Metaphysical Bible Interpretation of Luke Chapter 19
Metaphysically Interpreting Luke 19:1-10
19:1And he entered and was passing through Jericho. 19:2And behold, a man called by name Zacchaeus; and he was a chief publican, and he was rich. 19:3And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the crowd, because he was little of stature. 19:4And he ran on before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. 19:5And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to-day I must abide at thy house. 19:6And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. 19:7And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, He is gone in to lodge with a man that is a sinner. 19:8And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have wrongfully exacted aught of any man, I restore fourfold. 19:9And Jesus said unto him, To-day is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham.19:10For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost.
March 2, 1919: Luke 19:1-10
What is the meaning of “Jericho” and what in consciousness does “Jericho” represent? “Jericho” means “moon City.” “Jericho” represents the realm of reflected thought in the subconscious.
What was Jesus' (Spiritual I Am) mission in “Jericho”? “Jesus” (Spiritual I Am) must redeem and regenerate all false activities set up in consciousness by reflected race-thoughts in the subconscious.
What is the meaning of “Zacchaeus,” and what is his office in man's expression? “Zacchaeus” means “just, or pure.” In Truth of Being, conservation, or the power to accumulate, is legitimate.
Explain why in this lesson “Zacchaeus” was “a man that is a sinner.” In this lesson, “Zacchaeus” had “wrongfully exacted” more than his share of goods. This represents the tendency of race thought to reflect into consciousness selfish ideas of accumulation. Zacchaeus (conservation) becomes “a sinner” (avarice, injustice, withholding).
How does avarice express in body-consciousness? Avarice expresses in body-consciousness as a tendency of the mind to deplete one center in the effort to sustain abnormal activity in another center. For example, the whole organism may be depleted through a too intense activity of the intellectual powers, without the direction of Spiritual I AM.
What is represented by the “sycomore tree”? The “sycomore tree” here referred to is the fig-mulberry, which produces fruit of no value. It represents a false standard of expression.
How is condemnation which results from the “Zacchaeus” form of selfishness overcome? Condemnation which results from selfishness must be cast out through denial of the false foundation upon which the action is based. “Zacchaeus” must “come down.” Justice and harmony is established as the result, and the I AM takes up its abode in the substance center, proclaiming “Today is salvation come to this house.”
February 18, 1923: Luke 19:1-10
What state of consciousness does Jericho represent? Bible authorities give the meaning of Jericho as, “the city of palms,” “moon city,” and “fragrance.” Metaphysically interpreted, Jericho represents the external or reflected consciousness.
What is represented by Zacchaeus? The Hebrew meaning of Zacchaeus is purity. One authority says that Zacchaeus means justice.
What is the meaning of the statement that Zacchaeus was little of stature, a chief publican, and rich? This description of Zacchaeus represents the limitations of a good thought steeped in materiality.
What is meant by Zacchaeus' climbing up into a sycomore tree? The sycomore tree here referred to is the fig-mulberry, which produces imitation figs of no value. Zacchaeus' climbing up into this kind of tree, represents the tendency of small thoughts to elevate themselves to high places on a false foundation.
Is it possible for a just and pure faculty to degenerate, until, in its small perspective, it becomes avaricious and unjust? Yes. Justice is a divine quality, but the selfish grasping for temporal things has created a race consciousness called the god of mammon, which is gripping men and nations with avarice and hate.
What is the remedy for shortsighted selfishness and avarice? The remedy is obedience to the Christ command: “Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to-day I must abide at thy house.” We all must come down from assumed standards of right, and abide with the Christ in divine justice and righteousness.
When we are spiritually awakened and discern the Truth, what is our attitude? We become like Zacchaeus; we are willing to give up our unlawfully acquired possessions of every kind, “fourfold.”
What did Jesus mean by the statements in verses 9 and 10: “To-day is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost”? Jesus’ meaning is that he himself, who represents man’s demonstration of Christ, redeems every sinning or lost faculty. Every true faculty of the mind has its origin in spiritual faith, represented by Abraham, “father of a multitude,” the one soul source of all the faculties of man.
