`We are going up to Jerusalem," he said, "anti the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise."
Mark 10:33-34

Jesus called them together and said, "Thu know that the rulers of the gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must he your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave just as the Son of Man did not come to he served, but to
serve, and to give his life as a
ransom for many.,"
Matthew 20:25-28

When you become a God-centered person through giving sacrificial service, you receive glory and service. The Bible even records that Jesus said, "The Son of man came not to be served but to serve." (Matt. 20:28) Is sacrificial service good? Is it easy to do? It is inevitable, almost like a test at school. No one likes tests, but at exam time students work hard, burning the midnight oil in order to prepare for the exam the following day. Even though they dislike it, people go through it because there is no choice. In a similar way, you have to go through sacrificial service. It is not easy.

The Road of God's Will
May 30, 1982

One thing Satan cannot do is become humble, for then he would no longer he Satan. Instead he is boastful and arrogant, trying to put himself up higher. Satan's barriers are those of self-centeredness, but going down low, in the other direction, requires the opposite qualities. Where a person puts himself in the humble position, Satan cannot defeat him. In the world of self-centeredness you cannot find the truth or true things. Truth comes from the other direction, where Satan has no defense, and that is where we go.

The Bible always taught this truth. This is why Jesus said that those who try to make themselves higher will go lower, and why he who loses his life for Jesus' sake will find it. It shows there are two ways of achieving the goal. The powers and principalities of the secular world lie in one direction, and because you cannot penetrate them, you have to go the other way. Once you know the secret, however, going down low is actually the easiest way.

Let Us Set the Record
October 12, 1980

Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the moneychangers and the benches of those selling doves. "It is written," he said to them, "'My house will be called a house of prayer but you are making it a den of robbers."
Matthew 21:12-13

In the city of Jerusalem, Jesus was sometimes angered at the immoral behavior of the people. He even overturned the moneychangers' tables in a moment of violence. By normal standards he should have been arrested, and no civil court would have vindicated him. But under the law of God Jesus had not committed any sin. Civil law is not heavenly law.

Do you want to become a person who will be judged in God's court, or become a person who can even rise above the court of God? What kind of person should you become to rise above God's judgment? Become a savior by adopting the savor's way of life as your way of life. You can be a person who can give salvation to the world and who can say, "I will be responsible for the world and all of humanity; I will give my entire life and soul and energy for that purpose." Then you are indeed walking side by side with the Messiah.

The Age of Judgment and Ourselves
November 21, 1976

If a soldier kills many of the enemy on the battlefield, he may be given the Medal of Honor. However, if that same soldier even accidentally kills someone during peacetime, then he is called a criminal. Both are acts of murder. Why do people applaud one act but punish the other? Only one thing makes his actions different: the soldier is not motivated by personal benefit to kill in combat. When his action is a public one for the defense of his nation then he is honored, but if he kills at home for his own selfish reasons then he is condemned.

In light of this, how can we define what law is? Law is a regulation or criterion to control or contain the actions of selfish people. Laws are a necessity if selfish people are to live together. Whether for an individual, group, or nation, the law sets limits and prohibits people from violating their minimal social responsibility. On the other hand, no laws are needed between people who naturally live their lives for the sake of others in a totally unselfish and devoted way. Have you ever heard of a law regulating people who are sincerely devoted to service? Humanity is supposed to be liberated from the law eventually. You must become people who do not require laws on the levels of the individual, group, nation, and even the world.

To live above the law you must become an unselfish person; then your outlook is not limited by your own selfish purpose. When you become a person who is determined to live for the highest cause, for the sake of the world, then you will be liberated from the need for all levels of law below that cause. When you become the type of person about whom people can say, "He does not live for himself. He lives for God," then you are indeed a great and fearless person.

Let Us Think Once More
June 12, 1977

"At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send
his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens
to the other"
Matthew 24:30-31

"However; when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
Luke 18:8

What will Jesus do when he comes? Will he come to wipe out the world? The word "judgment" is frequently misunderstood to mean that God will wipe out everything in anger. That is not the purpose of the Messiah's coming a second time. The whole purpose is to fulfill the mission that was left undone 2,000 years ago, to work for individual, family, social, national, and world perfection. Judgment is the constructive work of God to see the fulfillment of the kingdom of God here on earth.

Because the work of God is realistic and physical, the Messiah's coming on literal clouds in the sky does not make sense. By interpreting the Bible literally many Christians anticipate Jesus appearance in the sky, but that could not be so. People perceive God as being supernatural, someone who could perform even the miracle of bringing Jesus on the clouds. In that case, why would Christianity be necessary? Why would faith be necessary? Why didn't God use supernatural power to build up the kingdom of God in the first place? Why has he waited for 6,000 years to accomplish it?

Gods Will and Christmas
December 25, 1976

Another reason why Jesus was not believed was that the people expected the Messiah to arrive on the clouds of heaven. Daniel 7:13 reads, "I saw in the night visions, and behold, on the clouds of heaven...the son of man." In other words, Daniel is saying that the coming of Jesus, the Son of God, will take place on the clouds of heaven. The people expected his arrival on the clouds of heaven; so when Jesus appeared in the flesh, it was very difficult to accept him. So at that time, there were arguments among Jesus' disciples and the faithful of Israel: "Well, if your master, Jesus, is the Son of God, how could he appear as a man, in the flesh? Impossible! How could he be the Son of God? We know him. He is the son of Joseph, the son of Mary; the Son of God is supposed to come on the clouds of heaven."

