“Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” (Matthew 4:15)

Why did Jesus get baptized by John?

This is how Jesus responded when he approached John the Baptist for baptism. John had been preaching to thousands of people who came from towns and villages. They traveled miles into the wilderness to hear John's teachings.

John was an acclaimed messenger of God in line with the great Prophets. Thus Jesus' baptism by John also put Jesus within this same lineage of messengers of God.

John's Jordan River baptisms and sermons brought large crowds of people to hear from this extraordinary teacher of wisdom. Though the text records John’s humble statement praising Jesus, it is apparent that John the Baptist was a spiritual teacher renowned throughout Judea.

The texts describe John as a devoted and dedicated preacher. His teachings were critical of the Pharisees and Sadducees. He called them a “brood of vipers!” (Matthew 4:7) In other words, he was not a preacher of the established institutional religion of that time and era.

Yet at the same time, John the Baptist taught the same essential teachings of Moses, Abraham, David, Samuel, Eli, Isaiah and so on. In his sermon to the Pharisees and Sadducees, he comments about Abraham as their father - a term often used to describe one's teacher.

Where did John get his authority?

John the Baptist was also the student of another glorified messenger of God. Luke details John’s father, Zechariah, and how John’s birth came to be. Zechariah was a priest “who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah” (Luke 1:5).

Luke further describes Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth: 

“Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly” (Luke 1:6)

As Zechariah and Elizabeth were older and Elizabeth was thus far barren, the birth of John was preceded by the visitation of Angel Gabriel, who identified himself, declaring that,

“I stand in the presence of God,” (Luke 1:19).

In this visitation, Gabriel proclaimed that Zechariah and Elizabeth would have a child. Gabriel spoke of this child, John the Baptist:

“... for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:15-17).

Was John Jesus' teacher?

From this statement, we find that John the Baptist was more than the provider of Jesus’ baptism. He was God's messenger. He brought people back to God. This means he was qualified to teach the same message of love for God that Jesus taught:

“They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” Finally they said “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’” (John 1:21-23)

Thus John humbly described himself. Though Gabriel may have proclaimed to John’s father the greatness of John the Baptist, John saw himself humbly, as a simple messenger of God. 

The phrase “make straight” - translated from the Greek term εὐθύνω (euthynō) meaning "to lead or guide straight" as a "helmsman" might - is about one's personal life. John certainly was not involved in governmental affairs or crowd control. “Make straight” is a personal process of preparing oneself.

“The way for the Lord” has been assumed to be some sort of description of Jesus' arrival. This is not consistent with the text. The Greek word ὁδός (hodos) means "a course of conduct" according to Thayer's lexicon. 

This means this verse is describing a person's choice to align one's life with "the Lord" - that is, with the Supreme Being.

In other words: John wanted to encourage people to have a change of heart and decide to return to their relationship with God.

These are the teachings common to all of the prophets. Every prophet, from Abraham to Ezekiel, requested from his students that they turn to the Supreme Being and learn to love and serve Him.

Now when Jesus approached John for baptism, John immediately recognized Jesus, and indicated Jesus' position:

“I need to be baptized by you and do you come to me? (Matt 3:14)

Jesus did not accept such a question born of humility. He understood John's authority and was determined to be baptized by John:

“Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness” was how Jesus responded.

What is the purpose of baptism?

We might stop to consider carefully the meaning and purpose of baptism. While some sectarian institutions might consider baptism to be the process of cleansing the sins away from a person, there is certainly another intention involved in the process.

Today sectarian baptism is conducted by a priest or minister, but during John and Jesus' time it was the process of a spiritual teacher accepting followers, who could then become spiritual teachers. It was not a ceremony to join a sect or cleanse sins. It was to symbolize someone becoming a follower of that spiritual teacher.

This process of accepting a teacher, who has accepted a teacher creates a lineage of teachers who are essentially passing on the same teachings.

Moses, Abraham, Isaiah and so many others who were shown to have authority in the Gospels all themselves were followers then teachers within the same succession or lineage of teachers.

John the Baptist was a teacher and follower of a teacher within the lineage of Abraham.

Jesus had no need to accept the position of John’s follower. But he did so to illustrate the process of accepting a teacher within the lineage of God's messengers.

Did Jesus follow John's example by taking on his own disciples?

Once Jesus received the baptism from John he began taking on his own disciples. If Jesus were to gather his own disciples and baptize them prior to his baptism by John, we would probably not see the importance of accepting a teacher.

However, Jesus did indeed accept not just any teacher—not just any Pharisee from the local synagogue. He did not just walk into any church and take the baptism as a mechanical process. He approached a specific person, a dedicated preacher and the student of an esteemed priest named Zechariah, “who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah” (Luke 1:5).

Thus we can understand that Jesus accepted a bonafide teacher before he became a teacher. This is the example that Jesus set for his own students, who eventually also became teachers.

This is why Peter, James, Thomas, John and other disciples began their own ministries after Jesus departed.

Is this about a family lineage?

From Jesus' life we can see that his disciples were not his family members. Yes, there were a few, such as James, that were part of his physical family. But the bulk of his followers were not part of his physical family.

This and other indications tell us that the lineage of ancient teachers is not about family heritage.

Much of the teachings of the Old Testament were presented and handed down through the generations of the teaching lineage of Abraham. Isaac, Jacob, David, Solomon, Josiah, and other saints and teachers who were all students of Abraham’s teachings. Some were related as in the same family, and some were not.

This is also confirmed by the fact that Jesus chose someone who was not his father to take baptism.

It should be pointed out that Joseph did not take up the priesthood or become a teacher. Yet because both Zechariah and John were students before they were teachers, and Zechariah took his training in the lineage of Abijah, we see that the lineage from teacher to disciple was not necessarily a family thing.

As we look deeper into the Old Testament, we find that many of the descendants of Abraham were kings or leaders of their day, but a priestly lineage was present yet often separate from the family. Though we find Jacob, Lot and Isaac were students of Abraham during the time of Elijah, we find instructions were “in accordance with the word of the Lord spoken by Joshua son of Nun.” (1 Kings 17:1)

We also find many other cases where a descendant of Abraham’s family did not “walk in the ways of the Lord” as did others, while many, such as David and Solomon, certainly did walk with God. This confirms it is not simply a bloodline - but a spiritual family.

Were the teachings of Moses and Abraham lost during these times when Abraham's bloodline did not worship the Supreme Being? Certainly not. The teachings were carefully being passed down through the priestly lineage. And it was such a lineage that Jesus decided to take baptism from.

This bears a discussion regarding the current state of affairs among some sectarian institutions. Though we know that Jesus took on and baptized students, and he instructed them to go out and preach the gospel and take on their own students, the lineage coming from Jesus has been given up by ecclesiastical institutions that appoint and elect their teachers much as politicians are elected. Thus the lineage has been effectively abandoned by these organizations.

Was Jesus indoctrinated?

Jesus chose a teacher who was not part of any organization or “church.” John was considered an outcast, teaching the Truth in the desert, where people had to travel to hear him speak. 

John was also critical of the local organized institution and its teachers:

“You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Matt 4:7-8)

These words obviate that John was his own man - serving the Supreme Being - and not part of the establishment. The fact that he instructed them to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance” is clear. He was obviously requesting that they give up their pride and become devoted to God.