November 30, 1930: Luke 19:1-10
In this lesson is the ability of the illumined I AM to regulate and to adjust the consciousness of man shown? Yes. As brought out in this lesson, the expression of the illumined I AM acts as a great leveler of thoughts. By the activity of the I AM low thoughts are raised up, and high thoughts are brought down into everyday affairs.
What is the meaning of Zacchaeus? Zacchaeus means “pure” and he was little of stature. In individual consciousness Zacchaeus represents conservation that has degenerated into avarice. The unselfishness of such a nature is dwarfed and distorted by habitual disregard of the rights of others.
In the mind of the personal man, on what kind of foundation does conservation rest? Conservation, in the mind of the personal man, rests on a false foundation. The “sycomore” tree here referred to is the fig-mulberry tree, which produces no figs of value.
What results when the I AM perception of righteousness and justice is awakened in consciousness? When the I AM perception of righteousness and justice lodges in the mind, avarice at once comes down from its high position and receives with joy the true status of Being.
“Today is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham.” Explain. Through faith in inherent justice, the man who has fallen into unjust thoughts and practices is encouraged to follow again the true way of the Christ mind, and to live the Christ life; in this effort he is upheld and aided by the enthusiasm of the Christ ideal; justice and righteousness are still possible to him.
What is the meaning of, “for the son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost”? “That which was lost” is never lost utterly, for the mighty principle of justice and righteousness is omnipresent. God always is, “That which was lost” of right feelings, of unselfish motives, can be restored by fixing the full purpose of the heart on the perfection of the Christ. “The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring the soul.”
May 17, 1936: Luke 19:1-10
What is the meaning of the name Zacchaeus, and in what sense was he little of stature? Zacchaeus means “purified.” He was small of stature and smaller still in his dealings with his fellows. Avarice had walled him in within the narrow limits of his own selfishness.
What is implied in the word honesty? Being fair and straightforward in one's dealings with others as well as being true to one's principles, all are implied in the term honesty.
Was there any honesty in Zacchaeus? If so, what were its limits? Zacchaeus was honest with himself. He did not care what people thought of him but satisfied his curiosity at the expense of his dignity. He at least followed his impulses honestly, and when he became interested in goodness (incarnated in Jesus), he at once investigated goodness.
When the Christ Spirit comes in contact with avarice, what results? Avarice gives place to honesty, and the man is transformed from a petty trickster to an open-minded, fair-dealing citizen, intent on righting the wrongs that he has done in his ignorance.
How does the Spirit of truth begin to become manifest in man? The first manifestation of the Spirit of truth is honesty.
Explain the statement “The Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost.” The I AM (represented by Jesus) recognizes in man the capacity for honor and fair dealing, and man responds by manifesting these traits. “The Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost” outside the law.
November 27, 1938: Luke 19:1-10
In what way is Zacchaeus an example of moral dishonesty? Zacchaeus was a publican, a private individual who had bought from the Roman government the right to levy and collect taxes in his particular district. Under the law he was given certain rights and privileges in fulfilling this contract, but in the eyes of his fellow citizens he exercised them oppressively and unjustly in order to enrich himself individually.
How did Jesus convert Zacchaeus? Jesus spoke kindly to Zacchaeus, engaged him in conversation, and spent the day as a guest in his home. As He talked He taught Zacchaeus the meaning of honesty, and His own manifest integrity impressed the chief publican.
Why did Zacchaeus receive Jesus, who was incarnate truth, joyfully? Zacchaeus was without friends among the people and he recognized the spirit of good will in Jesus.
What sign of honesty did the chief publican first show? The desire to make restoration to anyone whom he might have defrauded was the first sign. He set himself not only to restore four times the amount he had exacted unjustly but to give away half his possessions to the poor. His desire was to be rid of anything he might have gained dishonestly.
On what ground did Jesus base His acceptance of Zacchaeus as an honest man? Jesus looked into the heart of Zacchaeus and recognized in the little tax collector “a son of Abraham” (faith).
What was Zacchaeus seeking that Jesus helped him find? Zacchaeus was seeking a true estimate of himself as he was in the ideal.