Two thousand years ago, the situation was such that the people expected Elijah first; but Elijah did not come. They expected Elijah to come from the blue sky, but he did not appear in that manner. Again they expected the Son of God to come on the clouds of heaven; this also was not fulfilled. So how could they accept Jesus? On what grounds? Those who believed the letter of the Old Testament, not the spirit, missed the whole thing. They said, "He is a heretic," and to this day the Jewish faith hasn't recognized Christianity. Today, we need to know the truth, and the truth will make us free.

Then how will the Lord reappear in the Last Days? We are in a situation exactly parallel to that of the time of Jesus Christ. If we become slaves to the letter of the New Testament, instead of living by the spirit of the New Testament, we could commit the same transgression that the elders, scribes, and Pharisees committed 2,000 years ago. Two thousand years ago, God promised Elijah but God did not send him in a miraculous way. He sent him as John the Baptist. Two thousand years ago, God promised the Messiah but the Messiah did not come on the clouds of heaven. Today Christians are expecting the Second Advent to appear on the clouds of heaven. If we are slaves to the letter of the New Testament, we will be in a position to commit the same transgression as the Israelites.

Christmas in Heart
December 25, 1973

Contrary to the expectations of many faithful Jews who believed on biblical grounds that the Messiah would come on the clouds with signs and portents in the heavens, Jesus was born on the earth as a child in a lowly family. Hence, we should reexamine the Bible from the perspective that the Second Advent of Christ may not take place in a miraculous way. It may, in fact, take place in the same manner as the First Advent.

Jesus made a number of predictions foretelling what would happen to the Lord at his return. He said, "But first he must suffer many things and he rejected by this generation." (Luke 17:25) If Jesus were to return literally on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory and with the trumpets of angels, would he not readily be accepted and honored, even by this sin-ridden world? Returning in such a manner, there is no way he would ever suffer persecution or rejection...

Jesus said, "I tell you, he will vindicate them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?" (Luke 18:8) As the world enters the Last Days, increasing numbers of Christians are striving to develop stronger faith. How can they all fall into faithlessness at the Second Advent of the Lord if he literally comes on the clouds of heaven amidst the sounds of angels' trumpets and the glory of God? This prophecy also cannot be fulfilled if Christ returns in a supernatural manner...

What do the clouds actually symbolize? Clouds are formed by the evaporation of impure water from the earth. In the Bible, water often symbolizes fallen people. (Rev. 17:15; Ps. 144:7) We may deduce that clouds symbolize devout Christians whose hearts dwell in heaven and not on the earth because they have been reborn and raised from their fallen state. The Bible and other sacred scriptures also use the symbolism of clouds to indicate the multitudes. (Heb. 12:1)... We can conclude that Jesus' coming on the clouds signifies that he will emerge from among a group of reborn believers to become the leader of Christians, the Second Israel. Recall that when Jesus was asked about the place of his return, he replied, "Where the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together." (Luke 17:37) Jesus meant by this that he will return to the place where faithful believers have gathered, which basically signifies the same thing as the biblical prophecy that Christ will return on the clouds.

When we interpret the clouds metaphorically in this way, it is evident that at his First Coming Jesus himself symbolically came down from heaven on the clouds. It is written, "The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven" (1 Cor. 15:47), and "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man." (John 3:13) Even though Jesus was born on the earth, from the standpoint of the providence and with regard to his true value, he indeed came from heaven. This is also the true meaning of the prophecy in Daniel 7:13 which foretold that Jesus would come on the clouds.

Exposition of the Divine Principle
Second Advent 2

While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper; a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor"

Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."
Matthew 26:6-13

Why is Mary remembered in Christianity? Why is it that her name has been passed down through many generations in memory? Jesus said it should be so. At that time, who would have tolerated a lowly woman pouring 300 denarii worth of aromatic oil on the feet of a bachelor and wiping it with her hair? Why did Jesus say that the name of Mary would be remembered wherever the Gospel was taught? The disciples laughed at him, Judas Iscariot protested, and everyone opposed him on this. He spoke these words because, more than his beloved disciples or countless other people, the actions of Mary in that hour set the condition of having offered all of her heart and effort.

To Whom Do You Belong?
March 16, 1958

Judas Iscariot chastised Mary... as she knelt and poured three hundred denarii worth of oil on the feet of Jesus and washed them with her hair. When Judas chastised her, Jesus defended her. Mary was not acting unreasonably because she was concerned for the heart of Jesus, who was to be killed; an aspect of God's pained and indignant heart was reflected through her. Therefore Jesus predicted that her name would remain wherever the words of the Gospel spread.

The Father and I
July 12, 1959

Then one of the Twelve -- the one called Judas Iscariot -- went to the chief priests and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over
Matthew 26:14-16

Jesus came as the True Parent or True Father, but Judas betrayed him. In his act of betrayal, all mankind was represented. Through him, all human beings, as the offspring of traitors, betrayed their True Parent... For 30 pieces of silver, one man banished the True Parent from this earth and completely frustrated God's providence of 4,000 years. At that moment, Satan prevailed on the earth.