“And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’” (Matt 4:9) John said. He made it obvious that producing fruit is connected to devotion to God and not related to belonging to any particular family, club, or group.

Jesus chose a particular teacher of the Truth, not an organization to join. Jesus never went around saying he was part of a particular church or organization either, just as John did. Herein lies the “righteousness” of the situation. Jesus was teaching us by example not to join a club or organization, but to carefully choose a teacher who keeps the Truth close, and focuses on devotion to God.

Jesus' purpose was to serve the Supreme Being and serve God with his activities. He didn't make up his own system or just appoint himself. He didn't set up an electoral college or a council of deacons to pick the teacher through politics. Before he began preaching and taking on students, he accepted a teacher, stating:

“Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.”

“Come, follow me and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19)

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. (Matt. 4:18-20)

What is Jesus asking them to do?

Is Jesus talking about these soon-to-be followers catching men in the ocean as they would fish?

The analogy Jesus uses regarding "I will make you fishers of men" is describing his request that they pass on his teachings to others - teaching them the Truth about our relationship with the Supreme Being.

This is what Jesus was doing in his preaching mission. Passing on the teachings about God. This was the mission also of Jesus' teacher, John the Baptist, along with the prophets that came before John.

Jesus was not making his teachings up. He often quoted David, Moses, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and others in his teachings. Even Jesus' most important teaching - to love God - was quoted from Moses.

Now Jesus wanted his students to pass on those teachings. He wanted them to also carry forth the same teachings that he was carrying forth to others.

Is Jesus the only teacher?

It is ironic that even with verses like this and many others, some sectarian institutions and their teachers profess that only Jesus can teach, and only Jesus can save us. Yes, they are teaching that Jesus is the only teacher.

Yet Jesus himself was requesting that others receive his teachings and then become teachers to others. This is what "fishers of men" means.

Yes, Jesus is requesting that Peter and Andrew also become teachers.

Not only did Peter and Andrew become teachers. They taught to many others who also became teachers, or "fishers of men."

Note here that Jesus' statement offers no organizational or institutional regimen. It was simply these men following and learning under Jesus, after which they would become teachers ("fishers of men.") There was no pomp and circumstance involved. No official bathing or dipping ceremony was required. It was quite simply Jesus taking on these students and teaching them the truth, after which they were to teach others.

This is the custom throughout the ancient times of the Old Testament, as well as among every bona fide religious teaching in human history. The path to God is through His messengers that have a personal loving relationship with God.

Jesus' statement again evidences the succession of the time-honored process of passing on spiritual teachings gained from the great teachers that preceded us. Jesus honored this tradition. This is why he took baptism from John.

This is not about receiving a divinity degree and a paid position within a church. It is not a political process. God empowers those who are able to pass on the teachings of those pure teachers such as Jesus, Moses, Abraham, and David.

This is also not about creating an artificial mental relationship with God based on emotional sentiment. God is a Person and if we want to come to know Him we must follow the path to Him that He gives us: This is why God sent Jesus and His other messengers: To guide us back to Him.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden." (Matthew 5:14-16)

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)

What is the 'town built on a hill'?

Jesus is using an analogy to explain how important his teachings are. The 'city on a hill' represents the aspects of his teachings that bring us closer to our loving relationship with the Supreme Being.

This is a 'city on a hill' because this is the pinnacle of our existence. To achieve a loving relationship with God fulfills all our desires. It achieves everything that we have always wished for.

If you ask practically any person what is important to them in life, it will undoubtedly relate to finding their soul mate. Each of us seeks our soul mate: The person who fulfills us and makes us happy.

Even those who have arrived at a relationship with another person - even if they are happily married - will still seek close friendships with others. While they might say their mate is their soul mate, they know after a few years that the person is not the perfect person they were originally seeking.

Our perfect soul mate is the Supreme Being.

Our perfect soul mate does not have to interfere with our current relationship, because our perfect soul mate is the Supreme Being, and we can share God with others. Our relationship with God is like a city on a hill because it cannot be hidden from those we care about. We will certainly want to share God with others, just as Jesus asked his followers to share his teachings with others.

Who was Jesus speaking to?

“Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.” (Matt. 4:25)

This means that Jesus was speaking to people who were not only gathered and motivated to listen to Jesus but also were followers of Jesus. They were in effect, Jesus' students. He had been giving them knowledge, which effectively made them, "the light of the world."

Jesus thus explained to these followers that after they had heard and learned from him, they were able to set examples for others. Jesus was encouraging his followers to spread the knowledge he was giving them so that others could begin to appreciate the need for focusing our lives on God.

What does Jesus want them to do?

Jesus wants them to pass on the knowledge that he has given to them.

The final statement in this section is critical: “…that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” What does this mean?

This means Jesus was telling his followers to preach by example. He was telling them to conduct their lives in such a way that teaches others. And what might be those "deeds?" We only have to observe Jesus' life. Jesus spent his time helping people. He healed people. He praised God. He made sacrifices. He prayed. He preached. Jesus was God's advocate. He advocated for God in every possible situation.

Now Jesus is asking his followers to also become advocates for God.

What does 'glorify your Father in heaven' mean?

The central means to “glorify your Father in heaven” is for us to praise Him.

Praise means to glorify the Supreme Being's Name and virtues. Praise means to sing His Name and virtues. We can do that with or without instruments, in groups, or in private. Praise also means we can repeat His Names and virtues on a regular basis.

Singing and repeating the Names of God are the greatest deed a person can make. Singing and praising God and His Names brings true joy to the heart. It delivers a taste of love for God. If done consistently and without envy, praising God gradually purifies the heart of selfishness and envy.

This is confirmed by David’s psalm in 1 Chronicles 16-8:

Give thanks for the Lord, call on His Name; make known among the nations what He has done. Sing to him, sing praise to Him; tell of His wonderful acts. Glory in His holy Name…”

This is also confirmed by Jeremiah (10:13):

Sing to the LORD!
Give praise to the LORD!
He rescues the life of the needy
from the hands of the wicked.

To praise God is the highest form of worship. This is because within God’s Names, within His characteristics and His activities, lies the goal of life: To love and serve God with all our heart and soul.

This is Jesus' clear instruction not only to his followers but all who may read his teachings later:
“glorify your Father in heaven.”

”Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law of the Prophets...." (Matthew 5:17-20)

”Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law of the Prophets; "I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of thew, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:17-20)

Was Jesus a rebel or a fanatic?

With the statement above, Jesus is dispelling questions relating to those who considered him a radical, or heretical.

Yes, Jesus preached against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and Sadducees. But Jesus was by no means rebelling against the spiritual injunctions set forth by the lineage of prophets before him - including his own teacher, John the Baptist.

Central to Jesus' teachings were Moses’ instructions. Jesus' central tenet, to love God with all our hearts, comes from the teachings of Moses. Jesus' quoted Moses word for word, from Deuteronomy in this teaching:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deut. 6:5)

How were the Prophets' teachings fulfilled?

Yes, Jesus fulfilled the Prophets' teachings because he brought them to life. He taught them and lived them.

Some sectarian institutions propose that Jesus was fulfilling the Prophets' teachings because they were predicting his eventual life and teachings. Yes, some foretold the future of a coming teacher. But the purpose of the Prophets' lives and teachings was not to specifically predict Jesus' life. Their purpose was the same as Jesus - to help others achieve love for God.

