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SearchJesus‘ Teachings Are the Path to the Truth
As Jesus stood before them at this time, he perceived the end of one dispensation and the
beginning of another. Turning his attention to the Greeks, the Master said:
"He who believes this gospel, believes not merely in me but in Him who sent me. When you
look upon me, you see not only the Son of Man but also Him who sent me. I am the light of the
world, and whosoever will believe my teaching shall no longer abide in darkness. If you gentiles
will hear me, you shall receive the words of life and shall enter forthwith into the joyous liberty
of the truth of sonship with God. If my fellow countrymen, the Jews, choose to reject me and to
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refuse my teachings, I will not sit in judgment on them, for I came not to judge the world but to
offer it salvation. Remember, all of you, that I speak not of myself, but that I have faithfully
declared to you that which the Father commanded I should reveal to the children of men. And
these words which the Father directed me to speak to the world are words of divine truth,
everlasting mercy, and eternal life.
"But to both Jew and gentile I declare the hour has about come when the Son of Man will be
glorified. You well know that, except a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it abides
alone; but if it dies in good soil, it springs up again to life and bears much fruit. He who selfishly
loves his life stands in danger of losing it; but he who is willing to lay down his life for my sake
and the gospel's shall enjoy a more abundant existence on earth and in heaven, life eternal. If you
will truly follow me, even after I have gone to my Father, then shall you become my disciples
and the sincere servants of your fellow mortals.
"I know my hour is approaching, and I am troubled. I perceive that my people are determined to
spurn the kingdom, but I am rejoiced to receive these truth-seeking gentiles who come here today
inquiring for the way of light. Nevertheless, my heart aches for my people, and my soul is
distraught by that which lies just before me. What shall I say as I look ahead and discern what is
about to befall me? Shall I say, Father save me from this awful hour? No! For this very purpose
have I come into the world and even to this hour. Rather will I say, and pray that you will join
me: Father, glorify your name; your will be done."
Then Jesus continued to speak: "All this has not happened for my sake but for yours. I know of a
certainty that the Father will receive me and accept my mission in your behalf, but it is needful
that you be encouraged and be made ready for the fiery trial which is just ahead. Let me assure
you that victory shall eventually crown our united efforts to enlighten the world and liberate
mankind. The old order is bringing itself to judgment; the Prince of this world I have cast down;
and all men shall become free by the light of the spirit which I will pour out upon all flesh after I
have ascended to my Father in heaven.
"And now I declare to you that I, if I be lifted up on earth and in your lives, will draw all men to
myself and into the fellowship of my Father. You have believed that the Deliverer would abide
on earth forever, but I declare that the Son of Man will be rejected by men, and that he will go
back to the Father. Only a little while will I be with you; only a little time will the living light be
among this darkened generation. Walk while you have this light so that the oncoming darkness
and confusion may not overtake you. He who walks in the darkness knows not where he goes;
but if you will choose to walk in the light, you shall all indeed become liberated sons of God.
And now, all of you, come with me while we go back to the temple and I speak farewell words to
the chief priests, the scribes, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Herodians, and the benighted
rulers of Israel."
Having thus spoken, Jesus led the way over the narrow streets of Jerusalem back to the temple.
They had just heard the Master say that this was to be his farewell discourse in the temple, and
they followed him in silence and in deep meditation.