Restoration and Blessing
February 2, 1969

The twelve months comprise one circle of seasons. There is always balance there, with six months up and six months down, six months left and six months right. One place is hot and the other cold. Each season reaches a peak and then changes. You cannot say you want only spring or only enjoy hot weather. Most people don't like winter, but you have to live through it. Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus, and at least three disciples collaborated with him; their betrayal was equivalent to the three months of winter. You must pass through winter to welcome spring. Winter is essential, because without it nothing can be prepared for the spring.

Heaven and Us
March 25, 1979

When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God."

After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for your, do this in remembrance of me."

In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."
Luke 22:14-20

Then to what degree should we be like Jesus? We have to reach the point where we are one with Jesus in flesh and blood. That's why he set up the condition of the sacrament: We should feel that we are actually eating Jesus' flesh and blood. We should actually feel Jesus' life and love for us more than anything else when we are eating the bread; and when drinking the wine, we should really feel that we are drinking his blood. Without such actual sense experience, salvation cannot be affected. This was Jesus' method to bring mankind out of Satan's world into God's world. Through this communion Satan is cut off and mankind is engrafted into Jesus -- a communion with him resulting in one flesh, one blood, in other words: one mankind.

How Can We Become One with God?
January 15, 1972

What is the meaning of Jesus' words to his disciples, "You must drink my blood and eat my flesh"? Implied in those words is Jesus' earnest heart that pleads to you, "Even though I leave you, you have to become the owners of all the tasks that fall within the sphere of the dispensation and accomplish my unfulfilled wishes."

The blood that the disciples received from Jesus symbolized the spiritual aspect. The flesh symbolizes the physical aspect and also signifies the Holy Spirit... Therefore, through partaking of the flesh and blood, the communion of Jesus and the Holy Spirit established them as central figures who would head single-mindedly for God's purpose. What is more, the blood of Jesus symbolizes heaven while his flesh symbolizes the earth. Accordingly, the hope and aspirations of Jesus are so great as to fill the cosmos.

Now, after having been sanctified through the Holy Spirit, your minds should be linked to the holy body of Jesus. This is a type of historical restoration. When God created Adam and Eve, he first created the body and then created the spirit. He created their physical body, and then he blew life into their nostrils. Just as the two principles are combined to create one man, similarly in the course of restoration until now, the works of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, which combine heaven and earth, are being carried on in conjunction.

When you think about this, you have to realize how important is the responsibility we bear. We insignificant apostles actually determine the fate of heaven and earth. You represent the apostles! You have been born with the holy body of Jesus, and you must manifest the power of Jesus' life as you work on behalf of God. Inspirational works of the Holy Spirit, which act on behalf of heaven, must emerge from you. When you move as one to do the will of Jesus Christ, who seeks to restore the whole world of creation, heaven will move according to the direction you move.

...What did Jesus command as he was giving out his flesh and blood to the disciples? He said, "Take this and divide it among you." Since we have received the flesh and blood of Jesus, as long as we take responsibility for the problems in heaven on behalf of Jesus, then the will of God will be fulfilled. This is the wish of heaven.

The Pledge that Must Be Fulfilled
July 8, 1956

As he distributed the bread and wine, Jesus told the twelve disciples whom he loved; "I will not drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." He meant that until the sorrows of all human beings are resolved on the earth, he also cannot rest in peace. Understanding this situation, we should never cause Jesus to feel more lonely, painful, or constrained.

We should experience all these situations with our mind and body to understand the situation of Jesus, and on his behalf fight with Satan and win over him to put God's worries to rest. If we cannot become the ones who can take care of the people of this earth in Jesus' place, then we will not be able to receive Jesus who is coming to this earth in the Last Days.

The Lord Is My Good Shepherd
March 25, 1957

I am in the Father and the Father is in me
John 14:10-20

Don't you believe that I am in the Faster; and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing this work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father: You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father; and he will give you another counselor to be with you forever -- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you."

Jesus said that he and God were one body. Furthermore, he said that he was the Son of God -- specifically, the only begotten Son. Going one step further, he said that he was the bridegroom of humanity. You have to understand that Jesus was the True Parent of humanity... Therefore, Jesus was the King of all kings. In regard to life, Jesus spoke of being the bridegroom, and we are the brides. The purpose of these words is to implant the idea of a united couple in the living realm. Accordingly, even when he was passing away, Jesus pledged to do the work of True Parents through himself and the Holy Spirit. Since God who created the earth is invisible, it can be said that the purpose of Jesus' coming to this earth was to represent the invisible God, to testify to humankind of the invisible God.

Let Us Join in Pursuit of the Homeland
September 22, 1957

Among God, parents, and children, there must be some unifying concept. Unity and harmony among all three is vitally important. None of these components can be removed; we cannot eliminate God from the package, we cannot delete parents, and we cannot leave out the children. Within true parents exist elements of God and children. Within children are elements of God and the parents. In other words, every component contains an expression of the whole.