October 12, 1941: Luke 19:1-10
A person who holds public office is presumed to serve the public. Was Zacchaeus such a public servant? Zacchaeus served only his own interests. He was an extortioner who used his authority as an official to rob the people.
Can one be a success according to the world's standard and at the same time a failure according to the standard of the Christ? Yes, this is often the case. Putting all the thought on the amassing of material wealth causes a person to neglect the inner values of character.
From what must the material-minded man be “saved”? From his sense of false values and from materiality of thinking and living.
What is the meaning of the name Jericho? The name means “his soul,” “his mind,” “his spirit.” These meanings are in relation to the Absolute and are therefore relative.
What is the test of a man's capacity for greatness? What he will undergo rather than give up his principles is the real test. Jesus Christ did not count the cost of allegiance to God. He counted the gain to the inner man instead.
How is the soul affected by the things that hold our interest and affection? Where material interests absorb man's whole attention, they blind the soul to real values and make temporal things appear to be the measure of greatness. In this lesson the mother of James and John represents the soul, and her sons represent judgment and love under the dominion of worldly standards.
May 26, 1946: Luke 19:1-10
How is the transformation made from selfishness and self-seeking to honesty and liberal-mindedness, and from love of money and material things to love of the “things of God”? When the Spirit of the Christ touches the heart, the transformation takes place immediately.
Why should one who was rich in material possessions, as Zacchaeus was, have been interested in Jesus, who had no place to lay His head? Because Jesus commanded spiritual power, which Zacchaeus with all his wealth was unable to do. Spiritual power grows as it is exercised until it characterizes the whole life of him who possesses it.
February 10, 1952: Luke 19:1-10
How was Zacchaeus born again? He became conscious of the rights of others as equal to his own. His faith, which had been in material things, was righted, and he was able to set his inner life in order.
How may we make our life count constructively? By giving expression to our truest and best side.
Metaphysically Interpreting Luke 19:11-27
19:11And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was immediately to appear. 19:12He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country, to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 19:13And he called ten servants of his, and gave them ten pounds, and said unto them, Trade ye herewith till I come. 19:14But his citizens hated him, and sent an ambassage after him, saying, We will not that this man reign over us. 19:15And it came to pass, when he was come back again, having received the kingdom, that he commanded these servants, unto whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by trading. 19:16And the first came before him, saying, Lord, thy pound hath made ten pounds more.19:17And he said unto him, Well done, thou good servant: because thou wast found faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. 19:18And the second came, saying, Thy pound, Lord, hath made five pounds. 19:19And he said unto him also, Be thou also over five cities. 19:20And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I kept laid up in a napkin: 19:21for I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that which thou layedst not down, and reapest that which thou didst not sow. 19:22He saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I am an austere man, taking up that which I laid not down, and reaping that which I did not sow; 19:23then wherefore gavest thou not my money into the bank, and I at my coming should have required it with interest? 19:24And he said unto them that stood by, Take away from him the pound, and give it unto him that hath the ten pounds. 19:25And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds. 19:26I say unto you, that unto every one that hath shall be given; but from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken away from him. 19:27But these mine enemies, that would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.
February 25, 1923: Luke 19:11-26
What is the meaning of the statement in verse 11, that they were near to Jerusalem, and supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately? “Being near to Jerusalem,” refers to the inner harmony and peace which one realizes in deep silence. When one has this spiritual realization, the feeling is that the demonstration over sense consciousness is complete, that the outer expression of the inner kingdom is immediately at hand.
What is the meaning of: “A certain nobleman went into a far country, to receive for himself a kingdom, and return”? Christ, the Son of Divine Mind, is the nobleman. The kingdom in the far country, which he is to receive, is spiritual dominion.
What is represented by the nobleman’s giving the ten pounds to the ten servants? The servants represent the faculties, and the pounds represent the senses, which are dual in their expression. The activity of the senses is under the direction of the faculties.
What movement of Spirit is represented by the nobleman calling the servants and giving them the pounds? This incident represents the first quickening, or the first coming to man’s consciousness of the Christ, or spiritual self.
