedient and obliging children who will love and honour their parents, whilst over-pliable parents shall soon have their children growing over their heads, expelling and driving them from home.

[06] Love coupled with earnestness and wisdom is the eternal law; he who acts accordingly shall not stray, and the resulting fruits shall taste good and precious. Have you indeed fully understood Me?”

[07] Says Cyrenius: “Yes, Lord, completely, and it has always been thus in the world. An excessively good and pliable regent’s’ reign shall soon be over, but a too tyrannical one rarely lasts long. It seems to me that in the middle path rest wisdom, bliss and their lasing solidity?”

[08] Say I: “Indeed, so it is: midway, as I have shown you. But now let us return home, as afternoon has quite come along.”

[09] Asks Cornelius: “But are these elderly citizens who were going to stay here, already asleep? These people could surely carry out their praiseworthy honouring of the Sabbath at home without disturbing those present with their sonorous snoring! For these people’s snoring make one want to run away - a phenomenon most obnoxious to me. I can put with plenty of hardship, but a sleeper’s snoring can drive me to exasperation!”

[10] Say I: “Now, now, just let that be. Whilst snoring they commit no sin. It is good that they are snoring, for had they been awake, they may have overheard what could have extremely offended them, which would not be good. But having slept soundly they neither heard nor saw any of all that took place and hence have taken no offence and behold, that is good. But let us go now and let these people sleep!”

[11] After that we began moving towards the door but the Pharisees and Elders rushed to the half open door, quickly opening the entire big door, saying: “Lord, it is written: ‘Lift up your heads, o ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the king of glory – To Him be all our praise and honour from eternity to eternity’.”

[12] And Cyrenius says with friendly mien: “Indeed, so it is and shall remain forever! The Lord be with you always.”

[13] And they shout: “And with your spirit, that you may show us grace as He does. Because until now your decrees have oppressed us severely, worse than death. But since we have ourselves now become fully His disciples, imposing your laws upon ourselves voluntarily, your tough decrees are to us now as if non-existent. Yet we nevertheless thank you for these very decrees for without them we may easily have turned into betrayers of this most holy matter. We hence no longer ask you to abolish the enacted, severe laws; for we, as ourselves like minded, believing and acting like yourself ourselves abolish them to the last iota through our own doing or omitting for all time!”

[14] Says Cyrenius: “In that sense I also waive the laws, and I am of the certain hope of never having to re-impose the laws on you. Let yourselves therefore not be misled again and strictly heed what the two angels of God have counselled you, and thus we shall remain the best of friends in God, and my rule shall not oppress you. And should it transpire that your new superintendent of your schools intends to persecute you for being friends of Jesus, the Lord from eternity, besides being friend of the sympathetic Romans as well, and you shall surely find your path to me, - whereupon steps shall be taken to uphold and protect your physical and above all spiritual rights to the best ability! And here I say once more: the Lord be with you.”

[15] And they all shout out again: “And with your spirit forever!”

[16] Thereupon they bow down deeply before us and we pass through the wide-open door and head for home, where an ample meal consisting of bread, wine and diverse sweet and fully ripe fruits awaits us. We seat ourselves at the tables, saying thanks and gradually consuming everything the tables hold, - remaining seated till dusk with all kinds of uplifting speeches and conversations.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 56

 

Roban and Kisjonah relate their experiences.

  

[01] Just before sunset, Roban, in company with Kisjonah of Kis, arrives at My house, greeting all he encounters already from afar, and Kisjonah too rushes over to Me with open arms, greeting above all Myself in a truly most amicable fashion with tears in his eyes and then after a while greets his daughter who had already held his hand for quite some time, covering it with kisses; whereupon he also greets his son-in-law, Cornelius, and on finding out that the illustrious Roman sitting at My side is the Chief Governor Cyrenius, he begs the latter’s apology for having overlooked him.

[02] But stirred, Cyrenius seizes Kisjonah’s hand, pressing it to his chest and saying aloud: “Not yourself, but I beg your apology for not greeting you earlier but let my not personally knowing you serve as an excuse. Because next to Jesus to Whom of course be all praise and honour, I also owe you, faithful and honest man, inexhaustible thanks. Because of all the people of the region you are sure to have played the major part in getting me out of an embarrassment which would have probably cost me my life! This is indeed a great pleasure, my most worthy friend to get to know you personally.”

[03] Therewith Kisjonah once again is very happy, relating much of what he had meanwhile met with, saying even that he had visited Sychar with honest old Roban and these spoke much with Jonael, Jairuth and a great deal with Archiel, now living and acting like an ordinary human, so that no stranger would dream that there is a purely spiritual being behind him.

[04] Thus he had also visited the physician Joram and his wonderfully glorious house and his lovely and glorious wife, finding out exceedingly amazing things from both; and that Roban had been just ears and eyes everywhere being taken aback with astonishment, and whenever mightily gripped then constantly saying to himself: “Indeed, indeed, life and blood to the godly Master of Nazareth! For He cannot be man but must be God Himself, otherwise such things would not be possible to Him!”

[05] Whilst Kisjonah continues thus, Roban steps over to Me saying: “Lord, I am Yours, and no power other than Your will can separate me from You.”

[06] Say I: “I foresaw it indeed that you would become one of Mine, but what you don’t know yet is that all your brethren and colleagues now count as Mine, without ceasing to remain before the world what they were heretofore, - wherefore you too for the time being shall stay what you were, until the new school superintendent, who will be taking Jairus’ place the day after tomorrow, will have his edges worn off a little.

[07] Your brethren shall instruct you on how to act, speak and behave towards the new Chief, who at the start shall be sweeping with a bushy broom indeed; but in hardly a half year you shall be able to achieve anything with him for a little money, since he has no faith in the Temple but only in gold for the present; afterwards nevertheless he shall be capable of believing in something better. But go over to your brethren now and appraise them of all you have seen and heard.”

[08] Upon My words Roban takes leave of Kisjonah, thanking him for all the good he had done for him, finally saying: “There may not be too many Kisjonahs encountered upon earth. Wherefore you are the only one to have touched my heart and found it. May the Lord bless you for all the good you have done for me and a thousand others.” – With these words he bows down deeply before us, rushing to his brethren who this day are still assembled at the Synagogue – without the sleeping ones, who were removed shortly after our departure. He received a surprisingly friendly reception, and with glad heart tell each other under astonishment over astonishment all that they met with, heard and saw.

[09] We too are in good spirits, for Kisjonah did not come alone but with several loaded beasts of burden and their drovers, bringing wine, flour, cheese, bread, honey and a large quantity of choice smoked fish, so that the mother Mary could hardly find room to accommodate it.

[10] Hence a neighbour was requested to store the excess in his larder with care, which he then also did although not too obligingly since he had always been a miserly fellow. But when Kisjonah offered and gave him a couple of gold pieces for his effort and helpfulness he was at once favourably inclined and exceedingly keen, on one occasion due to fading light heavily knocking into the disciple John whilst carrying bags. The latter said to him: “Friend, be more careful in your paid zeal or you shall do damage to yourself and others. Happy you would be if you were as zealous for the kingdom of God, which has come so near unto you, as you are for the two miserable pieces of gold, and you would not be knocking against anyone! Oh for the great blindness that does not want to recognise the supremely Highest!”

[11] The neighbour did not let himself be distracted, carrying out his hired service and was not troubled by anything else.

[12] Here John asked: “Lord, is it possible that a person can be so obtuse in body and soul?”

[13] Say I: “Let him go! There are now many thousands like that in the land of the Jews that are more obtuse and stubborn than donkeys! Wherefore they also deserve only the reward of a donkey!”

[14] This was followed by some derision that Philopold was able to heighten with fitting comments, substantiating how normally nothing was harder for man to see what sits on his nose. And all marvelled at his dialectic skill.

[15] After this interlude we rose from the table and shortly took our rest.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 57

 

The service of the angels in the universe.

  

[01] Everybody now retired and slept until the morning had dawned. Also I rested and slept for a few hours. The two angels, however, attended during the night to their duty of managing worlds and at sunrise were already back with us, came to Me, thanked Me and said: “Lord, everything is in the best order in the entire great cosmic man. The main central suns are fixed in their places and their rotations are regular. The orbits of the secondary central suns are unchanged, the orbits of the central suns of the third order around those of the secondary are in perfect order and the same applies to the central suns of the fourth order with their ten times hundred thousand planetary suns, here and there more or fewer – just as You, O Lord, have established the order from the very beginning. The countless planetary suns with their small, mostly dark planets and moons are anyway dependent on the order of the great leading suns, and thus everything is in the best order in this shell globe over which we have to watch, and we, therefore, may spend another bright day here with You, holy Father, and Your to us very dear children.”

[02] Say I: “Very well, but do make use of every minute through all kinds of useful lessons of which My children still have great need.”

[03] The two angels now step back cheerfully and superbly happy and greet Mary, then the disciples, Cyrenius, Cornelius, Faustus, Jairus, Kisjonah and Borus. But Cyrenius who had heard something about many suns asks them about what suns they had talked with Me as he knew only one sun.”

[04] Say the two, most endearingly: “Dearest friend and brother in the Lord, try not to know what you cannot possibly grasp right now, and on which the salvation of your soul does not depend; because that about which we spoke with the Lord would kill you, if you could understand it to the extent that we do and have to understand it. Because as many stars as you can see on a clear night, and many more that your eye can’t see on account of their immense distance, all are solar worlds on a scale beyond your understanding. The one sun that you see is one of the smallest planetary suns yet it is already more than a thousand times a thousand times bigger than this earth. Now imagine a central sun of just the fourth order, around which at least ten times a hundred thousand planetary suns orbit together with their planets or light-less earths! The volume of a central sun of only the fourth order is a thousand times larger than the sum of the volumes of all the planetary suns with their earths and moons revolving around them. Tell us, friend, can you now form for yourself an idea of such a magnitude?”

[05] Says Cyrenius: “Loveliest servants of God, pray do not tell me any more about it for this is making me quite dizzy. But since I have such a thirst for knowledge, tell me just in general what these countless, immense suns contain?”

[06] Say the two: “In a great solar world you can find the same and similar things as on this earth, although of a much nobler kind and often of a giant size. There are men, animals and plants of various kinds, just as here, and besides immense and indescribably magnificent dwellings compared with which the temple in Jerusalem and the Emperor’s palace in Rome are the most miserable snail-shells. And everywhere is this One the sole Lord and Creator from eternity.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 58

 

About man’s free self-determination and his sinful self-degradation.

  

[01] Hearing this Cyrenius is overwhelmed by the greatest awe: “Friends and servants of the Lord, only now do I realise Who the Lord is and who I am. I am absolutely nothing and He is endlessly everything. I only do not understand our human audacity which makes us speak with Him as if with our own kind.”

[02] Says the two angels: “He wants it to be like that, for the children have from eternity the right to speak to the Father to their heart’s content. Therefore, do not ask about silly things and circumstances, for it is not your responsibility that your a man, but solely His Who created you the way you are out of Himself, not depending on anybody’s counsel but His very own. And how could He have asked anyone else but Himself since before Him there was no being in the whole of infinity?

[03] Therefore, if you speak with Him as if with your own kind, you do the right thing, for God has no one except Himself with whom He could speak. But His created beings that are out of Him have been given the freedom so that they can now speak with God and God with them like one man with another, and thus it is quite in order for you to speak with Him like with your own kind. For the created being is worthy of its Creator and the Creator of His created being.

[04] Every created being is witness to God’s omnipotence, wisdom and love, and without His power no ever so mighty spirit is capable of creating anything, which can be done only by God. But since every created being is a witness to the divine omnipotence, wisdom and love, how should it then not be worthy of its Creator? - Do you understand this?”

[05] Says Cyrenius: “Oh you supremely wise servants of almighty God, how clear and comprehensible your so very wise lesson is. Yes, it is indeed so. Man must truly not be ashamed of that which is, for he is the Creator’s truest masterpiece provided he lives according to the freely recognised will of God. I think he corrupts thereby and can no longer correspond to what he originally was and is meant to be and remain forever.

[06] And so sin must be an act contrary to God’s original order by which act man, as himself creator of his to be developed nature, which is to become similar to God’s, corrupts himself there by rendering himself unworthy of being a created being of the eternal, almighty Master.”

[07] Say the angels: “There you are quite right. Every human being remains God’s worthy masterpiece as far as his form, usefulness, ability and living freedom are concerned, so-to-say purely a machine for a free and living expression of the spirit.

[08] But as concerns the moral development of his heart and soul, which necessarily has to be left to him, he can degrade himself to a hellish monster, thereby committing the greatest sin because he has within and through himself transformed God’s greatest masterpiece into a wretched bungle, whereupon it costs God Himself much effort and incalculable patience until the spoilt work becomes once more a masterpiece.

[09] Because of inexpressibly many self-spoilt works the Master has this time Himself come into the world in order to once and for all rectify these spoilt works. However, the works will continue to become corrupted, and because of that He will establish in this world a new institution in which all the spoilt works will be able to rectify themselves independently. But he who will not of his own accord make us of this institution will forever remain corrupted if his will does not change. Do you understand this?”

[10] Says Cyrenius: “I do understand also this completely and because of that I am of the opinion that people must be urged through good but strict laws to make the fullest use of this institution.”

[11] Say the angels: “This will indeed happen, but it will be of little use to mankind, for only what man does spontaneously is of benefit to him. Everything else harms him considerably.

[12] For if man could be perfected through any kind of compulsion, be it from the outside or from within, we would have more than sufficient power to bind and compel all people in such a way that it would be impossible for them to ever again act contrary to any law. Thereby we would make of man, who is destined in all freedom to become similar to God, only a dumb animated machine that would forever be quite as incapable of any useful free activity as the ever so sharp sword of justice, without being handed by an experienced hand.

[13] This shows you clearly that any compulsion would not ever be of any use, but only true teaching followed by free self-determination in accordance with the received teaching by which everyone is shown the well-lit path of divine order, how to conduct his life.”

 

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 59

 

About the big battle within man.

  

[01] Says Cyrenius: “Yes, that too I understand unfortunately, for I see few successes therefrom! Where are the people and how many of them are there who are capable to just receive and then understand a doctrine? And how many even among the instructed ones who possess a will strong enough to convert a received instruction into deed? I would take a thousand well-instructed ones and would wager everything if there are found even ten among them who have the complete determination and also the necessary courage – especially among fanatically superstitious legions of peoples – to put the heard and well-understood doctrine into practice! For what would it serve them to put the doctrine of everlasting, clearest truth into practice if already the next day they would die most excruciatingly at the hands of selfish and cruel fanatics?

[02] You are of a truth endlessly wise and mighty servants of the Most High, but as an experienced statesman I say: “Without some measure of coercion, this ever so truly divine life doctrine never find a worthwhile access! At the least, the over-crude fanatical superstition has to be driven out with fullest power; otherwise it would be everlasting pity to spread it just one day’s distance from here.

[03] We of course without a doubt believe the purest eternal truth that was amply revealed to us here, yet not quite without force; for you two and the Lord and His deeds surely are no mean coercive method, without which just over a thousand listeners and disciples would hardly have assembled on this spot. If this considerably coercive method has not transformed us to dead machines, as shown you by this my perhaps not altogether groundless rejoinder, then a just outwardly coercive means should not be too harmful on people who ought henceforth to transform themselves into children of God through this new doctrine from the heavens!”

[04] Say the two angels: “To a certain extent you are right, and outwardly coercive means shall not be completely left out. But you shall at the same time gain the conviction that a purely exterior coercion is worse than an invisible interior one! Because Satan too uses exterior means to keep the evil superstition in place; if however for the purpose of spreading the doctrine from the heavens we help ourselves to Satan’s despicable means and as it were follow in his footsteps, - question: what can we gain therewith for man’s eternal benefit?

[05] The evil superstition always found its way into the world through fire, sword and massive shedding of blood; should the purest word of God find access along these lines, could a man of any spirit acknowledge it as God’s word of peace from the heavens? Would he not have to say: “God, are You not satisfied with Satan’s tormenting of mankind to distraction that You, the Almighty had to come to us poor and weak mean along Satan’s paths?”

[06] Behold most beloved friend and brother, how inconsistent it would be of God, for the spreading of His doctrine among mankind for their eternal bliss to ever avail Himself of means that hell has at all times employed to gain entry to men in the world with its hard fruits and foods!

[07] Yes, there shall once come times indeed, unfortunately, when the polluted doctrine of Christ shall be preached to the nations with fire and sword, but this shall be most harmful for men! – Do you understand that?”

[08] Says Cyrenius: “Unfortunately I understand that too well and I am still asking, whether the almighty heavens do not intend to prevent such purely exterior calamities, or why access for evil into the world had to be or was permitted at all.”

[09] Say the two: “Dearest friend and brother, if you possess any wisdom, then judge for yourself whether any “pro” can ever exist without a “contra”! Where is the man that ever became a hero without a fight? Would these have ever been fighting among mankind if there had been only pious lambs among them? Or would you be able to ever test your strength if there were no objects that were able to counter your strength? Could there be an “up” without a “down”? Or could you ever do something for someone if no one ever were in a position to need your help: Or could you ever teach an all-knowing one something that he doesn’t already know?

[10] Look, in a world where man is destined to develop into a true child of God out of himself, he must also be afforded all kinds of good and bad opportunities to fully practise God’s teaching.

[11] It has to be cold and warm to give the rich man the opportunity to clothe his poor and naked brothers. Thus there must be poor people, so that the rich may practise mercy and the poor gratitude. There also must be strong and weak people to afford the strong an opportunity to support the weak and that the latter may recognise in the humility of their heart that they are weak. Thus there have to be, as it were, foolish and wise people, otherwise the light of the wise would be futile.

[12] If there were not any evil men, how could God know whether and to what degree they are actually good?”

[13] In short, in this institution for men’s self-development into the freest children of God there must be as many as possible pro- and contra-opportunities through which the children can thoroughly practise and completely develop in everything, or they could not possibly become true, almighty children of the Most High.

[14] We tell you: As long as a person is unable in various things and circumstances to drive with his very own power, Satan from the battlefield, he is still remote from the true sonship of God. How could he ever gain a victory over this enemy unless he were given every opportunity to meet him? Yes, the true Kingdom of God costs a great struggle because of the full freedom of eternal life: and so you must be given the opportunity of a struggle between heaven and hell.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 60

 

Usefulness of the passions.

  

[01] The angels continue: “Thus you will be aware of people being driven by diverse passions. One feels the need to possess everything that is of value; this obviously is avarice, which is a vice. And behold, you have this passion to thank for sea faring, because only exceedingly greedy and acquisitive people would be moved by the life threatening desire to find the means to swim across the exceedingly wide sea to discover whether perhaps there are lands beyond the sea, bristling with unheard-of treasures. After much toilsomeness and threat to life they come upon a land beyond the sea that is still completely uninhabited. The great dangers they lived through have cooled down their vice of acquisitiveness, robbing them of courage for return journey. They settled down wherever the wind took them, building huts and dwellings and in this way populated a still unpeopled land. – Now judge for yourself whether people without the vices of avarice and profit would have discovered a foreign land?

[02] Let us take the vice of the lust of the flesh. Overlook this vice, and imagine mankind as celestially chaste as possible, and you shall be well pleased with the purest maiden and most abstinent bachelor into their greying days. But think of all mankind as being of such chastity and ask yourself: what are the propagation prospects of such a generation, as laid out in the divine order? From this you can see that this vice also has to be inherent to man, or the earth would be devoid of man! It is certainly true that, as experience shows, one man or another loses control over this passion, and that such loss of control is always against God’s order and therefore sin. Yet repeated offence against this divine order is still preferable at all times to complete extirpation of same.

[03] All powers given to man and initially manifests hard to constrain vices must nevertheless be capable of full positive or negative development, or man would stay like lukewarm water and sink into reeking indigence.

[04] We tell you: Nothing else can testify more completely and truly to the divine destiny of man than men’s lowest depravity opposite their greatest virtue, for only therefrom it becomes evident with what unlimited abilities men of this earth have been endowed. Man’s path reaches from God’s highest heaven, which is inaccessible even to us angels, to the lowest hell. If that were not the case, how could he attain to the sonship of God?

[05] We have to deal with men on countless other worlds, but what a difference between here and there. There men have been set boundaries, spiritually as well as naturally, which they can overcome only with great difficulty. But you men of this earth are as unlimited in spirit as the Lord Himself and can do whatever you want. You can raise yourselves right to the centre of God’s dwelling, but because of that you can also fall as deep as Satan himself who was once the very freest spirit out of God. And when he did fall, he had of necessity to fall into the most profound depth of all depravity from which the will hardly ever find a way back because God had given to vice the same endless ability to perfection as to virtue.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 61

 

The benefits of free will.

  

[01] Therefore, on this earth everything depends on man’s free will and the freest possible instruction which the Lord has arranged in such a way that in its practical part it is immediately sufficiently comprehensible to every level of understanding, thus no one can excuse himself with not having understood the teaching

[02] For the “love God above all and your neighbor as yourself” is generally as clear as day. And if a person actually observes this brief, easy to understand, but still all-encompassing teaching, he will as a result be guided through his heart into all imaginable wisdom by the Lord Himself and can thereby become a teacher of his fellowmen. And thus one can draw the other to the point where the Lord Himself will take hold of him and raise him to a true child of God.”

[03] Says Cyrenius: “Yes, I have understood it all. I now see the immense destiny set for this earth and its people by God, the only drawback is that in one and the same school so to say, children of God are reared as it were side by side with the children of hell, each towards their respective sphere. But I now also comprehend that from the aspect of God’s deepest celestial wisdom it cannot be otherwise. The Lord is wise, good and almighty in overabundance not to also set hell a different course. For eternity surely is long enough to not also create within its endless duration all kinds of modalities within which its children shall surrender together with this tempter and tutor.”

[04] Say the two angels: “Here your conjecture far surpasses our wisdom horizons. But as a child of the Lord you obviously are nearer to your Father than ourselves as mere creatures, and hence are better able to discern a purely divine desire in the heart than ourselves, but this much we know - that with God nothing is impossible yet we are unable to tell you a syllable more about it.

[05] If however you seek deeper clarification in the matter then turn to the Lord Himself. To Him everything the future eternities hold most thickly veiled is more lucid than the sun. But we doubt whether he will reveal this to a mortal on account of Satan’s sharp ears. For the enemy has a thousand times a thousand ears and one has to carefully beware when speaking about him if not intending to make him ore wicked than he already is!”

[06] Says Cyrenius: “I am with you. Hence I shall say nothing to the Lord about it.”

[07] Say I: “You need not speak audibly, for I understand what you secretly say and what you ask in your heart too.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 62

 

Thinking within the heart.

 

[01] Says Cyrenius: “Lord, for me, thinking in the heart just will not work, because already in childhood I was taught to think in the head. Thinking within the heart seems almost impossible to me. How should one go about thinking in the heart?”

[02] Say I: “That’s actually quite easy and natural. Every thing that you feel you can and want to think in your big brain first comes from the heart, for every ever so small thought first must have a stimulant through which it is called forth as necessary. Only after the thought is animated and produced in the heart in accordance with some need does it rise to the brain of the head for examination by the soul, so that the latter can set the bodily limbs into the corresponding movement, so that the inner thought may so to say become a word or deed; but for any man to think just in the head is a sheer impossibility. For a thought is a spiritual creation and can therefore not arise other than within man’s spirit, which resides in the soul’s heart and from these animates the entire man. How could any creation develop from any ever so rare matter, since all matter, including man’s brain is nothing but pure matter and hence can never be a creator but only a creation?! Do you comprehend such now and perhaps sense it already that no man is capable of thinking anything in the head?”

[03] Says Cyrenius: “Lord, I do indeed sense this now quite vividly. But how does this take place? It now seems to me as if I had always been thinking only in the heart! Strange. How is this? Indeed, I feel actual words in the heart, and that spoken words, and it no longer seems possible to me to formulate a thought in the brain!”

[04] Say I: “This is the natural result of the increasing wakefulness of your spirit in the heart, which is the love towards Me and through Me to all men.

[05] With people whose love has not yet awakened thus, the thoughts, although forming in the heart as well, on account of the latter being still too material, are not discerned within same but only in the brain, where the thoughts of the heart, already more material on account of the arousal to action, develops pictorially, amalgamating with the images which have imprinted themselves in the brain tablets [pyramids, the trans.] from the outside world through the body’s sensors, becoming so to say material and bad in the soul’s view and therefore having to also be regarded as the necessarily evil basis for men’s deeds.

[06] Every person therefore must be born again in the heart, and there in the spirit, or he cannot enter the kingdom of God!”

[07] Says Cyrenius to Peter who was standing next to him: “Do you actually understand this thing about the born-again spirit within the heart, and what and where the Kingdom of God actually is, about which He and the angels constantly speak, promising us this as something to coje for our faith?”

[08] Says Peter: “Of a truth I understand such, and if I did not understand it, I would not stay here, but would be at home attending to the household. Explore your own heart, exalted lord, and there you shall in a short time discover more that I could explain to you in a hundred years!

[09] Look at us, His first disciples and witnesses, nevertheless speak more with Him than you and many others not by word of mouth; for we speak with Him solely in our heart asking Him about a thousand things, and He answers us in clear, distinct thoughts and thus we have a twofold benefit. For an answer by the Lord in a man’s heart is, as it were, already his vital constituent whereas the external word can become a vital constituent only through constant activity for the soul’s practice.

[10] And in this way you can, exalted lord, ask also those matters regarding Satan, and the Lord shall then lay the right answer into your own heart so quietly and secretly that the myriad-eared Satan shall be incapable of hearing it! And in the same way you can also ask the Lord about the re-birth of the spirit in the heart and about the Kingdom of God, and presently the clearest answer shall be given you.”

[11] Says Cyrenius: “Of a truth, now I am clear about something that intrigued me a few times, - why you hardly ever speak a word with the Lord. Very well, I shall try it. If the Lord secretly shows you such grace then He will also do so with me! Because the fact that I so to say hang up my heavy official duties on a nail, spending time with Him and fortifying my soul with every word from His holy mouth, proves that I love Him beyond all measure

[12] I think that out of sheer love for Him, I am doing and have done more for Him than all of you together, for I have known Him as a tender child, and looked after Him and his parents and brethren in then heathen’s land abroad. And whilst you have sacrificed only your fisherman’s nets to Him, I am ready to at once lay down my worldly honour for Him, if He were to accept it, and follow Him faithfully as the least among you, putting my life on the line for Him and yourselves, as indeed I have done already a couple of times,, not to mention what could as a result have easily befallen me out of Rome.

[13] If I do all this out of perfect love for Him, then He should find me worthy of His grace the way He has bestowed upon you so richly?!”

[14] Say I: “And you possess it already, My dearest friend and brother. But that which you already possess you do not have to still seek and contend for as if you didn’t as yet have it. Hence be at peace and try in your heart to ask Me whatever at all, and I shall lay the answer clearly, distinctly, understandably and audibly in your heart, which truly loves Me above all else!”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 63

 

About the return of the Prodigal son.

  

[01] Encouraged, Cyrenius now asks in his heart: “Concerning Satan, what will once become of him and whether a change of heart on his part can ever be expected.” Thereupon the Lord puts the following answer in his heart,

[02] “Whatever happens, does happen for his sake: The lost one is being sought and the very sick is offered medicine, but his will remains and must remain free, for interfering with his will would mean to transform the entire almost endless material creation including all its elements into the hardest rock wherein no life can move. The entire material creation represents the most comprehensive judgement of the Great Spirit, who is split up into countless worlds that, with their endless number constitute his complete being. From this one being goes forth countless myriads upon myriads of beings, as most men of this earth, who through God’s power, might, love and wisdom are transformed into complete, godlike beings, and this is a certain conversion of the one great spirit.

[03] But once all the earths and suns will have been dissolved into only human beings, nothing will be left of the one but his ‘self’ that in its total isolation will after eons of time have to start turning back before it exposes itself to an eternal slow death. Then a material sun and a material earth will no longer be revolving in the endless, eternal space, but a most glorious new spiritual creation with happy, free beings will be filling infinite space and I shall forever be the God and Father for all beings from eternity to eternity and this most blissful state will never end. There will be one flock, one fold and one shepherd.

[04] However, when all this will take place can never be determined in earth years. And even if I told you the figure you could not possibly grasp it. And if I were to describe the figure by telling you that as many thousand times thousand aeons of thousands upon thousand of years will be passing as there is sand in the sea and on all the earth and grass in all the lands and on all the mountains of the earth and drops of water in the seas, lakes, streams, rivers, brooks and springs, you could not calculate all this to determine the final time of redemption.

[05] Hence be content with this: seek above all the kingdom of God and its righteousness, then you shall immediately after the death of your physical body, be awoken by Myself to everlasting life, and in the Kingdom of pure spirits, a thousand earth-years shall pass like one day!

[06] And, friend, in My spiritual kingdom of the most supreme blessedness shall that which here seems too endless to you, be there happily anticipated with ease and brevity. Right now neither you nor any of My disciples can yet be led into all wisdom of the heavens, - but can be so when after few years you shall be baptised with the holy spirit out of God. This spirit shall lead you and all others into all the wisdom of the heavens. Only then shall you behold in the most brilliant light what now must still seem to you as dark and blurred! What has now been revealed to you, keep closely to yourself, letting no one notice anything thereof, for this must be kept secret for a long time yet!”

[07] On perceiving such within himself, Cyrenius was taken aback, saying after some intense thinking: “It was without question Your Word that I heard faithfully and distinctly within my heart as a perfect stream of words. But should the concluding warning be heeded as strictly as that? Could not some of this be made known in a casual manner, as if thrown off in passing, to intimates of upright and honest thinking?! For no man surely could be harmed therewith.”

[08] Say I, audibly: “Well, friend, a person who like yourself has received it through the inner path shall of course not be harmed, or I would not have made it known to you but if crowds were to receive this from without, it would seriously harm them. The how and why My angels have adequately revealed to you, and so let us put this matter to rest, for we still have to work out many other things of great consequence which for the moments are far more essential than your question the answer to which shall ripen only in eternity.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 64

 

About the nature, life and work of nature spirits.

  

[01] Cyrenius is put at ease with this advice, but Kisjonah now gets up asking Me whether he too could ask a question about an arrangement I had made which turned out unnecessary.

[02] Say I: “Speak, friend of friends and enemies.”

[03] Says Kisjonah: “Behold, when we were about to pick up the residue from the cave in my mountains, You commanded that bread and wine in the right quantity be taken along, as we would meet many hungry and thirsty ones there. Thereupon I had a large quantity of bread and wine taken along, afterwards I waited near and in the grotto for anyone in need of the bread and wine that might come. Yet behold, no one turned up to whom the provisions could be passed.

[04] When we had come out of the grotto, and after You had same blocked off for ever through Your power in Archiel, we found ourselves without bread or wine, and none of the carriers could tell me as to who relieved them of the bread and wine. For sure, I did not notice it at the miraculous time, either inside or outside the cave, but the following day, after You departed from Kis, my entire house of course spoke of nothing other than Yourself; and - the way people are - especially at such miraculous happening, at least twice as many deeds were discussed as You had performed, according to my knowledge. I admonished the story tellers for many of the related stories which the tellers presumed to have seen You perform, declaring them as inventions of their heated imagination, resulting in the end as no more than pious lies; but the telling of the disappearance of the bread and wine that were brought along really had me puzzled as well. Because I could really not remember what had happened to the large quantities of bread and wine brought along as we had not consumed any.”

[05] Say I: “I knew indeed that this would cause you to come after Me; but there truly is not as much to it as you imagine. But since you came to get in the clear also about this, I have to throw some light on it for you, and so hearken.

[06] Behold, there are certain nature spirits in the mountains as well as in the air, in the earth, the water and fire which have not yet taken the road through the old flesh because an opportunity has not yet offered itself where they could on the occasion of a human act of procreation enter the flesh in order to be born into the world through the body of a woman. There are great numbers of such still unborn souls in all the elements.

[07] Well, the nature spirits active in the mountains have assumed from the air somehow more consistency. These are not particularly keen on being procreated into the flesh and then born in the flesh out of a woman. With their sometimes quite acute intelligence they prefer to remain as long as possible in their free and unbound state. They even possess a sense of justice and fear the Spirit of God about whom they sometimes know a good deal, this means always only a few who have aged already considerably; the young spirits accepted in this society are normally still quite gloomy and sometimes also evil and could cause a lot of harm if not kept on a short leash by the elders. Their main activity is to form, produce and order all kinds of metals in the fissures and crevices of mountains.

[08] At times such spirits also take food from nature, namely out of the plant kingdom. Such they do during hard work in the kingdom of the mountains when transforming the rocks, when eroding large sections of a mountain, when emptying water from overfilled grottos and similar tasks where these spirits often are full out required to participate, so that they, often too intense irritated, should loose their love for the mountains and try to be conceived into the flesh, for especially from now on no spirit can reach a fully living free bliss, who did not walked the path of the flesh.

[09] These spirits, My dear Kisjonah, and especially the ones that look after your mountains, were faced with a particularly hard task when the vile cave had to be blocked up, and they had to be fortified for this work with bread and wine. And I was speaking of these when I said: ‘We shall find many hungry and thirsty who will need such refreshment.’ It was also consumed without any leftovers and then at My angel’s bidding the extremely hard labour was completed to perfection. This is now the fully enlightening answer to your question. - Is this clear to you?”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 65

  

[01] Says Kisjonah: “Yes, Lord, this is quite clear to me and that all the more so since the miners who are digging for all kinds of ore in my mines have often told me similar things, how sometimes bread and wine had disappeared and they did not know who among them could have played such a practical joke on them even involving theft. Sometimes when the hungry miners vented their anger, they heard a resounding laughter and some also claim to have seen childsized human beings frisking about in front of them and in a variety of colours: blue, red, green, yellow and also quite black.

[02] Only recently my oldest miner told me that a blue little man had suggested to him in future to carry bread and wine on him in a leather bag, then the hungry fellows of the mountain would be unable to steal it. Besides, no one should talk too loudly in the mines and under no circumstances whistle or even swear, for the gnomes cannot bear these things and do cause trouble to those who do not observe this rule. People must also not laugh deep down in the mountains, for the gnomes cannot stand laughter either. If my miners would sometimes leave some bread and wine for the gnomes, the latter would help them to find rich veins of all the metals.

[03] Usually I took these stories for fables since I myself had never experienced anything similar, although I had quite often entered the mines in my mountains. But now after your so gracious explanation everything is quite clear to me. Only one thing I cannot grasp as yet, - how these gnomes who are actually spirits can consume natural food. How do these somewhat weird beings eat and drink?”