John 14 records a deep message which Jesus gave to his disciples, preparing them for his impending crucifixion. In that talk Jesus said, "Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me?" and "In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you." What did Jesus mean? What is the essence and implication of his words? Based upon the family concept, Jesus stated that he was in the Father and the father in him, and that he was in his disciples and they in him. These are amazing assertions.

The Way God Is Pursuing
January 23, 1983

Why do we want everlasting love and life? It is because God has them and we want to be like him. What's so good about becoming one with God and his love? It is simple; once you become like that, God and the universe belong to you. That's a big ambition, isn't it? Judge for yourself, is this truly possible or not? I have talked about truth, life, and love this morning. Once you possess these three, you don't have to follow God. Even if you try to go a different way or escape from God, you will find yourself in God already. Jesus said he was in God and God in him, and he called himself the way, the truth, and the life. If you are in me and I in you, then we are like each other. This is the one genuine, public way.

The Age of New Dispensation
May 14, 1978

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not he afraid."
John 14:27

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city; he wept over it and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace -- but now it is hidden from your eyes."
Luke 19:41-42

All people in the world long for peace and for a unified world. But where does such a world of peace and unification begin? This is the critical question. We know that had mankind and God become one in the beginning, then a world of peace and unification would have come into being. Then why was this world of peace and unification lost? Because of the Fall. The center of the world of peace and unification is God Himself. Therefore, by following the same direction as God, the world of peace and unification would have been established automatically...

There is a war between the mind and body going on within you continually. Whoever speaks of peace without recognizing this doesn't really know what he is talking about. When God looks at humankind, longing for peace and unification, He sighs. Without finding the base of peace and unification within ourselves, how can peace and unification dwell with us?

How can a human being, born out of the absolute holy God, be so imperfect? Something must have happened between God and man, some separation must have occurred, something went out of order. We can suppose something went wrong within the relationship. Satan came in between, causing us to inherit false love and lineage.

In the Bible, Jesus explained by saying that those who want to die will live, and those who want to live will die. How is it that when I want to die, I can live? Now we understand that to die means to suppress all the satanic attributes and raise up even the faint and small godly attributes within me -- and then I will live. If there is anyone who truly wishes for godly attributes and peace, there is no other way to go except to let the satanic part of oneself die and he reborn to the life of God.

The Ideal Family is the Base for Peace and Unification
July 24, 1994

Before the unification of the world can be achieved, the unification of the country, the unification of the family, and the unification of the individual must precede. The unification of the individual means the unity between the mind and body in love. On this foundation husband and wife can achieve unity in love, and unification of the country and the world will follow. This is the only way to realize world peace and a new civilization.

Absolute Values and the New Cultural Revolution
November 28, 1986

Originally human beings were meant to live with their mind and body united, responding to the complete love of God. It is because human beings were created to be God's sons and daughters, resembling Him that their mind and body should not fight. Instead, they should create true unity. God's mind and body are not in conflict: Almighty God could never have any conflict within himself.

The human ideal of unified mind and body is realized when a person is fully possessed of the true love of God. The words, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Matt. 5:9) also promise that the ideal of unity of mind and body is to be attained on the basis of our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

It was due to the human Fall that people lost the standard of unity and harmony of their mind and body, and have thus been living in self-contradiction and conflict. Moreover, the battle of the mind and body within the individual has expanded to the level of the family, society, nation, and world. Cain's killing of his younger brother Abel originated from this. All the conflicts and wars that the world has witnessed since the beginning of history have been, in essence, the battle between the Cain side, which is relatively on the side of evil, and the Abel side, more on the side of goodness. The struggle between the Cain and Abel sides should be terminated and everything restored to its original state.

Likewise, the confrontation between our mind and body should be brought to an end, and harmony and unity regained.

We have to apply the principle of individual mind-body unity to the global level. Since the root of human problems is not merely, political, social and political solutions alone will always be insufficient. While most societies are politically governed, religion lies at the root of most national and cultural identities. In fact, religious loyalties far outweigh political loyalties in the hearts of most people.

It is now the time for religion to exert genuine leadership in the world. I believe that religious people should feel responsible for the situation of humankind, and for resolving the vinous inequities of this age. Profound self-reflection is surely prerequisite to this.

Inaugural Address of the Inter-religious and International Federation for World Peace
February 6, 1999

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."
John 15:5-12 

Jesus came as the Tree of Life, the true olive tree, to graft fallen mankind onto him, and to give them true life. Through him, all mankind had a way to become direct heirs of God.

God's Day
January 1977

Everyone, including God and all mankind, wants to be under the dominion of love. When true love is at the center of the universe, all beings want to come to the center. Grandparents, parents, children, as well as God and the rest of the universe, want to dwell at the center with love. Everyone would like to get as close as possible to each other there. Like potatoes connected to the same vine, everybody is connected to the universal center.

Original Family and the Family of Today
March 8, 1987

Because of the Fall, humankind did not start out with the true seed of true life, but rather with the seed of false life. Since we are all wild olive trees, we need the bud of the true olive tree. We need to be cut off and engrafted into the true olive tree. This is the only way to go back to God. If you accept the fact of the human Fall, then you have to admit this conclusion.