In what verse is the second coming represented? The second coming of Christ is represented in verse 15: “When he was come back again, having received the kingdom.” This is corroborated in John 14:3: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
When we have received the first inspiration of the Spirit, what is expected of us? We are expected to increase the capacity of every faculty, on every plane of consciousness.
When we are industrious in the use of our faculties, what is the gain at the second coming, or the second conscious realization of Christ? We are given power and dominion over certain thought centers, of cities, and great increase in the ability to realize and demonstrate Spirit.
When we are so cautious in the use of spiritual power as to cause it to be inactive, what is the result? The inaction results in atrophy and uselessness. “Take away from him the pound, and give it unto him that hath the ten pounds.”
May 10, 1931: Luke 19:11-26
What is the meaning of the statement in verse 11, that they were near Jerusalem, and they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately? Being “nigh to Jerusalem” refers to the inner harmony and peace that one realizes in deep silence. When one has this spiritual realization, one’s feeling is that the demonstration over sense consciousness is complete; that the outer expression of the inner kingdom is immediately at hand.
What is the real truth in regard to the appearance of the kingdom of the heavens? Jesus had taught that the kingdom of God would not come in a form whereby it could be observed externally, that it was within one. But the old, established religious thoughts, which belong solely to the intellectual consciousness (the Pharisees), cannot comprehend the inner overcoming, or know that the establishing of Truth in consciousness causes one to become aware of the kingdom.
What is the meaning of the verse, “A certain nobleman went into a far country, to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return”? Christ, the Son of Divine Mind, is the nobleman. The kingdom in the far country which he is to receive, is spiritual dominion.
What is represented by the nobleman’s giving the ten pounds to the ten servants? The servants represent ten of man's twelve faculties, and the pounds represent the five senses, which are dual in their activity under the inspiration of I AM. The activity of the senses is under the direction of the faculties.
What movement of Spirit is represented by the nobleman's calling the servants and giving them the pounds? This incident represents the first quickening, or the first coming to man’s consciousness of the Christ, or spiritual self.
In what verse is the second coming represented? The second coming of Christ is represented in verse 15: “When he was come back again, having received the kingdom.” This is corroborated in John 14:3: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
When we have received the first inspiration of the Spirit, what is expected of us? We are expected to increase the capacity of every faculty, on every plane of consciousness.
When we are industrious in the use of our faculties, what is the gain at the second coming, or the second conscious realization of Christ? We are given power and dominion over certain thought centers, or cities, and great increase in the ability to realize and to demonstrate Spirit.
When we are so cautious in our use of spiritual power as to cause it to inactive, what is the result? The inaction results in atrophy and uselessness. “Take away from him the pound, and give it unto him that hath the ten pounds.”
November 13, 1932: Luke 19:16-23
[TruthUnity note: the PDF for this lesson includes verses from Amos 5:11-15 and the commentary begins commentary about those verses. This is out of place and it appears that those who clipped and assembled the Unity Bible Lessons mistakenly placed some of the Amos 5 commentary with Luke 19. That section has been moved to Amos 5.]What phase of man's consciousness is Jesus illustrating in the parable of the pounds? The pounds represent man's talents or faculties. In this parable Jesus is explaining the activities of these talents and faculties.
How can one develop the faculties? Use develops the faculties, as illustrated by the one pound increasing to ten pounds.
What is meant by “have thou authority over ten cities”? Cities represent brain and nerve centers, which are constructed by the faculties and controlled by man's thought of dominion.
What is the result of keeping one’s faculties inactive through fear? Fear of the rigidity of the law keeps man from using his inherent ability to grow and expand.
What is represented by “thou art an austere man”? The austere man represents the inexorable law of infinite Mind. Man desires to go his own way and have his personal desires fulfilled. Knowing that he must conform to the higher law, he shrinks from the discipline and thus comes under the reaction of an inferior[ity] complex.
What important lesson do we learn from the wisdom of these great teachers? That we must at all apparent costs uncover our abilities; then, even though we may miss the mark (may sin), the divine law will nevertheless take cognizance of what we have achieved. Also, if we have buried our talents, we must begin right here to express the Christ mind within us by using those talents.