[04] Say I: “Similar to how fire consumes things it seizes. Put a drop of wine or a crumb of bread into it and you will see how both quickly vanish. And behold, in the same way the spirit or gnomes consume the natural food. They quickly dissolve what is material and transform the spiritual-substantial contained in the matter into their souls substances thereby absorbing it into their being, - and this in just a moment. - Now you know also this and need not concern yourself about these things any further.”

[05] Says Kisjonah: “Lord, I thank you for this information, for it gives me a happy feeling and I now realise even more clearly that everything surrounding me on all sides is nothing but pure life.”

[06] Say I: “Very well, My most beloved friend. But I ask you for one thing, that you like the others who know about this keep it to yourself. These things are not salutary for everyone to know, for all the Egyptian and Persian magicians, are not seldom in alliance with spirits and goblins with whose help they perform all kinds of magic. But all this magic is an abomination before God and the one who practises it will truly have little chance of ever entering the Kingdom of God. For such magicians block the entry into the flesh to those spirits, and when they die they become prisoners of such immature souls and cannot easily be freed because they keep absorbing natural elements from the immature, naked nature souls. I tell you: Cursed be a magician. For there has never been an instance where a real magician would have persued an only half-way good purpose with his magic. Everywhere you see standing out the grossest greed and, besides, also the most shameless lust for power, and such spirits shall receive their humiliation reward in the deepest hell.

[07] Says Faustus, for once: “Lord, Lord, in that case the many magician’s and fortune tellers’ prospects in the extensive Roman empire are bad! Because in Rome these types of people are held in almost god-like esteem and with one word are able to dull the Emperor’s and every ever so great and brave hero’s will, - or alternatively re-vitalise them to such an extend that mountains shake before their courage.”

[08] Say I: “Yes, friend, such pretending demi-gods shall once not fare the best; for they are aware of deceiving those not initiated into their craftiness in a most ingenious manner, not seldom leading them to stray into all sorts of abominations through such deception. Wherefore such scoundrels shall never fare well; for these are the real non-sellers for much mommy, and the real authors of countless abominations and sins for the ruin of mankind.”

[09] Say several: “But if they reformed, could they still not attain to beatitude?”

[10] Say I: “Indeed so, if they reformed then they too could gain beatitude; but that is the sad part, that these very people are the least adjusted to betterment. Murderers, robbers, thieves, fornicators and adulterers you can convert, and an Emperor or King are quite ready to lay down their crown; but a magician will not be separated from his magic wand! For his invisible accomplices will not allow this and are constantly his masters whenever the would separate himself from them.

[11] Wherefore I say again, Cursed be evil magic, for through it all sins came into the evil world.

[12] He who wishes to work wonders must possess the inner power from God for that, and then let him work a miracle only in cases where it is really necessary.

[13] However, who works a false wonder and prophesies through all kinds of incantations and signs need no longer be damned, for he is already fully damned of his own accord. Therefore, beware all of you of evil magic and prophecy, for all this is most detrimental to the human spirit.”

[14] Following these words all who heard them were thoroughly scared, asking whether also the age-old weather foreboding, trustworthy according to experience, should not be regarded either.

[15] Say I: “For sure, if computed on a scientific basis; if not then that also is a sin, because man then develops a second faith, which diminishes the pure faith in God’s providence man then manifesting a greater faith in the signs than in the only true, almighty God.

[16] He who remains within pure faith may ask Me and he shall be given what he asked, notwithstanding the worst foreboding contrary signs of the earth and air confirmed through experience. But he who relies on the signs also shall receive in accordance with the signs. The Pharisees regard the signs, letting people question them about it for dear money; but they shall once be condemned that much more for it!

[17] Did God not create everything that is represented to man through signs. If God created it all then surely shall remain Lord over all, leading and guiding everything. If God Himself alone is Lord and guide of all created things and appearances, what could these have to indicate without Him? If they could not possibly do so ever, then let man enquire of God, Who alone is capable of everything, as to what the signs indicate. Is not this more comforting than a thousand of the most reliable sign interpretations?”

[18] Say all those seated at My table: “Lord this is certain and true. If only You could cause the whole world to think and act thus, then the world would look differently to how it looks now! To those of us gathered around You now it is easy of course since we have You as the cause of all being and appearing at our side; but a hundred thousand times a thousand who don’t have the inestimably great fortune to be in Your supremely holy company, hearing words of life from Your mouth, fare otherwise! These too are certain to be yearning for that which the entire creation bears witness to; but their star-gazing shall never discover You, and their great longing never be satisfied. What wonder then that such people are only too easily attracted to wonder-working magician and signs and their interpreters, because these have something to offer to people of godly striving, having a smattering of godliness even if false?”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 66

 

About magicians and fortunetellers.

  

[01] From here on Cyrenius starts speaking on his own, saying: “Lord, it is fully true that You certainly are He as Whom we have recognised You for a long time, and none from among us can question this; yet I must openly admit to You that in this Your explanation about magicians interpreters of signs and fortunetellers, I sensed hardly anything of that well-known mercy and love I am accustomed in You! Under such conditions and terms does not all this depend on Yourself in the end, - since it is Yourself Who inflicts mighty blows upon mankind that are extremely hurtful; yet let the beaten man beware if he starts lamenting under the mighty blows. But I hardly think that’s right!

[02] Behold, the men of the earth surely are generally blind and foolish, and hence evil. But I ask what is to blame, and how the evil comes about. And the way I’m asking now, hundreds of thousand of Romans, by no means immature, are asking the same question.

[03] One can definitely not assume that man in the beginning went forth from Your hand in an evil condition, no more than a child is born into the world as a devil. If the first man was good, how did the second and third become evil? Was this Your will, or that of him who begot him afterwards? Everything that is therefore had to come in accordance with Your will. If Your will wanted it that way, why then this heavy condemnation of people who wanted to basically only save mankind from certain despair because You had not wanted to reveal Yourself after their calling upon You? I beg You to be righteous rather than harsh; because the creature has no weapon against its creator, - it can only beg, tolerate, suffer and despair!”

[04] Say I: “But friend Cyrenius! Have you already forgotten everything that you have heard, both from Myself as well as from the two angels? Did you not just a few days ago want to immediately punish the Pharisees for wanting to stone Me, and I did not let you. And now it seems that you want to almost take their side. Or do you better understand how to position man so that from such vantage point he must become a child of God if he so desires? See how weak you are still!

[05] Are you so well versed in the most general history of mankind that you have reason to reproach Me for only now responding to those calling and seeking, but never in former times?

[06] Did not the first men constantly associate with Me, Who was, beginning with Noah until Moses, the high priest at Salem, called Melchisedek, who dwelt at Salem also as a real king of kings? Who was the Spirit in the ark of the covenant? And since the Spirit from the ark entered Me, - question: Who am now !?

[07] Those calling did, to be sure, expect Me to descend to them from the stars since, when I was among them, I was too common and not sufficiently divine as I did not want to shine like the stars.

[08] Behold, that which inspired you just now was wrong from its foundation, and Satan, having noticed a little of your harbouring of his secret, tried you out a little, and you were ready at once to quarrel with Me! Consider therefore whether you can be right with your talk?

[09] Am I capable of ever being hard or unjust towards anyone? Or am I wrong in offering you the real purest gold for the fake manufactured ones: Or should I leave you to your evil and useless superstition? Did not I as the Lord, have more right to ruin the evil, stubborn Pharisees than you? Did I sentence them? They would indeed also have fallen prey to their own judge if I had not rescued them miraculously!

[10] See how short sighted you still are. I mean that all those things you have heard and seen should surely have made you a little more far-sighted!”

[11] Cyrenius asks My forgiveness, as well as all the others, and they realise their false notions; I comfort them all saying: “Oh, you all shall meet with much tougher tests yet; do not then forget this happening and this My instruction to you, otherwise you could be led into still greater temptation in spite of you having all seen and spoken to Me and then easily fall away from Me into all the world going over into its lies and deceptions and completely resemble those you think had sought and called upon Me after which, in order to more easily condemn them, I am to have sent them magicians and interpreters of signs in My stead?” All ask My forgiveness once more, and I bless them all.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 67

 

The Lord heals one berserk.

  

[01] Shortly thereafter a large crowd of residents come from town, announcing that a person has gone berserk.

[02] I ask them what I should do with the raging one.

[03] The residents say: “We know that You are a wonder-physician since the Pharisees told us today how through Your mere will You made old Josa’s house hold completely well, and that You are more than the familiar carpenter Jesus. And so we beg You as our well known compatriot to make this raving one well again.”

[04] I ask: “How did he actually become rabid?”

[05] Say the residents: “Indeed, beloved Master, this he got from a mad dog that bit him, and it is a terribly dangerous evil, which has not been capable of healing by any physician to date. When he dies, the entire house has to be burnt down with him; because whoever were to touch would shortly thereafter fall victim to such terrible raving. That is why we have kept him well-confined to his house, so that he would not get outside, where he would cause much harm. Beloved Master, would You please deliver us from this plague?”

[06] Say I: “Very well, so go and bring him out, that he may get well, together with all who whom he infected as they caught and locked him up!”

[07] Say the residents: “Oh Master, who is going to escort him out? Whoever touches him is as good as terrifyingly dead!”

[08] Say I: “If you don’t believe and have no trust I can help neither him nor yourselves!”

[09] Say the residents: “Master, were You not able to help Josa’s household, which was overtaken by similar evil, without the sick having to be brought out?”

[10] Say I: “Josa believed, but you yourselves don’t believe and rather have cause only to see with your half-faith what I would do with the raving one. Hence I say unto you again: bring him out and he and you shall be helped. Because all of you already harbour something similar that can break out imminently; if however you believe and bring him out then the Satanic poison in you shall be destroyed for that very reason!”

[11] Upon these My words they take off, shortly afterwards bringing the rabid out, tied up, who looked frighteningly wild, foaming and roaring like a hungry lion. Catching sight of this raging one, a great fear fell over all My guests, and the women one and all fled into the house, as they lacked the courage to behold this terribly distorted and dreadfully roaring appearance. Even My mother hid in the house, and My disciples also spread out. Judas hid behind a tree and only Cyrenius, Faustus, Cornelius, Kisjonah and Borus remained firmly by My side.

[12] Here I spoke to the residents: “Release and set him free!”

[13] All were terrified, yelling: “Lord, now we are lost!” – And the residents didn’t dare to do so for the screaming of the other people together with the disciples.

[14] So I said to Borus: “Then you go and release him; for he is already healed in My name and can no longer harm anyone.”

[15] Thereupon Borus went courageously over to the still raging one saying: “The Lord Jesus be with you, and be healed in His name!”

[16] The raging instantly became quiet, his near negro black face became natural again as formerly, and with grateful mien he asked Borus to release the tight bands. Borus immediately loosened the bands which were completely clean and free of foamings. And the healed one went over to Me, thanking Me most fervently for this unheard-of favour, begging Me that he should henceforth be spared such evil.

[17] I said to him: “You and all the others who through you would unquestionably have lapsed into your evil, you are now completely healed, but be friends of people and not of dogs in future.

[18] Rather take children of poor parents into your homes instead of useless and dangerous dogs, and you shall not ever be overcome by the most evil raving, which originates with the Satanic poison that the dogs carry!”

[19] In response to these words, all promise to destroy their dogs this day and not keep such animals in future. But some of feeble faith nevertheless ask Me whether they really now are delivered completely from this evil, and whether same shall never befall them again.

[20] Say I: “Oh ye of little faith! Do you not see that he whom you brought has become completely well? If he was helped then surely you will have been helped as well, since you had nearly befallen by such raving. If I can call the dead from the grave, then such evils surely shall not exceed death itself. Time shall prove to you that you are fully healed. But now depart to your dwellings in peace. Also, go over to the Elders and Pharisees, showing yourselves as fully healed, and then make your offering on the altar which Moses commanded for the leprous after they are cleansed.”

[21] Thereupon they all thank Me most fervently, asking Me how they can return such exceedingly great favour.

[22] I say: “Be believing and doing whatever the Pharisees and Scribes shall teach you.”

[23] With these words they start off on their return reassured, telling the Pharisees all that had taken place here, making an abundant offering for it.

[24] The Pharisees, not having heard of this rabid one before, begin to be exceedingly astonished, saying: “Verily, this is a healing possible only to God Himself! Such has not been heard in Israel before. Verily, this person does things which none of the very greatest prophets ever did. There is no sickness that He is not capable of healing, and no dead in the grave that he is not able to call back to life. Is not this a man such as the earth has never carried before! Go home now and come back tomorrow and we intend to deal more about it with you.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

  

Chapter 68

 

A Gospel for the well-to-do.

  

[01] The residents make their way home, returning the completely healed father to his children and his exceedingly depressed wife who at first can hardly trust her senses, then breaking out into a torrent of tears of thanks and joy, at once rushing out to Me with her ten children, all thanking Me on their knees for this unheard-of favour, at the same time asking Me to allow her to serve My house and anyone I can suggest with all her strength in every possible manner.

[02] I say to her: “Everything you will do to the poor for the sake of My name will be considered as if you had done it to Me.”

[03] The wife cries for joy and thanks, saying: “Lord, You truest Master, given us from the heavens. I posses a great fortune, half of it I want to let the poor have immediately whilst the other half I want to hold in trust for them so that they can always find something with me. For I believe that it is good so, being aware of the poor not capable of managing large wealth economically, usually spending too much at the start and then having nothing in times of need.”

[04] Say I: “Do so, dear woman! So should all the rich act, then the poor would never have to suffer need because destitution is an evil thing, often leading the poor into greater vice than wealth. The wealthy at least officially stay as within his reputation before the world and rarely offends the world as much as the poor, whose want often makes him ready for the worst deeds; but the merciless rich, who often uses the poor for carrying out his iniquity is, notwithstanding all his worldly honour a thousand times worse than the poor. Because the poor becomes depraved on account of his destitution, whilst the rich is the creator of vice through his inconsumable excess.

[05] But the way you dear woman now want to, and also shall use your wealth, same becomes a blessing from the heavens and shall both temporally and everlastingly yield its stewards the greatest profit. For which reason he who seeks to be really virtuous, let him be always thrifty and economical, so that in times of need he is enabled to support the poor and the weak.

[06] I tell all of you: Let your love for your children burn like a light, but your love for the children of poor parents should be a blaze. For no one in the world is poorer than a poor, deserted child, be it a boy or a girl which makes no difference. Whoever gives a home to such a poor child in My name and cares for it bodily and spiritually like for his own blood, he takes Me in and with Mine also Him Who sent Me into the world and fully one with Me.

[07] If you want to grow God’s blessing in your houses and gain a rich harvest like from a well cultivated field, establish in your houses nurseries for poor children and you shall be covered with blessings like a swollen stream covers the lower plains it floods with sand pebbles. However, if you send poor, hungry little children away, and that in anger as if they had already done almost irreparable damage to you, then the blessing will escape from your houses like the dying day from the persecution of the fast approaching night. Woe betide the houses that have been caught by such a night. In truth, their day will never again begin to dawn. And now, My dear woman, go home and do what you had intended to do, and think above all of the poor widows and orphans.”

[08] After this lesson the woman rises with her children, they thank Me once and finally she exclaims aloud: “O God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, how great, kind and holy You are and how endlessly mighty and wise for giving us poor sinners a man from Your heart who is capable of healing all our maladies, physical and spiritual! To You, holy Father, be all praise, all love, and all glory everlastingly! O You dearest Father, how good You are to those who rely solely on You! You do severely punish all who disregard Your commandment, but when the repentant sinner entreats You: ‘Dear holy Father, forgive me who am so weak’, oh then the holy, kind Father promptly grants his request and helps him with His almighty arm out of every distress.

[09] Men, do take an example from me all of you! I, too, was a sinner and God punished me mightily with His at all times holy scourge, but I did not waver in my truest, repented my sins and prayed fervently to the Father in heaven. And look He, He alone, granted my supplication and helped me in a wonderful way out of my greatest and most terrible distress.

[10] Therefore, do turn to Him and rely solely on Him. For where no man is able to help He comes and helps the one in distress. Therefore, all praise Him unceasingly! For He alone can help everyone truly ! And to you, dearest emissary from the heavens, once more my thanks, for you must yourself be a holy instrument in the hand of almighty God!”

[11] This exclamation which, unknowingly to the woman, concerned Me alone, cost Me some tears of deepest emotion, so that I had to turn away from her.

[12] Cyrenius noticed this and said: “Lord, what is it that You are weeping?”

[13] And I replied: “Friend, there are not many little children like this one on earth. Should I, as the Father Whom she praised so fervently, not be able to be moved to tears for joy? Oh, I tell you: More than any other father. Behold, all women should be like this one, and she gives Me indescribable joy. But she shall also realise what it means that I wept over her for great joy.”

[14] After these words I wiped the tears from My eyes, saying to the woman still in the glow of love alone for God, through and through, and to her children: “You My beloved woman! Since your love for God and your faith are so mighty as these has rarely been before, I can’t let you go the way you are now. Let your husband be sent for through your oldest son, that he may come out, as I have quite a few important things to discuss with him!”

[15] The boy at once runs off to town and soon returns with the healed father.

[16] I say to the two on arrival: “Friend, for the purpose of your not being healed fully only physically, but primarily also in soul, which shall live everlastingly, and for the purpose of knowing where you stand in all that has taken place here, I have had you summoned out here. Firstly you shall be My guest throughout this evening together with your dear wife and children, and second you shall see and hear quite a few things from this you shall easily discern, as to Who is He that healed you. After you and your wife shall become aware of this you shall be also more at ease a thousandfold, and you shall realise that you have truly been completely healed.

[17] But before dinner time comes we want to take the short road to the new synagogue built by Jairus, his wife, and his daughter, her husband Borus, Cyrenius, Cornelius, Faustus, Kisjonah, your wife and your children shall accompany us. There you will be shown something that shall strengthen your faith considerably.”

[18] Says the healed whose name was Bab: “Master, what you wish shall be done in the way you wish it. I am willing to follow you to the end of the world.”

[19] Upon these words of Bab we immediately went to the synagogue which walking at a moderate pace could be reached in a quarter of an hour, but very comfortably in half an hour.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 69

 

In the tomb.

  

[01] Thus we soon arrived there, entered the synagogue and went into the burial-vault where Sarah had been lying for more than four days and where the swathers and shrouds in which Sarah’s corpse had been wrapped were still lying. But in the same vault was also another corpse placed there by friends of Jairus. It belonged to a boy of twelve who had died of a serious illness already a year and a half ago. This one was lying in a coffin of cedar wood and was already fully decomposed except the bones.

[02] At the sight of this coffin tears came to the eyes of Jairus and he said tearfully: “What a bad thing the world is! It allows the most tender flowers to sprout from its ground, and what is their lot? They have to die and pass away. The fragrant scent of the rose soon becomes on offensive smell and the tender, innocent lily spreads a nauseous stench in its decay; the sky-blue of the hyacinths turns a deathly yellowish grey and the carnation lies like thousands of its beautifully fragrant sisters.

[03] This boy was - one could say - an angel. He was pious from the cradle and by his tenth year he already understood The Scripture and kept the commandments like a God-fearing adult Jew. In short, his truly childlike pious way of life and his astonishing mental abilities showed the best promise. But then he contracted a bad illness which no physician could control, and thus in this boy died everything one could hav expected him to soon realise.

[04] Here one really must ask why the Lord God who is full of love and mercy allows this to happen to people who trust and rely on Him. Thousands of poor children live homeless and without eduction and God does not call them away from this earth, whereas children of parents who can afford to give them a God-pleasing education usually have to die. Why is this?

[05] If it pleases God to put only savages on this earth who can hardly utter five words, then God does the right thing in promptly removing from the earth every child that shows better spirit and letting only the idiots live beside the apes. But if God wished to have on this earth spiritually awakened, pious, God recognising and loving people, I think God should pay more attention to the life of such children than has been the regrettable case until now.”

[06] Say I: “My drear friend, Jairus, you speak as you understand it from a human viewpoint, but God acts according to how He in His divine way understands and must understand it from eternity or you and all that is would not have an existence. But you nevertheless do an injustice to God with your grumbling.

[07] For if God had taken from the world all the children who already in their childhood had given evidence of intelligence and talents, all of you who are now here with Me would already have decayed in the earth. But since you are still here at a considerable age your blaming God is unjustified. For also all of you revealed in your childhood particularly much intelligence, you were children of very wealthy parents and God still allowed you to live while He outside among the heathens took many thousands of poor children from this earth through dysentery and other bad illnesses which caused their poor parents quite as much grief as the parents of this boy are still living and have adopted for this boy three other poor children. These three children are now quite worthy successors of the one child who in time, because of his great talents, would have been pampered and spoilt too much by his parents who loved him more than God, and in the end he would have become nothing but a conceited, proud and self-willed poor wretch with whom no high priest could have achieved anything.

[08] God, however, saw that in advance, removed him at the right time from this world and in the beyond gave him to the angels for a better education so that he might have a better chance to sooner reach the destination set for him by God as for every human.

[09] In addition to this, God had planned for a time to come when for you few God’s name shall be glorified. And behold, that is the reason why God let this boy die already a year and a half ago so that he would be properly decomposed when the Lord God will once more restore him to life. Therefore lift the coffin out and open it.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 70

 

Resurrection of Josoe.

  

[01] Following these words Borus and Kisjonah immediately climbed into the tomb and tried to lift the coffin but they were unable to move it, for it was extremely heavy having been made from solid cedar-wood with, in addition, a lot of heavy ornaments of iron, gold and silver. After repeated efforts Borus said: “Lord, the coffin is too heavy, we cannot master it at all. As far as I know this coffin was lowered with the help of machines and by natural means it will only be possible to lift it out again with machines.”

[02] Say I: “Then come out of the tomb. The two youths who are here shall lift it out!” - Borus and Kisjonah now quickly climb from the tomb and the two youths lift the coffin promptly and with such ease as if they were handling featherdown.

[03] Bab, his wife and children open their eyes in surprise and he says, amazed at the strength of the two youths: “But what unbelievable power and strength they possess. These two tender boys, none of whom can be more than fifteen years old, played - like a big wind with a down feather - with this weight which had resisted the strength of two strong men. Ah, such a thing has never been heard of.”

[04] Say I: “Never mind, for you will now witness much greater things. But all of you remember this: You must not tell anyone of this, not even My disciples. For their time has not come for a long time yet, but once the time has come, they will get to know everything anyway. But now open the coffin so that we may see how far the boy is already decomposed.”

[05] The coffin was immediately opened and the boy who was completely decomposed except for the bigger bones was by the skilled hands of Borus freed from all the shrouds and swathes for all to inspect. The miserable looking skeleton was viewed by all with visible shuddering.

[06] And Faustus said: “Ecce homo! Look, that is a man, too. What fine lot for the voluptuous flesh of mankind. A horrible looking skull still covered with some stuck together hairs; a shrunk greenish-brown breast-skin, here and there broken by some half-decayed ribs, the black spine over which there are still hanging some traces of decayed intestine covered with mildew. Finally the feet, - how horrible they look, full of decay and mildew. And our noses also feel that we are not in the shop of a balsam merchant, for the stench is worse than I would have expected. No, this is a form well suited to make a man’s existence as contemptible as possible, for in the end everyone of us has to expect this lot. This is the reason why I by far prefer cremation of the bodies to burial.”

[07] Say I: “But if the Son of man has the power to awaken and recall into life also such bodies as well as all those that since Adam are resting fully decomposed in the earth, does also then such a sight present a picture of horror? Can death still have something frightening when a Master has raised himself above it? In order that all of you who are here may see that I, as a Son of man on this earth, have the perfect power to call back into life also such bodies and to reanimate them and make them immortal, this boy shall be a witness for you.”

[08] Hereupon I say to the boy: “Josoe, I tell you: Arise and live and witness that I have the power to raise from the dead also such dead as you.”

[09] At this moment there arose a strong draught, the mildew of decay vanished, soon the bones were once more covered by skin and within it the body began to swell to its full form, like a dough mixed with leaven, and in a few moments the boy arose fully alive from the open coffin, immediately recognised Jairus, Faustus and Cornelius whom he knew well from Nazareth and asked Jairus: “But dear uncle, how did I get into this coffin? What has happened to me? I was just now in a very dear company and do not know how I have so suddenly come here.”

[10] Says Jairus: “My dear Josoe, look at the One Who is standing beside you. He is a Lord over life and death. Your body was dead and has been lying here in this coffin already for a year and a half, and no power proceeding from men could have been able to restore your life for this earth. This One, Who does look like a man, but is much more than a man, has recalled you from death into life. Therefore, you should thank Him alone for this life which He has given you again.

[11] The boy looked Me over from head to foot in surprise and said after a while, remembering more clearly: “He is the same who called me away from the wonderful company and said to me: ‘Josoe, come, for you must be a witness for Me on earth that I have been given all the power in heaven and on earth.’”

[12] And I willingly followed Him for I immediately felt that He had come from God and carried within Him the fullness of the divine power and authority over all things in heaven and on earth. For exactly as He is here I earlier saw Him in the spirit world where I surely was when I was call by Him to return to this world.

[13] Now it is becoming clear to me and I realise that I have already lived on this earth and then died. But what the dying was like I do not know. For I must only just have left this world - how and in what way I do not know - when I found myself already in a beautiful house in a very dear company where I was very happy. Now and then I also saw my parents and brothers and sisters and discussed with them divine matters which my very experienced companions showed and taught me. But this Holy I have not seen previously, except for a few moments before I returned to this world.”

[14] Here I said to the two youths: “Get him a garment and some bread and wine so that his flesh may be strengthened and he can go with us to Nazareth. - As soon as I had bid the two to provide this, it was already there.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 71

 

Bab and his wife astonished at the miracle. Promise of immortality for Josoe.

  

[01] This was too much for our Bab and his wife and she said to her husband: “Dear Bab, do you not notice that we two are great sinners and that here in the man Jesus dwells the fullness of God? Is He not the One of Whom all the prophets up to Zacharias and his son John have prophesied? Is He not the One Whom David called his Lord when he said: ‘The Lord spoke to my Lord?’ Is He not the One of Whom the great David speaks when he says: ‘Lift up your heads, you gates, lift yourselves up, you everlasting doors, that the king of glory may enter. Who then is the king of glory? It is the Lord Jehovah Zebaoth.’ My husband, here is Jehovah and none other. But we are sinners and unworthy to remain in His presence. Come, let us purify ourselves according to the law of Moses, only then can we return and approach Him.”

[02] Say I to the two who are so deeply moved: “He Who can raise from the dead can also purify without Moses. So stay, for Moses is not more than I and He Who had awakened him to that which he was. Your sins are forgiven and so you are pure and do not need Moses at all, for Moses is nothing without Me.”

[03] Says Bab: “If that is so, and I do not doubt it at all, we shall stay, for Moses will not ever make us any purer than does the Almighty Himself.”

[04] Says the woman: “I am only my lord’s handmaiden, and so be it the way you wish and understand it to be right. But this supremely holy presence of God overwhelms me.”

[05] Say I: “Woman, I saw your worship of God in Nazareth, and what you saw Me do now, I did above all for your sake. Therefore, you may as well bear My presence. But now I impress upon all of you not to mention a word about this to anyone. This is not for My sake or for yours, but for the sake of the many unbelieving people, so that they do not believe in the Son of man under judgement, but spontaneously when the Gospel is preached to them.

[06] The people as they are now would be forced through such a witness as with iron chains to believe in Me which would be most detrimental to their free life. Their later descendants would not accept such reports anyway, regarding them as exaggerated, as pure fantasies of the human mind, and consequently, reject the pure teachings and eternal truth. Therefore, it is better that such deeds that were performed by Me are completely concealed since they would not benefit anyone - especially now during the early time of My ministry.

[07] You, Jairus, who shall eventually, when the time is suitable, return the boy Josoe to his parents, shall quite conscientiously and truthfully explain to him how he should regard this matter. He shall believe, but not want to cause a sensation before the people. This boy, now raised from the dead, will no longer die physically since he has already gone through the decomposition; but when his time will come an angel will call him, and he will voluntarily follow the call, - and then no mortal eyes will see him again anywhere on this earth.

[08] Now that the boy has consumed all his bread and wine and the twilight is already upon us, we shall go home.”

[09] We now leave the synagogue and Jairus and Borus close the vault behind them after they have asked the two youths to place the coffin once more in the tomb which was carried out by the two in just a moment.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 72

 

About true divine worship in man’s heart.

  

[01] Outside Cyrenius says to Me: “Lord, if something like that would happen in Rome even the stones would fall at Your feet and worship You aloud: and we here do as if something quite ordinary had happened. Lord, do have patience with either our weakness or foolishness.”

[02] Say I: “If I had wanted that I would surely have come into the world in Rome instead of Nazareth. You shall do only what I demand of you. Everything in excess of that belongs to heathendom and is sin. Are you still not aware that to ‘love God above all and ones neighbour as oneself’ is indescribably more than to erect for the lord of the heavens and earth miserable temples of stone and timber?

[03] If, as Solomon said, already heaven and earth are too small to comprehend the majesty of God, what uses is then a miserable stone shell of hewn or baked stones since the entire earth as well as the whole of infinity has been created by God?

[04] Tell Me: What would a father say to his children if they were stupid enough to build from the father’s excrements a fly-sized little house, or also a larger one, make an image of the father from his excrements and when all that is ready go down on their knees before the dirt-temple and in this way adore and worship their father? What would you do if your children did that to you and although you rebuked them, telling them this was stupid and dirty and quite unworthy of you, they would crawl all the more eagerly around the dirt-temple, worship your image of the same stuff and against your will would even force their sometimes maybe a little more enlightened brothers to do this on pain of death, in addition demanding a religious tax from them? Tell Me what would you do in that case? Could such an extremely beastly foolish worship by your children please you?

[05] Behold, you emphatically deny this in your heart, and tell you that such a worship by the foolish children of their earthly father would still be better than men’s worship of God in the temples. For the children used for the building of their temple at least that from which the father obtained his food, whereas men build temples from the excrements of Satan and worship their God and Father therein. Say, how do you like such a veneration and worship of God?”

[06] Says Cyrenius: “Lord, then I would have all the temples on earth destroyed with a thousand flashes of lightning. Or it would take Your two angels but a moment, and all temples would have been reduced to dust.”

[07] Say I: “Friend, this has happened, is still happening and will frequently be happening also in the future, but men will nevertheless not cease to build temples, the one in Jerusalem will be devastated and the heathenish temples will have vanished. However, in place of the few, great numbers of temples will follow, and as long as there will be men living on earth they will be building temples - large and small - and seeking their salvation therein. But only few will be attempting to build for God a living temple in their heart in which alone He can and shall be recognised, revered and worshipped as He deserves because the soul’s eternal life depends solely on this.

[08] As long as men will be living in palaces and because of the palaces have others, who cannot have palaces, honour and praise them, also a temple will be built beside the palace to some god who will be worshipped therein, if not in truth so at least for enhancing the hounour of the builder of the palace or temple.

[09] And so it will happen that men will be claiming for themselves the honour that is due to God, and in that case the reward for their works shall also be limited to what they have taken for themselves. In the beyond, they will not be recognised and will be thrust into outer darkness where they will be weeping and gnashing their teeth in an eternal strife and fight because of the great darkness. Therefore, we shall for the time being leave things as they are, for only in the beyond will all the knots be cut completely.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 73

 

Supper at Mary’s.

 

[01] By the time I had explained this to Cyrenius we had reached home, where quite a substantial supper awaited us, consisting customarily of bread, wine and lots of well-prepared fish. The fish appealed especially to Josoe who was overjoyed at the laden tables.

[02] Jairus said to him: “My dear nephew, you must not consume the evening meal quite so ravenously, since your newly-created stomach may not yet be capable of tolerating such copious amounts of food.”

[03] Said the boy: “Don’t let it worry you, dear uncle! He Who awakened me from death would not have implanted such voracity into my stomach if it really was harmful for my stomach to take in more food than if in a state of constant satiation; for it is no joke for a person to have been dead and without food for a year and a half. Were you to have experienced this yourself and to have my newly created stomach in you, you would understand my voracity without trouble. But not everyone can be in my position, and it is useless to start a debate with you. Next to the One Who awakened me, I myself know best how I am, and do not therefore trouble yourself that a couple of fish, a piece of bread and a glass of wine could harm me in the least!”

[04] Says Jairus: “I don’t begrudge it one bit, but only meant it well.”

[05] Following this chat between Jairus and his nephew Josoe, we sat down and consumed supper with cheer; there was much talk about various things that had taken place and what they would be saying in Jerusalem about it.

[06] The disciples were inquiring about the boy without knowing what to make of him. First they asked the boy, then Jairus, then the two youths who also sat with us at the main table as to what was to this boy. It had to be something extraordinary since the Lord was not want to deal overmuch with ordinary boys. But their inquiries led to nothing as no one gave them a satisfactory answer.

[07] But noticing the disciples’ anxiety, Mary said to them: “You shall not be denied whatever you have need of but why do you enquire about what you have no need of? Do as He tells you and never try to know more than what He considers it necessary to reveal to you, and you shall be living and acting in accordance with His will and be assured of your reward. Whatever else you desire contrary to His Will however is sinning against His Will, being sin against your Master Who is your Saviour – physically and spiritually! Remember this teaching.”

[08] In response to this wise admonition by Mary, the disciples gave up inquiring about the boy, discussing him only among themselves, with Peter turning to My favourite John, asking his opinion on this boy.

[09] John said to him: “Did you not hear the glorious mother’s loving words, that you should still itch to find out what the Lord for assuredly the wisest reasons is not minded to tell us? Behold, I am not itching in the least; we know what we know, and that is enough! If we tried to also know all that the Lord exceeds us in knowing, would not this be sheer madness on our part, making us sooner deserving of anything rather than being His disciples!”

[10] Says Peter: “For sure, you are quite right, but the pining after knowledge surely also is a great attribute, laid into man’s heart by the Lord Himself, and if man were not to have this noble drive, he would resemble the animal, which does not to my knowledge posses a hankering after knowledge in its blunt soul. The divine nature of the striving after knowledge seems to me to resemble thirst in a dream, to the quenching of which the dreaming soul often consumes immense vessels full of water or wine, remaining thirsty nonetheless, gaining unquenchable thirst for ver larger quantities of drinks. Our insatiable drive after knowledge also tells us clearly and distinctly that there must be an endless fullness of wisdom in God which shall not ever be fathomed by any investigative spirit! And thus my dear brother I believe that my present hankering after knowledge may not be sinful.