To "fulfill" those teachings according to Jesus was to practice them. Jesus was practicing the "laws" (instructions) of the prophets. He was loving God, and He was doing God’s will. This is the essential element of Jesus' life and teachings.

In no way was Jesus trying to deny or reduce the importance of the teachings of the prophets in his teachings. Those of Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, John the Baptist, and others were all supported by Jesus' teachings.

And as evidenced here, Jesus' purpose was to bring those teachings to life: To provide clear and practical applications of the teachings of the prophets to the people of his culture, time, and circumstance.

Such a mission empowered Jesus' life and teachings. Jesus understood the Prophets' teachings to encourage us to love God and serve God.

Why is loving God important?

In the spiritual realm, loving God and God's children is the ultimate focus. And for God, He is loving each of us. This means the spiritual realm is about a loving relationship between God and His children.

This was Jesus' goal: To help us re-establish our loving relationship with God. This was his service to God. This is why, when his disciples were concerned about Jesus not getting enough to eat, he said:

“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work." (John 4:34)

Jesus was focused on pleasing the Supreme Being - who sent Jesus. This is love.

Love is not just a word - it is a relationship. And loving God is having a relationship with the Supreme Being.

This is what Jesus was trying to teach others. This is evidenced by his most important instruction, which was quoted directly from the prophet Moses:

" 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment." (Matt. 22:37-38 and Deut. 6:5)

“Do not give dogs what is sacred, do not throw your pearls to pigs..." (Matthew 7:6)

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces." (Matthew 7:6)

What does Jesus mean by not giving 'dogs what is sacred'?

This often quoted metaphorical statement by Jesus was not only instructive regarding how Jesus' disciples and students were to teach - but also renders clarity on why many of Jesus’ public teachings utilized parables and metaphors.

The word "sacred" here - taken from the Greek word ἅγιος (hagios) meaning "most holy thing" according to the lexicon - refers to the confidential teachings relating to the spiritual realm and the Supreme Being.

These were the primary elements of Jesus' most valuable teachings - which were coming from the Supreme Being, as Jesus stated elsewhere:

“My teaching is not my own. It comes from the One who sent me." (John 7:16)

In other words, Jesus was guarding the confidential teachings coming from the Supreme Being.

And because Jesus was giving this instruction to his disciples, Jesus' point relates also to this confidential nature of his teachings, as well as the teachings of the prophets before him:

Yes, these teachings have been carefully guarded over the centuries.

Were some of Jesus' teachings confidential?

Some of Jesus' teachings - especially those directed at his disciples in private - were confidential.

Jesus confirmed the confidential ("secret") nature of these teachings elsewhere:

"The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables...." (Mark 4:11-12)

Jesus sometimes spoke in parables so that only those who were humble enough to be able to receive spiritual understanding could receive the message. Others -- those with their own agendas -- were left puzzled about the message of the particular message.

Jesus is indicating that God communicates His lessons and truths to those who are ready and receptive to hear them. His communications can come directly through our heart ("Holy Spirit") or through His confidential representatives. 

Who are the 'pigs' according to Jesus?

From Abraham to Moses to David to John the Baptist and Jesus, and many in between and from other cultures and times we find God communicating to those who are ready to hear. 

But we also find the Truth passed down by God's prophets has been in many cases misinterpreted by those who have sought to utilize them for their own purposes of gaining power and authority.

For this reason, we find many of God's communications have often been neglected or ignored over the centuries.

These are the "pigs" that Jesus is warning us about.

How do we know if we are ready to hear it?

A sincere desire to come to know the Supreme Being is the signal that one is ready to hear Jesus' confidential teachings.

This is confirmed by Jesus' next statement.

For this reason, Jesus was teaching his disciples to carefully present the Truth to those who are ready to hear it. He wanted them to carefully lay out the right amount of wisdom to meet the situation and the depth of the listener, to avoid the Truth being trampled upon and misused.

In terms of students of Jesus' teachings, there is another message: The teachings of God's representative are best received with humility and reverence.

This point was confirmed by another statement by Jesus:

“I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children." (Matthew 11:25)

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing ..." (Matthew 7:15-20)

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." (Matthew 7:15-20)

Who are the 'false prophets' Jesus is referring to?

This has been interpreted variously over the centuries - ironically, some by the very type of people Jesus is describing here.

Unfortunately, Jesus' statement can directly be applied to many of today's institutions and their teachers that claim to follow Jesus.

Anyone who reads the news will know of the 'bad fruit' of these institutions. We have seen instances of those in authority among these institutions taking advantage of, and even harming their followers as well as non-followers. We have heard of innocent children being sexually assaulted. We have heard of monies being misused and misappropriated. And in previous centuries, we have heard of entire cultures being slaughtered by those who considered peaceful people to be "heathens."

What more in the way of bad fruit do we need to see to recognize these institutions for what they are?

Leaders and teachers within some of these institutions have abused their influence, and have offended Jesus by using his life and teachings to mislead and harm others. 

In short, these are the acts of "ferocious wolves" in "sheep's clothing." They are today's "false prophets," whom Jesus also called, "blind guides." Just consider, for example, a few of the "false prophets" who predicted the end of the world.

What are their 'fruits'?

As Jesus indicates here, these fruits are symptoms of a larger, deeper problem. While we are in no position to judge, we must heed Jesus' instructions as we consider who to follow, and what teachings we should be following. Should we be following the interpretations of those institutions and teachers that exhibit these bad fruits?

Certainly, we should always be ready to forgive someone who has harmed us personally. That is an act we are obligated to do because the Supreme Being forgives each of us for our offensive behavior.

However, it is not our right to forgive someone for an indecent or immoral act upon someone else. In this case, our responsibility is to help protect others from future harm by informing others about the abuse.

In a criminal matter, this means prosecution under the law. Why are some of these institutions trying to protect their priests from criminal prosecution? Are they saying their priests are somehow above the law?

No one but the Supreme Being is above the law.

At the very least, we can help protect our children and other innocent people from such an institution and its teachers: By discontinuing attendance or donations; and being vocal about anything we have seen or experienced.

Do we need to go into an institution built by thieves and liars in order for Him to hear us? Does God not hear us when we worship Him in private?

To this end we can consider this statement by Jesus:

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." (Matthew 6:6-7)

How do these 'false prophets' get into positions of authority?

Those Jesus was referring to as 'false prophets' were typically appointed or elected by the institutional temple system, headed up by the High Priest. Appointing a Rabbi was a political process. This means the Rabbi or Pharisee would be chosen based upon how they appealed to the High Priest and those other temple officials. The

It is surely wonderful to congregate to share praising God. But selecting a teacher should be done with discretion.

To accept a preacher or priest who is chosen by election - by a council or even appointed by a single person - we are accepting that political process as representing God. Are we sure they represent God?

Such councils are politically motivated. Their interest is in their institution. They want to be sure the leader will sustain the institution in their eyes. This may or may not have anything to do with the Supreme Being.

Only the Supreme Being selects His representative. This is an absolute in spiritual life. To consider otherwise is to not accept the Supreme Being's ultimate authority.

This is also illustrated throughout the scriptures. In the Old Testament, we see repeatedly that each prophet - after having accepted a teacher - established a personal relationship with the Supreme Being. They were empowered by the Supreme Being, which was reflected in their teachings.

But their teachings also reflected those before them. They did not make up a new philosophy.

