Urantia Book 119. The Life and Teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, Joshua bin Joseph, Yeshua, Christ Michael, Sovereign God of Nebadon. Jesus made his twelfth morontia appearance in Alexandria, Egypt. He appeared to Rodan and some eighty other believers. He said: “Peace be upon you. The kingdom belongs not to one nation, race, nor to a special group of teachers. This gospel of the kingdom belongs to both Jew and Gentile, to rich and poor, to free and bond, to male and female, even to children. When people see how fervently you love and serve them, they will know that you have become followers of the kingdom of heaven, and they will become followers of the Spirit of Truth, which they see in your lives, to the finding of eternal salvation. This gospel of the kingdom belongs to all who believe it; it shall not be committed to the custody of mere priests. Soon will the Spirit of Truth come upon you, and he shall lead you to all truth. Go you, therefore, into all the world, preaching this gospel, and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the ages.” And then he vanished. (191.6).********************************* The Jewish rulers thought the gospel movement was crushed, but they bribed the guards to say the body was stolen by Jesus’ followers. By common consent Peter was the leader of the apostle corps; he was the main preacher of the group. From now on public preaching became the main business of the apostles. They chose Matthias to take the place of Judas. On Friday morning, April 21 the morontia Master made his thirteenth appearance. He was in Galilee cooking for the apostles while they were returning from fishing having caught nothing. He told them where they could catch fish, and they ended with a huge catch. As soon as Peter found out Jesus was standing on the shore, he impetuously jumped into the water and swam to shore and kneeling at Jesus’ feet, said, “My Lord and my Master!” After breakfast Jesus took two apostles and walked and talked with them. First, he took Peter and John, saying to John: “John, do you love me?” When John answered: “Yes, Master, with all my heart,” the Master said: “Then, John, give up your intolerance and learn to love people as I have loved you. It is the love of God that impels people to seek salvation.” Jesus then turned to Peter and asked: “Peter, do you love me?” Peter answered: “Lord, you know I love you with all my soul.” Then Jesus said: “If you love me, Peter, feed my lambs. Do not neglect to minister to the weak, the poor and the young. Forgive your fellow mortals as I have forgiven you. Let experience teach you the value of meditation and the power of intelligent reflection.” Walking a little further, Jesus turned again to Peter and asked: “Peter, do you really love me?” To which Peter answered: “Yes, Master, you know that I love you.” Jesus said: “Then take good care of my sheep. Be a good and true shepherd to the flock. Be on guard at all times–watch and pray.” After a few more steps, Jesus turned to Peter for the third time and said: “Peter, do you truly love me?” And then Peter, being slightly grieved at the Master’s seeming distrust of him said, with great feeling: “Lord, you know all things and, therefore, you know that I really and truly love you.” Then Jesus said: “Feed my sheep. Do not forsake the flock. Be an example and an inspiration to all your fellow shepherds. Love the flock as I have loved you and devote yourself to their welfare even as I have devoted myself to your welfare. And follow after me even to the end.” Peter, as usual, misunderstood Jesus’ words. He wondered what John would do if only he, Peter, followed Jesus. It is actually humorous after awhile. And then all the apostles thought that John would live long enough to see Jesus come back! The humor of this had much to do with getting Simon Zelotes back and working with them. Simon had been so disappointed that not even the Resurrection was enough to bring him out of his depression, so he had gone home. Next, Jesus went for a walk and talk with Andrew and James. After a few steps, Jesus said to Andrew: “Andrew, do you trust me?” Andrew, chief of apostles, stood still and answered: “Yes, Master, of a certainty, I trust you, and you know that I do.” So Jesus said: “Andrew, if you trust me, trust your brethren more–even Peter. I once trusted you with the leadership of your brethren. Now you must trust others as I leave you to go to the Father. When your brethren begin to scatter abroad because of bitter persecutions, be a considerate and wise counselor to James my brother in the flesh when they put heavy burdens on him which he is not qualified by experience to bear. And then go on trusting, for I will not fail you. When you are through on earth, you shall come to me.” Jesus told James to cultivate patience. Next he walked and talked with Thomas and Nathaniel. He said to Thomas, “Thomas, do you serve me?” To which he replied, “Yes, Lord, I serve you now and always.” Jesus said: ” Thomas, you must cease doubting; you must grow in faith and in the knowledge of truth. Believe in God like a child, but cease to act so childish. Be strong in faith and mighty in the kingdom of God. When you are finished your service for me on earth, you shall serve with me in glory.” Then Jesus said to Nathaniel: “Nathaniel, do you serve me?” To which he replied: “Yes, Master, and with an undivided affection.” So Jesus instructed him: “If you serve me with a whole heart, make sure that you are devoted to the welfare of my brethren on earth with tireless affection. Mix friendship with your counsel and love with your philosophy. Be less critical; expect less of some men and thereby lessen the extent of your disappointment. And when the work down here is over, you will serve with me on high.”