[11] Behold, it is with me and several brethren as with some nibbling children who don’t hanker after all sorts of morsels for as long as they know nothing of such sweets, never getting to see any. But sit them at a table loaded with all sorts of sweet dishes, forbidding them to consume any of them, and you shall soon see tears in their eyes and even more watering of the mouth. You are nonetheless right; for just as a wise father, to teach his children the mostly important virtue of self-denial, puts morsels in front of them whose enjoying shall be denied them, just so our heavenly Father appears to sometimes serve us up spiritual dishes whose enjoyment He withholds from us until we have become sturdy in self-denial to a certain point. When we have reached such stage according to His order, then He shall let us enjoy the dish we now crave. And so let us be completely satisfied with what we know and have for today and for as long as He wills it, and His exclusively holy will be done at all times.”

[12] Say I: “My dear brother Simon Juda, thus it is right and true. Not all knowing and finding out is suitable for awakening of the spirit and the enlivening of the soul. For behold, it is written: ‘(And God spoke to Adam) For in the day that thou eatest of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil thou shalt surely die.’ And it is so.

[13] Within cognition lie the law and judgement, because until the law be given or proclaimed to you there is no judgement to follow the law. Hence strive to know only what I reveal to you, and you shall on your part know enough forever. When the time comes, then all shall become obvious to you.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 74

 

Judas and Thomas argues.

 

01] With this remark all disciples are satisfied and praise My goodness and wisdom and the power of God which dwells in Me, except for Judas who grumbled and said in a quite audible tone to himself: “Against the pharisees who secretly allow the foreigners to see the Holiest of Holy for money, He protests with sulfur rain from heaven; but if He shows to foreigners His own sanctuary and excludes us native children, then this is completely according to divine will! Did ever anybody of us experienced something similar? If they do it in Jerusalem by heaven and earth it is wrong; but when He for Himself nearly does the same, it is right and completely according to the order of Melchisedec! One of course cannot do anything about it; however, it is still very annoying!”

02] Says Thomas the disciple who still keeps a sharp eye on Judas Ischariot: “Now then, finally something is not right for you? I’m surprised that you not long ago began to rag the Lord for He placed the sun so far away from earth so that you can bake your pots more cheaply in its extreme proximity than by way of the usual wood fire!

03] See how nice it would be to fly like birds! Yes, at times it itched me in the shoulders, and I felt that I had to fly along with a flock of cheerfully floating cranes; I tried to hopple and jump, however the heavy body did not want to lift a foot above ground!

04] However, soon I was content with it and thought by myself: If God wanted that people should fly like birds, He would have given Him useful wings just like birds; but God saw that this ability would cause man more harm than good and gave him rather a pair of good and strong feet with which he can carry himself quite comfortable from one place to another. In addition to the two strong feet He gave him a pair of very useful hands and a mind reaching above all stars, by which, instead of the a pair of wings, he could produce for himself thousands of other conveniences, which apparently can provide him with more entertainment than the birds their wings; since it is quite debatable if the birds understand to appreciate their wings to the same extend than man his feet, his hands and his mind!

05] See, man also struggles to move forward in water for he does not have fins and no swim skin between the toes and fingers; but his God given mind taught him to build ships by means he can travel further over water than a fish, for whom a waterhole is a dwelling from which it never wants to wander off too far. And we can with fullest certainty assume that our later descendants will make extremely great progress regarding the art to build ships. Who knows whether any wise in future will succeed to lift off into the free air by means of an artificial pair of wings like the old Indians!”

06] Here Judas interrupts Thomas and said somewhat irritated: “Did I ever recruited you as my teacher, so that you can preach to me at every occasion? Keep your wisdom for you and your children and leave me alone, otherwise you are forcing me to sharply shut your moth! Because this I know well if I wanted to. With all your remarks regarding my equally free speeches and action I never have given you a crude word, and therefore truly do not know, why you always have to carve and plane on me! Just keep sweeping diligently in front of your own door, since for mine I will take care! If I don’t like something, it is for me alone and not necessarily for you as well; I’m not your concern and this from now on forever! - Do you understand such?

07] Only think back to Kis when the Lord conciliated the contentious matter between me and you; this be sufficient for you and me, and regarding anything else we have nothing to do with each other! If I ask you something you can give me a good answer to my question, - subject that you are able to do this! However, you will be the last to be honoured by me like that!”

08] Says Thomas: “But tell me brother Judas, was there anything bad or offending about that which I just now have said to you, why you are so excited about me? Is it then untrue, according to my knowledge, that you only too often have quarrelled with the Lord that He has put the sun so distant from earth and that He did nog give you a pair of wings to fly like the mute birds under the sky?”

09] Continues Thomas after a while because Judas refused to answer him: “If you want to be cross with me, be cross with me without reason and cause! In the face of the Lord such extreme unbrotherly behaviour is not praiseworthy! A heart like yours does not belong to the group of disciples of the Lord and you would do a thousand times better if you would go home to your pottery business, and no longer bothers Gods’ society and pollute it with your profound divine-order-opposing heart. Have you already completely forgotten about the mountain speech of the Lord in Sichar, Samaria, where the Lord demands that we even should love our enemies, bless those who curse us and do good to those causing us evil?

10] But if you do not want to follow Gods’ word and do not want to exercise your self-denial at every opportunity, ask yourself in Gods’ name why are you bothering our society with your presence!

11] You do not speak one word with any of us for days; and if someone asks you something, you either give him no answer at all or you treat him in an utmost raw and crude manner, so that he will not put a question to you for a second time. Is this the behaviour for a disciple of the Lord? Ugh, shame on you and become another person, - otherwise go elsewhere!

12] Verily, I regret it already more than have murdered someone, for it was me who brought you to this group! I want to beg the Lord on my knees that He removes you from us with His almighty power, if you cannot be changed by goodness!”

13] Says finally Judas with obvious suppressed rage but smiling face: “Not you nor the Lord can make me stay or leave! See, if I knew that I be less a thorn in your eyes as I surely am, I would long ago have left your society and searched for another; but to really annoy you wholeheartedly, and will serve you as a trial stone, where you can exercise beautifully your patience, longanimity and enemy-love, and want to learn from you the applied mountain speech of Jesus to then exercise it myself! - Have you understood me, wise Thomas?”

14] Says Thomas turning to Me: “Lord, I and we all ask You to remove this wretched sheep! Since next to it no brotherly existence is thinkable, and it is impossible to apply Your holy teaching; for he stays continuously an instigator and traitor! Why should he be with us if he not only do not want to apply Your holy teaching but also always belittles us if we try to live and act according to Your word?”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 75

 

The Lord rebukes Judas.

  

[01] Say I to Judas Iscariot: “Brother Thomas’ complaint concerning you is justified. I tell you: admonish your heart and become human. As a devil I find you loathsome and you may go. For My company is a hallowed company because it is pervaded by the Spirit of God, and in such a company a devil cannot and may not abide.”

[02] These words make Judas immediately go on his knees before Thomas begging his forgiveness.

[03] But Thomas says: “Friend, the apology is not due to me, but to Him against Whose holy teaching you have wronged me badly.”

[04] So Judas gets to his feet, quickly walks over to me, prostrates himself before Me and begs My forgiveness.

[05] And I say to him: “Admonish yourself in your heart, for without the inner true betterment your plea with your tongue only is quite worthless before Me since I see your heart and find it altogether bad. The just outwardly friendly form may be compared to a snake that by its graceful coils beguiles the little birds of the sky so that they fly into its jaws to be devoured. I tell you: Beware that you do not fall prey to Satan before long. For he does not like to let go of that which he calls his own.”

[06] Following these words Judas stood up again and said to Me: “Lord, You call the dead from their graves and they live; why do You allow my heart to perish in the grave of perdition? I do want to become a better man, but still cannot, because I cannot change my heart. Therefore, do reform my heart and I shall be a new man.”

[07] Say I: “Precisely therein lies the great secret of a man’s self-development. I can do everything for man, and he still remains man. But his heart is his very own on which he must work completely independently if he wishes to prepare for himself eternal life. For if I first put the file to a man’s heart, he would become a machine and never gain free independence. However, when man receives the teaching about what he has to do to shape his heart for God, he must also voluntarily observe it and shape his heart in accordance with it.

[08] Once he has done that and cleansed and scoured his heart, only then do I enter it in spirit and abide in it, and the whole man is then reborn in the spirit and cannot ever again be lost since he has become at one with Me just as I Myself am at one with the Father from Whom I have gone forth and come into this world to show and pave for all human beings the way they have to walk in the spirit in order to attain to God in the fullness of truth.

[09] Therefore, you have to start cultivating your heart like everybody else, otherwise you are lost, - even if I had called you a thousand times from the grave into the life of the flesh.”

[10] Says Judas Iscariot: “Lord, then I am lost. For I have a wayward heart and cannot help myself.”

[11] Say I: “So listen to the brothers and do not be angry when they admonish you in a loving and friendly way, for thereby they are helping you to cultivate your heart.

[12] Look at Thomas whom all your rudeness does not deter from admonishing you wherever you begin o give too much free play to your evil heart. Do listen to his words of warning stemming from his concern for you, then your heart will gradually improve. However, if you will not accept any advice you will soon perish and, as already said, fall prey to Satan; for then not I, but Satan will be dwelling in your heart.

[13] Therefore, beware above all of anger and greed, otherwise you will become a child of eternal death, for remorse and repentance beyond the grave have little value and cannot be of much use to an impure, black soul. Go now and ponder on these My words.”

[14] Judas now withdraws pondering, does indeed make a half-way decision to change his ways according to My words and says to Thomas: “Now you will see, brother, how Iscariot will become a new man and maybe even an example for all of you. For Iscariot is very capable provided he has the will. Now he wills it and as a result will accomplish much.”

[15] Says Thomas: “Brother, if you boast already in advance, the action will most likely remain in the background whereby you will or can become an example too, but not one to be followed, only a deterring one, - and there is not much chance of a betterment for you in this world.

[16] For behold, if you do wish to become better than all of us are who know our great weaknesses also without your example and are fully aware of how miserable and unworthy we are before the Lord, then you would have for all eternity to regard yourself as lower before the Lord than your brothers and not ever think of wishing to become an example to be followed by us, but always regard yourself as the least and lowest. Then you will indeed be, without wishing to be, that which you now in your still considerable pride plan to become. –Therefore, live according to this precept which has grown for you not on my ground, but on the holy ground of the Lord, the foundation of which is true humility and self-denial, then you will, in accordance with the order of God, achieve that which you wish to achieve. – Do now go to the Lord and ask Him whether I have advised you properly and truthfully.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 76

 

About humility and self-denial.

  

[01] Judas calls Me asking: “Lord, is it the way Thomas has told me in a most domineering tone?”

[02] Say I: “Yes, that is how it is. Who among you will humble himself most before his brothers will be the first in the Kingdom of God; any imagining himself better than others puts him back to a lowest state.

[03] If any one of you still notices within him a feeling of mastery and superiority, he is not yet free from the all-consuming, most greedy hell and still remote from the Kingdom of God; for such a man is not of a free spirit.

[04] But if someone has humbled himself below all his brothers and is prepared to serve all as best he can, then he is the first in the Kingdom of God and all the others could well take an example from him. Only he who is capable of humbling himself below all human beings is of a truly divine and great spirit.”

[05] Says Judas: “Then only a man capable of the greatest humility can be the first in the Kingdom of God? For of he is intent upon serving all to the best of his ability, the others must obviously first oblige him by accepting his service thereby helping him to achieve the heavenly priority. – But what then if the others either do not want to accept his services or offer their own services striving for heavenly priority? Who will then become the first in the Kingdom of God?”

[06] Say I: “All those who strive for this with an honest heart. But people who, as it were, out of self-love should refuse their brother’s services to deprive him of the opportunity of becoming a first one in the Kingdom of God, not ever striving for such a priority themselves, will still be the last whereas he will be the first because he truly wanted to serve all brothers out of love and true humility.

[07] Ah, it would be something quite different if a person wanted in this world to become the least and a servant of all only because of the future heavenly priority. Oh, he too will be one of the last in the Kingdom of God. In the beyond everything is most carefully weighed and meted with the most exact measure. Wherever there is any trace of selfishness the scales will show it up and the measure of the heavens will not be met. Therefore, you must have within you the full truth without any ulterior motive, otherwise you cannot enter the Kingdom of God. Only the purest truth without any falsehood and plotting deceit can and will make you free before God and all His created beings. – Do you understand this?”

[08] Says Judas Iscariot: “Yes, I do understand that, but at the same time also realise that this is impossible to carry out, for it is not possible for man to let go all of his self-love. He must eat and drink and procure for himself lodging and clothing – and this too is done out of a lesser kind of self-love. One takes a dear wife whom one wants for oneself alone, and woe betide him who should dare to covet his neighbour’s wife. Would not that also be a kind of self-love?

[09] If I possess a well-cultivated field and the time of harvest comes, would I out of self-contempt and completed lack of self-love go to my neighbours and say: ‘My friends, go and reap what has grown in my fields, for as the least among you, as a worthless servant to all of you, I have worked only for you.’ I am of the opinion that there the so highly praised self-denial and self-contempt should have certain limits without which it would even be impossible to preach Your teaching to mankind, since this would show clearly that one regards one’s brothers as more stupid and blinder than oneself. For to regard oneself in spirit as superior to one’s brothers surely does show a certain pride. And if that is so, let us look at mankind in a hundred years, and we shall see them eat grass like the oxen in the pasture, and there will no longer be any trace of a language nor of a dwelling or even of a city. – How far then is man’s self-love allowed to go?”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 77

 

A yardstick for the three kinds of love.

  

[01] Say I: “All right, so I will give you a measure by which you and everyone may know how he stands concerning his self-love, the love for his neighbour and his love for God.

[02] Take the number 666 which in good or bad proportions shows either a perfected man or a perfected devil.

[03] Divide a person’s love evenly into 666 parts; of that give God 600, your neighbour 60 and yourself 6. However, if you want to be a perfect devil, give God 6, your neighbour 60 and yourself 600.

[04] Behold, it is the righteous servants, male and female, who cultivate their master’s fields. In your opinion they should also take the harvest since it is the result of their industry and toil. But instead they put it in their master’s barns and granaries and it gives them great pleasure to be able to say to their employer: “Master, all your barns and granaries are already full and half of the crop is still on the field. What shall we do? And their pleasure grows when the master tells them: “I commend your great and unselfish diligence and zeal. Go and fetch me builders to build me in the shortest possible time storerooms, so that I may store up the field’s blessing for future years that might be less blessed in all produce than was this one.” Behold, nothing belongs to the servants, they have no granary, no barns and storerooms, and still they work for a small reward as if they were doing it for their own barns, granaries and storerooms, for they know that they will not want when the master’s storerooms are full.

[05] And look, the actions of a righteous servant show the whole relationship of every true man to himself, to the neighbour and to God. The true servant looks after himself 6fold, after his fellow-servants, so that they may be well-disposed to him, 60fold and after his employer 600fold and thereby, quite unintentionally, 666fold after himself. For the other servants will prefer the fellow-servant in whom they find the least self-love to all others, and the employer will soon put him in charge of all the servants. But at a servant who only provides for his own pocket, likes to be the last at a job and puts his hands only to the lightest work, his fellow-workers will be looking askance and his employer will be quite aware that the selfish servant is a lazy labourer. Therefore, who will never put him in charge of the others, but reduce his wages and sit him at the farthest end of the dining table. And if this selfish, lazy servant will not change his attitude, he will be sacked from his service with a bad testimonial and will not easily ever get into another service. But if he has only one friend towards whom he has been unselfish, that one may take him into his own lodging, and the master will not reproach him for it. – Do you understand this?

[06] Everyone has, and must have, a certain degree of self-love, or he could not live but – as already shown – only the smallest possible degree; slightly more already destroys the purely human relationship; and thus things are exactly balanced on the scales of divine order. – Now you have been shown the border-lines and we shall see how you will actually stick to them.”

[07] Says Judas: “It requires much profound wisdom to be able to determine the exact measure of self-love. How can shortsighted man judge that correctly?”

[08] Say I: “Let him do the best he can with an honest will, God will then add what is still lacking. There is no reason to fear that any man will use less than six parts for himself, at least of all men of your kind.”

[09] Here Judas remains silent and deep in thought walks away from the table to prepare himself a resting-place for the already far advanced night.

[10] Josoe now gets up saying: “Of a truth, this person’s stupidity has annoyed me beyond all measure! A disciple and yet as stupid as an owl in broad daylight. I had no trouble understanding everything you told him straight away, yet he understood nothing, asking and interjecting all the time and finally walking off as if You had not spoken a syllable to him. A child’s asking is excusable, but when an old person, and that one trying to be smarter than his fellowmen asks as well – and that visibly for derisive rather than good intentions, - then one has to get angry! I am happy to die thrice more if this person should ever reform. He is to all appearances a miser and calculator as if capable to rise up to mountains of gold and silver imminently. And as truly as my name is Josoe, I would give all I have and suffer to man’s limit if this person ever seizes upon self-improvement!”

[11] Say I: “My dear Josoe, let it be, for we need all sorts of odd job men for building a new heaven and a new earth, and Judas is just the type we can use. But now tell Me what you will say to your earthly parents when you join up with them again! What shall you say?”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 78

 

The boy Josoe’s great wisdom.

 

[01] Says Josoe, smiling happily: “Lord, this story should be quite easy to manage! I come escorted by uncle Jairus into the house of my parents, still grieving for me. These shall look quite amazed at seeing a boy who resembles their Josoe like one eye another. Then Jairus can say that I am a foundling who even bears the name of the deceased, and my parents shall without much ado adopt me in place of the child, loving me even more than their Josoe. Thereafter they can be gradually led into the full truth through one rare turn after another, and they shall in the end have to believe that I am the real Josoe. At a time that You could determine they can then be led into the fullest truth. – Is it right thus, oh Lord?”

[02] Say I to Josoe, “Every lie is an evil and produces again evil.”

[03] Says the boy: “Lord, when You smile then that is sure to be a good sign, and I am therewith already justified before You, as was Jacob before his blind father Isaac once with his hands wrapped in the lamb’s fur! Behold, Lord, this was surely more of a lie than my being introduced to my parents as a “foundling”, and yet Jacob’s blessing as the first-born was accepted as righteous before God! If God was able to regard an obvious deception that was in fact a lie with eyes of grace and blessing then the present foundling Josoe shall not be an abomination before Him, since he is besides a most authentic foundling, second to none upon all of God’s wide earth. I am of the opinion, You my God and Lord, that nothing would be quite as lost for this earth as one who had died; and, therefore, there should also be nothing quite as ‘found’ in the truest sense as one…, Lord, You understand whom I mean.”

[04] Say I: “Well done! I knew you would find the right reason but I would like to hear from you nevertheless how you shall in the end through all sorts of rare turns introduce yourself to your parents as the real son Josoe!”

[05] Says Josoe: “Oh Lord, that surely is an easy thing. Once inside the house, I shall behave as I always did, which should be easy for me; I shall gradually ask about this and that as I did formerly, also looking for my play things, using them in the familiar manner, which shall obviously strike my parents, finally they say: ‘This is our Josoe, perhaps awoken in his grave by Borus and his secret methods and then fully healed by now!’. And I grant them that view provisionally when the time comes they shall indeed find out the truth, and I think the matter will come off quite well.”

[06] Say I: “But here another lie emerges. Behold, to keep someone deliberately mistaken is as much as lying to someone. How shall you wash yourself clean on that score?”

[07] Says Josoe: “Lord, so long as You are still smiling when testing, it is always and everlastingly a good sign; I think that a lie can be of a quite different and twofold nature. To intentionally dish up a lie to someone as a guaranteed truth wickedly is and remains satanic malice. But an apparent lie that once employs to hide the naked truth only while the full truth could obviously still harm rather than benefit the person concerned, cannot be evil if stemming from a good and well-meaning heart.

[08] Every parable behind which the most exalted thought could be hidden would in that regard also have to be the crudest lie. And yet the wisest fathers and prophets spoke mainly in parables. And the fact that the well known and famous physician Borus as such characteristically here functions in Your stead basically is no different from Abraham’s time, when the three angels came to the patriarch in Jehovah’s place, and no different to Joseph in Egypt’s lie when his brethren came to him in pursuit of grain. But God Himself willed it so and is certain not to have reckoned such behaviour on Joseph’s part as sin. And I think therefore that such apparent lie is a heavenly cleverness, whereas a true lie belongs to the domain of the worst hellish mischievousness!”

[09] Say I: “In that case come here, My most beloved Josoe and let yourself be kissed; for as a tender boy you are wiser still than an old scribe already!”

[10] With these words Josoe at once rushes around the table, embracing and kissing Me fervently, saying afterwards with fullest abandon, yet wisest cheerfulness: “Take a look here all you celestial spirits, powers and forces and veil your faces! Because what occurred here you have not experienced yet. The eternal holy Father here fully present before us in the son Jesus allows Himself to be carnally caressed by one of His creatures!

[11] Thus He Who was from eternity draws the temporal to Himself, caressing it and thus making it into His image. Oh You true and only Father of all men, how sweet the taste of Your love!”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 79

 

Two angels offer Josoe their services.

  

[01] Here the two angels step forward, saying: “Yes, fairest boy. You have spoken rightly. This has not yet been sighted by our eyes, which had gazed throughout God’s infinite space long before any sun yet made its presence known by the beams! Continue therefore constantly in the spirit now animating you in this purely divine fashion, and we shall remain brethren forever!”

[02] Says Josoe: “Who might you be, that you are capable of enouncing words of such exalted wisdom? Are you not actually humans like I am one?”

[03] Say the two: “Most beloved brother, in the spirit indeed we are what you are and shall become more and more so; but flesh and blood we have never borne! We are angels of the Lord to here serve Him alone and always. If however, He should once through His grace allow us akin to Himself to go the way of the flesh, then we shall be completely like you also in this respect. But for now you are considerably ahead of us. But eternity is long and endless, and all differences shall once lose themselves within it. But we now offer you our services as well. If you want anything, just command us, and we will serve you.”

[04] Says Josoe: “What should I command you to serve me? All of us have one God and one Lord and Father from eternity. Him alone it befits the right to command me and yourselves; we one and all created by Him, should not command one another but obligingly serve one another out of love, if one or the other of us, angel or man, should be in need of some service.

[05] But I regard as imperfect even him who, regardless of how obligingly he comes to the aid of a needy brother begging him for assistance; because only such is then going to be helped who has the opportunity, courage and strength to make his need known to a brother in a position to help in one way or the other. Who is going to help someone who does not have the opportunity or courage to beg his more well provided brother for help? If I cannot lend even a requested help, how much less a commanded one?

[06] Hence I say to you in the presence of Him Who is a Lord over life and death: when you see that I have need of some help then help me without my asking you for it, let alone my commanding you as if I were a lord! I could somehow serve you; otherwise I need neither your help nor service, least of all a commanded one, which is worse than none at all.

[07] A better off brother in some respect should therefore diligently glance around his needy brethren for any potential need they have, and on finding such, offer his help! In that way he shall be, I think, well-pleasing to the Lord and Father Who eternally acts that way, thus justifying the holy image of God in which he was created; he however who helps his neighbour only when same has begged him for it, - oh, such helper is still far from the full image, let alone him who waits to be commanded assistance!

[08] Behold my dear friends, if your wisdom should not extend beyond inviting men to command you to help them when they are in need of your help, then as a boy I would not swap places with you; if however you merely wanted to test me then I believe myself to have passed it quite well. And should you have heard anything out of my mouth that might have touched you a little hard then I beg your indulgence, for I did not open my mouth to give you instruction but only for the sake of truth, because you did not make your offer truthfully. You ought to as perfect celestial spirits have seen my inward parts sufficiently to foresee that I would surely respond to your offer in this way, and you would then have made your offer, for which I certainly cannot thank you from a different aspect!”

[09] The two youths somewhat humbled step back a little saying: “Verily, this exalted, purely godly wisdom no angel would have looked for in this boy!”

[10] Say I: “Yes, My beloved ones, God’s eyesight is of high resolution, noting stains even in the most perfect angels, and hence even in the purest heart of a man which is like the apple of God’s eye. I did not permit this on your, but on the guest’s account, so that they would find out from the pure mouth of an awakened boy how much they are still lacking in their image of God. On the other hand the boy’s spirit has been of an extraordinary penetration already from birth, and none of you should think that I Myself on this occasion place My Words in his heart and finally in the mouth. They grew upon his very own soil; hence he shall once become a thorough weapon of Mine.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

  

Chapter 80

 

Cyrenius adopts Josoe.

  

[01] Says Cyrenius: “Lord this boy I would like to take into my care, and if he wants to join me then I shall not only make him the equal of my children but place him above them in everything. Verily, I should count it among my greatest blessings if this dear boy, who is more angel than man anyway, I count as my own. He will find it hard to get on with his erstwhile parents anyway and it is questionable as to whether they shall still accept him. But I am aware of it all and can make arrangements for his parents, whom I know to be staunchly templerristic, to quite easily recognise their Josoe with time. They shall be free to accept him, on condition that he has to remain in my house and to be with me where I am, - at times in Asia, in Europe and in Africa, because his wisdom has my highest regard.”

[02] Say I: “Work it out with Jairus and the boy. It is all in order with Me, because everywhere the boy, My beloved Josoe shall remain faithful to Me.”

[03] Says the boy: “Father, of this You shall surely not be doubting? Unless You Yourself were to place different convictions into my heart. But this You shall not do in all eternity, and hence I shall also remain faithful to You forever, If I had the choice of deciding my future being upon this earth, then I would forthwith stay with You. Because what could there be more exalted, better and more blessed throughout all of infinity and in all the old and new heavens than to be with You the arch source of love, wisdom and all life? But this only is the real innermost desire of my heart; for the rest I also know what it is to obey and willingly go anywhere Your holy will may determine me to do. I go to Cyrenius whom I respect and esteem exceedingly, as I would also go back to my earthly parents who also are very dearly beloved to me; yet without Your will I shall not easily be doing anything.”

[04] Say I: “That you would like to stay with Me and eventually also will do so is attested by your entire being; but right now you are still in need of some rest, which you have need of in outward isolation from Me, so that a firmer integration between your soul and your new body can take place when this has occurred in the course of about a year then it will be quite alright for you to come to Me again, and you shall be able to maintain yourself quite well in My proximity without Me having with the power of My will, as right now, to hold your soul fast to your body. Behold, that is the reason why for your benefit I let you leave Me for a short while. Just ask your own mind whether you would like to go from here with the Roman Supreme Governor Cyrenius or whether you would rather return to your earthly parents. It does not make any difference to Me, only that it is true that with Cyrenius you could win more than as an apparent stranger in your parents’ house, for they will not know for quite a while what to make of you.”

[05] Says Josoe: “Very well, now that I know this I shall go with the distinguished Governor Cyrenius. I should nevertheless like to see my parents and find out what sort of perplexed faces they will make on seeing me.”

[06] Says Cyrenius: “This we will be able to easily bring about tomorrow when we shall be going through Sidon and Capernaum. When at lunch at my brother’s house, whom you see here on my side, and whose name is Cornelius, tomorrow at Capernaum, then besides some leading officials of the city, your parents also shall be coaxed to the table, giving you a good chance to see, hear and observe your parents and what sort of comments they make about you. But you shall have to guard against giving yourself away too much by some remark on your part! They shall not recognise you by your clothing as I intend having you dressed up like a Roman in a toga, from my wardrobe. But as said, you shall have to watch your mouth, to not betray yourself before time!”

[07] Says the boy: “Let not this trouble you, for I have quite a good command of the Roman tongue, as well as the Greek, and shall therefore speak in these if asked anything. My parents of course also speak this tongue, but this should not matter. In short, with the help of the Lord, Who awakened me, all this shall be presented in the most appropriate manner.”

[08] Cyrenius presses the boy to his chest kissing him and saying: “In short, I love you exceedingly and from now on regard you as my son whom I love above my natural children and many other children to whom I voluntarily became a father as with yourself. For you shall greatly benefit them with your spirit.”

[09] Says the boy: “I am looking forward to this, for it has always been my greatest pleasure to make myself useful to anyone.”

[10] Say I: “Very well, My Josoe! When I see that you faithfully keep to your resolution then I shall also convey power to you from the heavens with whose help you shall then be able to work even greater good. But what this power consists in you shall become aware of only after receiving it. But now let us take our rest, for midnight has overtaken us. Tomorrow is another day and I shall not look in advance into what it will bring, but we shall rather accept whatever it will bring. The good shall be our portion and the bad we shall know how to reject. Let us therefore go to our rest.” – After My words all go to seek their rest.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

  

Chapter 81

 

The death of John the Baptist. Jesus in the wilderness and at the Sea of Genezareth.

[Matt. Chapter 14] Roban’s report about the new Chief.

  

[01] The following morning was one of the brightest, and many of the guests who had retired before us, were already romping about in the open, as I and the disciples and the Roman and Kisjonah stepped out of the house.

[02] After we had spent some time outdoors, Bab and his family arrived from the city; for he had gone home late at night in order not to cause My house inconvenience. But, on arrival in the city, and namely at the Synagogue, he found great agitation there, so much so that he did not dare to ask the cause. Something grave must have taken place as he had never before noticed such uproar among the servants and lords of the Synagogue.

[03] Say I: “This will be the result of the new broom, who will have arrived at Jerusalem after Jairus’ resignation, taking over and probably intend to pay a visit here at Nazareth! There is indeed very little to it and we shall tuck into our ready morning meal not withstanding.”

[04] Thereafter I turned to the two youths still present: “Hasten to the Synagogue and bring Me the Elder Roban; I need to speak to him! But move with unhurried step so as not to betray yourselves through a sudden appearance.” The two angels at once do as I commanded them, whilst we betake ourselves to the morning meal, consuming it with good cheer.

[05] Upon our leaving the tables, Roban already arrives with the two angels, bowing down low before Myself and the highly ranking Romans still in attendance, saying emotionally exhausted: “Ah, Lord, over here is heaven, whilst over there in the Synagogue hell in fullest rage! Lord I need not tell You, knowing only too well that nothing in the whole world can be unknown to You, yet it is truly despairing the way our most recent Chief carries on!

[06] I relinquish my humanity if this man is not a physical brother of Satan! For a start he not only robs us financially but of all other possessions as well, so that we don’t know how we shall provide for our families from here on, taking away all flour, peas and beans, grain and smoked fish. He registers our oxen, cows and calves as property of the Temple and shall thus take them from us without mercy! He has furthermore declared us as apostate from the Temple wanting on top of that to hit us with every fine in the book, for they in Jerusalem are supposed to be aware of all that is taking place here and he is supposed to have instructions to have You arrested as public deceiver and stirrer and hand You over to the courts! – What will You say of such bestiality?

[07] Herod is supposed to know Your every move; he would have for a long time already taken steps against You if he were not of the erroneous opinion, which was instilled in him by a seer that is supposed to have been a secret disciple of John, that You are John risen from the dead; for he had John beheaded in prison on instigation of Herodia having his head presented to her on a platter as proof of his promise to her!

[08] From these few details oh Lord You will be able to gather how things stand! I say unto You that unless You counter this with all Your might, then You and all those with You here are physically gone! For I cannot say more unto You other than all hell has categorically broken loose; on Your head alone ten thousand pounds of gold are set!”

[09] Here I call Matthew over, saying to him: “Record that which you are going to hear now.”

[10] Matthew forthwith fetches his writing utensils and gets ready to write.

[11] But I say to Roban again: “Friend, you have now tossed John’s sad story out casually; be so good and tell it the way the new Chief told it to you, for I am concerned that the thing should be recorded that way.”

[12] Says Roban: “I will do so with the greatest eagerness in the world; but I fear that I shall be missed, and we are in danger of the Satan’s brother of a Chief coming out here and creating a great furore!”

[13] Say I: “Fear not, for we still have power sufficient here for putting a warden on him.”

[14] Says Roban: “If so then I shall at once render John’s story the way the Chief told us word for word. These were his words:

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 82

 

The story of John the Baptist’s end. [Mat. 14: 1-12]

  

[01] (Roban): “Recently the Tetrarch Herod’s tax collectors reported to this very Herod the rumours about You and Your deeds [Matt. 14:1] telling him how You put them to flight on the occasion of their tax-extortions and how they were incapable of countering your power by any means. Thereupon Herod summoned his seer. This one, firstly of a fine feather and who secondly as a secret disciple of John could not forgive this prophet’s murder by the former, here found an opportunity for immediate revenge on Herod, telling him with firm face and speech: ‘This is John, risen from the dead and is now working such signs against you!’

[02] Herod took fright, returning shaking to his servants and saying: ‘This is not the carpenter’s son, whom I know, for he had barely five years ago with his father Joseph erected a new throne for me, and although only a carpenter of the future, showed substantial skill in spite of being a simpleton. No, this the John beheaded by me, who has risen from the dead, and as an indestructible spirit is now performing deeds against me that no other man can perform. [Matt. 14:2]. Hence you should undertaken nothing further against him, for this could bring the greatest disorder over yourselves and me.’

[03] To this his servants are supposed to have goggled their eyes, departing in bewilderment; because within themselves they know that You are not John, - yet feared to argue with the incensed Herod.

[04a] But we asked the Chief after this account what there is to the murder of John? [Matt 14,03] For Herodes caught, tied and threw John into prison because of Herodias the wife of his brother Philippus.

[04b] Since we knew quite well that Herod had thrown him into prison; but that he had him murdered as well we did not know a syllable yet. Thereto the Chief told us briefly that Herod at first was – albeit in a remote sense - an adherent of John, regarding him as a distinctive wise man and hence he took him up in his court, intending to learn secret wisdom from him. [Matt 14,04] Since John had said to him: ‘It is not right that you have her.’

[04c] Since he was not however willing to give up his iniquitous love for Herodias, his brother Phillip’s wife John got incensed, saying to Herod in a most intense manner: ‘It is not lawful before God and your brother for you to have her! For it is written that thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife.’ [Matt. 14,05] And he would have liked to kill him but he feared the people since they regarded him as a prophet.

[04d] This infuriated the haughty Herod, letting John be thrown into prison, and would have had him killed forthwith if he had not feared the people, who regarded John as a prophet. [Matt 14:5]

[05a] It so happened that a few days later Herod was holding his anniversary celebrations. On this day Herodias’ beautiful daughter danced before him and his guests, which pleased Herod immensely. [Matt14:6]

[05b] He therefore gave the beautiful dancer an oath that he will give her whatever she asks of him. [Mat 14:7] The daughter first went to her mother who had sworn revenge on John for trying to turn Herod away from her; and so the mother persuaded her daughter to demand John’s head.