Ultimately, only God chooses who He wants to represent Him. And this will not be a person chosen by a council. Why? Because the Supreme Being doesn't empower those who have accepted the empowerment of others.

If a person accepts the empowerment of others they have - as stated by Jesus above - already received their reward. Their focus is the authority - not in the pleasure of the Supreme Being.

Thus a true representative of God will always avoid the politics relating to authority. They will follow what pleases God rather than what pleases other people. 

This occurred over and over in the life of Jesus, the life of John the Baptist, the life of Moses and others as they were met with institutional resistance.

This is because the Supreme Being wants our personal love and service. He doesn’t want a groupthink situation, because this is not a sincere relationship. We each need to develop our own personal relationship with the Supreme Being - not with a group.

This anti-groupthink was reflected by Jesus as he chastised Peter when he was curious about another disciple's fate:

"...what is that to you? You must follow me.” (John 21:22)

We should carefully examine our prospective teacher before we follow that person. We must truly understand they represent God before we commit to their philosophy.

How do we distinguish between a 'false prophet' and a bonafide spiritual teacher?

As stated, a clear sign of a bonafide teacher is that they did not make up their teachings. They are passing down those teachings handed down by elevated teachers before them.

This means they were a student before they became a teacher.

A person who makes up their own philosophy should not be trusted. Rather, only a person whose teachings are steeped in, and consistent with, the teachings of not only other bonafide teachers but the scriptures, should be accepted as a spiritual teacher.

Sometimes a teacher will form an institution or organization to help further their teachings. This does not mean they made up their teachings. This may be to further the dissemination of those teachings received and passed on.

The handing down of knowledge from teacher to student is a time-honored and sacred practice supported by scripture. The symbolic process of baptism or anointing (as documented in the Old Testament) is founded upon this practice.

The ceremony itself is not important. Such a ceremony - if it occurs - symbolizes the student accepting the teachings of the teacher.

It is for this reason that Jesus conducted baptism, but also commanded all his followers to pass on the teachings he had given them. They were instructed to receive his teachings, practice them, and then pass them on.

We can see this as Jesus instructed his students:

"As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.'" (Matthew 10:5)

This is the same thing Jesus was teaching:

From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."(Matthew 4:17)

And this is also what Jesus' teacher John the Baptist taught:

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." (Matt. 3:1-2)

This is the model for the passing of knowledge that composes a good tree with good fruit. And what is that good fruit? The good fruit is not measured in materialistic quantities. The ultimate good fruit is re-establishing our personal loving relationship with the Supreme Being, and helping others to do the same.

This good fruit is the accomplishment of Jesus' first and foremost commandment:

" 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' "And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"" (Matt. 22:37-39)

“... the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” (Matthew 8:20)

Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus replied, "Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." (Matthew 8:19-20)

Why does Jesus say he has 'no place to lay his head'?

Jesus is answering this after a Temple priest ("teacher of the law") has stated that he will become Jesus' follower. He also indicates that he will "follow" Jesus "wherever" he goes.

The phrase, "no place to lay his head" comes primarily from the two Greek terms, κλίνω (klinō) and κεφαλή (kephalē). The latter means "head" but the former word means "to recline" or "a place for repose." In other words, a place to rest.

Jesus is speaking of the fact that he has no home to rest at. He has no place of rest, so to speak. He is traveling the countryside preaching to people, and sleeping wherever he can.

Jesus is essentially stating that the "teacher of the law" who wanted to follow him "wherever you go" should realize that there is no rest for the "Son of Man." It is a life of service - a life that not all people could adjust to.

This is especially important for someone who was part of the Temple institution - where its members were given accommodation at or near the Temple.

What does 'Son of Man' mean?

Why did Jesus refer to himself as the “Son of Man?” Why would someone who was teaching others about God call himself a “Son of Man?”

Many have been confused by Jesus' use of “Son of Man.” Some have referred to this as some kind of kingship over mankind. This would be akin to claiming that either God is man and/or man is God. This interpretation is not accurate given Jesus' other statements and other verses in the Bible.

Furthermore, why would being a "Son of Man" - a son of a man - be a distinctive title? By definition, any male is a son of a man. There is no meaning to this phrase. Thus either Jesus described himself without distinction - which is a contradiction in itself - or "Son of Man" is a mistranslation.

Here the Greek word that has been translated to “son” is υἱός (huios). According to the lexicon, this may indicate a relationship of offspring, but only "in a restricted sense, the male offspring." The lexicon also explains that υἱός (huios) can also be "used to describe one who depends on another or is his follower." And what is a "follower" and "one who depends upon another?" A devoted follower, or a dedicated, loving servant.

This is confirmed by the lexicon, which says it only means son, "in a restricted sense, the male offspring (one born by a father and of a mother)," and also, "used to describe one who depends on another or is his follower - a pupil."

We can also see that this Greek word υἱός (huios) was also used in this way by Jesus in other verses:

-In Matthew 8:12, υἱός (huios) is translated to "subjects":

"But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

-In Matthew 9:15 and Luke 5:32, υἱός (huios) is translated to "guests" (or "attendants" in other versions):

"How can the guests (or attendants) of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast."

-In Matthew 12:27, υἱός (huios) is translated to "your people":

"And if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges."

-In Luke 20:34, υἱός (huios) is translated to "people":

"The people of this age marry and are given in marriage."

We can see from these uses and others that υἱός (huios) can also be used to describe someone who is subservient to another, or follows another, as in "the subjects of the kingdom," the "attendants of the bridegroom," or "the people of this age."

In John 12:36 it is used in the phrase "Sons of light":

"Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become Sons of light."

Since light does not give birth to anyone, we can see again that the word υἱός (huios) was frequently used to describe someone who is deferential or subservient to something or someone.

Thus we find, in this context, "servant" is a more appropriate translation of the word υἱός (huios).

Is this only about men?

Because the Greek ἄνθρωπος means "mankind" or "humanity" the correct interpretation of υἱός τοῦ ἄνθρωπος would therefore be that Jesus is calling himself a servant of mankind. But since human society is composed of both men and women, the more appropriate translation would be "servant of humanity." 

In other words, Jesus is putting himself in the position of a servant of humanity because he is desiring to deliver God's message to humankind.

One might not understand how an exalted person like Jesus could humble himself to be a servant of humanity. This is the position a loving servant of God takes. God's loving servants often take the humble position of serving those who have fallen by helping them reclaim their lost love for the Supreme Being. In the spiritual realm, this is an exalted activity.

It should be noted that the “Son” in "Son of God" is also derived from υἱός (huios) (υἱός τοῦ θεοῦ). The same translation of υἱός is appropriate here: This means that υἱός τοῦ θεοῦto is better translated to "loving servant of God" or "devoted follower of God."

This has been confirmed elsewhere:

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus. (Acts 3:13)

This reference to Jesus as God's servant or devoted follower is repeated elsewhere, such as in Acts 3:26 and Acts 20:12. In these verses, "Son" is being translated from the Greek word παῖς (pais). The Greek παῖς (pais) is also understood to refer to an intimate servant - a closely held servant, in other words.

Why does Jesus refer to himself in the third person?

Assuming Jesus is referring to himself here, it is quite odd that Jesus doesn't say, "I have no place to lay my head." Rather, he speaks of the "Son of Man" [servant of humanity] in the third person, and also says "his head" - again a third-person reference.