If the Fall had not occurred, beginning from Adam's children and grandchildren, generation after generation would have lived a true way of life and automatically dwell in the Kingdom of God on earth as well as in heaven. There would have been no wild olive trees. Every single tree would have been a true olive tree. But due to the Fall, every single tree became a wild olive tree. This meant the central bud, trunk, and root all became false, directly connected to Satan's lineage rather than God's lineage. The purpose of God's history of salvation is to show clearly how to cut out Satan's involvement in human life. In other words, it shows how to get rid of the wild olive tree root, cut off the wild olive tree bud and trunk, and engraft into the true olive tree's bud, trunk and root. That has been the history of salvation.

Total Calculation of Gods Historical Providence
December 25, 1994

"I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you who is yet to come."
John 16:12-13

When the day that he was to die on the cross was near, after having lived thirty years or so, Jesus gathered his beloved disciples and said, "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear." This tells us that the disciples did not comprehend what Jesus meant. Therefore, each of us should become the bride, not the disciple who does not understand what Jesus means. We should become the one who comprehends the meaning of Jesus' sayings. Establishing the standard of character with which she can step further to reach the wife's position, a bride holds herself accountable for the mission Jesus left unfulfilled and becomes the person who can let Jesus rest.

Let Us Be the Ones That Jesus Wants
February 17, 1957

Why didn't Jesus tell us the whole, unvarnished truth? He knew the whole truth and he was in the position to tell the world, but he couldn't tell the world. Why? It is because there was no model for him to present, no substance. He was not able to give the formula. That is why. Jesus knew the truth but he could not fulfill it, so he could not speak it. He could not leave behind him the tradition of true men and women. He had to fulfill certain stages, certain steps of that truth.

That is why the only alternative for Jesus was to come again. By, the fact that he said, "I must return," it shows that he knew the truth but he could not fulfill it in his own time.

True Parents' Birthday
February 25, 1985

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father; just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."
John 17:20-23

Why has Christianity spread all over the world? Because Jesus' sacrificial spirit is the mind of the providence, and that is the basic spirit of God's providence -- that is, to make oneself a sacrifice for other people. Christianity has received much persecution, but the more it received persecution, the more it prospered. Jesus did not leave any ideology like Marxism, but by the spirit alone he made such great effects in the world.

People of the world are dying and desperately suffering. If they are your brothers and sisters, then you have to reach out to them and cry out for them. True Christians should be willing to sacrifice their own lives for the salvation of the world and all humankind. Many Christians are seeking for their own personal salvation; they are crying out for "my salvation" and "my heaven." This is contrary to God's truth and contrary to God's ideal. We should steadfastly give, love, sacrifice, and live for the sake of others.

Jesus' Standard of Goodness
January, 1985

Why is Christianity today divided into numerous denominations? It is because people have impeded the Christian spirit that teaches us to love our enemies. The Christian spirit that teaches us to love our brethren has been forgotten.

From a perspective centering on Jesus, the Presbyterian Church, the Methodist Church, the Holiness Church, and all other denominations are brothers to each other.

God's Fatherland
September 19, 1999

We frequently hear that the church is the body of Christ. Does this mean that those buildings of wood or stone are the body of Jesus? What is the body of Jesus? Not the building but the people of the congregation are the body of Christ. When Jesus was crucified 2,000 years ago, Jesus' body was in the position of the people. Ever since the crucifixion, Jesus body has been represented by the people who have united spiritually with Jesus. All through the New Testament Age believers in Jesus have served in the position of the body of Christ.

If the believers are the body of Christ, then could there be more than one church? There are many different denominations and kinds of Christianity, which indicates that Jesus' body has been divided up. This is not acceptable in the sight of God. When we see the current situation from the viewpoint of God and Jesus Christ, the existence of so many denominations in the name of Christ is heartbreaking. It is just as though Jesus' body itself had been torn apart. The heart of Jesus Christ is grieved when he sees that his own body has been so shamefully divided. Christianity today is in the position of Jesus' body, but when there is one mind, how can there be 1,000 bodies? There should be one mind and one body....

Jesus wanted to give his inheritance to the Christian world, to his brethren. He wanted to give each Christian the conviction, "God is my God, and mankind are my brothers. This land belongs to me and I am responsible to God to re-create it in God's way" Those people who are denominational and sectarian leaders and only interested in promoting their own sectarian purposes are outrageous. We should inherit Jesus' philosophy and ideology instead. Denominationalism is just a roadblock for God. We need to break away all the barriers of sectarianism if we are to really reach the people.

Living Sacrifice
May 8, 1977

Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit."
John 20:21-22

By what means can we unite Christianity throughout the world? By the Holy Spirit -- hence the name "Holy Spirit Association." Not by fists or bayonets, but by the Holy Spirit. We cannot unite by human power, but by the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity
May 1, 1981

Without receiving the Holy Spirit, we cannot understand or receive salvation. Why should we need the Holy Spirit to come upon us? The Holy Spirit moves our mind to a relationship with Christ and eventually God, but why specifically do we need the Holy Spirit? What steps should take place as she helps to bring us to heaven and God? The first thing the Holy Spirit helps us to do is repent.