[06a] Thereupon the daughter went to Herod, saying: ‘Give me the head of John on a golden platter!’. [Matt 14:8]

[06b] Here the king became really troubled, not so much for John’s sake but because of the people who he feared would take revenge on him. On account of the oath and those sitting with him at the table he commanded his servants to give the daughter what was requested. [Matt 14:9]

[06c] And the servants went and beheaded John in prison [Matt 14:10] after first removing several of his disciples with certain artifices,

[06d] then carrying John’s head on a platter into the dining room to hand it to the daughter; the latter then passed it to the mother. [Matt 14:11]

[07] His disciples then returned, finding John’s body with the greatest trepidation and sorrow. They carried the body outside and buried him [Matt 14:12] in the presence of thousands, who wept and cursed Herod and his household countlessfold. Herodias however, at the sight of John’s head was supposed to have sunk dead to the floor with dreadful facial convulsions and her daughter a few moments after her as well, whilst Herod and all his guests fled the hall in terror.

[08] Lord, this word for word is the exceedingly sad tale about John the Baptist at the river Jordan not far from the wilderness of Bethabara, not far from where this river drains into the sea then flowing through it to finally turn toward the Dead Sea. What will You say to this? Is it possible that people can actually turn into devils like that, and that at a time when You Yourself, whom heaven and earth obey is walking the earth as Man? Do You have no more lightning and thunders?”

[09] After that Cyrenius and Cornelius step over to me immensely incensed, saying: “Lord, here danger is lurking! We can longer hearken upon Your great patience and longanimity. Here setting hand to task is called for instantly. This entire hell brood together with Jerusalem and the Temple must be extirpated from the face of the earth in ten days at the most.”

[10] Say I: “Look here, these two youths suffice to carry out in a moment what all Roman power in aggregate could not accomplish in a hundred years! If all this did not have to take place on account of divine order, then believe Me it would be an easy matter for Me to destroy all this in the quickest moment. But such excess must take place for the development of a new heaven and a new earth.

[11] See to it that you get away from here, because this new Chief is an evil person, and Satan shows him a thousand ways of harming you most thoroughly; hence get away in haste!

[12] I Myself shall be leaving here today and not return to this area in a hurry for one has to evade a raging dog. This is one who has a lot of gold and silver, or he could not have bought such office for himself: with lots of gold and silver one can accomplish much in the world with worldly people, and he who besides that purchases such a position solely on account of profit and domination can be trusted by no means. Hence arise and make off from here all of you, and you Roban return home, because you have not as yet been missed!”

[13] Says Roban: “If they ask me about You, what should I say!”

[14] Say I: “This shall be placed in your heart and upon your tongue.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 83

 

The occasion with the new Temple Chief at Nazareth.

  

[01] Upon these words Roban hurries home, and moments after arriving in his house, a messenger already arrives compelling him to come to the Synagogue, where the new chief indeed wants to discuss Me; for he had found out that Roban had been in Sychar on My account. Roban goes over at once, and the Chief tackles him despondently at once.

[02] But Roban says: “A Nazarene Elder of between 70 and 80 am I, whilst you have not lived thirty yet. Notwithstanding you making yourself Chief with your money, you are still a long way from being a Moses or an Aaron and are not going to teach me anything I would not have already known before you were begotten! We have always managed our position to the satisfaction of your worthy predecessor and the Temple as a whole, judging all appearances with the eyes of pious Jews, placing barriers where needed; should you be better versed in dealing with the situation and make Greeks and Romans into Jews with one blow then just carry on like that, and I guarantee you that you shall be the only Jew in Galilee besides ourselves.

[03] Look, for this reason the substantial Jesaira area became wholly Greek, and all Pharisees, Scribes and Priests had to leave the areas! Go and start holding enquiries like that over there, and the Jesaireans will have a thing or two to say to you, and you shall be short of legs to put you to flight! Why did the Jesaireans fall away? On account of the avid greed of the priesthood there, and now Pythagoras is confessed there in stead of Moses.

[04] And exactly the same shall apply here now, and you and us all can then take to our heels! Hence don’t be blind and recognise facts!

[05] The most exalted heads of state are the Romans and Greeks, and they love seeing the Jews come over to their doctrine. How are you going to prevent such transfers when in Galilee the widely held view of the Temple is that of a hollow nut? And who but the greedy Templers are to blame, who shows the holy of holies to rich strangers who then, even when sworn to secrecy appraise the people afterwards with much laughter and ridicule!? Go and ask the inhabitants there, and they shall tell you as they told us.”

[06] Says the Chief: “What are you saying, - the people know all this?”

[07] Says Roban: “Yes, all this the people know. But go and deprive them of such knowledge!”

[08] The Chief paces up and down the Synagogue, eventually saying: “This shall no doubt be due in large part to the Nazarene prophet. Hence it shall be done to him as it was done to John through King Herod!”

[09] Says Roban: “Yes, it only needs trying to lay hands on the miraculous doctor, and the people and the Romans, Greeks and Jews who worship him like a god shall soon tell you a thing or two. I as an Elder of Nazareth say unto you and give you the faithful and expert advice: Follow in the footsteps of your worthy predecessor Jairus and you shall fare well for a while; but if you are going to try and turn everything upside down as now, then you can soon look for a return to Jerusalem! Jairus is himself in the hands of the Greeks. Borus is his son-in-law; Borus the second wonder physician, wealthy in treasures of every kind will only too soon be telling you a thing or two. In short, just try it out and see whether my advice was amiss!”

[10] The Chief stamps his foot in rage, saying: “You are already all of the devil to wit and seem to side more with the opponents than us and followers of the public deceiver’s doctrine! Hence, I shall throw you all out of the Synagogue and occupy it with the new people from Jerusalem and hand you over to the courts! Hence I ask you once more: What business did you have with the Samaritans at Sychar?”

[11] Says Roban: “I am 79 years old and know what I am doing and need to do! Your threat intimidates neither me nor anyone else; should you want to hand us over to the courts then just try, and we shall see who shall be seized by the courts – us or yourself!

[12] Fortunately we are in the good books of the Chief Governor, a brother of Emperor Augustus and who wields great influence in Rome, for which reason he is not going to throw us in prison as easily as you think. But it is Jesus, whom the Temple hates of purest self interest and domineering that the Temple can thank you for not having as yet been razed to the ground by the Romans!

[13] You will surely have heard about the notorious taxation robbery, carried out by agents of the Temple under the guise of the Chief Governor, hardly five weeks ago, whose despicable transport – together with many other shamefully robbed and extorted chattels were caught at Kis by the exceedingly wealthy Kisjonah’s overseers! Behold, the same Jesus, groundlessly hated so much by the Temple yet whom even the most exalted Romans worship more than Jupiter was the very One Who through His Word and unheard of miraculous deeds was responsible for diverting that most destructive storm from Jerusalem! But it is a long way from over; it needs only some stubbornness on your part, and the storm breaks loose.

[14] It furthermore requires only a charge laid by Borus, Jairus and for that matter by myself, and then I want you to look at your Jerusalem and your Temple in three times seven days, and you shall hardly find the place where the Temple once stood. Have you perfectly understood me?”

[15] Here the new Chief stamps furiously into the ground again, saying: “Who is able to attest to this by oath? Because they who are supposed to have carried this out sit in the Temple!”

[16] Says Roban: “In the Roman law, the perpetrator is not allowed attesting by oath but only the witnesses for the prosecution, and of these they can call ten thousand if necessary and I think that should be sufficient against some ten criminals.”

[17] Says the Chief quite subdued: “Is one therefore to no longer believe in Jehovah, Moses and the prophets, and no one to any longer keep their commandments on account of the Romans?”

[18] Says Roban: “Just don’t you talk to me about Moses and Jehovah and all the prophets! There is no trace of all this to be found either with yourself and much less still with the upper and the uppermost of the Temple; for the entire Temple has these last thirty years been turned into a money-changer’s and trader’s house, and there has been no trace of the real Jehovah and of Moses encountered here for along time! Whatever is still there is nothing but larvae and sham with the raving wolves going about in sheepskins in order to get hold of the poor sheep more easily. If you were keeping the commandments of Moses then you would never have craved after purchasing this position for much gold and silver!”

[19] The new Chief nearly burst with rage at this Roban’s retort, saying: “Not to worry! I shall find you all a lord nonetheless, to make you marvel right down to hell; for I also know a thing or two that you don’t know and know a few ways that may be unknown to you!”

[20] Say Roban: “Quite possibly, but very likely that your ways and means are better known to us than you and it is not improbably that we have already blocked off all the ways you already secretly contemplated along which you had hoped to get behind our backs. As said, just try a single time and you shall find out all that we shall tell you!”

[21] Say the others to Roban: “But brother, why do you try protecting this brute against his assured demise? He is in our hands, so let him call for help from heaven if we should feel free to let him taste the stones of Nazareth!” – Then saying to the Chief: “We are Pharisees and Scribes just like yourself, and more so actually; for we are descendants of Levi even whilst being aware of your having purchased your own descent, just as everything is these days for sale, including heaven! You hence are an intruder into the holy of holies and therefore a deceiver of God and as such most appropriately due for stoning; hence you need not try much more and we shall reach for the stones!”

[22] This empathic threat made the Chief more moderate at least on the outside, yet that much more embittered, and he spoke after a short interval: “You aught not to misunderstand me either, because the Temple’s shortcomings are as well-known to me as to yourselves, and it is about now to conceal them and how the Temple can be brought to its former influence.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 84

 

Chiwar’s testimony about Jesus and John.

  

[01] After which the speaker Chiwar says: “What for such foolish grind for us initiates? Was not I a servant in the Temple from my eleventh to my twenty-fifth years, knowing only too well how things stand there? Had I been bent on maliciousness, what betrayal could not I have wrought already. But I thought to myself: The blind folk still is attached to the Temple – as hitherto!

[02] Why should I take away the people’s faith, on which in my opinion it still places its unlimited hopes and on account of whom we priests still have it so good in a worldly sense? If we should now tune our strings too tightly then they shall snap and our song shall be done for, after which we can start looking for fishing nets and begin to fish where the sea is bottomless.

[03] How shall we counter the power of our daily more numerous enemies? Do you think that the Temple is then going to protect us? Don’t entertain such hopes, because a great many Jews already dwell in Rome in stately mansions studded with great treasures scooped up in the Temple illegally! These shall be as little our advocates as the present Templers who like swallows are holding their wings extended already to take at the first opportunity a journey over the great sea to Italy in Europe, not intending a return to Asia.

[04] Our cherished advice therefore should be to firstly carry out our priestly office with as much dignity and composure as possible, and secondly to well heed the Roman “In medio beati” (The middle way is the right one), otherwise we might have to in a few years transfer to fishing!

[05] Besides all that, two men in this time make their appearance whose eternally imponderable might would suffice to in a few years win the entire earth for themselves with their doctrine. Firstly John, who is no longer among us mortals, whose doctrine nearly half of Juda and Galilee converted to and still is doing so even more stubbornly now than it was in his life-time. Herod obviously in his lecherousness could take the head of the manifest prophet, but can he also be able to do that to his spirit and the spirit of his godly teaching? I shall never believe so, because only through persecution does every good doctrine become great and invincible!

[06] John indeed has been physically moved out of the way, but in his place stepped the renowned Jesus, compared to whom John is what a molehill is to the mighty Mount Ararat! His superhumanly gentle and measurelessly benevolent, most liberal appearance and demeanour; his profoundest wisdom in every phrase of his speeches to whose purely divine, and easy to grasp truth no man of any intellect of even pea size unctuousness disputes its heavenly descent for even a moment; and finally his deeds, of which every man must say this is possible only to God!

[07] What will we or can we undertake against him? We can indeed make a nuisance of ourselves against such extraordinary manifestations, but by no means for our benefit but only our greatest harm.

[08] Hence what we need here is our most clever behaviour and to never look to the present but only the future, or we shall be finished overnight!”

[09] Says the Chief: “What you are saying is that one should not have this Jesus apprehended, but nicely hearken until he will have fully destroyed us?”

[10] Says Chiwar: “Apprehend Him if you can! What have we already undertaken against him, but to what avail? I say unto you: to nothing other than his enriching himself by a couple of thousand disciples, the number by which we are impoverished, and that we nearly managed to be skipped over by the sharp swords of the Romans who regard him for an actual God!

[11] Besides that and something not experienced on earth before, he always keeps two angels in his company who with all their apparent tenderness and boyish impotence possess a power and strength of which our exceedingly abbreviated wisdom has never dreamt yet. And upon this one you want to lay your hands to attack him? I beseech you, be whatever you will but not insane! You are paralysed before you can take one step of evil intent against him. Or do you think he doesn’t know what we are doing here? I say you are mistaken sky high. All these here are witnesses of how a few days ago he knew every smallest detail of what we said and quietly decided at midnight.

[12] It is one thing to be told about a great storm at sea but quite another to have withstood it! I tell you just attend to your office quietly and without fuss, and no unpleasantness shall assail you from any direction. If however you proceed tyrannically then we guarantee that not only your Capernaum but also all of Jerusalem shall be toppled into a heap! Going about it cleverly we may yet keep Jerusalem going for another fifty years at best also bring about its crash in a few weeks by our untimely foolishness?

[13] The choice is yours to do as you please; it is only a cat’s bound for us over to the Romans. They are our friends, praise God, but for you the path may become a quite extended one. Mankind’s cleverness always manages to present the hollow nut as full. What are you expecting to fix out from the greedy Temple, which has been a completely hollow nut for a long time? Is it not much more clever to stick to the mergent that contains something? I say to you openly that all the mightiest Roman lords now let themselves be led by Jesus like lambs. If he has them and his truly godly doctrine on his side then what are we to undertake against him? Just the merest intention to seize him, and you are as good as grabbed yourself, and no man shall do a thing for your release. But if you behave intelligently then the Romans shall be your friends too, and your existence shall be a good one, like that of Jairus! But go and do as you will and the results will show whether our advice was friendly or otherwise!”

[14] Chiwar’s talk did not miss its mark and the Chief settled down and began to see that Chiwar as well as Roban were completely right, promising to faithfully follow their advice. And so the first storm in the Synagogue came to a happy end.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 85

 

The Lord praises Roban and Chiwar.

  

[01] An hour later, Chiwar came over to Me to tell Me about all that was worked out with the new Chief in the Synagogue.

[02] But I said: “Friend, save yourself the trouble, for you realise that nothing can be unknown to Me. I must tell you by the way that you and Roban did your thing extremely well, because the Chief would have undertaken some crazy things. Now he is convinced it would be foolish to undertake anything against the Romans, and thus he shall be quiet at least for a time; but you must not fully trust him for quite some time yet but be on guard constantly and never let him out of your sight. But because you were and still are My most zealous representative, I shall imbue you with the capacity to heal the sick through right prayer and the laying on of hands, to find out the new Chief’s plans in your heart and counter with the right means what has to always occur promptly or it would be of no effect! The right measures shall be indicated to you. And therefore receive My blessing for it herewith.

[03] Here Chiwar threw himself on his knees before Me, fervently asking Me for it. I laid My right hand upon his heart and My left upon his head, and in that moment he was lit up within. And he spoke: “Lord, all darkness has now left me; all is alight within me, and it seems as if all my body were of some transparent, diamond-like matter through which the light of day can penetrate unhindered. Oh Lord, leave me this blessing everlastingly; I shall know how to preserve and honour it most gratefully!”

[04] Say I: “Stay active in My doctrine at all times, and you shall never have cause to mourn the loss of this light!”

[05] Here Chiwar rises, noticing that no further strange guest is present except for Borus, Jairus, Mary and My domestic brethren, not even the twelve chief disciples being anywhere in evidence, and he asks Me what went on here.

[06] Say I: “This all had to go on thus! Behold, soon Autumn and then Winter shall come. Full harvest time is approaching and I must go out and hire workers for field and vineyard. When everything for this year has been brought in then it shall be good to rest in winter; come Spring and we shall then get plenty to do with renewed strength.

[07] I shall be leaving this area still today, for Herod is a clever fox and the new Chief is in his employ. Wherefore My house is not to become Satan’s battleground, I have already sent out My disciples two hours ago. They went with My brother Kisjonah and there in Kis await John’s disciples and proclaim to them that the kingdom of God has come near them. They will come here with John’s disciples today and then leave this place with Me tonight. Whether we will depart, together with much else, you shall perceive within you.

[08] Act now in conjunction with Borus and Jairus, for these are now the two worthiest men in all Nazareth in possession of My fullest love and through Myself the fullest grace of God. Because none of My disciples loves and knows Me the way these two do!

[09] All My disciples, in a certain not too distant future shall be offended in Me to a considerable degree. But these two shall not be led astray by any manifestation about Me, for they thoroughly know Me. – Keep to these therefore, and you too shall achieve what these themselves achieved!”

[10] Chiwar is completely happy with this advice asking only what happened to the two angels because they too are not to be seen anywhere.

[11] But I say to him: “Lift up your eyes and you shall see not only the two but countless hosts around them!”

[12] Here Chiwar raises his eyes, seeing the two archangels in the brilliant light but countless myriads around them all constantly ready to serve Me.

[13] Chiwar lowers his eyes back to earth saying: “Lord, I am a sinner and my eyes are not able to bear the overly holy sight; but it shall be my keenest task to make myself worthy of such sight!”

[14] Say I: “Do everything properly, and your reward in the heavens, whose mere hem you now saw, shall be great! But return to the Synagogue now, because the Chief who will be staying here in Nazareth, must not miss you, because he now places much store by your advice!”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 86

 

The new Chief Korah and Chiwar in the Nazarene Synagogue.

  

[01] With these words honest Chiwar leaves, soon arriving at the Synagogue and realising at once that he was very much missed by the Chief. The Chief immediately asks him where and what kept him busy for so long.

[02] And Chiwar said: “Lord, I had someone dangerously ill and had to seek his help and behold, now he is healed, and as a traveller can now continue his journey untroubled.

[03] Asks the Chief: “Where is he travelling and when and whence did he come here? Can I still see and speak to him?”

[04] Says Chiwar: “He is a Jew, came from above and has already left for downwards. You can no longer see or speak to him, unless he comes back. But when? It could be many days.”

[05] Says the Chief: “I cannot be content with such foxtail information! Where is the inn, so I can go there and make enquiries about the one you healed and who is now travelling downwards because such miraculous healing on the part of a Pharisee is an important matter and has to be confirmed by many witnesses or it shall not be believed and therefore not found worthy.”

[06] Says Chiwar: “If you want to know more than I do then turn to those who know more than I - I faithfully told you all I know. How should I be able to tell you more than I know? The inn was at the carpenter Joseph’s house. If you want to know more, go out there! Don’t forget to protect your back, because there will be no shortage of blows there! Do you perhaps imagine that an extraordinary esteem for people like us is found over there? I tell you not a trace of such! With the smallest indiscretion, blows are available there by the alphabet, and no God shall then take them away from your body. But as I said, it depends only on trying, after which one can speak from experience.”

[07] Says the Chief: “From such blunt talk I can see only too clearly that you and all the people of Nazareth have conspired against me. But not to worry, we shall find a handle for this axe too! No I know pretty well where I stand here. But I hope to shortly unmash this pot fully as well; but then beware you and the whole town. Where is the road to the carpenter’s house?

[08] Says Chiwar: “Look through this window here. At about 2,000 paces distance you can see the carpenter’s house quite well and the road leading to it. Go over and convince yourself of everything – and by the way of the certain blows!”

[09] Says the Chief : “But you all are going to accompany me and serve me for guards!”

[10] Say all: “Are we crazy? This we shall leave well enough alone. Whoever is itching, let him carry his back there!”

[11] Says the Chief: “Well, in Jehovah’s name I shall go by myself, and we shall yet see if anyone touches me as one anointed of God; for it is written who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless? [1 Sam. 26:9]

[12] Says Chiwar: “Yes, yes, what you know we have known for a long time! But anointed ones like us, whose anointing is no more than miserable tokenism, counts nothing before God, and He shall not protect our pseudo-anointed heads when justly exposed to our enemies” fists. For as I said much earlier, the people know only too well what is behind us and the Temple.”

[13] Says the Chief: “Nonetheless I am going there. But all of you beware if I find things differently than you, Chiwar, told me when I asked you where you had been.”

[14] Says Chiwar: “You shall hardly find out what you want, but something quite different – causing you considerable pain at best, whilst we shall certainly feel no hurt.”

[15] With these words the Chief rushes over.

[16] But walking down the road, the boys and girls are shouting: “This is the wicked Chief who wants to ruin us all! Let’s get rid of him!” From all sides young and all converge on him with sticks and stones, with some stones already hitting him, leaving blue marks.

[17] The Chief realises soon that the Nazarenes are not joking, swiftly returning to the Synagogue, hastily closing the door behind him whilst a load of stones slam into it leaving their marks showing plainly what the Nazarenes think of the new Chief.

[18] On joining the Pharisees he says ragingly: “This is your work and I shall know how to take my revenge on you!”

[19] Says Chiwar quite incensed now: “What are you saying, miserable fool! How can this be our work if we all warned you against going? Only after we praise you to the people can you talk and deal with them; as long as we don’t commend you, they shall mistreat you every time you dare to walk the city streets by yourself! For you are in their black books already for buying your position. If on your arrival you want to tyrannise us as well as the people in order to juggle things together through tyranny then all hate you like hell, and I tell you that you will do well to sell your position to someone more worthy because I give no penny for your future.

[20] You would have to change sky-high if you want to favourably maintain yourself among us. But his seems well nigh impossible to you. Because to just put on a friendly face externally but to be internally a raving wolf isn’t going to do with us, because we all are strangely enough of the prophetic spirit and can tell you to a hair’s breadth what you are thinking in your thoroughly wicked heart!

[21] For sure, if you completely transform your heart and to let it glow with the pure, divine wisdom and truth, then we shall also commend you to the people, and you shall have a good existence here; but your High Priest, your Pilate and still less your Herod shall be of no avail to you here!”

[22] Says the Chief: “How did you know that I was in fact thinking of these three helpers just now?”

[23] Says Chiwar: “Because I too possess some of the prophetic spirit which sees through you in smallest detail making it impossible for you to hide from, and just as little in Capernaum; and were you a thousand days journey from here we would still see through you from such distance! Hence you shall find it hard to undertake anything against us without us being able to take the most fitting and effective counter-measures in advance! Are you therefore happy with us?

[24] For behold, we are still priests of the old school! Jehovah’s spirit is still in us even if it has long ago left the Temple at Jerusalem. If therefore you want to maintain yourself among us then you too must be an orthodox priest for you shall not be able to maintain yourself among us as an imitation priest, and do better to dispose of your position to someone more worthy, as I remarked to you before!”

[25] Says the Chief: “Oh you accursed whore-mongering priests of Jerusalem! My lovely gold and silver suited your palate, but didn’t consider that instead of a respectable, remunerative position I was granted a veritable nest of wasps! But wait, it shall shortly become obvious to you that Korah did not shove his gold and silver into your jaws for nothing!” – After an interval he turns back to Chiwar, asking: “What am I going to do in order to gain your and the people’s goodwill?”

[26] Says Chiwar: “I, like Roban, have already indicated it to you and on the table here lies the document which indicates Jehovah’s will to you distinctly. Act accordingly and not by the accursed Temple regulations, and a truly favourable existence among us shall be your lot! You must win God’s favour and all else shall be added unto you.”

[27] Says Korah: “Sure, this I shall do from now on, so far as it is within my power, but will it inconvenience you if I transfer myself here to Nazareth for at least a year? For among yourselves I can truly learn, whereas in Capernaum, and probably also in Chorazim and other smaller cities upon the Galilean Sea, only miserable grovellers are to be found!”

[28] They all say: “You will do well, and it will give us all much joy to be able to properly serve you as our Chief. Because here no more deception is carried on, no Temple manure sold and there is no haggling over oxen, cows, calves and sheep in the House of Prayer, but our small Prayer house still is what it should be and no money changing takes place in our Synagogue!

[29] There may be no flame flickering over some Ark of the Covenant but that flame and much more are truly and vitally in our hearts, and that is more god-pleasing than all the Temple manure in Jerusalem where not a spark of truth glows anymore; and in the Temple fulfills itself what God spoke through the prophet Isaiah, when he spoke: “Behold, these people honour Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me”, cannot Jerusalem’s falseness be grasped with the hand! Do not the priests adorn the frequently false sepulchres of the prophets annually although their forefathers stoned them? And do the present ones act differently? Oh no, they step into their evil forefather’s shoes. Zacharias was killed between the altar and the Holy of Holies, and Herod had John’s head chopped off his body! Say, what kind of God’s servants be these? We say to you plainly: These are Satan’s servants and eternally not God’s servants. Fortunately they are in our hands, as they are aware of hence they leave us well alone.

[30] Should they still invite one or the other of us amicably to Jerusalem for some feast then we are ever smart enough to not accept for anything in the world and rather await here our natural death than go in search of an unnatural one in the secret chambers around the Temple. Believe us, we are still clever enough even for the lords in the Temple and smell a roast long before they set it near the fire. Hence let you just stick close to us, and you shall definitely not miss anything!”

[31] Says Korah: “Now I am fully in the clear about you, making me very happy but the Temple shall rejoice about the diverse pleasantries that we shall render at the appropriate times!”

[32] Says Chiwar: “Mind you, we shall not go out of our way to deliberately cause trouble, only let it attack us an then beware! Fore materially we surely are not lacking!”

[33] With these Chiwar’s words the cook comes to invite them to lunch.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 87

 

Chiwar and Korah discussing Sarah’s awakening from death.

  

[01] As all were enjoying their lunch amid diverse spiritual discussions, Borus enters the dining room greeting all and introducing his wife Sarah with the request that they would register his rightful wife, since he belonged to the Jewish faith.

[02] And Chiwar at once fetches the large marriage register, entering both as spouses rightful before God and all the world.

[03] But the Chief asks Chiwar whether this can be done here, since Borus is known to be a Greek.

[04] Says Chiwar: “Friend with us here everything is possible and it would be foolish to refuse joining a couple which God had joined long since!”

[05] Says the Chief: “How do you actually know this?”

[06] Says Chiwar: “Just as I know quite a few other things which you won’t know for a long while yet, just so do I know this, even if you don’t know it yet! Therefore be at ease, for here things are done differently from the Temple!”

[07] The Chief smiles satisfactorily.

[08] Borus pulls out a heavy pouch of gold from his bag, paying the required fee, which of course was far lower than what he put in the pouch, taking his leave therewith.

[09] As Borus leaves the dining room, the Chief lifts the pouch, saying: “There are over five pounds of gold in the neatest Augustan coinage, as well as a few Tiberiases among them! Is this the practice here? In the Temple one pound of gold would already be an honorarium!”

[10] Says Chiwar: “Such gifts are not rare here; but Borus, after Jesus probably the most prominent physician in the world is too much a man of honour and wealth besides for him to ever show himself lousy!”

[11] Asks the Chief again: “Who was this exceedingly beautiful and personable little woman?”

[12] Says Chiwar: “It is the Chief Jairus” daughter, of whom I already told you that she was twice in succession awoken from the dead by the miraculous healer Jesus.”

[13] Says the Chief: “Maybe she was only in an acute swoon, which is not unusual for such delicately charming beings!”

[14] Says Chiwar: “Sure, sure, after one has festered in the grave for over four days, making any ever so imperceptive nose only too acutely aware of a fetid corpse – as we all perceived, notwithstanding every ointment, when escorting her to the tomb, singing hymns of mourning – with such there is no further trace of swoon! But to Jesus, the good Saviour, it was most miraculously possible, that which can be possible only to God, to nonetheless call her back to beautiful life with just one word and no other means, instantly; and she is now more vivacious and healthy than in her entire life previously, for she still is very young and hardly sixteen!”

[15] Asks the Chief: “How long is it since she was awakened from the dead?”

[16] Says Chiwar: “Six to seven days at the most! I would not be able to say exactly, but this much is certain, that she was awakened from death to life at the beginning of last week.”

[17] Says the Chief, completely beside himself with astonishment: “This really is something that has not been experienced on earth before! The sheer cheerful freshness of this most lovable maiden, yet in the grave as a corpse for four days already!? Verily, this is unheard of, provided you are telling me the full truth, what I no longer intend to question for this place seems to be put together from nothing but miracles!”

[18] Says Chiwar: “Indeed, that is so! More particularly, the said Saviour Jesus attracts all attention to Himself. His deeds surpass to an indescribable degree everything ever written about the forefathers by Moses and all that we know about the great prophets. For nothing like this has ever been before. You shall not find a sickness that He does not heal instantly through the mere word, without seeing or touching the sick – whatever else He wants happens instantly!

[19] Jairus” resignation for instance four days ago and its simultaneous notification at the Temple in the same moment to the High Priest at Jerusalem surely is more than just a wonder. In a natural way this notification would have hardly been handed to the High Priest today. As things are, you were able to arrive in Capernaum already two days ago, and then here from over the latter in the early hours of this morning – yet nothing by way of protocol was overlooked. In this most marvellous manner you have now become High Priest in fact, over all of Galilee, and Jairus” resignation with all its addendum and explanations is in the Temple’s High Priest’s hands, and this all took just one and the same moment. Reliable witnesses also told us that this self-same Jesus a few weeks ago threatened a raging storm, and sea and wind instantly obeyed the Saviour’s words. I could tell you many more anecdotes like that, but this is not the right occasion for it. One could thus surmise that this person is in Satan’s pay if his words, doctrines and amicable admonitions did not teach us otherwise!

[20] I say unto you frankly and of a truth: incomprehensibly marvellous are His deeds which become non-essential compared to the power of His words and teaching. There you hear truths of which no prophet has dreamt yet. He presents human life in a way after which no man can wonder in the least about whether his soul is mortal or immortal. Immortality is presented in such a lucid way that you cannot for a moment doubt that after physical death the life of the soul everlastingly continues on account of the divine spirit indwelling it.

[21] In short, this Jesus is a person of capabilities so extraordinary that one has to say in the best of conscience: such a human the earth has not had as an inhabitant since Adam! All the elements obey Him, myriads of spirits are constantly ready to serve Him, and I also found out from several of his disciples that on this journey from Sychar to Cana, in broad daylight He instantly caused a total eclipse of the sun, then a few moments later made it shine as before!

[22] Roban and several hundred other witnesses told us upon probing them that at Sychar, He restored two ruined old castles; the old house of Joseph and Benjamin, and the old castle of Esau, belonging to the wealthy merchant Jairuth in such a fashion that all the resident builders testified openly that to restore such castles in all diligence in the normal way would have taken them at least a full ten years. But on top of that, the spacious building of a most solid material did not just stand there suddenly completed but filled out with all amenities, and that with such practicality and exceeding beauty as one would no longer be able to meet with on this earth at the hands of builders.

[23] Besides that a certain Greek from Cana in Samaria by the name of Philopold told me some well-nigh unbelievable things which nevertheless I had to believe because he introduced me to a thousand witnesses.

[24] If by my own estimation a person is able to carry out such, then I take him for more than a human and more than the greatest prophet. He certainly said a few days ago – I think during some fishing at sea – which too can be classified as a fully miraculous one, that such could be accomplished by every man of firm and undoubting faith. But I would add that such faith would have to be as miraculous as the greatest miracle itself, for such faith would have to be the result of a conscious ability, which presupposes every imaginable success.

[25] Whoever is familiar with his powers has to also trust them in carrying out something or any work at all, which much experience makes him aware as being sufficient. If man is called upon to have faith in success exceeding his conscious powers then such faith shall in my opinion immediately be accompanied by doubts, just as when seeing a weight to be lifted for whose mastery he is only too consciously deficient.

[26] If for instance I see a stone of several pounds in my way upon the road then I shall not doubt for a moment that I can get the stone out of my way; but if a rock of perhaps a hundred-thousand pounds weight lies upon the road, then undoubting faith shall show mighty little for itself. Regardless of how much I firm up my will, it shall probably be of no use, because I shall totally lack the subjective conviction to master a weight of one thousand pounds with a lifting capacity of two hundred pounds at the most.

[27] To this Jesus however, everything is possible as to a god! To His will a mountain is the same as a speck of dust! Earth, air, wind, water and fire obey Him as the lambs their shepherd, and lightning he guides a thousand times more accurately than the bowman his arrow. What does this amount to? As our Chief, I implore you for your opinion!”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 88

 

Chiwar’s opinion of the Temple.

  

[01] Says the Chief: “If all this is so, as I am not inclined to doubt out of hand, then he must without a doubt have the closest link with the almighty spirit of Jehovah, somewhat like Moses or Elijah, the latter one also being able to call fire from heaven, which obeyed him. He may very well have worked other signs that have not been recorded, about which on the other hand there could be much truth.

[02] Elijah for instance, if my memory serves me correctly is supposed to have on one occasion provided an entire heap of skeletons upon a battlefield with flesh, skin and hair withal! On another occasion he is supposed to have sealed the great Euphrates” sources for three years as well as simultaneously command the clouds to stay clear of the sky for three years. Only after people had done proper penitence he once again opened the springs of the great rivers, commanding the clouds to form on the horizon and give water to the parched land and many another thing also is told about this most peculiar of all prophets which may have been distorted with time, and it is said that this very Elijah shall return before the end of the world and through great signs move people to repentance, even whilst this peculiar prophet is supposed never to have died but ascended to the heavens in a fiery chariot. It could therefore quite easily be that this Jesus is the bearer of this great prophet’s spirit and hence, closely linked with Jehovah’s might, he can perform deeds possible only to God!”

[03] Says Chiwar: “Your view is not bad at all, and I would almost agree with you if I had not with my own eyes observed things about this Jesus which leave all of Elijah behind by an infinity. You will ask what for instance? But I should have to confess that I would completely lack the words to describe them; because one would have oneself have had to have heard, seen and felt it, or one can otherwise form no concept of it. And I therefore now agree with many thousands that this is without any doubt the promised Messiah! For I ask one --- all whether, if someone were to come at a different time, will he work greater signs!? Besides that he is according to the Chronicles, which reach down to Joseph’s grandfather, descended in the straightest line from David [Matt 1:1-17]. Akim was the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, the latter the father of Matthan, the same the father of Jacob, Jacob was the father of Joseph and the latter the father of our Jesus. Going backwards into the Chronicles and you end up with David in the straightest line. But it is also written that the Messiah will descend from David and that all shall recognise him by his deeds.