The answer is that Jesus is referring to the "servant of humanity" as a role, not a single person. This is why Ezekiel and Daniel were also referred to as "Son of Man" [servant of humanity], and why David also referred to himself in that way:

Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, the Son of Man you have raised up for yourself. (Psalm 80:17)

As he came near the place where I was standing, I was terrified and fell prostrate. “Son of Man,” he said to me, “understand that the vision concerns the time of the end.” (Daniel 8:17)

He asked me, “Son of Man, do you see this?” Then he led me back to the bank of the river. (Ezekiel 47:6)

What will save us?

We must consider this issue carefully, and not be swayed by organizations who blindly accept a particular dogma without knowledge. Consider this statement by the Supreme Being in Isaiah:

“You are My witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He. Before Me no god was formed, nor will there be one after Me. I, even I, and the Lord, and apart from Me there is no Savior.” (Isaiah 43:10-11)

This very clear statement made by the Supreme Being, referring to Isaiah has His servant, also applies to Jesus: Jesus is the Supreme Being's servant, and the Supreme Being is our ultimate Savior.

This means that Jesus is God's representative, and God is ultimately doing the saving.

For example, a government will send an ambassador to another country, or a business will send one of their key people or even their lawyer to a business meeting to represent the business owner.

Jesus clarifies elsewhere that the Supreme Being is directing his service:

"For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it." (John 12:49)

Thus when Jesus says that he has "no place to lay his head," he is saying that as a servant of humanity, he has no ownership or physical place to offer those that are following him. He considers himself a humble servant and not a proprietor.

Notice also that Jesus speaks of himself in the third person. Why is this?

It is because Jesus sees that this is his role: the servant of humanity.

Did Jesus teach that we have to join a church?

In Matthew 8:20, Jesus is presenting to the teacher of the law that he has no physical temple or monastery to offer the man. 'Teachers of the law' during the time of Jesus usually were given quarters to live along with their ecclesiastical duties on behalf of the organized temples. This tradition persists to this day among various institutions.

Jesus was illustrating that he could not offer the teacher of the law such accommodation, nor did he consider accommodation as important as the service he was doing for the benefit of others. Jesus only had the Truth to give to others, and that Truth had nothing to do with accommodation or joining an organization for that matter.

This is an important point about Jesus’ methodology of teaching. He certainly had the opportunity to organize the crowds that were following him into a big institution, complete with buildings, temples and living quarters. But this was not important to Jesus. He wanted people to pray to God personally, embrace God personally, and come to know and love God from whatever situation they were in. This did not require a joining of a particular group or sect.

Note that Jesus could have said to the teacher of the law something like "yes, come join my organization and quit your current one." Rather, he warned the person that he could offer no such institutional organization or those accommodations they supply. He was delivering God's Truth, not a place to stay. His core teaching was not joining a religion, but loving the Supreme Being. This is why Jesus said:

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment.” (Matt. 22:37-38)

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. ..." (Matthew 9:12)

While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9:10-13)

What does Jesus mean by 'call'?

Notice that he doesn’t say that "I have come to die for people’s sins." He specifically says that he has come to “call” the sinners. How does he “call” the sinners?

The word "call" is being translated from the Greek word καλέω (kaleō) - meaning "to call aloud, utter in a loud voice." Let’s consider the practical meaning of the word “call:”

Let’s say it is dinner time, and we want the kids to come in the house from their play, and eat dinner. What do we do? We call them.

Let’s say that we want to go out to dinner with a friend. What do we do? We call them.

Let’s say that we have a long-lost relationship with an old friend, and we’d like to renew that relationship. What do we do? We call on them.

Let’s consider what Webster’s Dictionary says about the meaning of “call:”
1) a: to speak in a loud distinct voice so as to be heard at a distance: shout; b: to make a request or demand c: an animal: to utter a characteristic note or cry; d: to get or try to get into communication by telephone; d: to invite or command to meet: convoke; e: to rouse from sleep or summon to get up; f (1): to give the order for: bring into action."

As we review the applications of the word "call" to this situation, it would probably apply most appropriately to: c: "to summon to a particular activity, employment, or office d: to invite or command to meet: convoke e: to rouse from sleep or summon to get up f: to give the order for: bring into action."

What does 'call the sinners' mean?

In this case, what would the “particular activity” Jesus use to “call” ‘sinners’ (like us)? Quite simply, the "call" is coming from Jesus' teachings - the most important of which is the greatest commandment:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matt. 22:37)

None of this has to do with anyone dying for our sins. The concept of Jesus dying for the sins of future generations was the creation of sectarian institutions to attract followers by creating an easy, yet imaginative way for feeling saved.

This is easy because no change of heart or change of one's lifestyle is needed.

But this isn't what Jesus taught. Jesus was asking us to have a change of heart - a change of consciousness from being self-centered to being God-centered.

Jesus' teaching to love God "with all your heart" is the opposite of self-centeredness. And this requires work. It is not so easy. It requires a commitment to change.

As far as sins, we already know that God can forgive all of our sins, simply by our humble request for forgiveness. This is why Jesus advised his students to pray to God for forgiveness:

"Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us." (Luke 11:4)

If God can forgive our sins, why would Jesus need to suffer on the cross for that purpose?

Furthermore, what good is it to have our sins forgiven if we just go back and do them again? What gain is made? Unless we are pursuing the “call” that Jesus is making - the call to return to our loving relationship with God, we will simply fall back into 'sin' after being forgiven.

Who are the 'healthy' and who are the 'sick'?

It is also clear that Jesus is seeking to educate and teach those in need. When he says, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick,” what is he saying?

He is clearly saying that those who are lost need his help. In other words, he has come to bring the fallen back home to God - back to their loving relationship with God.

Then he says, “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’”.

This is taken from the Book of Hosea when God said:

"For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. Like Adam, they have broken the covenant — they were unfaithful to Me there." (Hosea 6:6-7)

Jesus is explaining the meaning of God's statement with his activities of sitting down with 'sinners.' Rather than focusing on rituals, God is looking for our focus upon Him - He wants us to give Him our hearts and our dedication to Him. He wants us to return to our relationship with Him. And He is looking for those who seek Him to also have mercy upon others - helping Him "call" them home.

This is loving service. Acknowledgment and mercy are actions. They are expressions of love.

And this is precisely what Jesus is doing, and what he is explaining. Jesus is pleasing God by having mercy on the 'sinners' by inviting them to dinner and teaching them about the Supreme Being.

Yes, Jesus was exhibiting mercy in his loving service to the Supreme Being.

“No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment ..." (Matthew 9:16-17)

“No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved." (Matt. 9:16-17)

What does the parable of the 'unshrunk cloth' mean?

Many have called this a parable by Jesus, but it is really more of an analogy. The difference between a parable and an analogy is that a parable is a symbolic tale - a story of sorts. An analogy, on the other hand, is a metaphorical comparison.

Jesus is making a metaphorical comparison in this instance. He is making a comparison between wineskins and spiritual teachings.

This analogy by Jesus - spoken to the disciples of John the Baptist when they questioned Jesus' disciples' not fasting - indicates Jesus' role as the authorized prophet and representative of God ("Messiah").

Let's consider the meaning of this analogy more specifically:

"No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment"

The "patch" here represents the message of the Supreme Being - which is ever-fresh and applicable to our particular culture, time and circumstance.