The Age of Repentance
September 1, 1978

The Holy Spirit is in charge of obtaining pardon from heaven for our sinfulness. This is because humankind does not have a direct relationship with either God or Jesus, who are in heaven. Therefore, we need to receive the cooperation of the Holy Spirit who is working on the earth. The way to redemption has been opened because of the crucifixion of Jesus, but the one who actually toils to take charge of our sins is the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit stands in the position of a mediator for our sake, representing us miserable sinners.

What kinds of ordeals is the Holy Spirit going through? The exertion of Jesus, who passed away on the cross while responsible for our sins, and the ordeals of the Holy Spirit, crying with us when we cry and are hung on the cross, are very much with us.

Even today, Jesus is undergoing the crisis of crucifixion for your sake. You should understand this deeply. When the toils of Jesus and the exertion of the Holy Spirit are joined as one with us in the center, and we reach the standard that God requires, then all the sins that we have committed on the earth will be redeemed...

Consequently when we face evil and go forward, we should recognize that because of our sins, the Holy Spirit has labored on the earth on our behalf, and Jesus died on the cross on our behalf. Wherever we go, we should realize that we are sinners who cannot be unshackled from the grievances of heaven. Therefore, by offering all of our minds and bodies to take the burden of heaven's toil, we should rely on the Holy Spirit and assist Jesus in his work.

Why Did Jesus Become the Lamb Who Bore All the Sins of This World?
July 11, 1956

When Jesus came, the male element or essence was given to him as the male Word of God. But there was no woman on earth to whom the female element could be given. So when Jesus was working in spirit after his crucifixion, this female element of God worked with him as the Holy Spirit.

On Prayer and the Spirit World
March and April 1965

We study about the Holy Trinity -- God, the Holy Son, and Holy Ghost. What exactly does that mean? We say God, Holy Son, and Holy Ghost, but there is something lacking -- the holy Christian, making the family So the Holy Ghost must he the spouse to the Holy Son, and with those two united in divine love, multiplication can come about, giving birth to children in the Holy Family.

Our Present Mission
August 4, 1974

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." Going a little farther; he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father; if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."

Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter: Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father; if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near; and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"
Matthew 26:36-46

Jesus prayed at Gethsemane: "Father, let this cup pass from me. Not as I will, but as thou wilt." When he prayed that, his attitude was that of a Son who loved only his Father. On the cross he loved even his enemy and prayed for him. There had never been such a man in all history previous to him and there has never been such a man after him. That is the sign of his having loved the whole of mankind. That is what made Jesus the greatest.

The Formula for God's Providence
December 14, 1971

We should be aware of the lonely situation in which Jesus prayed alone at Gethsemane, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." (Matt. 26:39) This situation is not confined to Jesus. Furthermore, the situation in which Jesus was crucified, embracing sorrow, also is not restricted to Jesus alone. His situation is our situation and one in which humankind has to participate today.

The reason Jesus prayed and felt sorrowful was not because he was to die; nor was it because of his fate of having to cross the hill of lamentation. Worried about his responsibility to successfully achieve the destiny of history he embraced the heartbreak of heavenly love. Jesus looked at his followers, who were to usher in God's love upon the earth, and considered: how could he, who was sent representing God's love, transform them into the substantial beings of God's love? He also knew the fact that should he die, humankind would be fated to cross a hill of grief. We should understand that Jesus was not a man who felt sorrowful only for his own sake or experienced heartbreak only on his own behalf.

Jesus Who Is to Establish Heaven's Love
February 24, 1977

The deepest sorrow in God's heart in all of history was Adam's becoming a fallen man. Next to it was the death of Jesus. Jesus' subsequent resurrection made it possible for the Christian faith to bring salvation, but even this was in the spiritual area only. Jesus prayed three times in the deepest anguish, almost on the verge of death. He said. "Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; but not as l will but as thou wilt." Many theologians explain this by saying that this was an expression of human weakness because, though he was predestined to die on the cross, Jesus was still a human being. If that is true, he should have courageously and joyfully faced the situation.

The New Messiah and You
March 20, 1972

Jesus appealed alone before God in tears in the Garden of Gethsemane, without being accompanied by even his own disciples. He was totally sinless, without any wrongfulness, and he only hoped to live as the Son of God. We should feel the heart of Jesus, who walked the path of bloody tears.

Today at the point when we hasten to bring a victory to heaven, we should reflect upon whether we are truly ready to climb the same hill of universal tears with Jesus, which he has already climbed. Ever since humans left the bosom of God due to the Fall, human history continued in tears. To be freed from this, we should walk a path of tears. This does not apply only to the course of God's providence, but also to a people or a nation.

We call someone who sheds tears for a nation or its people a prophet. A nation does not come about automatically. It comes about through a history of tearful, trouble-filled stories made by such prophets. Similarly, unless you too climb the historical hill of tears, you can never receive a day of victory. Jesus shed bloody tears while walking on the path of Golgotha, the path of a pioneer, after having climbed hills of tears for 30 years. Today, if you are to be the ones who would take responsibility to fulfill the will of God and liberate Jesus, you should shed bloody tears that no one recognizes, springing from the bottom of your heart.