[04] In my view this Jesus lacks nothing; the descent is authentic, whilst deeds not experienced on earth before also are present in over-abundance. I truly don’t know therefore what should prevent us from acknowledging him as the One he obviously is?

[05] That the domineering Temple shall not easily be swayed thereto is of course clear; but we should by no means go by the Temple which in my opinion is completely dead and from now on not provide us with protection nor wisdom and still less any lasting livelihood, unless we first give it --- for one position that ten people could be maintained quite well for a hundred years.

[06] Just work it out yourself, and you will see that you could have, with the gold and silver with which you bought your chief’s position from the Temple sustained yourself a hundred years in princely fashion! But then let yourself be hailed here by the Romans and seek protection from the Temple, and they shall not only be unable to provide it, but not want to either, and for a few handfuls of silver fix you up with double talk as they fix inquirers by the notorious Delphi Oracle – of course for much gold and silver, so that the Oracle is always correct afterwards, regardless of whether the inquirer’s fortunes later take a good or bad turn!

[07] Thank God I am familiar with all the Temple’s present dirty tricks and hence do not let my conscience be bothered about hoodwinking it for any amount, no matter how. Because my friend, anyone not wishing to be duped by the Temple must himself take the trouble to dupe it to the limit. Or do you think that in the Temple you will get somewhere with an honest and upright disposition and face? Oh, let none brag thus! But go there with a thoroughly mischievous disposition and expression and I guarantee you will tie the Templers around your thumb like a string.

[08] I can still well recall a certain fellow, a circumcised Greek. He must have been of great wealth, studded with pearls and diamonds. This man had a properly irascible face and said little; yet as surely as I am Chiwar so surely was whatever he said was the most cunning lie. He only demanded a thousand pounds of gold for a parchment roll hardly worth a halfpenny. The High Priest shrugged his shoulders for sure, but our scoundrel cut a face as I have hardly seen again, mumbling scornfully: “Hm, aut Caesar – aut nihil”! (Either Caesar - or nothing! Which means, either everything or nothing), to which the Chief turned pale – God knows why, at once having the 1,000 pounds gold handed over to the rascal none of which the Temple ever received back by even a hair’s weight; for it only became clear about a year later how this rascal was a most wily deceiver anointed with every Satanic ointment, to scare a thousand pounds of gold even out of the High Priest.

[09] Quite honest Jews sometimes came to the Temple to borrow money with good pledges and they received nothing, for they appeared too honest and with expressions to righteous! And so my maxim is: one has to pull wool over the Temple’s eyes if one does not wish oneself to be done in by it! And so I shall eternally not ask the Temple whether Jesus is the promised Messiah, because He is so to me even without the Temple! What will you say to my view?”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 89

 

Korah and Chiwar discussing the Messiah. Satan challenges Chiwar to a fight.

  

[01] Says the Chief: “Friend, I love you, for I have not met such an honest soul before. Of a truth you are quite right. I know this Jesus far too little to be of your opinion forthwith, but this much I know: unless this promise is not entirely a hollow nut not having been verified throughout history since David – at least terrestrially because the Romans currently still are a greater authorities to David’s eternal kingdom than was the forty years Babylonian captivity – then I am quite inclined to agree with you. What now remains is what you all say to this and also the priests and Pharisees of the other towns.”

[02] Says Chiwar: “What I said to you here is the opinion of this entire town; the Capernaumians, having been subject to some stern rebukes which they drew upon themselves on several occasions, are coming around, and concerning the remaining cities, let that take care of itself and until something more opportune leaves them to their time-honoured delusion.

[03] If here is your future seat then leave it to me, and in a few years Galilee shall be isolated and totally independent of the Temple! Galilee in any case can already in the Temple is the last parchment page. What will it matter if we tear out even this last page? The Romans and Greeks are on our side and that firmly as well as a little of the almighty, living Grace of God, and it shall be mightily hard for the Temple to get at us!”

[04] Says Korah the Chief: “I agree with you in everything and am still more convinced than before that you are right; but we need to keep in mind that the archangel Michael, the mightiest of all the celestial spirits had with all his strength and might had to contend three days and nights for Moses” body. If Satan therefore were to take it up with us, how should we withstand him?”

[05] Says Chiwar: “Not just one, but I”ll take it up with a thousand Satans myself although I am no Michael for a long while yet. One has only to have courage and block the scoundrel off in all ways, then he won’t get anywhere even with his hell full of devils; but once shown the soft belly where he can tack on with ease, then the fight could get a hundred times harder!

[06] But as truly as God has created me, I shall not build Satan a temple on account of that nor scatter him incense in order to back off me. Let him come if he should lust to take it up with Chiwar, and you shall be witness that I shall dispose of him in less than three days!”

[07] Says the Chief: “You wager much as a fly to take it up with the lion and even to actually provoke him into combat, whereas you should rather be constantly asking God to everlastingly protect you against Satan’s harassment!”

[08] Says Chiwar: “Friend, I nevertheless know One name, and that One suffices for legions of Satan’s and devils! Where might he be if he has the courage to fight me?

[09] It is not to be denied that the fly is indeed a barest nothing against a lion, yet if the fly wants, it will still drive the strongest lion into retreat a day’s journey from here. She nudges his ear and buzzes his ear until the lion thinks a storm is raging and the king of the animals ignominiously takes to his heels.

[10] And so it is not strictly necessary to confront the mighty more mightily still, but everything depends on proper cleverness. Behold, you yourself came to us with a fair portion of Satanism, but my probable cleverness put it to shame, and now you stand before us as a free man, elected by us all as our Chief, and yet Satan was not able to harm us for it, nor shall he be able to do so in future!

[11] I know what I know and am capable of, but I can vouch for Satan not being my master in all eternity.”

[12] Says Korah: “Friend, don’t speak too soundly, for the wicked one is supposed to have his eyes and ears everywhere. Of course with the help of Jehovah and your Messiah, still too little known to myself, he shall have nothing on us; yet we don’t want to challenge him. May God guard us against any whatsoever visit of his!”

[13] Says Chiwar: “Certainly! I am not desirous of such combat yet nor fear it in the least either!”

[14] Following Chiwar’s words, a boisterous, massive giant suddenly entered the room, approaching Chiwar with furious mockery, his thunderous voice shaking the pillars: “Are you that fly that’s going to make the storm rage in the lion’s ears? Have a go, you miserable dust worm, how you come off battling me?! I too can do a thing of which you may be quite ignorant. Look, your Messiah simply depends on my benevolence as it is no great honour for me to enter combat with flies, but should he play up too much with me then I”ll have him strung up unceremoniously on the cross after which you can pray to your Messiah on the cross! What shall you do if I summarily shred you up to dust forthwith?”

[15] Here Chiwar rises quite softly from his seat, menacing the giant (Satan) as follows: “Just as you miserable one came in, just so see to it you get out – with the resolution never to tread this holy place again – or may Jesus the Lord judge you!”

[16] At the mention of the name Jesus the giant at once moved back a few paces, threatening with glowing fury that the despised name be never mentioned eternally.

[17] But Chiwar says: “I surely had to produce a buzz in your ear, that you would see how a lion flees before a buzzing fly!” Then starting again: “Jesus, Son of Most High judge and punish you. Jesus, Son of the Most High drive you out of here forever! Jesus, Son of the Most High afflict you for your countless abominations!”

[18] But Satan did not wait for this last – departing in a thunderous wail.

[19] After which Chiwar says to Korah (who was trembling in fear like aspen leaves): “Did you see now how one can put the lion on the retreat? Why didn’t he grind me to dust forthwith? Behold, it’s his impotence! Let him just come again when he is itching to, and I guarantee you that in the value of my Jesus he will get out of here faster a second time than he did this first time!”

[20] Says the Chief: “Listen friend, I admire your inexplicable courage beyond measure, and - by all the patriarchs – I now feel myself fully transferred into their marvellous times. But let it be nevertheless told you never to challenge Satan to combat again, for he is endlessly inventive and is supposed to take on every form, even that of an angel of light, and I believe him to be endlessly more dangerous in the guise of soft celestial raiment than we had the infernal honour of seeing him right now.”

[21] Says Chiwar: “We possess the measuring tape by which to assess what spirit any appearance is. But now be at ease, for this occasion will have sufficed him for some time.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 90

 

Korah remembers the Lord from the cleansing of the Temple.

  

[01] After that Korah asked Chiwar whether I am still to be found in the this place and whether it were possible to acquaint himself more closely with Me. He further said: “I have now become fully aware of something extraordinarily godly about your Messiah; for he is in no way in Satan’s favour, and His name seems to be the greatest torment to the former. These are two factors ascertained of course in a most miraculous way which I shall not be able eternally to deny, and from my settled down feelings I discern that you must be completely right with the invocation of the Son of the Most High, wherefore I would like to get acquainted with Him if possible. Take me out there!”

[02] Says Chiwar: “This would all be in order, and taking you to Him is just what I”d like to do, but the people are still incensed against you somewhat, and with the people’s mischievous mood we are in danger of being hurt by stones; besides that He is getting ready to depart and we might inconvenience Him. But towards winter He shall be coming either back here or to Kis and will be spending winter at one of these two places, then we shall have ample opportunity to make His acquaintance wherefore I think we should postpone our plan for a closer acquaintance till winter.”

[03] Says Korah: “What you are saying is all true, yet I cannot shrug off my longing to make my personal acquaintance with this extraordinary person, through whom --- the fullness of God’s might, power and glory! Or wait, I just thought of an episode from the Easter celebration at Jerusalem in the Temple. It might in the end be this Jesus who on a post Sabbath, if I am not mistaken, drove all the buyers and sellers from the Temple, over-turning all the moneychanger’s booths with a storm?! All the sale animals started a terrible bawling and tore out of the Temple salesrooms.

[04] Because this man to whom I spoke myself – of course not in a friendly manner - was a Galilean too, also by the name Jesus and with him were a great many others, quite common looking men and women, and the whole company resembled ordinary Galilean tramps; yet their leader Jesus looked like someone in whom something extraordinary is hidden.

[05] Basically he did not say much, but what he said was profound, true and portentous! He had also then in Jerusalem healed many sick, but when this came before Herod who is supposed to fear this Jesus considerably, the miracle man suddenly disappeared from Jerusalem by night and fog, and we could not find out which way he had turned. He could not have gotten to Galilee --- from Jerusalem or we should have soon heard about it, for we had sent a great number of spies after him.

[06] We did indeed after a couple of weeks hear rumours about the carpenter’s Son Jesus, yet we could not assume that yonder familiar, simple, quiet and quite uneducated and even illiterate man could be the same mighty Jesus before whom thousands had shaken in the Jerusalemite Temple as before a judgement of God. But if it is the renowned carpenter Jesus who is working such godly deeds then He is bound to be the same Jesus who scared all of Jerusalem at Easter. If this is here (in Nazareth) the noted carpenter Jesus who performs such divine acts, he is surely the same Jesus who during Passover shocked all Jerusalem.”

[07] Says Chiwar: “Yes, it is one and the same. I know him already for several years, as also the old Joseph who died only about a year ago. I did not of a truth discover the smallest trace of anything unusual about him, although, as told me here and there – most extraordinary things are supposed to have taken place at his birth, which took place at Bethlehem in a sheepfold, as well as afterwards up to his twelfth year. But after the twelfth year everything extraordinary is supposed to have disappeared, the most exalted expectation of his parents went under, and he remained to his thirtieth year, which is even now, a most unremarked, most simple carpenter.

[08] He was extremely sparing in words; one could hardly get one monosyllabic answer to ten questions out of him, although he was on the other hand always charitable towards children and the poor. He was supposed to have reputedly been seen praying and crying – on the quiet side – but never laughing. He shunned jovial and noisy groups and loved solitude most of all. The most peculiar thing about him was that one hardly ever saw him in a synagogue and just as little at a school, which he only visited a couple of times a year after much parental persuading but then shortly afterwards leaving it visibly annoyed; no one however is supposed to have seen him in a house of prayer yet. On account of these eccentricities he was also regarded by many as somewhat feeble-minded.

[09] But in his thirtieth year he suddenly disappeared from his parental house and is supposed to have stayed for a while in the desert near Bethabara where the well-known John was beating about, and is supposed to have permitted himself by the latter (Juergen are there some words missing in this last sentence for example mention of the baptism that was permitted by him?). From there he departed as he now is, full of godly power, teaching the people about the kingdom of God, healing all the sick and driving the evil spirits from the possessed. This briefly is his earthly life story, which I found out partly from himself but mainly through hearsay.”

[10] Says Korah: “Yes indeed, you are bound to be right. This Bethlehem story aroused great sensation about thirty years ago; and if I am not mistaken then it was on his account that the old Herod ordered the hideous genocide of little boys. But he himself is supposed to have fled to Egypt. Well now, I am cleared up! So, this is the self-same Jesus?! Well, to him certainly there could be something extraordinary, and your assumption will not be wide off their mark. But I am still intent on speaking with him before he thinks of leaving this area!”

[11] Says Chiwar: “As you wish, I am easy. But we nevertheless must have a herald preceding us openly into the city and appraising the people in your favour, or it may be a bit scary to move into the open streets, for I know my Nazarenes!”

[12] Says Korah: “Well then, dispatch several heralds, proclaiming my name as a sympathetic one, otherwise he will have moved on!”

[13] Chiwar dispatches twelve heralds forthwith and these make the new Chief appear so favourable that they shortly after jubilate repeatedly, starting to prepare costly presents with which to greet the new Chief on the coming Sabbath eve.

[14] Upon the return of the heralds to the Synagogue with the favourable news, the Chief says to Chiwar: “Now let us march out there, or he might turn us down yet, and I am still intent on speaking to him.”

[15] Says Chiwar: “I am ready, and it would be appropriate for us to see him off; but let only us two go.”

[16] Chiwar and the Chief go over. However, a few paces from the city gate, Jairus, Borus and wife Sarah and the mother Mary approach them, saddening them with the news that the Lord with His twelve disciples and the seven newly arrived disciples of John had departed half on hour earlier.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 91

 

Jesus’ friends at Borus’ house.

  

[01] This news distresses the Chief and invited by Borus, he and Chiwar enter the latter’s large palatial mansion, where Borus organises grandiose hospitality for the new Chief.

[02] Bab and Roban also arrive, and the entire evening is spent discussing Jesus the Lord.

[03] But the Chief finally asks: “But tell me the reason why, after all that I have heard about him, he did not dare to remain here? For it would be quite another thing if he had moved elsewhere for a while on account of his supreme calling; this way it would appear he left solely from fear of Herod. A man like he however, in so far as his nature has been made know to me, and whom heaven and earth obey and who on top of that enjoys the Roman Chief governor’s close friendship, should plainly have no reason to ever flee before the feeble tetrarch of Jerusalem.

[04] Of a truth, look at the thing whichever way one will, but this much is certain, that prophets for earth-dwellers would look good if a god were to start fearing devils, taking to his heels before them! Har, har, the more I think about it, the more intrigued I am by it all!

[05] Clear this thing up for me more positively or I have to, as dear as you are to me, openly say to you that we otherwise may be greatly mistaken about his man; for the Almighty truly has no reason to fear a Herod, who --- may not even yet have thought of persecuting him. For I as a favourite of this tetrarch know him better than anyone of you and know that he has of late already repented a thousand times for killing John. For the instant deaths of Herodias and her daughter have precipitated the tetrarch into such fear that he is certain not to kill another prophet in his life!

[06] Jesus must therefore have departed from here for a completely different reason and even if the seven incensed disciples of John had told him ever so shocking things about Herod, then I wonder whether an all-knowing man, going forth from God and bound to know even what we are discussing about him here can believe those who have brought forth obvious lies? Can none of you offer me a better reason for his sudden departure from here?”

[07] Says Borus: “Dear friend, this could be a problem because we all were equally put off by his sudden flight notwithstanding that we are fully convinced that He still is that and Whom we have recognised and accepted. To be honest He was afraid even of you and that was discussed by all the many disciples, including the exalted Romans who have now been with Him for several days. But as I see now, He need not to have fear of you, since you are now on His side and definitely not against Him; hence He must have a completely different reason for determining His sudden departure than would appear to be the case.”

[08] Says the Chief: “Tell me then how things were shaping up before He started to make arrangements for leaving! Perhaps even more so Chiwar or I shall then be able to work out an intelligent reason.”

[09] Says Borus: “The thing unfolded as follows: Already in the morning He sent His twelve disciples, whom He calls apostles, down to the sea to prepare a ship and to probably also spy out whether any Jerusalemite agents and paid assassins are seen there. At Sibarah - the toll gate belonging to a certain Matthew who is a disciple of Jesus - the disciples of Jesus ran into John’s seven disciples, some they had already met once before I think on the occasion where John was already in prison and had heard Jesus’ words. These seven disciples told the apostles all that had taken place at Jerusalem with their master. They also told how, secretly Herod – although admitting to those who brought him news of Jesus that the latter is the resurrected John – he nevertheless had sent out spies and murderers, briefing them thus: ‘If you find out for certain that the supposed Jesus is indeed the risen John, then leave him alone and return home; if however, it is Jesus for sure, then to try and kill him without further ado.’ If successful, then the murder will be highly rewarded by Herod. If however they don’t succeed due to Jesus being a real god-man as it were, not capable of killing, then they were still to expect a similar reward from Herod, and he shall himself then together with his entire tetrarchy become followers of Jesus! These tidings John’s disciples together with the disciples of Jesus brought here with them to Jesus the Lord.

[10] Having heard this, He spoke: ‘Through such a base test Herod is not going to become My disciple ever! The earth is big enough and I shall yet find a spot where Herod’s despicable apostles shall not find Me! Did the Son of Man come in order to be through hired assassins that which He already is? Never so! He who asks Me with murder weapons Who I am shall get no answer eternally. But the time for our departure is at any rate upon us, and so let us go and win more on foreign soil who shall believe what we are without murder weapons in their hands!’

[11] Upon which words of Jesus the departure went ahead, for He said: ‘Let us go, for it is My will now, and hence I can also see already the whereabouts of 600 such Herodian apostles of murder against Me; hence let us depart from here at once!’ Therewith all His disciples and those of John set upon this way towards Sibarah and by now shall already find themselves upon the high sea.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

  

Chapter 92

 

The Lord’s mercy upon mankind.

  

[01] Says the Chief thereto: “Ah, now the thing takes on an entirely different aspect! He therewith departed a long way from fear but prudence, in order to take the occasion of a well earned punishment away from Herod, preventing him from getting still worse, but on the other hand hardly any better. Ah, here he did well and I can only praise him for it.

[02] But this Herod also is a person with whom no one knows where they stand. On the one hand he is one way good and charitable beyond measure but straight after by one half a devil of the first order. Today he will make you the most praiseworthy promises on impulse of heart and magnanimity, also keeping them with such as were to him soon after the promise. But let him beware who would remind him thereof the next day; such not only gets nothing of the promised but dismissed in a most insensitive and scurrilous manner, so that he will definitely teach the nerve to approach him about a promise again.

[03] It is therefore not possible to enter into some kind of friendly agreement with him, for the one not to keep it --- be Herod! And our exalted Jesus is sure to know this as well as any of us, and hence avoided him by hook and by crook; for even if Herod had convinced himself a hundred times that Jesus is invulnerable, this would prove nothing to Herod. Whatever happened today would prove nothing to him tomorrow; for this person either has no --- or has principles by which only he and no one else can exist!

[04] That he is a cunning fox goes without saying for he is an artist at extorting taxes, as well as in owing the Romans the lease moneys. I know how he does it, but let’s leave that for another time.

[05] But I would still like to find out from you whether our Saviour Jesus is going to come back to Nazareth some other time. Did He say nothing about it to any of you?”

[06] Says Borus: “Nothing definite, but I am hoping that He will spend the winter with us. It is possible of course that He will spend the winter in Sidon or Tyre, but then we shall hear from Him and move there for a time.”

[07] Says the mother Mary, looking depressed: “He is sure to come here again, but only for a few days again.”

[08] Says the Chief, “Oh dear mother, don’t be troubled, for He shall forget neither us and much less yourself.”

[09] Says the mother: “That He won’t do, yet it saddens me when I hear how the wicked and blind people wilfully misjudge this eternally greatest benefactor, persecuting Him and everywhere meet Him with greatest thanklessness!”

[10] Says the Chief: “Behold, dear mother, people are the way they are, and David in his affliction did not exclaim in vain: Oh how vain is the help of men, for they cannot help the distressed. This incidentally always has been the sad lot of all the great men provided by God with higher and mystic faculties, being persecuted by the earthworm-men the way the tiny swallows chase the mighty falcon. Because the common place with all their inconsequence desire to be great and cannot tolerate it when a truly great man appears who makes their impotence show up only too glaringly.

[11] Behold the great prophets! What was their lot? Always poverty from birth and all kinds of want and privation, resentment, persecution and finally a violent death at the hands of selfish earthworms! Why God always wants it thus has been a puzzle to me since childhood, but constant experience teaches us that unfortunately it has always been like that, and we can do as little about it as the irksome shortness of the winter day. It is so ordained of God and we cannot alter it but hope that it shall once be better in the other life!

[12] Your godly son would have more than enough power indeed after what I have heard about him to put an end with one stroke to all the worldly human nuisance. That he is not doing it, we can deduce from the fact that he would rather flee the earth worm Herod than destroy him with one breath. He who could easily do it does not do so, and we cannot, and so the familiar old evil thing remains. If he should come here I shall have a serious dialogue with him about it.”

[13] Says Borus: “But it shall bear little fruit. For I was witness of all the bettering social changes that the Chief Governor, who on top of that is the Emperor’s uncle, recommended and offered to Him; but all this was in vain! He described with crystal clarity what mankind actually is and how they are to be led and guided with minimal judgement and punishment if they are to once reach this highest self god-given self-determination solely through wholesome instruction. The governor like all of us, had to agree with him without qualification; and the repeated firm idea to increase punishments came to nothing. And so I can assure you that your intended dialogue likewise will go its own rejecting way!”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

  

Chapter 93

 

Borus speaking about human nature

  

[01] Says the Chief: “We will see about that because from a worldly aspect mankind is still getting worse rather than better. What are Moses and all the big prophets now? I say unto you: in the so-called better echelons one laughs about them, regarding them indeed as pious but quite useless myths for men’s spirit, putting Pythagoras’ and Aristotles’ doctrine sky-high above all prophets, a living proof that Jehovah’s constitution exacted and profoundly true as it is, nevertheless definitely does not achieve its aim with the people, which, however it should in accordance with His Word!

[02] What is the use of all revelations when the obvious means is forever not maintain whereby it is solely possible to keep mankind’s respect for the divine revelation in place? Just let a married couple try to bring up their children without the rod and we shall soon see what respect their under-age children will have for their parent’s ever-so-wise and good instruction!

[03] Hence I have no regard for any doctrines and even laws that does not respond on mankind without the rod and sword; for man is evil from his foundation upwards and can only be scourged into good men with the rod!”

[04] Says Borus: “I fully agree with you in this respect, but there is still a big ‘but’ which you shall only get to know when once taught by his very own mouth.

[05] Behold, when confronted with some new machine, at first we shall marvel, but on familiarisation we shall discover a lot of short-comings, and we shall be overcome with the urge to rid it of its obvious faults. We therefore go to the maker, telling him a thing or two.

[06] The manufacturer shall smile however, taking us on as follows: “Dear friends, it would indeed be possible, but still not on the other hand, because the machine still is conditioned on many important considerations. He who it did so in accord with his needs; for these needs it can have only the determined set up observed and every addition would be an obvious affliction in itself. The machine needs to develop only a required degree of power necessary for its determined function. If one were to supply it with greater power then the weaver would rip up the thread with every stroke and therewith never produce a single yard of material. Hence for its purpose the machine has to have precisely the right set up, and even plus or minus would itself be the machine’s shortcoming. Oh, once the machine wears out after extensive use, only then it will be time to restore it to its initial state, so it may again serve its purpose.”

[07] Behold, this is what the clever maker would tell us, and we two may in the end have to say to ourselves: the master is right, for every master obviously has to know his business better than a couple of us amateurs! And a somewhat similar answer we could expect from Jesus the Lord, if we were to ask Him how men can get so evil in the face of divine wisdom.

[08] What did we know about man’s inner set up? We indeed often curse where God is still fully blessing. For we comprehended fully neither good nor evil.

[09] Each ever so good person is imbued with a greater or lesser degree of selfishness. With such nature he then constantly is a judge of fellow men and judges their actions harshly in proportion to their being out of line with his concept of self-interest. Since each person nevertheless thinks selfishly to some degree, nothing but lopsided judgement of fellow man are the outcome upon the wide earth. These slanted assessments lead to unpleasantness, then anger and envy, rage and other such praiseworthiness. Who then other than the people themselves are to blame for such praiseworthiness?

[10] Who then other than the people themselves are to blame for such human degeneracy? The life-machine therefore wears out from time to time and has to be repaired by its exalted master every now and then or sometimes even overhauled from its foundation.

[11] And such repair period seems to be here again after more than a millennium, whereupon mankind for the most part shall hold their own for a time; but the bettered mankind shall not have more than two thousand years thereafter, and in the beyond all will be keen-sighted witnesses of it becoming as I said now!”

[12] Says the Chief: “Well now, I congratulate you as a worthy disciple of your master. I can see now that I am not able for the present to compete with you in true wisdom. But I shall try hard, so that at my dear friend Chiwar’s side I shall shortly be able to respond to you in those kind of things, because here one cannot make ends meet with current Temple wisdom in Jerusalem, - it being no wonder with the present level of wisdom in the Temple.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 94

 

The shared life of the Lord’s friends at Nazareth.

  

[01] The smiling Chief had just finished these remarks when a couple of town residents brought a sick who had suffered from raging for many years. Since he was poor his people had not dared to see a doctor to get him help, and they did not try to bring him to Me either because there was a rumour among some that whoever let himself be healed by Myself signed his soul over to Beelzebub. A similar tale was spun about Borus of having learnt such devilish tricks from Myself.

[02] On seeing the familiar raging one being brought by his feeble-minded friends, Borus said to them: “Well now, what made you bring this sick one to me? What did he do to you that you now wish to deliver him to the devil?”

[03] Say the two: “Lord, we have now been advised differently and hence brought him to you.”

[04] Says Borus: “And who was it that taught you differently?”

[05] Say the two: “Lord, those very ones who held captive to such foolishness for a long time as if deceived.”

[06] Says Borus with a faint smile: “Sure, sure, but what am I to do about this raging one? Because due to your immense foolishness the evil has hardened up in him, and with your feebleness of faith it shall be hard to help this person.”

[07] Say the two: “If our faith had been weak we would not have brought the sick out to you!”

[08] Says Borus: “Well then, let’s see what God’s power within man can accomplish!” Hereupon Borus, head uncovered, stepped over to the sick, saying: “In the name of Jesus, the Lord from eternity, I want you to be well, and so be well and walk in liberty!”

[09] The same moment the raging one was wholly sound, glorifying God for endowing man with such power.

[10] Borus himself praised God loudly, giving presents generously to the healed and his two friends and called for food and drink to be given them from the guest’s tables.

[11] Thereupon the Chief stepped over to Borus saying: “Verily, this I did not expect out of you! At the Synagogue today I indeed saw that an extraordinary power resides in the name Jesus, before which even the powers of the underworld have the most overawing respect; but that even physical sicknesses have to bow to this name my eyes have witnessed only over here. Verily, there must be more to this Jesus than just an Elijah type prophet for no sick has to my knowledge ever been healed in the latter’s name. We shall have much to talk about this name yet, my dear friends!”

[12] With these words the Chief moved over to the healed one, asking him whether he now felt fully healed.

[13] Replied the healed: “I have never before in my life been as well as I am now – and I am now fifty and that surely means being healed?!”

[14] The Chief praised him, handing him a handsome sum.

[15] But the healed one pushed it back, saying: “Lord, there are many poorer ones here in Nazareth, give it to them. I am now able to work!”

[16] Says the Chief: “That’s unselfishness for you! Verily, this I was not expecting from you! Well, I am the Chief at the Synagogue in Nazareth and all of Galilee, and shall settle down here rather than in Capernaum, hence you shall be able to find me if you should find yourself in want.”

[17] Says the healed: “There are not very many good people, and so one should remember the few good ones and go to them when in need. I thank you for the offer, and I shall avail myself of your help when in need.”

[18] After these words, the three – the healed and his two guides – rise, thanked Borus and the Chief and departed home in good cheer. Their rented house stood a few hundred paces outside the town, like My own that was known to stand outside Nazareth, but at the opposite exit.

[19] Following this happening at Borus’ house, prolonged discussion was called forth, and the company breaks up only after midnight. The mother Mary remains at Borus” house for a while, being well looked after and deriving comfort, whilst the domestic affairs are taken over by My two eldest brothers who had stayed at home, and Borus is providing them with everything they had. And so My friends in Nazareth live in the best of harmony during My personal absence and are on about all day with Me and My doctrine and deeds which they had experienced in person.

[20] The new Chief however, challenges everything with rising rigour, yet is constantly being persuaded contrariwise, for he too belonged to those who skim over what they had actually experienced the previous day and forgot what they had promised. Thus Chiwar and Roban had their hands full with this otherwise good person whose desire was to always be and act with punctilious righteousness but who nonetheless always floated between conflicting concepts of right and wrong: for he always pondered what was ‘real’ in the final analysis.

[21] And if one demonstrated to him a thousand times that the right thing in actuality consisted in the living in accordance with God’s Commandments, then today he would grasp this most fundamentally, but come tomorrow and he finds so many logical refutations that it was often hard for Chiwar to counter all the Chief’s protestations. And Chiwar now understood why I had said to him to keep watching the Chief, for he could not be fully trusted for a long time yet.

[22] But what engaged the Chief’s curiosity most was the power in My name. Even if he was quite often unbearable, Chiwar easily brought him into line with My name. Borus, however, had the greatest influence on him and steadily kept bringing him around for at least a few days, so that he would believe firmly in My name.

[23] Herewith is shown in general what the Nazarenes were doing after My departure and so let us pass over to Myself again and what else I was doing and teaching on the evening after I left Nazareth, and where and how I went.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 95

 

Healing and feeding miracles of the five thousand people in the desert.

  

[01] After hearing – as previously told – what the newly arrived disciples of John told Me, which surely I had already been aware of, or I would not have already at the most appropriate time in the morning dismissed the entire big company, I soon left Nazareth and went with the twelve disciples towards Sibarah near the sea, at once entering a ship and travelling to the vicinity above Bethabara. On board, the disciples were telling Me what else they were teaching and doing during the day, for which I also praised them.

[02] Upon reaching the pre-determined place, I commanded the disciples to remain in the ship by themselves, getting to shore by Myself – accompanied only by two disciples – to the desert in order to seek and determine a spot where I could tarry a few days and be safe from Herod’s pestering.

[03] But there were other vessels following our ship at a certain distance and therefore easily finding out My whereabouts, the easier because I had no intention of hiding away completely from needful mankind.

[04] Therefore not a day of My stay in this desert had passed yet before a vast number of people poured in from all cities, markets and villages, including My old disciples numbering already over eight hundred who had joined Me in the previous cities and markets and whom I had sent home to their places the previous morning. [Mat.14:13]

[05] Some of these were of Cana in Galilee and Cana in Samaria, some of Jesaira, some from Kis and Sibarah, Capernaum, Chorazim, Caesarea, Genesareth and Bethabara, spreading My renown also in many other places, so that a vast throng of people were coming to Me partly by sea and partly by walking through the desert, together of course with a large number of all kinds of sick and festering. As said earlier, the day had hardly dawned when nearly a thousand pilgrims seeking after Me found My encampment, settling down around it.

[06] My camp that I had chosen in the desert however was a spacious cave with no rear exit. The cave was situated fairly high up and densely overgrown with trees. There was also a large open space in front of it where several thousand people could find ample camping room, and upon this place the people had settled down together with their sick.

[07] When My disciples, who were aware of My stay, saw how masses of people streamed up from all sides, surrounding My wuagers ever more densely, they became concerned about Me. They put their ship in charge of their eight seamen and made their way up to Me to tell Me what masses of people were converging on Me and that they could not vouch for Herodians not being among them.

[08] After the well-meaning and anxious disciples brought Me the news which I was bound to know anyway, I emerged from the grotto to take a look at the truly huge crowd, and I really commiserated with them when with tearful eyes they were asking Me to heal their sick.

[09] And I healed all the sick who were present in a moment [Mat. 14:14] as well as all those still making their painstaking way towards Me, whereupon there was of course no end of praising and lauding. People were still streaming in towards the evening. Although their sick became well on the way, so that they might bring thanks and praise. The space before the grotto was getting overcrowded until the disciples began to actually take fright, whilst young people climbed trees to get a better view of Me.

[10] When evening started breaking upon us, the disciples stepped over to Me, saying: “Lord, it is desert here and night is befalling us, and as we all noticed, nobody brought edibles with them! Hence let the people go so they would go to nearby markets to buy themselves bread and food! [Mat. 14:15]

[11] Said I to the disciples: “It is not necessary that the people go to the markets for that, but just give them to eat! [Mat. 14:16] For drinking they don’t need more than water, which is found here in rich springs.”

[12] Say the disciples, somewhat taken aback at My request: “Lord, we have with us only five loaves of barley and two roasted fishes. [Mat. 14:17] What is that for so many people?”

[13] Say I to the disciples: “Then bring them over to me.” [Mat `14:18]

[14] When the disciples had done so, I commanded the people to all settle down on the grass, then took the five loaves and the two fishes, looked towards heaven and thanked the Father, then breaking the breads and giving them to the disciples, and these gave them to the people. [Mat 14:19] The two fishes and a little bread this time however was left for the disciples.

[15] And all those present ate and were sufficiently filled. Since they could not eat it all up, they gathered the left-over portions into baskets, which people usually carried on a journey, and these baskets normally were quite large and were carried on their backs by means of shoulder straps, yet twelve of these were filled with the left-over portions. [Mat 14:20] The number of those who had eaten – not counting the women and children – were nearly five thousand men. [Mat. 14:21]

[16] That this feeding, lasting a good hour, aroused great astonishment among these people shall of course be easy to understand, as also the fact that these people decided to at once make Me their king.

[17] Since I discerned these people’s intentions however, I commanded the disciples to immediately board the ship and sail to the opposite shore ahead of Me, pending My dismissal of the people. [Mat. 14:22] But this I did to scuttle the peoples’ plan, as men had already began to discuss these intentions with My disciples, out of exceeding thankfulness. Nobody however dared to approach Me personally!

