Today, points are shared responding to speculations and conspiracy-theory thinking about the followers of Jesus Christ. Like present-day believers, the apostles and disciples of Jesus were challenged to understand that his ministry from GOD was that of a high priest, prophet and king (like David), not merely a rabbi or teacher of doctrine. Until John the Baptist, no anointed prophet such as Isaiah, Ezekiel, or Jeremiah had appeared for more than 400 years. Even those who acknowledged Jesus as prophet, were not skilled enough to quickly recognize when his message simply repeated that of earlier prophets recorded within the holy writings, amplified and commented upon the earlier messages, or resulted because he himself was operating in the role as a sacred spokesperson and prophet with messages that were fresh and never-before proclaimed. The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Bluebootz” (Level 5 with 8,944 points, a member since June 29, 2012) posted the following speculations:
The disciples were the inner circle. They were graced with truths that were not given to the masses that Jesus taught.?
It is possible that they were privy to information, not only spiritual truths, but also revelations about the drama that was about to take place.
Judas and Jesus were best friends, does it make sense that Judas would betray his friend? Or does it make more sense that Judas would create a diversion?
Peter denies Jesus and Judas sells him out? What? Jesus wouldn't choose wimps and betrayers as his inner circle would he?
Maybe Jesus and his disciples were all in, on a hidden secret thing. Like Jesus doesn't get crucified.
He cries in Gethsemane because he dislikes having to set up another.
It could make sense right?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. (John 14: 21-23, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Resurrection of Jesus Acknowledged? (04/03/2015); How Many Apostles? (04/30/2014); The Ruler Of the Earth? (05/01/2014); Succession (02/05/2014); On Youth Doing Enough (02/06/2014); Hierarchy (11/14/2013); The Benefit of Law? (11/15/2013); Why Jesus Used Parables (11/03/2013); Denying Baptism to Others (11/04/2013); Jesus and the Pharisees (07/14/2013); How Could Angels Fall? (07/15/2013)
“Bluebootz”, your understanding is off in a number of peculiar points. Consider the following that is shared among Christian believers that shields against spiritual confusion:
(1.) The most necessary focus is upon the divine operations, the sacred processes, and the eternal purposes of Deity. All the cultural, emotional, material, political, and social activity may be thought of as “noise” to be ignored. In addition to fulfilling prophecy, Jesus was establishing the further dimensions (we say, a new testament) for the perpetual covenant and the form of priesthood that had been granted to Israel. As he approached the time of his crucifixion, Jesus had appointed only 12 apostles, yet, was followed daily by hundreds who were committed disciples.
(2.) When Jesus began to teach more directly the meaning of his incarnation (i.e., the appearance of divinity using flesh and blood), many of the disciples began to feel disheartened and repelled. There would be a great “falling away” (we say, apostasy). Jesus would teach that his followers must consume and take himself into themselves completely. Like Gideon who went into battle with only 300, Jesus would identify those who truly were prepared by using the language of eating his flesh, and drinking his blood, rather than merely by saying, receive the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. Jesus shocked and tested the acceptance, commitment and understanding of every one who thereafter would approach him.
(3.) During their last Passover supper, Jesus announced that he would be betrayed that very night by someone who was also sharing at their table. Immediately, the men began to ask, Is it I, Lord? Their expressions of embarrassment and self-doubt were not because Jesus was clairvoyant and had read everyone’s mind. The apostles understood there were limits upon their ministry that would have to be removed. While they were able to use power from GOD through the name of Jesus, none had received the gifts from the Holy Spirit, or the imparted, indwelling spirit that would abide among them after his return to the Father. Thus, in many ways, their primary focus was still upon themselves, their own possibilities for authority and power as ministers within the new kingdom, their continuing competition and rivalry, their inability to accomplish simple tasks (e.g., forgetting to bring along fresh bread), the stinging challenges made by Jesus to the measure of their faith as well as their own nagging uncertainty whether Jesus truly is Messiah.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. (For example, (4.) GOD is a spirit. Thinking and speaking as a Christian requires an apprehension of existence that uses concepts and terms appropriate to a cosmic and divine scale. The need for salvation by direct interventions of divinity on behalf of all created beings and living creatures is correctly received only where the living identify and unite with divinity through such aspects of relationship as forgiveness, humility, praise, prayer, promise, prophecy, and steadfastness. The Lord’s resurrection first was announced to many who were in hiding, did not know of his crucifixion, and expected Jesus to be released or that their own arrest would soon occur.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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