November 25, 1944: Luke 19:15-26
How do we make practical use of our faith? By expressing it in our words as well as our acts. Both these ways of expression reveal its quality and its strength or weakness.
What are the “pounds” that each one receives for use in “trading”? These are the inherent gifts with which we are endowed from birth: our physical and mental constitution, our potential capacity or special bent. Under the law of life we are responsible for the use that we make of all these.
Why do all not receive an equal amount of inherent capacity? Each receives only what he has the ability to use. If we were entirely lacking in ability to develop an inherent trait, gift, or talent, we should be without endowment of any kind. Endowments are equal to capabilities.
What reward does the full use of our capacities insure us? It brings with it the satisfaction of having put forth our best efforts in true self-expression, and opens the way to do work requiring greater faithfulness and responsibility than our original gift enables us to do in the beginning. The servant who gained ten pounds from one was made master over ten cities and was also allowed to keep the ten pounds he had earned, as well as to receive the unused pounds of the slothful servant. He put forth his best efforts and received abundantly in return.
What deterred the servant who laid up his pound in a napkin? Distrust of his master's justness and integrity kept him inactive. He lacked faith in his master and refused to work for him. The divine law is an “austere” master to the one who does not believe in it and who fails to observe it.
“Unto every one that hath shall be given.” How is this statement to be applied? Chiefly to the inner nature. Here it is demonstrated under the divine law. In the outer world a person may take possession of goods or property to which he has no just claim or right, but he cannot by their use gain increase that is rightfully his under the divine law.
“From him that hath not, even that, which he hath shall be taken away from him.” How can this statement be interpreted? Our talents are not in themselves an absolute guarantee of success or accomplishment. Achievement is conditioned upon our using them faithfully. A talent that lies dormant, with no attempt on the part of the owner to develop or use it, becomes in time a liability instead of an asset.
What kind of work pays the best returns to the worker? The work into which he puts himself heart and soul. In addition to his money wage or reward this kind of work pays, the highest return in satisfaction, pride of accomplishment, and a sense of contributing his full share to the world's need of good in every branch of endeavor. This is the kind of work to which the I AM enters. The quality of performance and not the scale of remuneration is the factor that determines the worth of work.
Metaphysically Interpreting Luke 19:28-40
19:28And when he had thus spoken, he went on before, going up to Jerusalem.
19:29And it came to pass, when he drew nigh unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, 19:30saying, Go your way into the village over against you; in which as ye enter ye shall find a colt tied, whereon no man ever yet sat: loose him, and bring him. 19:31And if any one ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say, The Lord hath need of him. 19:32And they that were sent went away, and found even as he had said unto them. 19:33And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt? 19:34And they said, The Lord hath need of him. 19:35And they brought him to Jesus: and they threw their garments upon the colt, and set Jesus thereon. 19:36And as he went, they spread their garments in the way. 19:37And as he was now drawing nigh, even at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works which they had seen; 19:38saying,
Blessed is the King
that cometh in the name of the Lord:
peace in heaven,
and glory in the highest.19:39And some of the Pharisees from the multitude said unto him, Teacher, rebuke thy disciples. 19:40And he answered and said, I tell you that, if these shall hold their peace, the stones will cry out.
May 17, 1931: Luke 19:29-42
In what phase of consciousness is the I AM, Jesus, working as indicated in the symbols in verse 29? “Bethphage” means “house of figs”; “Olivet” means “house of fruits”; “Olivet” points to the oil of love. These symbols indicate the centers where the life forces are gathered in the organism. They indicate not only subconscious spiritual potentialities, but also the houses, or cell centers, through which the forces work. Jesus, I AM, was bringing them to fruitage.
Explain: “Ye shall find a colt tied, whereon no man ever yet sat: loose him, and bring him.” In Matthew 21:5 it is stated that this is the colt of an ass. The symbol represents a burden bearer, and we locate its house, or center, in the abdominal region. Unregenerate man never has sat upon or controlled this animal force, and in the natural order of expression it never has been directed in the right way.
