The Great Gospel of John
Volume 1
Jesus' Precepts and Deeds through His Three Years of Teaching
Second day in Sychar
- Chapter 82 -
At Sychar. Promise of a secret visit from the Lord. A prophet is more effective abroad. Matthew accompanies the Lord as a scribe. The high priest's thanks. Jonael receives his calling as a teacher, with miraculous powers and an angel as companion. Irhael's and Joram's deep sorrow at parting. The Lord's reassurance.
Say I: 'I shall come again for sure, but secretly; not all of the district shall then be finding out about My presence, because more people shall continue to settle down here due to the great oppressive taxation in Judea and Galilee, this land being the least burdened, with My Jairuth paying nearly all the taxes for the poor.'
2
'But where there are too many compatriots, there a prophet is of small worth, unless he be an aged! Only that which is said by an aged the fools take as God's Word, whilst the wisdom of a young man is the play of fantasy, occasionally mixed with some good sense. But regarding the miraculous signs, these are one and all consigned to the sphere of magic, which in these times unfortunately is all too prevalent. People now are too blind to distinguish the false from the true, and hence dismiss one and all.
3
It is therefore better for a prophet to travel abroad, because he is bound to still accomplish more where he is unknown. Hence I and My disciples shall leave you now, yet also visit you again shortly as promised.
4
But a man, who had been engaged here as a tax-collector, by the name of Matthew, I shall be taking with Me, on account of his fast and good writing, so that he would record My teachings and deeds; to him issue a passport for worldly reasons!'
5
The chief does so at once, thanking Me fervently for everything. All the remaining guests, inspired by his example, also do so. But quite a few, exhausted from the day's journey, had fallen asleep at the tables. Those awake were about to waken them, but I say, 'Let them rest till day break! But it is more expedient for Me to depart quietly, at midnight, so as not to arouse too much of a sensation. Remain here yourselves till day-time too, not escorting Me or anyone travelling with Me, except in your heart.
6
You My Jonael however, see to it that My teaching takes root here and then bears much fruit, just as a new tree of life bears much and good fruit! But I give you, through My name, also an extrasensory power from the heavens; but do not allow your zeal to draw you into ill-advised use thereof, because then you would do more harm than good! I shall leave you an angel in your house for a while, from whom you shall learn the wise use of heavenly power! But tell no stranger that an angel from the heavens dwells at Jonael's!'
7
At this point Irhael and Joram also come to Me weeping, unable to speak for love and gratitude. But I bless them and say, 'Be comforted! Shortly I shall be coming to you again!'
8
Both of them embrace My feet, covering them with tears, with Joram exclaiming, 'O you holy time, hasten to bring the Lord of glory to us in His house for evermore! - O Lord, remember those of us who love You from the fullness of our hearts, and come soon to stay with us for good!'
9
Say I, 'Yes, I shall come again, but, as said, only in secret; because no one henceforth must through My presence be coerced into believing in My having been sent from above, and hence in My Word!'