[18] By the sudden dispatch of the disciples, I took the means out of the people’s hands, and after the disciples betook themselves to the ship on a moonlit night in response to My word, the people gradually desisted from their intentions. After the departure of the disciples who had already cast out to sea, I let the people go and they went away willingly.

[19] Thereupon I climbed a nearby bare mountain and prayed there, in order to unite My human carnal Self yet more closely with the Father. Upon this mountain-top I then tarried completely by Myself, and in the bright moonshine was able, even with the eyes of the flesh, to make out the disciples’ ship in the middle of the sea which was not very wide, struggling heavily with the waves whipped up in their direction by a contrary wind of some vehemence. [Mat 14:24]

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 96

 

The disciples upon the stormy sea.

  

[01] It shall be understandable that this did not put the disciples into the best of dispositions, causing them to make all kinds of remarks and comments about Me, and even a Peter was saying: “Did He have nothing better for us this night than to offer us certain death by the waves? This truly is a bit strange of Him! I hardly dare rowing any further because a few yards further we are unto shallows, rocks and sandbanks, and I as a grey-haired seaman vouch for nothing further! Hence it will be better to stay on the high till morning!”

[02] Says Thomas: “But I am anxious to know what His intention was with quite categorically dismissing us so suddenly to travel over here ahead of Him!”

[03] Says Andrew: “So far as I know there is no ship upon the arid shore - question - How will He follow us? If He intends going by land it would take Him at least fourteen hours to get to the lower end of the sea over Sibarah where we intend landing; if however He wants to get there buy the upper part of the sea then it will take Him a two day journey, because there the sea is at its widest, with many sharp inlets and extensive marshes.”

[04] Says Judas Iscariot: “You know nothing, all of you! I have noticed long since that we have become tiresome to Him, but no favourable opportunity came for ridding Himself of us in an appropriate manner. And behold, the opportunity came and He got rid of us and we of Him! And we can go looking for Him with all the flares, yet hardly get to ever see Him again. Whether this is, between ourselves, praiseworthy of Him is another matter!”

[05] Says John the darling: “No, this He shall not do eternally! There I have known Him long and well enough! This He would not do even as a mere human, let alone the Son of God, which He is surely without any further doubt, embodying God’s Spirit in all fullness. That He did so is bound, like everything else that has happened so far, to have its most wise reason, and so this too will have its most wise reason. And I sense it animatedly that we shall shortly convince ourselves of it!

[06] My God, if He Whom heaven and earth obey wanted us out of His way it would need only the feeblest breath from His mouth, and we would all be standing on the other end of the world, just as it was the case about three weeks or at the most a month ago upon the alps of Kis, which can still easily be seen from here, when it also required only one breath from His mouth, and we had a lightning-fast trip through the air and were with Him upon the heights a moment later! My dear brother Judas, just don’t come to me with such absurd silly opinions about Him, because therewith you always shall only testify your faithlessness!”

[07] Says Nathanael, who also was in the ship: “On the whole I share brother John’s opinion, but I would add that notwithstanding all our scrupulousness we still may have sinned against Him somewhere or somehow and He may not have wished to tell us but to leave us to ourselves so that we should introspect more thoroughly. He is bound to come back to us once we have fully cleansed ourselves.

[08] Of course I have by now examined my conscience with fearful deliberation, yet am unable to find what would seem as unrighteousness to me. Verily, a conscious sin would now do me a real favour, for it would pay to repent in sackcloth and ashes! Verily, I now envy a sinner. Far be it from me that I should like to become a sinner on that account, but my heart would feel more at ease. Oh, how sweet it must be to be a true penitent before God and men! But how can a righteous man put on the garment of stiff penitence without making himself laughable before God?”

[09] Says Bartholomew: “Oh what strange ideas you have sometimes. To whom would it ever occur to extol a sinner as more blessed than a righteous man?”

[10] Says John: “He is not altogether wrong. Of course here, a sinner from weakness and occasional ill-considered passion is to be understood rather than a cunning servant of hell; and there our brother Nathanael may not be altogether wrong!”

[11] Says Jacob: “Yes, brethren! Our Nathanael is a man on whose wisdom we all of us together have nothing, for he knows how to fetch it from the depths. He is always the quiet one and of few words; but when he speaks, one has to hear him! For his words are portentous always.”

[12] Says Nathanael: “Now, now, brother Jacob, don’t always praise me when I say something from time to time, for the Lord knows only too well how much there is to my wisdom; for if there was much to it then I too would have become a messenger of the Lord long since, like yourself; but as things are I am still only a student because the Lord is bound to know what I am still lacking. I do indeed have a poetic, but far from prophetic spirit; behold our young brother John here, he is a prophet already from the cradle; this the Lord knows and has therefore made him His secret scribe!”

[13] Says John: “Oh, what rot! What would brother Matthew then have to be?”

[14] Says Nathanael: “He is the Lord’s public scribe – but only yourself His secret one!”

[15] Says John: “Could be so. And if so, then the Lord wants it thus, and we must take it as the Lord gives it to us.”

[16] Growls Judas Iscariot: “Probably won’t give you anything henceforth. The hour glass has already run out four times whilst we are still floating here between air and water, which is to say between life and death, and I still don’t detect a conveyance following after us.”

[17] Says John: “Nor does this matter, since He did not specify a time when He would catch up with us.”

[18] Says Judas: “For this He will have His wise reason. We understand!”

[19] Says John: “Friend, say to me honestly for once whether, after all that you have seen and heard with your very own eyes and ears and surely felt and perceived with all your senses, you still don’t believe that our Lord, as surely as I am John, truly is God and that all power in the endless heavens and on this earth for creating, managing and reigning is totally subject to Him! I beg you, tell me honestly.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 97

 

Judas praises the Essenes” miracles.

  

[01] Says Judas: “If I were to believe this without reservation I would have to be as weak as yourself and several of your likes! It is hardly a half year altogether since we have been with Him and heard and seen things which without doubt are most extraordinary and wonderful, and you who are simple people, having never seen or heard anything other than this Jesus Who of course exceeds us by hight of sky, have to ascribe the full Deity to Him. For you, His works and speeches suffice of course; but matters stand differently with me because I have gotten around a great deal and seen and heard many a marvellous thing. Go to the Essenes and see what works they accomplish and I will wager that you shall take all of them for gods, just as do the Romans and Greeks, who even make rich sacrifices to them, thinking them to be gods.

[02] Behold all this and even more extraordinary things than does Jesus, you can see with the Essenes. If however there are a great many people upon earth who accomplish what our Master Jesus accomplishes then I don’t see why we should ascribe to Him the exclusive divine prerogatives and then say and be able to believe; this is Jehovah as He was from eternity.

[03] You regard the awakenings from the dead, the sudden multiplying of foods and drinks, the production of buildings and working of signs into the moon as divine miracles. But this is far from adequate for proving the Deity of a person who is capable of effecting such, because such and the like I have seen quite often with the Essenes. There the healing of the sick is carried on just as a sideline, yet I was witness to how the Essenes” Chief wrote into the moon in three tongues. Thus I was witness of how he once eclipsed the sun completely in broad daylight. He drew up his signs and a calculation and then said: ‘In an hour I am going to present mankind with a curse; I shall completely darken the Sun for a few moments, and it shall be dark upon the entire earth.’

[04] To this malediction we others made wide eyes, awaiting the threatened curse with trepidation, as it was every moment gaining credence because it was constantly getting darker. When the sand in the hour glass was about to run out, the Chief stretched out his arms, saying with measured pathos: ‘It is my will! Sun, let you be dark!’ Whereupon the sun darkened and it was dark upon the entire earth as at nighttime. After a few moments, and moved mostly by our vehement pleading, he stretched out his hands again, whose fingers seemed aglow, saying to the sun: ‘The curse is sufficient for mankind; hence ignite by and by and light up and warm up the globe. ’And behold, upon this his command, the sun immediately became shining and, after half an hour, with all its warming power.

[05] There was also not too far from the Essenes’ residential palace and within the high-walled garden a considerable slope of about double the height of the palace. I used to go there with cooking utensils about four times a year. On one occasion one of the Essenes said to me: ‘If you would like to witness another miracle from our Chief’s willpower and how even mountains have to respond to his call, then stay here today. Behold, that mountain is an obstacle to us; to day you still see it as a slope, but tomorrow you shall see a splendid palace in its place!’

[06] I looked at the mountain, which was hardly four hundred paces from the residential palace away, and my eyes not deceiving me, it was a bare rock, grown over sparingly with a bit of moss and small bushes. I sad to the Essene with a smile: ‘If this truly is a rocky slope which I don’t doubt, then your Chief must be imbued with divine power, if he is capable of creating a palace from this marble mount overnight!’

[07] Said the Essene thereto: ‘Are you in doubt perhaps that the mount is a huge lump of stone? If in doubt then come with me to convince yourself. But I said: ‘Friend, what my sharp eyes can see, that I do not need to touch with my hands for I can distinguish the smallest objects from four hundred paces.’ Said the Essene: ‘Very well then. Stay here, and I shall produce many marvellous sights.’ I still can’t get over all that I saw there.

[08] The Essene escorted me to a large, dark chamber, inside where at least a hundred corpses lay about in their death beds, and the powerful reek told me only too clearly that the people laying about in a wide area were living ones no longer. Whilst we two paced about among the many corpses, running our hands over the occasional one, four carriers brought in two more, laying the lifeless ones unto further empty beds and then leaving the chamber.

[09] I asked my escort how he was not scared of so many dead. And he replied: “Why should I be? Whilst dead they can do nothing to us, and once I call them back to life they will only thank me for awakening them from certain death. Behold, there are men, women and girls among them. What a pity there are no children among them this time. But be steadfast and not be frightened when they rise from their beds upon my bidding.”

[10] I stood in nice proximity to the exit, to gain open ground in case of trouble.

[11] The Essene then raised his hands, calling with a mighty voice; ‘Awaken, all ye dead and continue living thereafter and earning your bread with your living hands honestly. But give God the honour for teaching us humans such wisdom and power!’

[12] Upon these words of the Essene all the dead rose, fervently thanking the Essene for the awakening and for being fully whole, with exceeding friendliness. He too greeted them most amicably and then dismissed them.

[13] This surely is going to be an awakening of the dead too, if a hundred and two corpses are called back to life all at one time. I then asked the miracle man whether this took place more often during the year, and he said; ‘It happens once every week. The Chief is also able to revive completely bare skeletons, so that they then live again like those I have just awakened. But I won’t possess such power for a long while yet.’

[14] Thereupon he escorted me to another and still darker chamber and showed me a huge number of mere skeletons, which too were laid in rows of benches. Only a feeble light lighted this terrible chamber, but one could make out the skeletons quite well.

[15] We were viewing these lifeless bones for a while, when the Chief came with terribly stern appearance, asking the guide whether he was successful in re-awakening the corpses. And he replied with much deference; ‘Yes, exalted and exceedingly wise master’, to which the Chief said: “Well then, pay attention to everything, for I want to initiate you, in this stranger’s presence, so that you too shall be capable of awakening bare skeletons to life. Go, and with the thumb and middle finger of each hand touch the chest and skull of the skeletons, then counting slowly to seven, after which call out aloud, wrap yourself in flesh and skin, and you, life-fire, come forth from the walls and enliven you to proper humans!’

[16] This my guide did at once, and upon his last call, powerful and pure flames actually shot forth, and the former skeletons of whom no trace could now be discovered, stood then as complete humans full of life and animation, also about a hundred in number, in front of us, greeting us and thanking the Chief for this grace. The latter directed them out into the fresh air, which should do good above everything else.

[17] What do you say to all that? Does not that leave our Master far behind?

[18] Thereupon I was invited to dine, and we sat down to a long, empty table. The Chief said thanks in some foreign tongue, looking towards heaven, and we all followed his example. Suddenly it banged as if the ceiling were crashing down. And watch it, neither I nor probably anyone else could make out how the thing came about – we indeed still sat at the same table, but it was no longer bare but brimming with the choicest foods and drinks, fit for a regal super. After supper I had another look at the mount that was to be transformed into a palace overnight, after which I betook myself to rest in a separate room, in line with Essene practice.

[19] My guide came to me early morning already, saying: ‘Come and see.’ Burning with curiosity I went with him, and there was not the remotest trace of the rock. In its place stood a great kingly place in whose wide chambers I was taken around, convincing myself that this wonder was no deception.

[20] I would ask you whether our Master Jesus has presented us with something loftier and more astonishing. Yet you already declare Him for Jehovah Himself.

[21] Hence you not in future, if we have the fortune of seeing Him again, be incensed at my putting questions from time to time which are bound not be palatable to you or Him, for I have seen and heard much that is miraculous; and if you properly consider this, and you have some vifituly, then you should not be angered and amazed if I occasionally behave somewhat strangely.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 98

 

John and Bartholomew clear up Judas and about the Essenes” false wonders.

  

[01] Says John: “What you have now told us about the Essenes I and quite a few of us have known for a long time. But we also know more than you, which consists in knowing that your highly praised Essenes are more superb deceivers and scoundrels than the notorious and now nearly universally discredited seers of the Oracle of Delphi.

[02] For these people – a remnant of the old Egyptian priesthood case furnished with great treasures of gold, silver and the most precious stones and pearls – have on the border between our Promised land and Egypt erected themselves a veritable wonder mill, and now already possess a second one in the vicinity of Jerusalem with which they make big business as well. Behold, this we know, and we are amazed that you, who are normally no fool, should not know this!”

[03] Says Judas: “Have not I always had all my five senses about me?”

[04] Says John: “And yet have neither seen nor head or felt or understood anything! Do you think that the dead you saw awakened were real dead?”

[05] Says Judas: “What else?”

[06] Says John: “Can you see how you saw nothing in the deliberately darkened chamber? The dead shown you were as live as yourself and the awakening call no more than a signal for same to arise from the apparent deathbeds. Ask our good brother Bartholomew who did two years good service for the Essenes as a dead, but after two years at last found an opportunity to get away from the dreadful cloister of these deceivers. He shall of a truth tell you in what way the Essenes awaken their dead.

[07] He was as he told me, each week four times dead! First in the Chamber of the most recently deceased, and afterwards straightaway in the chamber of skeletons where the black racks are mounted, upon whose lids the skeletons are mostly just painted or carved from wood and attached, and that only on the first ones, because of the touching by the strangers escorted in. These racks are benches with semi-circular lids, fitted to the benches with bands for opening and closing, The live people are mostly just painted with the skeletons are put over them. If then a stranger or two come and that into the chamber kept in full darkness, the awakening is contrived. The awakening call is then merely a signal for the twelve servants, situated outside the crypt, to respond to the call by blowing pulverised resin, strewn inside a pipe over small, flaming pans of pitch which causes immense flare-ups.

[08] When these flames then spring forth from the walls in response to the call, the strangers take fright, and during this well-calculated moment of confusion, those lying on the bench have to quickly force the lids apart, then slowly rise from their benches, and for sake of appearance thank and praise the awakener in all humility. Behold, therein consists the awakening of the dead in the skeleton chamber! Here nevertheless stands Brother Bartholomew as a witness.”

[09] Says Judas, quite taken aback by the buffoonery: “Not bad! The deception is quite well thought out and must bring in much money for these scoundrels. But how did they in that case make a palace out of the cliff?”

[10] Says Bartholomew: “The palace has already been built a long time. Did you not however notice a cupola upon a tall pillar above the palace?”

[11] Says Judas: “Oh yes, this I have indeed seen and admired!”

[12] Says Bartholomew: “Behold, the secret of how the Essenes can convert this palace into a seeming Mountain and in a half hour back into the real palace lies in this canvas cupola! Are you with me, or need I speak more plainly?”

[13] Says Judas: “Oh, I understand you only too well! But who would think that these fellows, acting so piously and wisely, should be anointed with such scoundrel-grease? In that case, what is there to the writing upon the moon, and the total eclipse of the sun?”

[14] Says Bartholomew: “This goes into the hilarious, and I together with fifty other strong men quite often has to hold this artificial moon upon an immensely long pole projecting into the air in an oblique direction from the battlement of the castle. The moon however consists of a sieve-ring of two spans thickness covered on both sides with white parchment. The ring itself has a diameter of a good ten hand spans, and within the two parchment covers at the centre, is provided with four oil lamps which spread a strong shine inside the white parchment lids. The side facing the castle is written over with fairly large lettering in three tongues. When a stranger is then briefly taken near a certain window, he appears to see the written-over full moon in the sky, which as said is held obliquely into the air by fifty strong people, on a pole of about twelve Klafters [about 24 metres] length, which is not noticed by the stranger from that particular window. Now, how do you like that full moon?”

[15] Says Judas: “Oh stop it, this goes into the abomination of all deception! In that case what is there to the eclipse of the obviously real sun?”

[16] Says Bartholomew: “This is effected by a certain artful calculation by which, as I was once told, a future eclipse of the Sun can be predicted, when the moon passes over the sun during the day. The calculation is the only substantial thing because it really reaches into the sphere of pure science, and the Essenes learnt it from the Egyptians. Concerning the empty table suddenly set with food, this also stems from a simple mechanism similar to the skeleton benches in the dark chamber!

[17] Behold, that is the substance of the Essene miracles, of which you have not seen the hundredth part, but which are quite fit for thoroughly confounding the uninitiated even were they are otherwise ever so sensible and tried.

[18] Thus in a remote corner of the big garden enclosed by high walls there is a wood where the strangers can hear the trees speak; in another part of the garden the rocks speak whilst in a third section you can even hear a spring, bubbling out of the earth, speak! In a rock-pool about two metres deep, there are tame snakes fed with milk every day. These too speak every now and then! At another spot in the garden even the grass speaks! There would be a lot of talk if one were to describe everything, but it will suffice if I tell you that between thirty and forty strangers are sent up the garden path there every day with so much gold and silver.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 99

 

The philosophy of the Essenes.

  

[01] Bartholomew: “The nicest thing is that every now and then really dead children of rich parents are accepted for awakening, but where the re-awakened son or daughter is not returned to the parents before one or two years. When after much begging and for much gold and silver, a deceased son is accepted into the Essene awakening centre, a purported Essene saviour goes to the depressed parents, inquiring to a hair’s breadth concerning everything about the deceased child. The exact age as well as everything the child ever heard, saw and learned, what were its preferred food and drink; what its bed and its room looked like, what were the child’s amusements and play mates, what took place among them and on what occasion and location; in short, not the minutest details must be concealed – otherwise, says the Essene, the awakening cannot take place!

[02] The good parents are glad to tell everything in minutest detail, and undoubtingly believe that the inquiring Essene Saviour really needs this for the awakening of their deceased and well-loved child. Notwithstanding, the Essene requires it for something quite different!

[03] On the Egyptian border the Essenes have an immense human stocking place of all types and shapes. They make a portrait of the deceased and then bury him deeply in the ground. Taking the portrait to the large breeding-ground, they look among the thousands of children for one with the greatest likeness to the portrait, taking the child and nurturing it most carefully, in line with what they know of the deceased, often secretly taking it to the locations which the deceased frequented, gradually inviting also the deceased’s friends into the cloister and introducing the newly-awoken in a favourable light. They familiarise him as accurately as they can with the layout of his future parental home, describing all rooms so that he can ask everything of his parents, who are then truly happy with their son or daughter. In short, the thing is arranges so cunningly that he parents have not the slightest doubt the son or daughter retuned to them from the awakening centre is genuine. Of course an enormous payment is made upon their return, and that with much joy.

[04] Such miracle however hardly ever occur too poor parents, but instead they are sincerely comforted and strengthened through all sorts of inexpensive wonders in their belief that their deceased child had ascended to Elysium, and this puts the parents in a happy mood.

[05] Basically the Essenes’ actions are not evil ones; they say: there has to be a fraternity of erudite people among mankind who have the task of bringing happiness to their fellowmen, regardless of the means they find suitable to this end. Such a fraternity of literates, through years of learning, thinking and investigating, has found that death is the lastline of all things, and that after death there is no consciousness or life of any form or shape. The members of the fraternity are sufficiently philosophical to scorn life, not regarding the latter as the highest goods by any means. But in order to make the outsiders happy, one has to preach a more perfect life of the soul after death to them. To make this comprehensible to outsiders one has to make use of apparent miracles. The more amazingly these are brought about, the more effective they will be.

[06] But with this goes deepest secrecy on the part of the initiated members at all times, and each is strictly obliged with outsiders to steer clear of the truth more than pestilence, for every truth makes man a slave of death, wherefore Moses also already in a short verse in his Genesis alluded to pure truth when he said: ‘... for in the day that thou eatest thereof (the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, - which is to say the tree of truth) thou shalt surely die.’ And so it goes with every person looking everywhere for truth and throwing himself into its and therefore death’s arms. Wherefore Moses, an initiate into all wisdom and truth of the Egyptian caste of priests, immediately founded a priestly class for the Jews, which has maintained itself to this day, but of course in a degenerated state.

[07] The main principle however has to be love, to which the outsiders should be obliged by God to be steadfastly committed in life, for which reason people should even be held to the practice of this virtue through commandments, which God is supposed to have revealed. In order to cultivate this virtue more and more, gradually sensorializing the Deity preached to them, the love to God before all has to be implanted in their hearts as firmly as possible, and God Himself conceptualised as on the one hand a good Father full of the deepest love, but to the stubborn on the other hand as a most just judge, who rewards all good in accordance with the love preached, but who also punishes everything opposed to the love preached, temporally and eternally. In this way it is easiest to keep mankind in check and made employable for all kinds of useful things.

[08] However, should some person turn up who started preaching the truth to fellow man whilst casting doubts on their own, then on the Institute’s part everything should be done to put such monster, who brings millions their death through such truth-doctrines, out of the way as quickly as possible or, even better, to win them over to the initiates if possible. Because nothing is supposed to be more dangerous to the outsider than an enlightenment in the sphere of faith in a God and an eternal life.

[09] Behold, these are the life principles of your so highly praised, famous Essenes, Brother Judas! Taken in a worldly sense they cannot be criticised too strictly; but spiritually, in the quite different light we now have, they are reprehensible beyond measure! Because an uninitiated one will not ever hear one syllable of truth from their mouth; and if he wants to speak truth in front of them then he signs his certain death warrant!”

[10] Says Judas, appearing quite grim: “Oh, are these not beasts! Nay that these would-be anointed are anointed with such ointment I could not have believed by one iota without you; but now that you, as an erstwhile Essene tell us that, I believe it! But how did you get away from the cloister unscathed?”

[11] Says Bartholomew: “I had my initiation rounded off, passed my test and then came here for my Foreign Service. And because I enjoyed their full trust I was left outside, for this favour the cloister readily grants since it can only benefit therefrom rather than be harmed.

[12] Now, since I have learnt to know the full truth instead of the lie, I shall remain outside, that more certainly! I shall not be the one from whom those in the cloister find out what I know; but with time those outside shall find out what the Essenes in the cloister are doing!”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 100

 

The distressed disciples upon the sea.

 

[01] Says Peter: “This would be about the third night watch already (about one hour past midnight) yet there still is no vessel to be detected upon the sea.”

[02] Says Andrew, who has very sharp eyes: “I cannot discover anything either for all my looking!”

[03] Says the tax collector Matthew: “If only the strong headwind would settle. The boatmen are exhausted from heavy rowing, even though we have pitched in with them several times. Only with heaviest strain can we maintain ourselves upon the high sea. If only it started dawning! The morning is bound to bring us a change of wind!”

[04] Says Nathanael: “I would wish for little else if only the Lord caught up with us, otherwise it would be advisable to go back and look for Him should He in the end has fallen into the Herodian’s hands?”

[05] Says Simon: “Oh, tell me another! He to Whom all the heavens and elements are subject – and the miserable Herodian henchmen! He said that He would catch up with us when He has dismissed all the people, and that we should sail over ahead of Him. Whatever He says is holy and hence more than true. Long before we shall have reached the other shore with this wind He shall be with us. For He Who commands the winds can easily and rapidly negotiate the sea.”

[06] Says John: “I fully agree with you. Hence let us all just trust nicely in Him for He shall not leave us in all eternity. Behold, with this wind that has tormented us these five hours already, our oars would have been of miserable effect against the wind, if His might over the elements had not maintained us upon the high sea. Without His influence we would have been back where we started long since. Because, if I see correctly, our ship is standing still as if bricked in on one spot, and I think that with firm faith in Him we could drop our ruderring, which has already completely exhausted our shipmates, for the ship shall not move from this spot regardless, and the Lord shall probably intend catching up with us here, otherwise we would with this storm, have already been God knows where!”

[07] Says Peter: “Yes, yes, you are completely right indeed! I feel it too that this hefty wind shall have no effect upon us, and our oars would not be mastering this storm if His divine power were not obviously helping us. I shall also tell the bosuns now not to bother too much with the oars. “

[08] Peter then went over to the boatmen to tell them to take it easy with the oars.

[09] But the shipmates say: “We can see the shore along the desert foaming white; the surge there must be stupendous. If we don’t hold out upon the high till morning we all perish!”

[10] Says Peter to the bosuns: “If we were not disciples of the almighty Lord Jesus! Since we are however His disciples, the storm shall have little or no effect on us, even without the fruitless rowing. It is not long to go till morning, and we shall all fare better in daytime.”

[11] In response to these words of Peter, the oarsmen gradually cease their oaring, discovering that the ship is also staying upon the high without their ruddering. And so the shipmates too gradually begin to believe that the ship is being maintained on the high by My power.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 101

 

Peter’s test of faith.

  

[01] By this time however the fourth watch set in. The wind relented somewhat, and the sharp-eyed Andrew was watching the string swell in every direction, catching sight of a person walking upon the sea waves as if upon dry land. [Matt. 14:25]

[02] Here Andrew called the brethren, drawing their attention to the moving shape, saying: “Brethren, this is not a good omen, it is a sea-ghost. When such beings show themselves then seamen have nothing good to expect. [Matt. 14:26]

[03] All easily agree with Andrew, taking much fright and starting to call out loudly: “Oh Jesus, why have you forsaken us, that we would all be irretrievably lost now? Oh if You still are somewhere then save us from certain doom!”

[04] Whilst the disciples were still screaming thus, I approached the ship to within ten paces, speaking to those shaking with fear: “Be of good cheer, it is I; be not afraid! [Matt. 14:27] Whereupon the disciples calmed down.

[05] Said Andrew: “By heaven, it is Jesus, our Lord and Master!”

[06] Peter was still somewhat doubtful, saying: “If it is Him then He must let me step out onto the sea so that I too like He would try a firm base for my feet!”

[07] Says Andrew: “Are you going to have the courage to step out on the rough sea if He calls you?”

[08] Says Peter: “Of course! I know only too well that the sea is deepest here; if it is Him, then I shall suffer no harm. If it is a ghost following us, then we are lost anyway. Then I go down before you only a few moments earlier to prepare a dwelling place for you all!”

[09] Whereupon Peter went down to the lowest part of the hull, calling out to Me: “Lord, if it is You then bid me to come to You on the water!” [Matt.14:28]

[10] And I said to him: “Come out and be convinced!”

[11] To that Peter stepped out of the ship and unto the water, to the brethren’s screams with fear. When the brethren saw that Peter did not go under but walked on the water like I, all doubt left them and each believed that it is I.

[12] Peter made hast to get to Me [Matt. 14:29]. But when he was still seven small paces distance he saw a powerful wind whipping up high waves. He took a mighty fright, starting to think how the lofty waves may fetch him off after all, losing some of the strong faith, noticing that he was already sinking to his knees. Whereupon he gave out an immense yell: “Lord, help me!” [Matt. 14:30]

[13] But I quickly stepped over to him, stretched out My hand after him and pulled him out, sitting him on top of the water, which then carried him as before – saying to him however: “Oh you of little faith! Why did you doubt? [Matt. 14:31] Don’t you know that only undoubting faith is the master of all elements?”

[14] Said Peter: “Lord, forgive me! For You see that I am but a weak human. The wind and the oncoming waves scared me.”

[15] Said I: “All is well again, and we are now standing upon the ship, and so let us step down into it.”

[16] Whereupon we stepped into the ship, and the storm ceased the same moment. [Matt. 14:32]

[17] All, the disciples and the boatmen, hastened over to Me, praising Me and saying with one voice: “Only now do we recognise that you are of a truth God’s Son!” [Matt. 14:33]

[18] And My John embraced and hugged Me with all his strength, saying: “Oh You my Jesus, that we only have You again! Now all our fear is gone! Only do not leave us ever, for it is too terrible to be without You! Verily, this nocturnal sea voyage I shall remember all my life! For this much fear and horror I had not suffered yet!

[19] Now the storm can rage around us as much as it wants to, for now we have its master in our midst who can bid it be calm, and the monster must obey the voice of the Almighty.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 102

 

Arrival at Gennesareth.

  

[01] Say I: “Whether you see Me or not, I am still with you, for, if you believe in Me, rely on My name, trust and hope and love Me truly, then I am always with and among you, but I am not with the one who doubts Me – even if he saw Me stand beside him.

[02] Actually, brother Bartholomew did the right thing in revealing – especially to Judas – the nature of the Essenes. It will not be of much benefit to him though, but all the more so to you others, For Judas secretly enjoys such deceptions and thinks: “If I do not learn from Jesus how to perform miracles, I shall go to the Essenes.” – For he is and remains a miser, and he prefers 10 talents of gold to the most heavenly truth and eternal life. If Herod should today make him a substantial offer, he would betray and sell all of us. This earth will hardly ever make him better.

[03] Therefore, nothing is more dangerous to man’s eternal life than the great treasures of this world. And what would it benefit man if he possessed the treasures of the whole world, but harmed his soul? Before he realises what is happening, his soul will be taken from him and thrown into great darkness where there is eternal weeping and gnashing of teeth. What use will all this treasures be to him then?

[04] Let all of you, therefore, gather treasures of the spirit which cannot be destroyed by rust and moths, then you will have an abundance of everything eternally.

[05] Behold, many a ship with its cargo, its masters and sailors lies buried at the bottom of the sea. What did they gain who hoped to make a great profit in the markets? A storm made an end to all their loose dealings, and their souls are buried in the deep, too.

[06] You, however, has in your ship, which this night had to battle against a violent storm, nothing but a cargo of indestructible treasures for spirit and life from God, -and behold, the gale was unable with all its fierce force to hurl you down into the abyss. And I came to you on foot across the raging waves in order to show you actively that he who carries only heaven’s everlasting treasures within him, can easily rise above all the wild storms and waves of the bustle of life, can walk over them unharmed and finally is and remains a master over all the troubles of the world.

[07] But if he loads his ship of life with the treasures of the world and falls prey to the storm above the waves of his worldly cares, ship and skipper will both perish. – Have all of you understood this properly?”

[08] Say all: “Yes, Lord, that was clear, understandable and so absolutely true.”

[09] Say I: “Well, then let us sail across to the little town of Gennesareth and the free little land of the same name as its town.”

[10] The crew began to row and we landed roughly half a league below the town of Gennesareth. [Matt. 14:34] But the sea formed towards Gennesareth a large bay which was connected with it through a barely ten fathoms wide channel, and this is why the bay was called “Lake Gennesareth”. We came ashore on the left spit of land, for the ships that entered Lake Gennesareth through the straits had to pay a toll. We had our ship tied up and, leaving two of the boatmen behind to guard it, we went with the other six into the town where we bought for them bread, salt and some wine. After this night they badly needed to restore their strength.

[11] And I blessed the few things they bought for themselves, so that all of them were provided with food and drink for several days.

[12] I stayed in Gennesareth for several days, for it was a free city where one was safe from Jerusalem, form the temple as well as from Herod, because it was under the strict protection of the Romans who had a permanent military camp there which was under the command of Capernaum. This fact, being of little consequence, is not mentioned anywhere in the Scriptures, but this is exactly how it was.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 103

 

The Lord with His at the innkeeper Ebahl’s

  

[01] On arriving in the city we stepped off at the inn of an upright man by the name of Ebahl.

[02] Ebahl received us with much hospitality, saying: “By all appearances and apparel are you Gallileans from around Genezareth?” We answer in the affirmative and he at once ordered bread, wine and fish for us, saying: “You shall be free of charge for three days. Should you however as Nazarenes be able to clear me up about the renown Savior by the name of Jesus who is supposed to heal all manner of sickness in the most miraculous way, then I shall maintain you free of charge for life, eating and drinking whatever you will.

[03] If things stand thus with the renowned Jesus then I will do anything to find him and accompany him on my knees to bring Him here. Because our otherwise good and free little land unfortunately has the unpleasant feature of constant affliction with all kinds of grave illnesses. The sicknesses are not necessarily of a fatal kind but that much more bothersome and hard to shrug off.

[04] If therefore it were possible to bring this Saviour to us – by Jehovah – I don’t know what I would give. I have myself one inn full of sick who cannot journey a step further for pain, and some are from distant parts; even Egyptians, Persians and Indians are among them, unable to depart. Likewise there are Pharisees and Scribes from Jerusalem and two Essene brethren intensively ailing, and no doctor or savior regardless of the number having called here could master their sickness.

[05] If therefore you can bring me this Jesus of Nazareth or at least half convince me of where I can meet up with him then as said you are my guests for life.”

[06] Say I: “Why have you not sent messengers after Him long since, seeing that He is staying in Nazareth?”

[07] Says Ebahl: “This I have done not once but quite often, yet have never had the fortune of hearing from the returned messengers: ‘we have found Him’. They indeed told me of a thousand miraculous things about Him which they were told by others but they themselves were never fortunate enough to make His personal acquaintance.”

[08] Say I: “Very well, since I see that it is not self-interest that stirred you in relation to the Savior Jesus but the one and only desire to bring the suffering help regardless of their nationality – what moved Me also to come here – so know to your joy and comfort that I am the same Jesus whom you have often sought in vain, and the sick people at your inn shall be helped instantly.” Now send your servants over to the inn asking if any more sick are to be found there!”

[09] Ebahl was quite beside himself with joy, saying: “Master, if it is You then I believe Your words and need not enquire further; You are certain to be so and I cannot already in advance praise God enough for letting my house meet with such unexpectedly great grace. Master, great godly Master, give commands for Yourself and yours, for now You are fully Lord in my house. All that You find therein must submit to Your will.”

[10] Whilst he was still talking like that, news already came from his large inn that close on two thousand sick became instantly well. A miracle must have occurred or this could not be possible. The sick would come themselves and render the innkeeper their fervent thanks in word and deed.