If there are disciples who are shedding tears for brothers and sisters and the world, and further, if they are unceasingly shedding tears for heaven without being able to stop, a condition for victory will he made. Once Jesus looked down at Jerusalem and could not help but shed tears, yet no one understood his heart. Because he did not have even one friend who could cry with him when he wept in sadness, Jesus had to die on the cross…

Do you love your family? If so, you should sweat for the family. If you love your people, you should sweat for the people. If you love the world, you should sweat for the world. We should also take after the example of Jesus, who prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane for all of humankind, building an altar alone while others did not know about it. We should become a second Jesus who can shed sweat and tears for all of humankind.

Let Us Be a Victor for God
June 30, 1957

Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"

Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.

Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard." Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Rabbi!" and kissed him. The men seized Jesus and arrested hint. Then everyone deserted him and fled.
Matt. 14:41-50

Had Peter or any of the twelve disciples been a friend of Golgotha, Jesus would not have died. God would not have had any grudges. If the twelve disciples had united and resolved to die with Jesus, a miracle would have occurred and Jesus would not have died. Jesus agonized for 33 years looking at the chosen people, and he shed tears for the three years of his public life for the sake of the people of the earth. Yet where did the people go who had put their hopes in Jesus? Where did the religious leaders go who had been observing him? Where did his disciples go, who had shared joy and sorrow as they followed Jesus during his three public years? Whenever they saw advantages to it, and in joyful times, they said that they were friends and disciples of Jesus and tried more than anyone to stand with him. At the end, their path had nothing to do with Jesus.

Who Will Become the Friend of Golgotha?
October 19, 1958

If Jesus' three chief disciples had banded together and offered to die in his place, he would not have gone to the cross. Even if Jesus had not been released, if his three chief disciples had died on the cross with him, then all four could have been resurrected, and at that very moment Jesus could have ascended into heaven. Through those four being resurrected on earth, all the spirit world could have descended from that moment on, working through the hearts of the people and making it easy to restore the whole world.

Because that foundation was not laid at the time of Jesus, there has been a great gap between this world and the spirit world. Up to the present only those who excelled the three disciples of Jesus and were ready w be martyred for the sake of God's will could be contacted by the heavenly realms of the spirit world. Because of the failure of Jesus' disciples, those people had to be martyred, shedding blood to restore what the disciples failed to accomplish.

Self Reflection
December 1, 1976

Peter followed at a distance. But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with him." But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said.

A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." "Man, I am not!" Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean." Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed.
Luke 22:54-62

I want you to know that even Peter, who supposedly was Jesus' chief disciple, denied Jesus at the end of three years. This test of loyalty is the formula of faith that all men have had to pass through... You may wonder why you do this, but remember that this is the way I went.

The Tradition of the Unification Church
December 11, 1977

While Jesus was going the path of the crucifixion, the lonesome path to the summit of Golgotha, he looked back at Peter, who was the representative of the beloved twelve apostles. That was because Jesus feared that Peter, who should he the first one following him, might change his mind. You need to become the ones who experience again the sense of being gazed at by Jesus, who looked back at Peter with a loving heart despite having bitter grief in his heart over the fullness of his concern about God's will.

Yet three times Peter denied he knew Jesus. Therefore, he ended up standing in a situation where he was completely separate from the will of heaven and had nothing to do with Jesus. Although Jesus knew all of this, he wanted to find just one person on this earth who could defend him to the last and could deeply sympathize with him as he walked the path to death. So he turned and looked back at Peter, who was the best, most beloved disciple. You of today should understand that Jesus' intention to find one true person was buried deep in the gaze that he sent in the direction of the beloved disciple, Peter.

There cannot be any more grievous situation than this for Jesus, who came with the responsibility of carrying out the whole dispensation of God. Not even one person could understand his feelings of longing and lamentation, as he looked to find even one person who could inherit his mission as he headed for the path of Golgotha, the path of death, owing to the distrust of humankind. Jesus' heartrending feelings were beyond description. Only God understood Jesus' sorrowful heart and worried about his lamentable situation.

When Jesus reflected on the course of toilsome effort he had walked representing heaven, alone in bitter sorrow for his lifetime, the indignation with which he wanted to curse humanity and to call down scorn on the earth pierced him to the very marrow. But Jesus restrained himself and stopped to look back at Peter, who was following behind. You should know that unless you can understand such inner feelings of Jesus' heart, you cannot proudly stand in front of all humankind after inheriting Jesus' work for the dispensation of God.

What then would be the heart of Peter, who was watching Jesus finish his life by walking the course of tribulation alone? He must have been in awful misery, pining in desolation, not being able to forget the original nature of the love relationship he had with Jesus in the past. How Peter's heart must have ached, as he watched the grieving and innocent Jesus being insulted and rebuked and dragged in bonds. However, because Peter did not fully realize Jesus was the Messiah who came with the mission to save the whole of humankind, he ended in a situation where he could not step forward. Instead he thought only of himself. When servant girls came out to ask Peter whether he was one of the fellows who were with Jesus, he replied, "I do not know him" three times. You should know this clearly -- that aspect of Peter was the representative attitude of humankind on the earth. When we look hack upon the circumstances of Jesus and Peter again, the fact that Jesus turned to look back at Peter, who had denied him three times, did not take place only between Peter and Jesus, but is revealed to have happened throughout the course of the whole of history.