The "old garment" represents the teachings of sectarian teachers that teach out of context with the time and circumstances. This was the case with the institutional temple teachers during Jesus' time - who claimed their teachings represented the Prophets and quoted them out of context with current events and issues.

Today, this would be applicable to those sectarian teachers who quote Jesus out of context to his message, and the time and circumstances of today.

What is the difference between specific and general teachings?

There are generally two types of instructions given by a spiritual teacher, not just Jesus, but John and the other Prophets as well. There are specific instructions regarding how to live our lives in current circumstances, current society and situation. Then there are general universal teachings that apply to anyone at any time.

The specific instruction may apply to a particular individual or audience at a point and time. It might be appropriate at that time and circumstance, but may not be able to be applied centuries later, during a different time, circumstance and society.

The timeless universal teaching can be applied to any time or circumstance. For example, Jesus taught his students to love the Supreme Being. This is an example of a timeless universal teaching.

Specific instructions given by a teacher can easily be misunderstood and misapplied if they are applied centuries later.

Timeless universal teachings from ancient times can be applied in later centuries. 

This means that one must be able to distinguish between an ancient teacher's specific instructions and their universal teachings.

This is the topic of Jesus' analogy of sewing a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment:

The specific instruction misapplied centuries later is being symbolized by Jesus as like a "patch" pulling away from an old "garment." The specific outdated instruction will not apply to the current situation. Thus it can be seen as "making the tear worse."

This applies similarly in Jesus' next analogy:

"Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins."

The "new wine" represents the teachings of God's representative that can be applied in the current time and circumstances. And the "new wineskins" represent the physical vessel - the current representative of God who speaks in contemporary language to a particular time and circumstance.

Jesus is responding to the fact that the specific instructions of a former teacher - remember Jesus is speaking to John the Baptist's disciples - may not be applicable to the current condition - time and circumstance - of the audiences and students Jesus was teaching.

For this reason, the Supreme Being periodically sends His representatives to teach us in different times and circumstances. They may, or likely not, be obvious to the general public. This is because God specifically steers those who are serious to those He sends to earth. Jesus stated this clearly:

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them ..." (John 6:44)

We can see that Jesus also applied this by the preaching efforts of many of Jesus' disciples who became teachers after Jesus left the planet. Those that did took on the role of representative of God. This is why Jesus sent them out to preach:

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20)

Furthermore, Jesus acknowledges that before him came many Prophets, who also were representatives of God. This included John the Baptist, who Jesus highly praised, calling him:

Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. (Matthew 11:11)

It is obvious from this question by John's disciples and the above statements that the holiday that John’s disciples and the Pharisees were observing commemorated a particular Prophet from the past. To honor a past Prophet’s day with fasting was a tradition for thousands of years in ancient times, as documented in various scriptures.

This also illustrates an accepted lineage of teachers - accepted by John the Baptist, the Pharisees, and Jesus himself. This is why Jesus often quoted the teachings of the Prophets.

"No, they pour new wine into new wineskins..."

God uses a living person who is surrendered to Him to communicate to us his message with words and example. We can see this by the many practical teachings made by God's representatives throughout the ages. We can also see that in each era, those teachings were applicable to the customs and the circumstances of that particular society.

While the same overall message can be received from these messages - to love and serve the Supreme Being - specific practical instructions may not apply to a later society and culture.

Assuming a person can distinguish between specific instructions and timeless universal instructions, we can follow the ancient teachers including Jesus in terms of guiding our lives. But attempting to apply specific instructions from 2,000 years ago today can cause confusion and misunderstanding.

What do the wineskins becoming 'ruined' mean?

Many from different sects around the world teach that their particular Prophet or Saint is the only real messenger of God. This may seem loyal, but it is an offense - not only to the Supreme Being's ability to have and send His other servants to save us - but also to those many servants who made a sacrifice coming here to the physical world to help bring us home in different times and places.

The culture and society of Jesus’ time were dramatically different from what prevailed when Moses or Abraham lived thousands of years earlier. The environment, customs, and daily circumstances were entirely different. Yet each was able to spiritually elevate those students who followed them - bringing them closer to the Supreme Being.

This analogy of the "ruining" of the "wineskins") that Jesus was speaking of, has also happened with respect to the use and interpretations of Jesus' teachings today. This comes as a result of political manipulation by ecclesiastical organizations who want to utilize Jesus' teachings to bolster the strength of their institutions and their quest for power and followers.

This was predicted by Jesus - who gave this clear answer:

“Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:22)

Jesus is stating the bottom line here. Having a relationship with the Supreme Being is the goal. (Doing someone else's will requires knowing what that will is - and that requires a relationship.)

Jesus came to teach us - in words and actions - how to love God and do God’s will. And he was willing to suffer to underscore the importance of those teachings. He put aside his own physical comfort in order to serve the Supreme Being, and show us the ultimate love and sacrifice in that service.

But imitation is not the same as service. Service means understanding what the Supreme Being wants us to do now.

Through dedication, commitment, praise, prayer and making offerings to God - all universal teachings, we can connect with God. Gradually, we can change our consciousness from self-centeredness to God-centeredness: We can gradually develop our own personal relationship with the Supreme Being, and make Him the center of our lives.

As this takes place, He opens up more to us, and we begin to know Him more. As we come to know Him more, our love for Him can begin to blossom.

Developing this relationship with God is precisely what Jesus illustrated to us with both his teachings and his ultimate sacrifice. This is why he prayed to God:

“My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may Your will be done.” (Matthew 26:42)

“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. ...” (Matthew 9:37-38)

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Matthew 9:37-38)

What does Jesus mean by this parable?

This statement was made by Jesus directly to his disciples, as Jesus was seeing large crowds gathering to hear his lectures.

Prior to his statement, Matthew states:

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matt. 9:35-36)

This clarifies that Jesus' focus was on teaching people. Jesus' intent was to teach them about the Supreme Being. He wanted to introduce them to God. He wanted God to be their "Shepherd."

This metaphorical statement by Jesus regarding the harvest is very clear. Jesus is recognizing that people needed to hear his message, and it was his teachings that had the ability to save them.

Furthermore, Jesus recognized that he could not physically teach everyone directly, but needed his students and disciples to also reach out to people and preach. This is the meaning of his statement:

" Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.”

This indicates that Jesus is enlisting others to help him preach his message.

And this also indicates that Jesus is not considering himself the "Lord of the Harvest." He recognizes that the Supreme Being is the Lord of the Harvest. This is confirmed elsewhere by Jesus:

“My teaching is not my own. It comes from the One who sent me." (John 7:16)

This illustrates, together with Jesus' statement above that Jesus sees himself a "worker" and is trying to enlist others. Jesus confirmed himself in this way elsewhere:

"As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." (John 9:4)

Who are the 'workers'?

Jesus says, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." Who are the workers?

The phrase, "we must do the works of Him who sent me" clearly indicates that Jesus included himself as a "worker" - doing the "works of Him who sent" Jesus.

But we also must notice that speaks of "workers" in the plural too. Jesus also says, "we" here. This means that Jesus is a "worker," and his followers are also "workers."

Note also that Jesus is illustrating that the Supreme Being empowers those who teach on His behalf. This is confirmed with his statement, "Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers..."

Why couldn't Jesus 'send out workers' himself?

Because Jesus knows that only the Supreme Being can empower His representative. God's representative will always pass along the teachings of those previous representatives of God. But only God can truly empower His representative.