[11] Says Ebahl: “Go and tell them that firstly I have no need of all that and that not the least thanks is due to myself but God alone Who through His grace has led the miraculous Saviour to our place. Ask reasonable innkeeping fees from the wealthy that are strangers, but nothing above that from anyone. The locals however are to be free of charge.”

[12] With these words the news heralds leave and do as told by their lord.

[13] Thereafter Ebahl turns to Me again, falling on his knees and thanking Me with many tears of joy for this wonderful favour bestowed upon his house.

[14] But I bid him to rise and introduce his wives and daughters to Me.

[15] And he goes and does as requested by Me.

[16] After bringing his two wives and sixteen children, among them ten male and six female, he said to Me: “Behold me, a true Israelite still! Like Jakob, our forefather, had a Leah and a Rachel as wives, begetting children with both, just so I also took on two wives who are not however sisters, having begotten the ten boys with the older woman and the six daughters with the younger; but as You see, the boys are already sprightly men and youths whilst the six girls too are each already ripened to maidens over ten years, yet I am seventy.

[17] All these children have been raised in accordance with Scripture, and my eldest son is a Scribe but not in the Temple’s employ but only in himself and once, for his descendants. But my other children nevertheless also are thoroughly conversant with Scripture, knowing the pure will of God and always held strictly to keeping with it. Thy love God but they also fear Him, because fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. In my house the truly wise proverbs of Jesus of Sirah are strictly implemented. Are You great Master happy with my domestic arrangements?”

[18] Say I: “Your domestic set-up cannot be questioned under prevailing norms, and I don’t prohibit anyone from having two, three or even more wives, because the woman was created for the purpose of human procreation. A barren woman is not God pleasing, be it that she is barren by nature, something beyond human control.

[19] But in future, no man should take more than one maiden, or a widow still capable of child bearing; for had it been God’s will that a man should have more than one woman then He would surely have created more than one woman for Adam. But it was God’s will that each man should have only one woman and hence gave Adam only one woman.

[20] That men later departed from this first Commandment – which especially with the heathens often led to depraved evil, since especially a prince could take to himself all the country’s most beautiful maidens and ontop of that purchase others from foreign princes – that was not God’s but men’s sensuality. Because many of the wives of a prince or other rich man were not wives for propagation but mere prostitutes for the awakening of spoiled manhood and its lust. Man then does not live fully within the divine order if not keeping the first primordial Commandment of God.

[21] Oh, something quite different would be if one of the wives were barren, as was the case with Rachel; there man can take another wife unto himself for the purpose of generating a descendant. With yourself nevertheless things are in the right order, for you always had a God-pleasing attitude and you therefore are righteous before God and men, or I would not have come to your house!”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 104

 

The Lord blesses Ebahl’s family. Rebuking the Essenes.

 

[01] Hereafter I blessed the children and the two wives as one, as they were both of one mind and heart, never arguing or bickering. After the blessing, I sent the two wives and sixteen children on their way, saying to Ebahl: “You can be well pleased with your children, for there is not a spoilt one among them, neither spiritually nor in the natural sense. All are bursting with health and have crystal pure hearts, full of piousness and obedience, whilst your two wives are still youthful of appearance. The sickly air of this place does not seem to affect your house.”

[02] Says Ebahl: “Indeed, for the locals, the air and water is quite harmless, but not so for strangers; for these sometimes need to tarry here for only two days and then taken so ill that they sometimes don’t leave the sick bed for a year. Once they have gotten over the sickness however, they can stay as long as they like, yet remain well.

[03] Yet it is a great pity for this land, for we find it hard to get labourers and the foreign travellers, unless for special business, avoid this area like an ass, whilst a good half of those coming with urgent business remain with us sick. Likewise some good two thirds of Roman soldiers are bed ridden and now physician can master their sickness. After one or maybe two years they recover by themselves remaining well.

[04] The oddest thing is that not two of them ever get the same sickness! One contracts fever, another some pestilence, a third diarrhea, a fourth a burning cough, and thus everyone something else, and no physician knows what to do with the sick. And so there are a great number come down with all kinds of sickness in our little country, and none that can be helped. Mortality however is quite low, but that much greater the number of constantly suffering.

[05] Perhaps it is possible for You to heal all the sick and then give us a remedy for our country at large through which people can guard against the onslaught of this area’s maladies?”

[06] Say I: “Since I shall tarry here for a few days anyway, the native sick shall find out from the healed that I am here. Those who come shall be helped, but those that don’t come shall not be healed; for none in the entire country is so sick as to not be able to make their way here!”

[07] Says Ebahl: “If it please You, my godly Master, then I would dispatch messengers all over the country!”

[08] Say I: “Let that be, for they shall soon enough find out everywhere.”

[09] Soon thereafter several healed ones, among them Pharisees and Scribes from Jerusalem and two Essene brethren arrive to thank Me for the healing and to if possible learn of Me the science of how I instantly heal the sick just through the word.

[10] But I wouldn’t have much to do with them, saying only: “What are you seeking? Your obsession is this world and its costly matter, but here we are dealing with the purely spiritual. If however you have never comprehended what matter is, how would you comprehend the purely spiritual? And you Essenes in particular, preaching a god and a resurrection to your believers, working costly miracles for gaining followers for your blind doctrine. Your principles are: ‘one has to benevolently deceive and lie to people in order to make them happy, for truth kills this earth’s well-being’.

[11] If the lie were the basis on which to make people happy, how would you want to hear the truth from Me now? You lack everything for the recognition of God’s kingdom on earth, and you are the very last, although you wold be first! Verily if you remain as you are, you shall never have a share in the kingdom of God!

[12] Of what use your good will to make people happy through deception and lie in a worldly sense if you therewith kill the souls of the blind?

[13] My basis for making mankind happy however is: at any cost to the body and all its prospering, save the soul and prepare for it a true, eternal life.

[14] But how shall you feel in the beyond where those you deceived shall be your judges? You do not believe of course that it shall be so, but it shall nevertheless be as I now told you.

[15] If you don’t believe My words, then believe on account of My works, which no man has worked before Me!

[16] Yet if My works are genuine and true, bearing witness to My words, then surely My words are bound to be true?

[17] None can tell you about India except he who has been there, having come from there; none likewise can advise you about the beyond other than He who has come to you from there – and I am He!

[18] He who believes My words shall have life eternal; but he who does not believe shall go over into everlasting death. For My words are not like those of a man of this world; they are life and give life to him who receives them into his heart, acting in accordance with them and their all-enlivening spirit!

[19] The words that you Essenes preach to the people are all lies and deception, because you do not yourselves believe what you teach. For you have a twofold doctrine: one for the people and one for yourselves, of which you say among yourselves that it is true but that the people must not hear of same, in order to be contented and happy through the purported lie.

[20] Yet I say unto you that you have nonetheless given the people more truth with your purported lie than yourselves! Because that which you regard as truth is a complete lie, but what you teach the people is only a half lie, wherefore you were also tolerated on God’s part.

[21] However, in future teach the truth and believe in it yourselves, then you will become worthy and rewarded servants in the vineyard of God; however, stay away forever from lies and deceit and never make use of it, otherwise an evil judgement will befall you soon!”

[22] Say the two Essenes: “Master, we recognise indeed that you have spoken correctly, and concerning us two, we shall do everything possible to preach your words in our large society, yet we cannot guarantee anything. Our brethren are by no means cruel, one can speak quite freely behind closed doors and also get a hearing, but it is quite another thing as to whether the matter discussed shall have any effect. But we two shall speak and in advanced are assured to be heard with the greatest attention!”

[23] Say I: “Do your part, and God shall not fail to do His. Accept the full truth, and this shall make you free everlastingly.”

[24] Say the two Essenes: “Lord and Master, permit us to remain here for the term of Your stay.”

[25] Say I: “You are free and can stay for as long as you choose.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 105

 

The Lord and the Roman Centurion.

  

[01] The two were happy with this advice, and Ebahl came and invited Me and My disciples to lunch which he had organised in an abundant manner; no strange guest was allowed to partake of same other than his family. This galled the several Pharisees of course, for they were bent upon being the first everywhere and receive accolade from all sides. They were indeed hosted superbly in another dining room but were not happy on perceiving that Ebahl was paying Me far more attention than them. They actually asked an attendant after the meal whether the host had not considered them worthy of dining at his table.

[02] But the attendant cleverly replied: “Due to the many sick the Lord had a few things to discuss with the miracle physician and hence sought him out in private.”

[03] Say the Pharisees and Scribes: “Are you unaware of the fact that in any house where we have stopped off, all secrets must be disclosed to us for it is us who purify you when you have polluted yourselves and also heal you when plagued by grave illness!”

[04] Says the attendant: “If you are such harbingers of blessings, why are you not able to help yourselves? Had not the Nazarene miracle healer been as it were blown here by the wind then your intense rheumatic pains would in no way left you; you have only His miraculous power to thank for now sitting in this dining room completely healed. He Who is capable of such really is owed distinction over you!”

[05] To this convincing retort by the attendant, the Pharisees and Scribes say not another word and purport contentment, not heart-felt but by sheer necessity.

[06] Towards evening some one hundred people plagued by all kinds of sicknesses arrive from the city’s dwelling places and its surrounds asking Me to make them well; and I go out among them, making them all well by the mere word.

[07] The healed however, all praise God for giving man such power, going home cheerfully and of sound health.

[08] In the evening a Centurion arrives who was in command of the soldiers for this area, asking Me whether I may not also want to help the many sick soldiers.

[09] And I said to him: “Go, and it shall be in accordance with your faith!”

[10] And the said Centurion went to the camp and found that no soldier was still sick in any way. He returned to me with cheer, wanting to reward Me with gold and silver.

[11] But I rejected such, saying to the Chief: “Friend, I don’t heal anyone for treasures of this world, but only for the treasures from heaven; and these are firstly a living faith and secondly a true, unselfish love for God and neighbour, regardless of status!”

[12] Love your subordinates as if they were your physical brethren, not treating them too harshly, then you shall reward Me most worthily! The gold and silver which you intended giving Me however, give to Ebahl, because his inn costs him a lot and it is good that it should be maintained.

[13] But it would nevertheless be good if you Romans in future built inns for the poor instead of temples for idols, for your gods of wood, iron and stone are images made by human hands, and you can kneel in front of them for years, and they shall not be able to help you because they are dead. But if you look after the many poor, the sick, the festering, the cripples, lame, blind and deaf in properly equipped guest houses, attempting to find healing for the sick, then the one true, living God shall regard your good works, blessing you manifold. Your dead gods however, shall neither bless you for the good nor punish you for evil.

[14] And when attempting to maintain justice and order in your kingdom then you must wield sword and spear. Then with the weapons in your hand you only do what God would do for you if you acknowledged God and kept His Commandments.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 106

 

The Roman Chief’s wordly self-assurance.

  

[01] Says the Centurion: “Dear friend, I recognise quite well that you speak the truth and that things should be the way you spoke to me now most wisely and amicably; but the human world is a mighty current against which it is very hard to swim. Whencesoever anyone tried to do so, he was swallowed up by the mighty whirlpools. This can only take place in small, quiet locations to where the current cannot get with its destructive force; whoever throws himself into the vortex of the current is lost.

[02] It is for you therefore dear friend easy to speak the truth in a quiet spot whose people are still compliant, not having yet breathed the luxuriant pestilence of the big world; but go to Rome, to Athens, to Jerusalem and if you are not fully a god then you shall only too soon get to taste the full sharpness of the sword of the earth’s mighty, like John of Bethabara, whom the mighty Herod had beheaded in prison.

[03] Behold, this John surely was a man who, sky distant from any worldly earnings, from deepest possible self-denial and with captivating rhetoric told men the barest truth to their faces and thousands accepted his doctrine, truly glowing with godly spirit, repenting in free will and converting to goodness. But after leaving Bethabara about two months ago as I was told, starting to preach and baptise upon the big Jordan near Jerusalem, it took only a few days and Herod’s henchmen overpowered him and threw him into prison, to where only his several well-to-do disciples, paying a certain fee where able to come before his beheading, of which I was informed a couple of days ago. Now the disciples can of course secretly tell his doctrine to their acquaintances and relatives, and the latter to their children; but it is questionable whether his doctrine in a couple of hundred years shall maintain itself the way it came from his mouth!

[04] Our Roman doctrine about God is bound to have exactly the same origin as that of the Jews; for it is also based on a primordial being to whom all gods are subject! Myth has given this being many names; the Greeks still call it the unknown God of Gods; the Romans call it the Fatum to whom all other powers are subject.

[05] Look at the present divine doctrine of the Greeks and Romans, and you shall find that it is composed of the most silly, meaningless fables and fairytales, gathered together from human virtues, but nonetheless mainly from human passions, weaknesses and vices. And this is imposed upon mankind with fire and sword! But do it differently if you can and you shall not be hindered on my part.

[06] The nicest example however you will find in the divine doctrine of Moses. Read Moses and afterwards look at the Temple and tell me whether one iota of the wisdom doctrine remains. God Himself is supposed in the desert near the Red Sea to have thundered down with lightning the truly salutary Commandments to His people on tables of stone, tying up the old Covenant between Himself and His people. Those who dared to deviate were punished instantly with all kinds of evil and even death itself. But to what good end all this? Ask the current Temple mysteries, now reaching into the abominable, and they shall deliver the most obvious testimonies to vanity.

[07] Where is the glorious Ark of the Covenant, above which God dwelt in a pillar of fire? Yes, you indeed get to see a naphtha flame, if you are a Roman and offer the Temple some gold and silver; but no trace can be found of the glorious Ark of the Covenant.

[08] Hence in my humble opinion there is therefore nothing to any divine doctrine or revelation. It may be ever so pure at the outset, but in the hands of men it shall be so distorted that it shall resemble the original one no more than a centenarian resembles the newly born babe. Time and the diverse human passions and needs transform the purest into the most impure. And a great and unconquerable testimony to this truth is the history of all periods and nations which no one can deny.

[09] Behold further, friend: although I would not overestimate myself to the extent of imagining myself a teacher to you, I yet believe that here and there – excluding your certainly most profound knowledge of nature’s secret powers, I too have some limited understanding of higher human affairs, and would advise you as a fairly like-minded philanthropist to yourself to flee like the worst pestilence the large towns, where humanity is sunk to its deepest life-foundations, or this earth shall not be trodden by your redeeming feet much longer!

[10] Don’t trust the Pharisees, Scribes, your own doctrine, and enter Herod’s fiefdom rarely, and you shall still be able to do much good for poor mankind. But if yo go beyond this, then you shall soon share John’s rough fate. For I am placed to know the indescribable evil of the people of this world. Take the sword out of Rome’s grasp today, lifting the oppressive laws away, and the next day men shall proceed among each other more despicably than a herd of tigers, bears, wolves and hyenas. Men shall turn into devils and women into furies!”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 107

 

The Lord gives the Chief hints about His nature and ministry.

  

[01] Say I: “You are indeed a truly dear man and friend, and what you said is unfortunately only too true; if I were a man like the people of this earth then I would follow your advice without hesitation, for there is an upright virile heart beating in your breast; but I am a completely different man and being than you take Me for! Behold, all power of the heavens and this earth must obey Me, and hence I have nothing to fear. The Scripture shall indeed be fulfilled in Me bitterly and painfully, but not according to this world’s will but the Father in heaven, Who now is within Me nonetheless, as I am in Him from eternity. But My power shall not suffer the tiniest loss on that account. For if it was My will, then this earth would be transformed into minutest dust, together with everything in and upon it that breathes and strives; but since My motto is to maintain, this does not happen.

[02] It is possible that I shall be accused of stirring up the people and of blaspheming against God, out of rage and the most jealous hypocrisy of the Temple, and then nailed to the cross; but none of this shall break My might nor make the least inroad upon My doctrine to the end of this world.

[03] With time, wordly-minded men shall do with My doctrine what in the mainly the Egyoptians, Greeks and Romans did with the primordial teaching which Adam and his first descendants received; but next to such idolatry there shall also be many who will maintain My doctrine and power in the same original state it went forth from My mouth and therewith possess the power that shall be given them through a living faith in My word, both temporally and in the beyond eternally. I therefore also am a Lord and hence fear no lord nor their laws.”

[04] Says the Centurion: “Friend, with a few words a lot is said! After what you have achieved here, I almost could believe it that something like this is possible for you, although such healings - just not in this exceeding measure - are not altogether foreign; for it is a known matter, that extraordinary appearances often have a miraculous decisive influence on the bodily as well as psychological health of a person depending the composition of his temperament. It so happened for example that a great shock gave a deaf-mute person back his hearing and voice! I could tell you many similar cases, - but the time is too short.

05] In short I just want to tell you by this, that your healing method, however extraordinary it is and how much thanks we owe you, cannot provide me with the full conviction, that no other power in heaven and on earth can cause you any harm! I do not want to argue the possibility of it, - with God all things should be possible; however friend, there exists a large gap between possibility and reality! If I get to know you better, I perhaps will become a more firm believer.

06] But now, dearest, best friend, I beg you, do not regard my perhaps somewhat presumptuous speech as negative; since I only spoke as I understand it, not from a bad heart but from a surely good heart! But now official matters are calling to which I must attend; but tomorrow I will be at service to you for the whole day!”

07] Says I: “If you want to stay, you can stay; for your duties have been concluded in your name!”

08] Says the captain: “It is already quite dusk; without the moon it would already be dark; I will be back soon, - I quickly must hop into the camp and see whether the guards have been properly posted.”

09] With these words the captain hastily leaves the room and Ebahl praises him as a commandant without equal and that Genezareth can regard it as a great fortune, to have in all matters such an experienced, righteous and in his sphere very clever military chief!

10] Says I: “This he really is to the shame of many Jews who have Gods’ words and Gods’ commandments, but whose heart is nevertheless full of lies and full of deceptions, full of bickering, rage, adultery and all kinds of harlotry. Therefore it will come to pass, that the promised kingdom to David will according to the statement of Daniel be taken away from the Jews and given to the heathens, and the descendants of the son of Hagar will rule over the descendants of Isaac, although at this stage all salvation over the whole earth originates from the tribe Juda.”

11] Says Ebahl: “Master, you are as Saviour better than a prophet! I can still not understand it why the prophets without exception always state something bad but never something good! Must it be like this or do the prophets believe to sustain their mysterious reputation by it, if they announce to the people one judgement of God after another?

12] Dear, marvellous Master, I have noticed from your speeches, that besides being a miracle healer you are something else, namely a prophet similar to the four great Prophets, and as such you could give me some explanation about the unusual being of the prophets! As said, the prophets have always been a riddle to me, and therefore I would like to know something more about them from you!”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 108

  

[01] Says I: “A prophet is a simple, natural man just like you with all kinds of weaknesses. However, since he has a wise heart wherein neither anger nor vengefulness nor envy or pride or adultery or various kinds of harlotry can strike roots, the Divine Spirit cleanses his heart of the manifold dross of the world. And when the heart has been cleansed like that, the Divine Spirit pours a light from the heavens into such a heart.

[02] Since the prophet easily recognises this to be a light from the heavens which always expresses itself in clearly audible words, the thus prepared prophet needs only to repeat with the voice of his mouth what he clearly and distinctly hears in his heart and is hereby already prophesying on a fully prophetic scale.

[03] If this is necessary, the prophet’s will is prompted by God to speak to the people and also do before them what he hears in his heart, - and this is then called a truthful prophecy or prediction and is quite as much God’s word as if God Himself had spoken directly to the people.

[04] However, because of this such a prophet is not a jot more important before God than any other person who does not possess this gift at all; for the prophet must of his very own will also practice what the Spirit of God has spoken through his heart and mouth to the people, otherwise a judgment will come upon him just as upon everyone who hears the will of God but does not follow it – and there a prophet is even worse off than another person. For if another one in the weakness and night of his soul has difficulty believing what the prophet speaks to him, his judgment for not believing what the prophet told him will be a lighter one. But for the prophet himself there is no excuse, and this applies also to the one who did believe but for love of the world and its treasures did not do what the prophet had bid him.

[05] However, the reward of a prophet will once be greater than that of another person, for a prophet will once be greater than that of another person, for a prophet must always bear a sevenfold burden compared with that of any other person. All those to whom a prophet has spoken, the good as well as the bad, will in the beyond be handed over to the prophet and he will judge them in My name for every word he has spoken to them in vain.

[06] But whoever in My name and the name of the prophet himself takes a true prophet into his house, provides for him and is his friend, will once also receive the reward of a prophet. And who supports a prophet to ease his difficult work will also receive a prophet’s reward; for in the beyond a prophet’s servant will be on the same level as the prophet himself and will, therefore, judge the spirits subordinate to the prophet and reign over them, and his kingdom will be everlasting.

[07] But woe betide those who forsake a prophet and sometimes in one or the other thing even distrust him, and even greater woe to the persecutors of a prophet. For these will hardly ever come to see God. But whoever lays hands on a prophet shall be punished with eternal fire in the lowest hell. A prophet’s heart is God’s and so is his mouth, his hands, feet, eyes and ears. Where the prophet is, there is also God; therefore, you shall enter his dwelling place with deep reverence, for the place where he is standing is holy. That must be observed within the heart, not for the sake of the prophet who is a man, but for the sake of God Who speaks and testifies in the prophet’s heart.

[08] The reason why a true prophet announces judgment upon judgement on the world is simply the fact that God awakens a prophet only when the world has forgotten Him and has plunged into all the worldly vices.

[09] Tell Me, Ebahl, whether you now do understand the nature of a true prophet?”

[10] Says Ebahl: “Completely, you my highly regarded master. But judging from this you must surely be a prophet too?”

[11] Say I: “I am not a prophet, for it is writhen: ‘No prophet will arise from Galilee!’ But I am more than a prophet. For in My bosom dwells that same Spirit whom spoke through the mouth of the prophets and will be speaking much more henceforth. For those who will be carrying My name in their heart, fully believing, will also have the spirit of prophecy within them.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 109

 

The prophets as messengers of God and their distinction from the Lord’s nature

 

[01] Whilst Ebahl, within whom a different light was already dawning is still reasoning thus, the Centurion is already returning and telling joyfully and in amazement how he had found everything in the best of order. And how his subordinates were astonished that according to their witness he had now come to them a second time asking if all was in good order, since he had already himself a half hour previously given orders to that effect! But he got himself out of the corner by pretending to just be checking up, after which all were at ease without further questions.

[02] But filled with curiosity he asked who in that case had been his stand-in, carrying out his work so laudably in his stead.

[03] Say I: “Did I not previously say unto you that all powers in heaven and forces upon earth were under My command every moment. Which however you were not willing to believe! Now however you surely shall believe that I eternally have no need of fearing death, and that I too am a Lord Who has something to say and command!”

[04] Says the captain: “Yes, Lord and Master, You must be a God! And our Roman divine doctrine is no longer as mysterious to me as heretofore, for in Yourself I now have the most living proof that now and then a God left His heaven to show himself for a time to mortal children one way or another, enriching them with all kinds of spiritual and earthly treasures, so that he mortal may cultivate the otherwise barren earth for a future abode of immortal gods! - Am I right or not?” 

[05] Say I: “This is no more than empty conjecture of quite pagan subtlety but lacking even a single spark of truth the way you understand it.

[06] Ah, if by ‘earth’ You understand mens’ cognition and will, then you could at least be right by some good correspondence of truth; but gods that are not and exist nowhere have never trodden the earth’s soil anywhere. Those men, however, through whom God’s spirit spoke to men of this earth, and through whose will many and quite frequent wonders took place, were no gods but prophets, humans more or less like yourself, and who too died physically, - but of course not according to soul and spirit.

[07] In Me, however, the spirit of God for the first time sets foot on this earth! It is the same spirit about whom all the forefathers, all the old wise and all the prophets have over and over again prophesied in their pure visions.”

[08] But even as I was speaking thus to the astonished Commander, a servant came into the room saying that out there in the open once again a large number of sick were waiting for help, and whether I was prepared to help them.

[09] Said I do the servant: “Go and tell them that they can depart to their homes in good cheer!”

[10] And the servant rushed outside and was not a little amazed at seeing all those, previously moaning and lamenting in the hallway, now cheerfully and gaily pacing about, praising God. Only after a while did he say to the healed what I told him, and the healed left for their respective homes.

[11] Thereafter for nearly another two hours discussions of a similar nature as with the previous healing were conducted and therefore can be passed over here. During the conversations we enjoyed bread and wine and then took to our rest.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 110

 

The walk upon the see.

 

01] Early the next day the whole place was again filled with all kinds of sick people.

02] Ebahl came to Me and asked Me that I should help him; since they blocked the space in front of his house to such an extend that no person could enter or leave. He also has seen the Centurion outside, who wanted to enter the house but could not pass through the crowd of closely lined sick people!

03] I then walked to the front door, lifted my hands above the sick, - and at once all of them were healed, screamed of joy and praised God in heaven Who gave such power to the people!

04] But asked them to keep quiet and to go home and to avoid the sin in future! And they all obeyed and went home.

05] Thereupon I said to Ebahl: “If during the day still others are coming and looking for help, they should not occupy the street but settle on the large pasture on the other side of the street, where they will be helped; however, those who occupy the open street will not be helped! - Thereupon I blessed the pasture and everyone sick who stepped on to the pasture, was healed immediately.

06] On this day hundreds of sick came from all the towns, markets and villages and among them was not one who was not healed.

07] Both Essenes made from hour to hour bigger eyes and the group of pharisees and scribes got more annoyed from hour to hour, since their status also decreased from hour to hour to nothing; for they were not looked at and were asked nothing and Ebahl’s people made it clear to them that they became totally obsolete in the house and since it was a nice day they could travel back to Jerusalem. - However, they did not accepted such advice but stayed put.

08] After a while one of the pharisees came to Me and asked Me if the pasture would keep its properties in future.

09] Said I: “Only for today until sundown!”

10] Says the pharisee: “Why not forever?”

11] Says I: “Because there exist people who would fence off such pasture too soon too high and would demand a lot of gold and silver from those who would like to become healthy again; and since I do not want this to happen, the pasture will remain health-bringing only until evening since the throng of people is to large. - Tomorrow, if there are fewer people coming here to get cured, they will be healed by their faith and their trust!”

12] Upon this My explanation the questioners very annoyed turned their backs and for the rest of day did not ask Me anything further; instead the two Essenes dealt even more busily with Me.

13] Because of that the Centurion became annoyed with the two Essenes and would liked to have told them that they already had discussed enough with Me; however, out of love for Me, he controlled himself most forcefully.

14] In the afternoon however, I referred both of them to Matthew and to My other disciples, among whom they soon found Bartholomaei and were very happy about it, for he also was a Essene. They talked with the disciples until midnight about My teachings, My deeds and about My divine being.

15] In the afternoon I made a little excursion to the sea with the Centurion and with Ebahl and his family where the eight boatmen worked on the ship and diligently and properly repaired it, for it was already somewhat damaged. When we came to them they became very joyful and told the Centurion how I was walking on water. Because this phenomenon was not going to leave the heads and hearts of the eight.

16] When the Centurion heard this he asked Me how this was possible.

17] I said to him: “I have told you yesterday which powers have to obey and have to serve Me! So, how can you ask Me about it? By the way, if you dare to put your feet on the water and I want it, you also can walk on it for as long I want it! If all of you want to, we could make an attempt right now! However, you must not doubt but you have to follow Me bravely and courageously!”

18] Says the Centurion: “All would be alright if the sea would not have been so deep close to shore! For the longest stretch alongshore it goes vertically down into nearly unfathomable depth! Possibly one might fail with the first step, - and one goes down where the big salamanders and monsters live!”

19] “Fainthearted”, I said, “do you think I would dare to be reckless if I would not know who I am, and of everything that is subject to My will? - Who from you has courage and faith, follow Me!”

20] Thereupon I step onto the surface of the sea, - and it carried Me like solid land. I then walked ten steps off shore, turned around and invited the society to come to Me; but they did not dare!

21] I then called the youngest twelve year old daughter of Ebahl and the little maiden took courage and in the beginning put the first foot quite wearily onto the water. When she was convinced that the water did not gave way but the water resisted the foot quite steadily like a rock surface, she started to cheerfully run to Me and had a great joy about the fact that the water could carry her!

22] After the girl also the others tried it, except the Centurion and all were well and cheerful on the of course now very smooth surface of the water.

23] The Centurion asked Me, now somewhat more bravely: “What would happen if a storm came up?”

24] Says I: “Come and convince yourself!”

25] Finally also the Centurion attempted to put a foot on the water and when he was convinced that the water wasn’t give way, he finally also set the second foot on the water and making himself light with holding his breath, he walked the ten steps to Me and was very happy reaching Me standing on a surface which never before have been walked on.

26] But I said: “Now, since you have been convinced that also to the firm believer the water is a steady surface, we want to extend our little excursion!”

27] The Centurion would have preferred to return to the steady surface of the shore; but the exceedingly happy daughters of Ebahl gave him courage by their cheerful walking up and down, so that he together with us walked for about five-thousand steps out onto the already considerable high sea.

28] Suddenly a quite strong wind came up and started to drive high waves. All started to become afraid and the Centurion asked Me to turn around.

29] But I Said: “Do not be afraid! The waves are only coming, together with the wind who drives them, to convince you that they also have to obey Me.”

30] However, after a while when the waves were getting higher, the Centurion turned around and ran as fast as he could to soon reach the shore and after several feverish body shakings he was very glad to have a none-transparent, firm ground under his feet again. - Soon afterwards we also returned to shore and caught up with the astonished Centurion.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 111

 

About true prayer

 

01] When we all were back onshore, the Centurion said: “Lord, now I have abundance proof that You are either the highest God Himself or a Son of Him; for this no mortal could have done!”

02] Thereupon all fell on their knees and wanted to worship Me.

03] However, I instructed them to rise from the ground and said to them: “Listen, all this God and I do not need, since the only true prayer consists of the sincerest love for God, the Father in heaven and equally for your fellow-men who are your neighbours. All other prayers have no value before God and also not to Me.

04] God also never taught the people to honour Him with lips and keep their hearts cold. But since Samuel prayed audibly in front of the people, equally so several of the prophets, and because David sang to God the Lord his psalms and Salmo his High Song, the people came to empty lip prayer and to cold sacrifices.

05] However, before God such prayers and sacrifices are repulsive! Who cannot pray in the heart should rather not pray at all, so as to not behave improper before God. God did not give feet, hands, eyes, ears and lips to man to pray vainly and vacuously, but only the heart!

06] However, man still can pray with feet, hands, eyes, ears and lips; namely with feet if he goes to the poor and brings them assistance and consolation; with the hands if he grabs the needy under the arms; with the eyes if he loves looking at the poor; with the ears if it pleases him to listen to God’s word actively and does not closes them in front of the poor; and finally with the lips if it pleases him to talk to the poor, desolate widows and orphans in a comforting manner and according to his power and strength speaks a mitigating word on behalf of prisoners to those who often imprison innocent people, so that they can be released.

07] Thus man also prays with lips if he teaches the uneducated the true faith, the right recognition of God and all kinds of useful virtues. All this is then also a God pleasing prayer.

08] Since you know this now, do accordingly, - and there will never be any lack of blessings from God! For it says: worship God in the spirit and all truth.

09] It is, however, written that man should pray uninterruptedly, if he does not want to fall in temptation; but how foolish and completely clownish would it be if God would insist on an incessant lip prayer from man! For this man had to lie on his knees day and night and continually cackle empty, heartless and pointless lip prayers, just like the birds in the air! When would they perform a necessary work? But if you with hands, feet, eyes, ears and lips are constantly active and in your hearts always love God and your poor fellow-men, you pray truthfully and by action incessantly to God, Who therefore always will bless you and one day in the beyond will give you the most blissful, everlasting life! - Have you understood all this well?”

10] Say all: “Yes, Lord and Master, this is so clear and true how clear and true the light of the sun and we will do all accordingly!”

11] Says I: “Good then, my dear friend, let us return to the city!”

12] Ebahl asked some of the eight boatmen to come with us; he wants to give them bread, wine, fish and fruit for their stay. - Immediately six come along and Ebahl provides them with everything copiously.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 112

 

Home discipline

 

[01] When we got into the house the children too wanted to keep Me company.

[02] Ebahl nonetheless, keeping tight domestic discipline forbade it, especially to the girls and the two wives saying: “You have now seen, found out and heard enough; remember it and do accordingly and you shall not go unblessed, as the Lord also said unto you down at the sea. - But go back to your work now!”

[03] The girls and the two mothers excuse themselves heavy heartedly and go to their rooms, of which Ebahl’s house had many, for it was the largest house in Genezareth.

[04] Whereupon I say to Ebahl: “Friend, why did you get rid of them? Behold, it is indeed good to keep up a good domestic discipline with the children, and it is highly laudable to protect the girls from the world; but behold, here where I am there is no threatening world but only a most blessed heaven, and this you should not deny your little ones!”

[05] On hearing Me saying this, Ebahl said: “Oh, if they just don’t get tiresome to You, then I shall have them returned here at once! But my children love to gape about and chatter, and I removed them so as not to let them become irksome to You.”

[06] Say I: “What could be bore-some to Me in this world other than men’s great malice? - Go and bring them all back!”

07] Ebahl went and brought them all back to Me again and the youngest girl promptly sat with Me and started to cuddle and hug Me.

08] However, Ebahl rebuked her and said that this was bad behaviour.

09] But I said to him: “Friend, let her be; since she already has chosen the very best part! I say to you and all of you: Who does not come to Me like this little girl, will not find the way to the kingdom of God! She already has found it! With love, and this with the hottest love, you must come to Me if you want to harvest everlasting life!

10] This little girl proves by deed what she feels in her heart; but you make clever speeches and keep your heart cool! Do you still not realize who I could be and also actually be?”

11] Here all fall down and Ebahl took My feet and kisses them all over and says after a while of confused reverence: “Lord! I have felt it for quite some time, I only lacked the courage!”

12] Says I: “Now, do not punish the girl who gave you all the courage, to come to Me on the water! Here she again gave you the courage, to love Me! Oh, this little girl is exceedingly dear to Me! She already has what you still have to search for and will not find so soon! Strive therefore for the true, living love for God and your fellow-men and you will have an abundance of mercy and blessings!”

[13] Says the Centurion: “Apart from my wife and my several children now located in Rome, I never felt love towards anyone, yet always acted honestly, with fairness and justice, administering the law not according to its severity but rather its mildness, always getting off rather well. But now I feel that one can love people and do them good out of love, this means one can oneself want to provide people by strength and opportunity what one recognizes as right and necessary towards oneself, - and this is love of neighbour.