What are the characteristics of the ass? Meekness, stubbornness, persistency, and endurance characterize the ass. To ride these is to make them obedient to the will.
What is the meaning of, “and if any one ask you, why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say, the Lord hath need of him”? In order to quicken and energize every cell in the organism, it is necessary that a fuller consciousness of the life force be realized. The superman desires to transmit more life through the natural man.
Why did the disciples rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen? The loud voice represents the outer manifestation through the power of the spoken word. By our words we should joyously express the evidences of life that well up within us.
What is represented by their spreading their garments in the way? Man opens the way into the manifest world by sending his spiritual thoughts to his thought people, who express this obedience by paving the way or making externality obedient.
Should this expression be personal in its character? No. We should give all credit to the higher self saying: “Blessed is the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.”
What are the Pharisees that would rebuke this expression? These are the old conservative states of consciousness that would suppress the natural enthusiasm and joy of spirit.
When we give up to the Pharisaical attitude of mind, and suppress our emotions and feelings and spiritual aspirations, what is the result? “I tell you that, if these shall hold their peace, the stones will cry out;” that is, crystallized and stored-up forces of the organism, which are set free in regeneration, will react upon the nerve centers and will cause them to cry out in pain.
Metaphysically Interpreting Luke 19:41-44
19:41And when he drew nigh, he saw the city and wept over it, 19:42saying, If thou hadst known in this day, even thou, the things which belong unto peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. 19:43For the days shall come upon thee, when thine enemies shall cast up a bank about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, 19:44and shall dash thee to the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
May 3, 1942: Luke 19:41-44
What is the symbolism of the razing of Jerusalem so that not “one stone upon another” would be left in it? Jerusalem represents peace. Whoever does not realize peace in himself, but who consciously or unconsciously promotes discord in his environment and expresses it inwardly, has no understanding of peace. For him there is no true peace of mind.
Metaphysically Interpreting Luke 19:45-48
19:45And he entered into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold, 19:46saying unto them, It is written,
And my house shall be a house of prayer:
but ye have made it a den of robbers.19:47And he was teaching daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people sought to destroy him: 19:48and they could not find what they might do; for the people all hung upon him, listening.
May 17, 1936: Luke 19:45-48
What temple is especially intended to be a “house of prayer”? The temple of man's body consciousness should be constantly in touch with God through meditation and prayer.
How is the temple turned into “a den of robbers”? Through entertaining fears, worries, anxieties, doubts, suspicions, and other negative thoughts, man loses his peace of mind, and his body becomes a prey to destructive forces.
November 27, 1938: Luke 19:45, 46
What lesson can we take from the statement that Jesus “cast out them that sold” from the Temple? We realize that drastic methods are sometimes necessary in order to rid our consciousness of petty dishonesties that we have allowed ourselves to harbor. By rededicating ourselves to faithfulness and truth we cast out the robbers that have made our prayers futile.
March 2, 1941: Luke 19:41-48
Who has rightful authority over the body? The Christ Spirit.
What was the authority of Jesus Christ? His authority was the Truth, to which it was His mission to bear witness. To convince the conventional religious leaders of His authority He quoted their Scriptures: “It is written, And my house shall be a house of prayer.”
What does Jesus' weeping over Jerusalem symbolize in the inner life of man? It symbolizes the truth that the I AM in man cannot keep man in peace until he masters the “things which belong unto peace.”
What things are these? Man should get clearly in mind the conception of himself as divine in his origin and nature, and should know that he is capable of expressing himself divinely. He should make good will his habitual state of mind, and hold fast his faith in God as his present help.
What prevents man from realizing the conditions of peace in himself? Sense consciousness.
Has the phrase “the time of thy visitation” any practical implication for us at the present time? It refers to an awareness of the Christ Spirit within us, of its power to save us from frustration and failure and to inspire us to express our best self. In a metaphysical sense how is the Temple made a “den of robbers”? The Temple represents man's body. When he allows sensual or selfish thoughts to dominate it, they rob it of its consciousness of divine substance. The body thus dominated becomes a den of robbers.
Transcribed by Lloyd Kinder on 01-25-2014