This also means that councils of cardinals or deacons or any other group of people or person cannot choose or empower God's representative. It is not a position that is chosen by men - or councils of cardinals or deacons. And as Jesus shows here, it is not even a position that can be chosen by Jesus.

It is a position that can only be chosen by the Supreme Being.

Because so many of today's ecclesiastical institutions and their teachers do not represent the Supreme Being, they do not realize that Jesus is representing God. They do not even see God as an individual person, let alone someone who can choose who represents Him. They see God as some sort of nebulous force or combination of forces. In other words, they do not know the Person God.

Jesus spoke of this regarding the temple institution and their teachers:

"Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. I am not here on my own authority, but He who sent me is true. You do not know Him, but I know Him because I am from Him and He sent me." (John 7:28-29)

"You do not know Him" is a clear statement. To "know" someone means that someone exists as an independent person. While many have tried to cloud Jesus' clear statement here by taking the phrase "I am from Him" out of context, Jesus is clearly stating that not only is the Supreme Being an individual separate from Jesus - someone who Jesus knows and they don't know - but that individual person - the Supreme Being - sent Jesus. And Jesus states, "I know Him."

This means there are two individuals being spoken of by Jesus: himself and the Supreme Being. Jesus is the knower of the Supreme Being while the Supreme Being is the person who is known by Jesus. And the Supreme Being is the sender and Jesus is the person being sent.

Furthermore, Jesus stated that his authority was given to him by God: "I am not here on my own authority, but He who sent me is true."

But isn't Jesus God?

To confuse Jesus and the Supreme Being - as though Jesus is the Supreme Being - is to completely ignore the existence of the Supreme Being. This is an offense not only against the Supreme Being but against Jesus - His perfect loving servant.

And this is what Jesus was railing against above and with this statement:

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 7:21)

The form of empowerment being spoken of by Jesus with "Ask the Lord... to send out workers" is diametrically opposed to the process of appointment taking place in today's sectarian institutions with respect to their teachers. Here teachers are being chosen by councils of men who think that they can choose who will represent the Supreme Being. Do they even know the Supreme Being?

No. Their criteria are based upon the person's resume and political savvy. Their intention is to attract followers to their institutions, so they pick their popes and priests accordingly.

As such, those who have been appointed to these posts do not represent God. They represent the groups who selected them.

Not even Jesus felt qualified to select God's representative. While God's representative will teach to everyone, only the Supreme Being can empower His representative to teach to others:

"Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.”

Notice that this has nothing to do with anyone dying for their sins. Jesus was wanting to save these people, not by dying for them, but by teaching them. This teaching of the Truth and the bringing of people back to God was the "harvest" Jesus mentions in his statement.

After all, if simply dying would save us, then why would Jesus bother to teach at all?

"Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person ..." (Matthew 10:11-15)

"Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town." (Matthew 10:11-15)

Why does Jesus tell them to do these things as they preach?

Here Jesus is giving specific instructions to his disciples as they went out to preach.

Jesus touched upon the possibility that no one in an entire town will listen to them. During that time, as still true today, the message of love for God does not interest many. This is because most of us feel we are the most important person. We don't want to love and worship God.

Most of us want to be the master. We don't want to accept that someone else is our master. 

Most might believe in God only if He serves us. So we pray to Him only when we want stuff - as if God is our servant.

Jesus' message is clear: If someone rejected those teachings, it was their loss. This is the situation with every messenger who has been empowered by God to pass on the teachings of love of God. We can accept them or not. No one is forced to turn to the Supreme Being and give their love to Him.

This is the nature of love. Love requires freedom. So the Supreme Being gave each of us the freedom to love Him or not. Those of us who chose not to love Him were sent to the physical world and given temporary physical bodies to allow us the illusion of getting away from Him and acting independently.

We can also see from his statements that Jesus was not trying to elevate his position of being everyone's “personal savior.” Jesus’ life was focused on teaching a particular message. That message was love for God.

What does Jesus mean by 'peace'?

Jesus says about where they choose to stay:

"If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you."

What does this mean?

The word "peace" here is being translated from the Greek word, εἰρήνη (eirēnē). This word means, according to the lexicon, "a state of national tranquility" but also, "peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord" and "the blessed state of devout and upright men after death."

Jesus was not referring to peace as in a lack of war, or fighting between people. Jesus was speaking of contentment. Fulfillment. A person at peace is not seeking more. They are complete within themselves. That is because such a person has a relationship with God. They don't need anything else.

Such a state of consciousness can be communicated to others in words or actions. When someone feels complete in their relationship with God they do not need anything else from others. They do not need to use others. They can give of themselves without reservation or the need for compensation.

This is the "peace" that Jesus tried to give to his followers, and asked them to communicate this to others with action and words.

Can Jesus' teachings save us?

From Jesus' statement, we can understand that the teachings of Jesus have the power to save us.

Those empowered by councils of men - deacons, bishops and other church officials - are not given this power and authority. Why? Because a political appointment by men into a position of teacher, priest, minister, or reverend makes that person a representative of men. Not a representative of the Supreme Being.

We can see from scripture what the authorized process is. We can see that Jesus was personally baptized by John the Baptist. We can see that Jesus' disciples were personally taught by Jesus and then asked to go out and spread those teachings.

From these events we can see how empowerment actually works: It works from a foundation of relationship - devoting oneself to following the teachings of God's messenger. This is one of the key elements of Jesus' teachings.

Institutions and their officials cannot replace these personal relationships. Why? Because the Supreme Being is ultimately a person. And the Person of the Supreme Being must be introduced.

This process has been repeated over and over in the scriptures when Joshua followed Moses. When Samuel followed Eli. When David followed Samuel. And when Jesus' disciples followed Jesus.

And what is the teaching being passed on? As both Moses and Jesus taught, and every other true representative of the Supreme Being has taught, it is about having a relationship with the Supreme Being:

" 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment." (Matthew. 22:37-38 and Deuteronomy 6:5)

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. ..." (Matthew 10:16-20)

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. But be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." (Matthew 10:16-20)

Why is Jesus warning them?

Jesus is instructing his disciples on how to go out and preach the gospel of love for God. Jesus warns them to be careful as they preach:

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves."

This is consistent with how Jesus’ also taught. He guarded against those Pharisees and Sadducees that were trying to trick him into saying things that they could arrest him for. As is the case today among many sectarian institutions that claim to follow Jesus, they did not like anyone who was teaching anything but their interpretations of the scripture. Why is this?

Certainly, those synagogues were supposed to be places of worship in the spirit of the teachings of Moses, Abraham, Jacob, David and other great Prophets.

Why were they 'wolves'?

What had gone wrong to have Jesus warn his disciples against them being trapped and tortured by these people? Why were these men "wolves"?

It is due to envy and power. Many in paid positions of authority amongst organized religious sects are there because they desire positions of authority. They want to have others respect and worship them.

As a result, their teachings become tainted by their desires to gain and maintain a position of authority. They end up utilizing the teachings of Jesus and the Prophets for their own power and prestige instead of passing on the wisdom of these great teachers.

In other words, they are doing their will, not God's. Why else would they be so fearful of someone speaking something different than their teachings?

Why didn't Jesus take a temple priest position?

We notice that Jesus did not take a paid temple position appointed by councils of men. We find that he did speak at the Temple in various locations. But he did not accept an appointment or position with any of them.