[14] If therefore one loves one’s neighbour like that then one surely also loves God thereby, if however in loving God one considers that God Himself must be the first and most perfect love, on account of which alone He created the material and spirit worlds, then this lucid thought must also awaken the greatest love towards God the Creator within created man, and man cannot then do other than love God as the most loving Creator of all things, out of all one’s vital forces.

[15] If nevertheless after all that I have seen and heard from You these last few days I accept without any misgivings that You are either the primordial Creator Himself or at least His son from eternity, showing and teaching us to recognize God and Yourself, then it necessarily follows that I too have to love You above all. Even if I don’t possess the courage to hug You as did this tender maiden, I nevertheless hug You in my heart and praise You above everything! And I think that this is appropriate.

16] Says I: “It is alright like this; however, it is better if the love grows like with this little girl! - Just look at her, doesn’t she actually glows out of love for Me!”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 113

 

Praising appropriately, and some dangers of praising

 

01] Says the oldest daughter who became a little jealous: “Jarah was always someone falling in love with everything she came in contact with; no wonder that she is deeply in love with such a beautiful man like you are?! This truly does not requires a great skill! I could also do this; but to what use would it be to me since the love struck Jarah has occupied you altogether?”

02] Says I: “Behold, you jealous sister, if you ever had a right love in your heart, you would not talked like this! But since you never had the right love in your heart because being spoiled, you cannot help it to speak the way you have spoken now!

03] Behold, Jarah loves - and does not ask if loved in return! Friend and enemy are the same to her; she is most happy if she can enclose everything with love. Only to think of it if also she is loved, never occurred to her; she loves you and all her siblings as well as her parents more than being loved by all of you! But in your love she stands at the back, which never disconcerted her in her great love for you! Behold, this means true love!

04] If you love, you always want to be loved ten times more! And if your love is not responded you become annoyed and carry all kinds of suspicions in your self-love filled heart!

05] To the contrary, look at the lovely Jarah if she ever has made any whatsoever claim for requited love! For this reason she is allowed to love Me with whatever her heart is capable of! Because only for the sake of her I came here, and for the sake of her I will stay a few days here; and as such you all have to thank this little girl, that I came here and cured the sick as well as the whole town and still going to heal many sick.

06] Since wherever I go, I search for the lowest and the most oppressed! However, everything which is big and highly respected before the eyes of the world, is an aversion before God! Therefore strive to be like there is the lovely Jarah, you will just as close to Me as she now, spiritually and bodily, for now and one day forever!

07] However, if you praise someone, then praise him who truly deserves to be praised! If the praised becomes conceited then do not praise him anymore; since vanity is the seed for haughtiness, and this is Satan’s spirit!”

[08] Says Ebahl: “But Lord, if You laud Jarah so highly above her siblings, is she not in danger of vanity?”

[09] Say I: “Don’t let that trouble you! He who once has embraced Me, such one vanity has left forever! Tell Me, Jarah, whether you now consider yourself above your sisters on account of my loving you so exclusively!?

[10] Says Jarah bashfully: “Oh, Lord You my only beloved, I can’t help it and my sister either! But I would nonetheless like it if You were to love my sisters even more than me, for they are much more beautiful and clever than I. They indeed always called me the ugly and stupid one, which I certainly deserved, for I am certainly not as beautiful as they, and - well, I really am stupid. But I am still young and am bound to become more clever when I reach their age!

[11] Oh, I don’t let anything be put over my dear sisters, for they teach me all sorts of useful things, and all fervently love me, but I also love them from all my soul and physical strength. Lord, be nice to them too! For behold, my heart aches badly as soon as I see my sisters troubled in anything, whereupon I would give away everything immediately if only my sisters get cheerful and happy again!

[12] I am not able to look at a sad or unfortunate person; I would rather take all sadness and ill fortune upon myself, if only all unfortunate and grieving ones could be happy and cheerful thereby! Wherefore let You, my most beloved Jesus, care about my sisters as for myself, for they deserve it!”

[13] Say I: “Yes - to you My most beloved Jarah I cannot of course refuse anything! But now your sisters also realize why I love you so much, and once they resemble you completely in their hearts, I will also love them as much as I love you; hence don’t let it trouble you!

14] Since behold, just as you cannot see someone being unfortunate and grieving, without the wish to help him, it is the same with Me - only in a much bigger sense - the wish and together with it the almighty, firm will to help every person now and in eternity!

15] To search for the lost, to heal the sick, and to redeem everything which is imprisoned, is My purpose, My intention and My will; nevertheless every person must unvaryingly be left to exercise his most free will. - Tell Me, you My most dearest Jarah, don’t you amicably approve of My intentions.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter114

 

Jarah and her diverse prayer experiences

 

[01] Says Jarah:”Oh, why should I not be pleased therewith?! I too would do so if I were capable! But of what use my altruistic desires if I can’t help? I can only at times and concerning small things, ask my parents that they would provide help to the poor and needy, and in that I have nearly always received a hearing, - of course also sometimes rebuked for being too silly soft-hearted: but that never upset me, - if only the poor was helped.

[02] But the case was not always the same with my prayer to the almighty God! Because there I also prayed often, and after being sure that God is certain to hear my prayer, and going to check whether my child-like prayer bore fruit, - there was nothing. The old sickness was still there.

[03] I then went to my father of course to ask him why God the almighty sometimes is so hard of hearing!

[04] To which my father told me that God knows why He sometimes sends the one or other a prolonged suffering for the benefit of their soul, well-calculating how long this or that one has to do penance, and then prayer does not help much except where such a sinner fully reforms! And behold, this reassured me somewhat, yet I did not give such prayer for the poor away.

[05] But on some occasions the dear great God heard me quickly, and that also gave me immense joy! Because for a compassionate heart there is no greater bless in this world to find out that the great God hears the prayer of an almost under-age maiden!

06] And that You, o Lord, has come to us, appears to me as if the great God has listened to my prayer! Since we all have heard it from many who came here, that in Nazareth and its region a certain carpenter Jesus performs such extraordinary great, yes unheard of healings of the sick, yes even bring back to life the dead; the blind see, the stone-deaf perfectly hear again and speech returns to the mute, and the lame and cripple are becoming straight again , - in short, there doesn’t exists an illness which He cannot heal instantly!

07] Initially we regarded this as a fable; but when repeatedly people were coming to us, even those who were healed miraculously by Jesus, we started to believe that this actually was the case.

08] I then was gripped by an over-strong love for this man for these things were possible, and then asked the dear God daily so piously and confidently as it was possible for me, that He by his omnipotence might lead you to us! And behold, and God had actually heard me and has send You to us!

09] When it was said that You have come, o, what indescribable bliss I felt! O, how I would have liked to hug You, if I only had the courage for it! But for the sake of my parents and my siblings, I had to coerce my heart tremendously. But today for me the indescribable happy time has arrived, to sit with You, the Master and Lord, whom I already loved beyond measure, since I have heard the first word about Him.

10] O, now you are there and I have You and - o what indescribable bliss! - may love You and also being loved by You. O, now even the most perfect angels in heaven could not be more blessed then I am now! - But now You should not leave us ever again; for then I had to die of too much grieve!”

11] Say I: “No, no, you My heart! I never ever will leave you and say to you that you neither will see nor feel death; one day My angels will come and take you away from this earth and bring you to Me, your Father from eternity! Since behold, you My most dearest Jarah, to Him you have prayed so heartedly to get Me here, is sitting in My person with you and loves you with the purest flame of all heavens, and you were right to say that you are more blessed than the most perfect angels of all heavens! - Lift your eyes and you will see that it is so as I just now have told you!”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chaper 115

 

Jarah beholds heaven open

 

01] Here the loveliest Jarah lift her beautiful heavenly blue eyes to the heavens and looks as if transfigured full of the highest delight into the depths of heavens opened to her eyes. Only after a considerable while she begins to stammer rather than speaking with a heavenly pure and soft voice like this: “Ah, ah, ah, o You great, exceedingly holy God! What endless delight do I see now! The endless large heavens are filled with the most blessed angels! O how endless blessed must they be! However, the poor Jarah is still more blessed! For the everlasting throne in the large centre of the endless wide heavens, surrounded by countless crowds of angels kneeling on sun bright clouds and keep calling: ‘Holy is He who’s throne is standing here! O rejoice you eternities, soon He will have completed the never describable work on earth and will come and occupy this throne of the glory of God! currently empty; but He who forever has the right to sit on it, sits now as a person with the poor Sarah! O, praise and praise Him; for His is the everlasting throne of all divine power and glory!”

02] After these words she collapses on to My chest after the vision has been closed for her and says: “O You great Only-Holy! Do not reject me poor, weak Sarah for I still dare to keep loving you! But I can’t help it that my heart still keeps loving more!”

03] Say I: “Yes, you My little heart, behold, therefore I have showed you My glory and My kingdom, because I want it that you keep loving more and more! Love therefore as much as you can; since such love will not harm you!”

04] Thereupon Jarah clasps Me with both hands and presses Me as hard as possible to her heart and I say to the bystanders who are absolutely silent of astonishment: “There, see, and let it be an example for you! This little maiden, only twelve years old, shows Me love in a way I have not experienced in the whole of Israel; but to him who loves Me like her, I will give what this world has not seen before and Israel never has felt nor tasted!”

05] After this above all measure edifying scene, which lasted for about an hour, the servants of Ebahl came and asked if it was time to bring the evening meal.

06] Says Ebahl: “If our Lord Jesus agrees to it then you can bring it!”

07] Say I: “Bring what you have! For love gives and enjoys and I also want to enjoy what I have given! However, My most preferred food is here this little girl; since she gives to Me what eternity had not given to Me and also never was able to give!”

08] Thereupon the servants left to fetch the prepared food. But they make dreadfully wide eyes when nothing was left of their prepared foods, but instead the pantry was filled with the best and most exotic foods and the noblest of fruit and full of the best tasting wine. Soon they return and tell with astonishingly zeal what happened in the kitchen during their absence asking us; and they continued to ask if they could bring the new foods or if they should start fresh cooking.

09] Say I: “What you find in the pantry, bring to us; for today you all will be My guests! My disciples, the two Essenes and the pharisees have already been given the food which you have prepared. Do not disturb them for they still have to carry out a great task in My name which will heavily demand their strength until midnight.” - Thereupon the servants went to fetch the heavenly food.

[10] But Ebahl and the Centurion spoke with exhilaration: ”Lord, this type of manifestation no longer surprises us, since we see only too clearly that You are the Lord to Whom nothing is impossible! The only big question left in us is: ‘How did we make ourselves worthy of such grace?’” However, I said: “The meals from the heavens are already coming! Let us continue the discussion after the meal!”

[11] The foods are set down on the table, thanks is given and all reach out and eat and drink with cheer, after My encouragement to do so. And the Centurion confesses that he never before has eaten such palatable, heavenly dishes nor drank such exquisite wine. My Jarah too tucks into it, saying: “nothing like it ever touched her palate, nor satisfied her stomach like it. In short, none can praise the taste of the foods too highly, starting to loudly praise Me as the good Father in Heaven.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 116

 

Jesus’ teachings to become universal property.

 

[01] But I say to them:”Blessed are you all for believing that the Son of Man has gone forth from the Father in Heaven and has come into this world to raise up the fallen and redeem the captive! But beware of proclaiming any of the special signs seen from me to anyone; because this would be a double calamity.

[02] The first half, on hearing same would be offended, not only disbelieving what they heard but declaring you for fools, casting aspersion on you everywhere; for one raging blind is more dangerous than a hundred seeing ones! The other, gullible half however would receive your witness superficially, and ultimately put such fetters in itself as to preclude any voluntary action. And this would mean killing man’s free spirit!

03] However, the teachings you have heard, spread them further to your friends and acquaintances; since My words are an everlasting truth, which alone can free every person who accepts them in himself, makes them a guideline for his life and thereby recognizes that they are an everlasting truth out of God, which is, was and always will be the being and the everlasting life of each person, who carries such enlivened in himself.

[04] But there shall unfortunately be many who will refuse to hear and accept such truth, and persecute it like an enemy. And others shall flee it like deathly pestilence for fear of the earth’s mighty. But these doing so shall not inherit life everlasting within themselves, but partake of everlasting death!

[05] He who loves physical life, endeavouring to maintain same at any cost, shall lose the everlasting life of the soul with the early end of physical life! But he who flees physical life shall gain everlasting life of the soul! - This mark well! But let anyone desiring to put a question do so, and I shall answer him.”

[06] Says the Centurion: “Lord and Master, what more could we ask You about We know and feel Who You are! What we need to do we know, seeing the necessity thereof! We also know and sense it deeply that You have eternal life in You and can and will give it to any person who lives and acts in accordance with Your word! To know more would be unnecessary for us humans, - the more since we can in Your name through living faith even heal the sick, as one of Your disciples assured me.

[07] For such unexpected and eternal grace we owe You eternal thanks and give You the most faithful assurance that You have erected for Yourself an eternal shrine of remembrance which not infernal power or timeless storms can erase! - And now that it has gotten quite late into the night, we might take our rest. But not that I insist upon it, although I shall yet have to personally check out my team.”

[08] Say I: “Let that be! Because, like yesterday, all is in the best of order! But I shall Myself watch past the middle of night, and you shall see that our staying behind shall not be for nothing. Travellers from Jerusalem shall still be arriving to-day, among them Pharisees and Scribes who shall give us trouble.”

[09] Says Ebahl: “Oh, what a shame! These could fittingly stay away! Such guests are usually the most unpleasant to me; for each of them demands as much attention as any hundred strangers who pay their dues, Whilst the former want everything for free and yet not be satisfied, especially when demonstrably travelling on Temple business! Ah, Lord here You told me no joyful thing! Eh, ah! What preparations should be undertaken here?!”

[10] Say I: “Don’t be troubled! The larder and cellar are full; accomodation for hundreds has already been taken care of long since, and nothing more is required. They were despatched to Nazareth from Jerusalem on My account, but finding Me here they shall not get to Nazareth. You shall all be offended by them tomorrow, but I shall serve them up pure wine on My part to the extent that they shall leave this place even tomorrow full of gall and rage!

[11] Says Ebahl: “Then however we sall have the devil on our neck! For these shall bear us witness in the Temple that shall be miserable and shameful!”

[12] Say I: “It shall be arranged for them not saying much at home!” -This My explanation was followed by a quiet period, where all in the chamber kept quite but were busy in their hearts.

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 117

 

Sick ones arrive at Ebahl’s. The Jerusalem guests in their mission(Mat.14:35)

 

[01] A few moments later thins become lively in fromt of the house. One could hear all sorts of languages whilst the Greek neigbour’s dogs started making a big racket, and Ebahl said:”Woe us, the announced appear to be here already!”

[02] Says I: “Not yet. These are sick ones (Mat. 14:35), but it shall not be long before the announced arrive here! The sick shall tarry till tomorrow notwithstanding, for enough of them were healed to-day. But go out nevertheless and have the arrivals brought to an inn, and give those who hunger and thirst something to eat and drink!”

[03] Upon these word Ebahl and his summoned domestics at once go out to his courtyard, finding same crammed with all kinds of sick, among them Greeks, Romans and Egyptians. All of these are asking for Me, that I would heal and make them whole.

[04] But Ebahl allocated them an inn and had them cared for each according to need. After this business he returned to our hall, saying: “All praising to Lord. These would be taken care of for to-day, causing me little effort and work; if only the announced goblins from Jerusalem could already be similarly dealt with! But with this we won’t get away so easily.

[05] Even while Ebahl, who had set up guards on account of the arriving Pharisees and Scribes, was moping thus half aloud, a servant already entered the hall, announcing the arrival of those same ones, to Ebahl’s shock. Ebahl rushes out ot welcome them, together with his two wives and older daughters who follow to his support, and Ebahl’s sons do the same, with only dear Jarah staying with Me.

[06] The Centurion however who also sat next to Me, said: “If I was in Ebahl’s place, I should know quite well what to do now! I would order my subordinates to properly flog these fellows! What could they do to him? And this would not be the first such welcome they received here and there! I would proceed with them in quite a brief fashion! And if they should come in here them I shall nevertheless put them through a scrape that should make them tremble physically and physically as if gripped by pestilential fever! I shall ask them on whose authority they approached a place under Roman occupation in darkest night; I shall show them how every district commander has the authority to arrest anyone, regardless of status or persuasions, and if unable to account for his transgression, hand them over to the court’s severity! Although not carrying it out in actuality, I shall put the fear over their wicked heads, that the sweat of fear shall run down to their heels!”

[07] Sat I: “Friends, you do as you will, and no barriers shall be set you on My part; but if you are going to assert your authority here then you have to step out now and transact such outside with them, by summoning some of your subordinates!”

[08] Says the Centurion: “Lord, leave that to me, as I know how to implement my laws and authority everywhere!”

[09] With these word he summons a deputy, standing guard in the courtyard, who steps inside at once requesting the Centurion’s orders.

[10] But the Centurion said to him: “Despatch the runner to the camp fort with, and the deputy is to send me thirty men here without delay!” - The watchman leaves the room instantly, and in ten minutes already thirty men together with the deputy step into the hall, unnoticed by Pharisees resting in the street and receiving their respects. The deputy asks the Centurion what is to be done.

[11] Says the Centurion: “Not much right now. Only a certain degree of discipline is to be maintained which strangers are to observes; and should Roman camp regulations be unfamiliar to them then we shall impress it upon them. Hence dispart a quiet and earnest manner, and closely attend to my words. Fait!”

[12] Soon thereafter Ebahl flings the hall-doors open and twenty Pharisees and Scribes enter. It is obvious that the twenty had a great many escorts with them, as well as donkeys and mules for moving their many chattels; the escorts, animals and luggage had to be looked after. On their full entry the Pharisees and Scribes at once scanned the hall crowd, asking the innkeeper what the Roman military were doing here.

[13] Says Ebahl: “It must have gotten around that you would arrive here, and they came to pay you their proper respects.”

[14] Says one of the Pharisees: “That doesn’t look at all like the Romans! But let it be as will - we are hungry and thirsty, so let food and drink be brought!”

[15] Ebahl at once sets all feet and hands in the house moving except Jarah’s, and in a few moments a large table is well set.

[16] The Pharisees was their hands and then tuck into it. In a short time all is consumed and sixty beakers of wine drunk. The wine makes them talkative and they start making all sort enquiries, soon giving the reason for travelling here, asking about Me and saying:”Do you know nothing here about a vagabond supposed of Nazarene birth? This person, probably a carpenter by trade is supposed to do unheard-of magic, spreade a new divine doctrine, heals the sick, exorcise spirit and stirs up the people against the Temple and against the emperor. On his account we are on our way to Nazareth, to examine this thing there. Since he is however supposed to beat about in all of Gallilee, you might be more closely informed about him here!”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 118

 

Occasion of the Centurion with the Templers.

 

[01] Here the Centurion takes the floor, saying: “The man you enquire about I know most intimately, and know about all His deeds, and also those accomplished by Him a few weeks ago in the location of Kis, where through His divinely prop hectic spirit he revealed to the Court master Faustus that the imperial taxation moneys and other treasures, being transmitted from the Pontus and Asia Minor were taken over from the Roman transportation caravan by the likes of you in the most despicably brazen manner, causing the Chief Governor Cyrenius the most acute embarrassment and putting all of Gallilee and indeed the entire Jewish state at grave risk.

[02] It is exclusively this very same Jesus Whom the entire Jewish nation as well as yourselves have to thank that you are still alive now! For had the said imperial moneys robbed by your ilk not surfaced, the entire land would have been laid waste by fire, whilst all the treasures of Judea would not have sufficed to expiate the crime! That this has quietly passed over for you and your likes yu have only Jesus, the greatest and wisest and mightiest prophet to thank; and it is therefore disastrous and unjust of you to the highest degree to go out persecuting a man Whom you have to thank for everything, - your life and existence.

[03] But that which you have just spoken, that you went to Nazareth to catch and examine Jesus like a supreme criminal; - that He is least of all! He stirs up no man either against yourselves or against the emperor, or Cyrenius would not be his friend, as I well know!-

[04] But now to something else, my Temple lords! You surely are aware of the fact that a Roman military camp has been established here in Genezarethe for several years; wherefore every person irrespective of standing or nationality must carry an authentic passport sealed by Roman authority, if he wants to have safe passage through the place of occupation with his hide intact. Hence as Chief Commander over this place and indeed the entire area I beseech you for such document, even more so for coming here at night-time; in the absence of which I shall have to arrest you, publicly having you flogged tomorrow, and in the end send you back to Jerusalem as captives. Hence have the goodness and present your proper travelling documents!”

[05] Says the chief of the Pharisees: “Lord, I am as a Chief of Jerusalem the living travel certificate for all, and we have need of no other! For just as you are a chief, so am I, and with imperial privilege am able to travel by day or night in all of Israel! We are ordinaire of God, and beware all who would lay hand on us!”

[06] Says the Centurion: “The imperial privilege extends only to unoccupied places and not to places where an open military camp is established!

[07] Says the Chief: “ Such law has never been made known to us and hence we could not observe such for we are not so stupid as not to furnish ourselves on a journey with all things necessary for our security. But if such is required here then we shall at once despatch couriers to Jerusalem, and at this time tomorrow you can have necessary travel documents in your hands.”

[08] Says the Centurion: “There shall be no need of that, for it is up to me to believe your testimony or not. But I shall observe you closely; should I detect anything in the least suspicious then you are instantly my prisoners! For the present and the duration or your stay nonetheless, you shall be under heavy guard, who shall escort you to the border of this area for a payment of a hundred pieces of silver. Had you the necessary passport with you however, you would be free of all charge!”

[09] Says the Chief: “This the lord of the inn shall fix up for us, because we are not on a journey allowed to take money with us; for the earth is God’s and we are His servants, and from God have the right to call the entire earth our own, and to reap wherever we have not sowed! For every Jew knows that whatever he has is only on loan to him from ourselves, which we can take back from him at any time. For this simple reason we cannot go anywhere in Israel as strangers but only as lords and sole proprietors, entitled by God to every house, plot and soil, money and other treasure; and hence we can very well order Ebahl to pay the hundred pieces on our behalf, for he has taken them from our plot and soil! And were he not to do so, then we would give all these his possessions to someone else who is not going to worry about the hundred pieces of silver!”

[10] Since this concerns Ebahl quite directly, he finally opens his mouth, saying: “My lords, there you are somewhat mistaken. Because firstly this place has been a free territory from old times, on which no one other than God Emperor can make demands; and secondly I have acquired this place as dowry through my second wife, who is a Greek by birth and converted to a Jewess through myself, since she was the only daughter of the house, and hence all this large property belongs no to myself but my second wife, and after her to her daughters. Hence I possess nothing, and nothing can therefore be taken from me. And you shall therefore have to pay the hundred pieces yourselves! If you don’t believe it then ask the Centurion here, who is my superior, and he shall tell you!”

[11] Says the centurion at once: “Yes indeed, so it is ! You shall yourselves pay the hundred pieces! No pleading or further retort shall help, for here I myself am the only one to give orders and make demands!”

[12] Says the Chief: “But what if we despatch our messenger, a good horseman, to Jerusalem straight away, so that he is bach her with the required document by noon tomorrow!”

[13] Says the Centurion: “That makes no difference! Because the one hundred pieces you must pay already by virtue of coming here without such document: hence no further talk about this matter!”

[14] Says the Chief: “ We nevertheless have no money on us, for we never carry money when travelling, because this is our law! Whence should we therefore take the money now?”

[15] Says the Centurion: “That shall be my concern! Where the money is lacking, there right of distraint steps in. Your effects, which I hear you carry in large quantity, shall surely be worth the hundred pieces!”

[16] Says the Chief: “They are indeed worth a thousand times that much, but these are all divinely consecrated things, and God would cause the death of whoever laid his hands upon them! Hence you shall not be able to touch such things, far less take them!”

[17] Says the Centurion: “It is not going to be so bad! We shall see whether this is really the case with your God-consecrated effects!”

[18] Yell all the Pharisees: “No, no, no,! We shall yet manage to find the one hundred pieces; our people are certain to have money on them!”

[19] Here a Pharisee steps out, bringing in a satchel with a hundred pieces, handing them over to the Centurion, who hands them to the deputy, the latter having to count the money. As it is the right sum, the Centurion commands the deputy to place the money into the sinners’ poor-box, and the deputy does so at once.

[20] The Chief says however: “It is rather strange practice here to place consecrated money into

sinners’ poor- box, since we are servant of God Are you not aware of offending God by offending a servant of God?”

[21] Says the Centurion: “What has your God to do with me!? I am a Roman and know what I know and believe! Your God Whom you now serve however shall never be my God! To me you are therefor the greatest sinner and hence your god-consecrated money belongs in the sinners’ poor-box! - Do you understand this?

[22] Says the Chief: “Yes lord, we understand that we are dealing with a staunch pagan who, like all staunch Romans deeply despises us together with our divine doctrine!”

[23] Says the Centurion: “Not as deeply as you think, for we too acknowledge the old, authentic Jewry; only your new statutes, your own faithlessness and your outrageous of every kind we despise three times more than death itself. Because ther is no trace in you of the Jewry of old except for the names. But where are the select works of those from who you are descended and who gave the wise doctrine and laws? I know very well how it once stood with your Ark of the covenant. But what does it look like now? Where is God’s spirit moving above it?”

[24] Says the Chief: “That is still as it was in Aaron’s times!”

[25] Says the Centurion: “Or perhaps otherwise! Hearken! Hardly three years ago I was myself in your so-called Holy of Holies, and to that for a fee of seven hundred pieces of silver. But what did I see and smell? An iron case on a rack, from whose middle a lively naphthalene flame flickered whose repulsive smell did not affect my nose too pleasantly! The ingredients in question in the so-called Ark of the Covenant were certain to be younger than Moses and Aaron, and my puse was rather sad for my emptying it is so mightily for the sake of your foolery and deceptions! Say not another syllable about it to me, for I am one that sees sky-high through your cheating! Listen, knowing what I do and if I were the emperor would have your entire Temple leap over the sward! Your luck is just that I am not the emperor; but what the emperor hasn’t done to you his seddessor will do.

[26] Says the Chief: “Lord, if you know this, then I beg you to keep silent about it on account of the people, because if the people found out then we would have to fear the most unbridled rebellion!”

[27] Says the Centurion: “Never fear! Because such is known by nearly every Gallilean, and yet there is not the remotest talk about a peoples’ rebellion! Because we Romans are around, and mighty enough to quell any revolt at the roots!”

[28] Says the Chief: “Well, lord, we have made payment and are therefore squared off; hence let us leave this matter! But if you have any knowledge about the notorious magician Jesus then be so kind and tell us what there is to him and his questionable doctrine and deeds, so we can report back to the Temple about it!”

[29] Says the Centurion: “I have already told you thst I know Him very well, and I would have had Him seized a long time ago, had there been the least sign of a rebellion; but the way things are I am persuaded of the exact opposite, and hence can give Him only the most favourable testimony. If you were like Him then Jerusalem would be the eternal and foremost city of God for all time to come, and God’s spirit would still b moving above the Ark of the Covenant as in Aaron’s time! But you are the extremist opposite to Him, wherefore you city and your Temple shall not endure much longer! Report this to your colleagues, that they may know the sandy soil on which their city and Temple are built! - But tomorrow you shall find out more with your eyes and ears, and so you can now go and take your rest!”

[30] Says the Chief: “We shall remain here at table; for your portentous words shall rob us of our sleep for days! Whoever can slumber, let him do so; I for one shall be over-wakeful! - Over there at the corner of the table a guest is seated with a maiden!? Who actually is he? Do we have to take note of him or is he a prisoner of yours, together with the maiden? Is perhaps without travel documents as well?

[31] Says the Centurion: “About this one you have no business to enquire; He is under my protection! I hope nonetheless that you shall get to know more closely tomorrow.”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 119

 

The power of love

 

[01] After these words no Pharisee enquires further.

[02] Whereupon I rise, greet the Centurion, who responds the salutation with much warmth and sincerity, accompanying Me and Jarah to a resting place in another chamber, in company of Ebahl and his wives and other children.

[03] But I say to the Centurion: “If all of you want to stay with Me during the night, you can stay; however, if you want to go to sleep, you can do so as well! Should you stay, no one will have missed any sleep in the morning. - By the way, you as My friend has negotiated very well with the pharisees; they are now very frightened and under pressure and will count the sand grains in their watch and will await the coming day with great impatience!

04] It was good nonetheless that My disciples who are still battling with the Essenes and the group of pharisees and nearly have them completely on their side, did not enter the dinning hall when the significant commotion took place! For this would have created an unnecessary sensation! Yet - I wanted it like that and therefore it could not have been otherwise! - But what I am going to do with My dearest Jarah? This little girl will never leave Me!”

05] Says the little one: “Lord, for as long You are going to stay in our house, Jarah will not leave Your side; and if it would be possible for You to die, Jarah would die with You! However, when leaving our house again and Jarah cannot go with You, I will stay home and grieve and ask the Father in Your heart to guide You back to her; for without You Jarah cannot live anymore!”

06] Say I: “Behold, this is a proper example how one should love God, to be loved by Him in the same measure! Indeed, God’s love grasps everything and forever there is no rage nor revenge in it; however, there still exists a great difference in the way a person is loved by God. As long a person breathes and lives, it is proof that God through His love gives him life otherwise he would dead long ago.

07] However, who loves God like this little one here, urges God to come and dwell in the loving heart of a person! And God comes and by His spirit dwells in the heart which loves God above all; and thereby a person has the everlasting, imperishable life and is completely one with God!

08] Indeed, it is not given to everyone to love God as mightily as it is the case with this My most dearest Jarah; nevertheless can every person love God with all his strength, and God will therefore also fill this heart with His spirit and His mercy and forever will not allow him to fall into the abyss. And if he stumbles he will always helped up again and the everlasting life will stay in him forever.

09] And now, My most dearest Jarah, since you love Me so much, you must tell us a little story; for I know that you are richly equipped with all kinds of good stories!”

10] Says Jarah, delightfully childishly smiling: “O Lord, spare me this! For this would really sound quite silly alongside Your endless most wise side!”

11] Say I: “No, no, you My most dearest Jarah, this may not disconcert you; since you can always and ever expect the greatest forbearance from Me! Since behold, I understand the weeping of little children, not to mention their speech! Sometimes you have rather strange dreams, come and tell Me such a dream!”

 

 

THE GREAT GOSPEL OF JOHN - VOLUME 2

 

Chapter 120

 

Jarah’s dreams about the crucifixion and Resurrection

 

01] Says Jarah: “Now, this I could do; but my dreams are normally quite dreadfully and show me the world people in their very terrible form, and instead of them, I see only devils! And as such only recently I had a dream! I saw a marvellous person who resembled You, o Lord, a great deal. This person I saw bound with ropes like a criminal.

02] Those following him weeping, I asked what this marvellous person has done that the world people treat him so badly. And the weeping, one after the other, told me: ‘He was a mighty benefactor of humanity. He never committed any injustice and the brightest truth was the honey of his mouth. To the world- and power hungry pharisees he spoke the truth, and therefore they have him condemned to death at the cross by the weak Roman landlord. They now lead him to the place of execution; come with us and see the reward the greatest human friend will receive from the bad, most selfish people!’

03] And I went with the weeping to a low hill and saw the honest person, who was full of blood because of the slashes and blows, dragging a heavy cross and on his head he carried a thorn wreath to increase his torture. At the place of execution he was bared and thrown mercilessly like a wild animal onto the cross, then they took many sharp nails and drove them with heavy hammers through hands and feet and in so doing fixed him in the most gruesome manner to the hard and heavy cross! - O Lord, this was a terrible sight! If I only think about this dream, I loose my senses! - Finally the cross was raised and put into an existing hole and wedged to stand firm.

04] However, the most miraculous thing about this was, that this above all measure honest person, even during all such torture never uttered one single agonizing sound, while the other two who by far were tortured less gruesome, screamed and wailed enormously!

05] At this point I woke up and my whole body was trembling. Lord, such a dream is indeed no joke for a so tender-feeling girl’s heart like mine! Thereupon I immediately ask the dear Father in heaven that He should not let me have such heavy and agonising dreams anymore; and behold, until this hour I actually had no such heavy dreams to cope with! My father however always told me that dreams are like empty foam and originate from heavy blood. Can be! If I then have such heavy blood, I also otherwise had to be more sluggish than I actually be; but otherwise I am a agile and cheerful girl, - how can I then have heavy blood?”

06] Say I, who has become a little sombre during the story: “No, no, you My dearest Jarah, you have ether light blood; however, your dream is of great importance! - But now nothing further about this, time will be your teacher therein; however blessed you are having seen such dream! Only a few prophets had the privilege to see such in their visions.

07] However, many things on this are hidden from man. The great ‘why’ they will only get to know ion the beyond! - But now tell Me another dream which you dreamt three days afterwards about the same person!”

08] Says Jarah: “O, I much more prefer to tell this; since it is many thousand times more cheerful! Suddenly I found myself apparently still very early morning in a quite beautiful garden from where I unfortunately could see the place of execution from my previous dream. Such view immediately filled me with great fear so that in my dream I began to pray to the dear Father in heaven to spare me a similar appearance; for I unfortunately still saw the three known crosses standing upright at the place of execution.

09] But then a most beautiful youth came to me, consoled and strengthened me with the words which I have memorized: ‘Do not be afraid you tender, pure soul! What you have seen three days ago had to take place according to divine providence otherwise no person could become blest and see the face of God. What has been crucified was God’s Son and God was in Him. Now after three days this Son of God will rise from the death of His divine flesh out of His very own power, and from now on will rule over the whole of infinity, and His kingdom and His rule will forever not end; and all powers and forces will kneel before His name and those who will not kneel will be allowed to blight. But the last, most blessed moment is near, therefore pay attention to the heavy sealed gravestone!’

10] When the youth had spoken such to me, behold, the heavy gravestone consisting of separate pieces lifted by itself from the grave and from it rose cheerfully, nevertheless with an exceedingly dignified face, the very same man which I have seen being so terribly crucified three days ago. I even saw the markings on his hands and feet, and I did not doubt it for one moment that it was him.

11] And the man came to me and said with an endlessly melodious voice: ‘This what you have seen here in a dream was only a seeming example of this what will happen in reality in the near future; however, before that you will see Me in reality, and after My resurrection quite often!’ - After these words I woke up again and have thought about them a lot. However, except You, no man resembled him in reality!”

12] Say I: “Now, perhaps I am Him? - However, now nothing further about this and therefore about something completely different for tomorrow!”

 

 

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