Neither did Jesus' teacher, John the Baptist. John was very critical of the two groups of Temple officials:

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.  And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. (Matthew 3:7-9)

Like John, Jesus didn't want his disciples to accept such official positions either. Both of them railed against the temple officials.

Jesus further warned that because his teachings are the Truth, those who were envious and set against doing the will of the Supreme Being will find reasons to hurt them. 

Jesus is now warning his disciples that the persecution that he will face they will also face. What will happen to him and what happened to his teacher John the Baptist, may also happen to his disciples.

And surely it did. Practically every apostle of Jesus was persecuted, as were many other followers of Jesus.

Jesus is clearly warning his disciples so they could possibly prevent being persecuted. Yet at the same time, he is clear that they need to speak for the Supreme Being, and not worry about what they say. Jesus is clearly telling his disciples to speak the Truth and represent God. What may happen to them will be out of their control. But he is preparing them for the possible outcomes.

How will the 'Spirit of your Father' speak through them?

Then Jesus says:

"But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."

This last sentence is critical, as it defines the relationship between Jesus and God. It defines how Jesus could make statements regarding his proximity to God and the oneness between himself and God.

Jesus is instructing his students to "not worry about what to say" because he wants them to allow the Supreme Being to speak through them. This is the very definition of oneness.

Jesus wants them to take refuge in God and allow the Supreme Being to speak through them. As the “Spirit of your Father” speaks through them, Jesus clarifies, “it will not be you speaking.”

And what does Jesus mean by the "Spirit of your Father" here? This same statement was recorded slightly differently in Luke:

"When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say." (Luke 12:11)

Thus we can see that Jesus is speaking of the Holy Spirit - the Supreme Being's expansion who dwells next to each of us within these physical bodies.

Jesus is explaining the process of preaching on behalf of the Supreme Being, and this also clearly explains precisely what Jesus himself did.

Did God speak through Jesus?

Through his intimate loving relationship with the Supreme Being, Jesus allowed God to speak through him. As this happens, we can say that there is a oneness between Jesus and God because they have the same will and the same words.

But this doesn't mean that Jesus is the Supreme Being. When one person speaks for another we might be listening to one person, but there are still two persons involved - the one being spoken for and the one speaking.

For example, if a country's ambassador goes to a meeting with a foreign president to carry a message from their government, the foreign head of state hears the message as if it is coming from the head of the ambassador's government. The foreign president does not think the ambassador is voicing his own personal opinion.

Yet the foreign president also doesn’t confuse the ambassador with the government or government leader they represent either. He knows the ambassador is an individual, a separate person from the president of that country. At the same time, the foreign president extends the same respect to the ambassador as he would to the president, because the ambassador is representing the president. This creates a oneness between them, but they are still two individuals.

In the same way, we can understand that the messenger of God is not the Supreme Being. We can see that there are two individuals here, just as the ambassador is not the president.

At the same time, however, we can know that the words of Jesus are the words of God because Jesus is representing God. Therefore we can respect and honor Jesus as God’s representative, knowing that he is speaking for the Supreme Being - yet is not personally the Supreme Being himself.

This is also why we find Jesus praying to God, saying:

"Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will. Let the cup pass from me." (Mark 14:36)

It is obvious from this prayer that Jesus is an individual and not the Supreme Being - "Abba, Father" -capable of having his own will.

This position of being the messenger and representative of God was Jesus' role, but we also now know that Jesus taught that this would also be the role of Jesus' disciples should they also allow God to speak through them.

This confirms that the ultimate authority is coming from the Supreme Being.

This subtle yet glorious understanding regarding Jesus’ position is clear from Jesus’ other teachings:

"For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of Him who sent me." (John 6:38)

“A student is not above his teacher ..." (Matthew 10:24-25)

“A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beezlebub, how much more the members of his household?" (Matthew 10:24-25)

Why is Jesus referring to a teacher and student and master and servant?

Here Jesus discusses something about the relationship between student and teacher along with a servant and their master. What is the purpose of this?

This statement comes as Jesus is warning his students about the possibility of them becoming persecuted. Just after this statement, he says:

"So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known." (Matthew 10:26)

Jesus is telling his students that if they follow him, they will not be sorry in the end. Should they teach the truth to others as he has taught them, they may be persecuted as Jesus was.

Jesus' focus was not on his own comfort. If it was, he would have avoided the arrest of the High Priest Caiaphus' guards. He would have escaped into the wilderness to avoid capture. Why didn't he?

Because he wanted to please God more than he wanted to remain comfortable. This is also what Jesus was encouraging his own students to do. To be "like" him.

Why does Jesus compare the 'head of the household'?

Jesus is speaking of three metaphorical relationships here:

• teacher and student
• master and servant
• head of household and members of the household

The linking element here is following the teacher, master or head of household. But Jesus is not only referring to following them. He is also referring to their taking their example: being like them.

Again, this is because Jesus wants them to become like Jesus, in his dedication to God.

He says that if the head of the household has been called Beezlebub, then "how much more the members of his household?"

This refers directly to Jesus and his followers. He is saying that if they are condemning Jesus, certainly they will also condemn Jesus' followers. It is not that they will see Jesus one way and Jesus' followers another way.

In other words, the authorities - the Romans and the Temple officials - will be seeing Jesus' followers just as they see Jesus.

And since they will be persecuting Jesus, Jesus wants them to be prepared to also be persecuted.

What does 'Beezlebub' mean?

Aside from the purport of Jesus' statement, what does Beezlebub mean?

This was the term used to describe someone who opposes or rejects the Supreme Being. Many scholars point to the worship of the idol Ba’al in the Old Testament as the source of this connotation.

The term refers to someone who rejects the worship of the Supreme Being by worshiping idols. Some further define this connotation as describing ‘lucifer’ or ‘satan.’

In this context, these two names are often referred to as fallen angels who now serve to tempt and tease those in the physical world.

While this is certainly an acceptable connotation, we are here in this physical world away from the Supreme Being is our own choosing. There is no one else to blame outside ourselves.

This means we are each fallen angels.

Note that Jesus says they might call the head of a household 'Beezlebub'. This would be a great dishonor to the household of course.

But Jesus' inference also indicates that the head of the household could be called Beezlebub. Since they could call this person Beezlebub, this indicates that Jesus felt that a person could be such a character. 

This indicates that we cannot blame Satan or the devil or Beezlebub for our predicament. Being here, away from God is our responsibility. It is based upon our previous and current decisions to turn away from the Supreme Being.

Yes, we each rejected the Supreme Being and fell into this physical world. This is the analogy of Adam and Eve and the garden of Eden: 

And the LORD God said, "The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever." So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life. (Genesis 3:22-24)

The symbolism involved here is clear. The Garden of Eden is not some garden in the Middle East somewhere. It symbolizes the spiritual realm. And 'the man' symbolizes each of us.

The tree of life is love for God. And the cherubim and flaming sword are the elements of the physical world that allow us to forget our relationship with God and our citizenship in the spiritual realm.

Yes, we were kicked out of the spiritual realm because we needed to learn to love and learn to love God. We became rebellious and envious of God ("like one of us").

This does not mean that we cannot return to God, however. Each of us has the choice to change direction - at every moment. With every tick of the clock brings a new opportunity for each of us to choose between the Supreme Being and our own agenda. The choice is always ours.