When all humanity steps forward before Satan as true Christians on behalf of the will of Christ, they will definitely meet ungrounded accusations three times....

The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter: Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today; you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.

In what kind of situation should we stand when such a time of fierce battle comes upon the earth? We should not be standing in a situation similar to Peter's when he said he did not know Jesus. What should become those triumphant sons and daughters who can defend the course of blood, sweat, and tears that Jesus walked to the end? We should stand with Jesus, having repented of all of our excuses, circumstances, sinfulness, and inadequacy. Unless we can stand in such a position, we cannot take part in the glory of receiving the returning Lord.

Although Peter denied Jesus three times, Jesus truly turned himself around to look at Peter. Consequently, when Peter saw Jesus forget all about his own difficulties and sorrow to turn around and look at him, a complete revolution took place in his mind. Despite his three dreadful denials of knowing Jesus, when Peter saw that Jesus truly cared about him and worried about his future, he experienced an explosion of emotion within. At that moment he remembered and sensed the old relationship of having shared the joys and sorrows of the Lord. Peter became aware of his own identity on the spot.

Peter saw that Jesus, who determined to risk his own life to accomplish the will of heaven, was making a great effort to proudly cultivate the path of salvation for humankind without letting himself be overly affected by the resentment that he felt as a human being. Peter saw that even as Jesus walked the path toward heaven and death, he was still concerned about his well-being. This made Peter feel insufficient and inadequate internally In other words, when Peter contrasted the position of Jesus, who represents God, and his own position, which was to represent Jesus as the disciple who had pledged to render him devoted service, he saw that there existed a world of difference between his devotion to Jesus and Jesus' reverence for God.

What is more, although Peter had thought he believed in Jesus, at that moment he found out that his faith was based on self-centeredness rather than on heaven-centeredness, as was the case with the Lord. At the gaze of Jesus Peter received such a great shock as to be deeply ashamed of himself. He lamented over his unbelief.

What did Peter feel next? He felt his own disbelief and simultaneously the disbelief of Jesus' entourage. While watching those wicked ones around him tie Jesus up and enjoy themselves whipping Jesus Christ, who was innocent, and about whom anybody and everybody would say he was guiltless, Peter met the gaze of the persecuted Jesus and saw his sorrowful and lonesome heart. Bathed in Jesus' warm glow being sent in his direction, Peter felt the haughtiness of the surroundings. At that moment Peter made a righteous resolution to fight against the arrogant power of the surroundings until the time when the Lord would return to destroy the wicked.

There was a cosmic difference between the good, immutable attitude of Jesus who was heading toward heaven and the haughtiness of his surroundings. Through Jesus' brief gaze, Peter could liquidate his fatuous life history and determine to establish the standard of goodness by fighting against the environment and devoting himself to God all the more. Through Jesus' dying in silence for the sake of heaven, earth, humankind, and God's will, Peter came to respect the Lord naturally and shed penitential tears, weeping bitterly in the face of such a death.

As Jesus Christ turned to look for the last time, he realized that there was a disciple who understood him. At that moment the link that had been disconnected between God and humankind was being restored. Feeling insufficient and inadequate toward Jesus, who died before the will of God on behalf of heaven and earth, Peter alone shed the tears of contrition representing all humankind and the many disciples. After seeing that Jesus was being put to tribulations before being crucified, only Peter wailed, shedding tears. This created a standard by which Jesus could uphold the dispensation centering on the disciples and a new standard by which Jesus and humankind could connect.

Jesus Who Looks Bach on Walking the Path of His Fate
February 10, 1957

Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor and the governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?" But Jesus made no reply; not even to a single charge -- to the great amazement of the governor.
Matthew 27:11-14

Jesus was pushed to walk to the cross and stand before the authorities and Pilate. He was convicted of the crime of "claiming himself to be the king of the Jews." At that time Jesus kept his silence and only after Pilate asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" did he finally reveal his identity.

The good and righteous people on the side of God should have considered it their life-long glory to serve and worship Jesus as their king. Instead, Jesus faced a trial before Pilate and was convicted as a criminal. When he faced the trial of Satan that could not be avoided, he broke his silence. Speaking on behalf of the agony of God, he spoke the truth as it was.

From this we can learn that even in the works of heaven, when Satan exposes the truth and inquires about it to God's side, God's side has no choice but to reveal the hidden heart. Conversely, when the saints on the side of God point out the hidden secrets inside the heart of Satan, he also has no choice but to tell the truth.

Jesus kept within himself the knowledge of restoration that he could not reveal to anyone. In his daily life, he not only propelled forward the dispensation of heaven through silent deeds of service, in the practical aspect of his life, he moved ahead of everyone to reveal the concealed truth about the path of restoration.

Let Us Bring Out the Value of Restoration
July 3, 1956

A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising. The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did. "Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate, knowing it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead.
Mark 15:7-11

Jesus was killed instead of Barabbas, a man who deserved to die. Perhaps you would not resent it if you were murdered in place of a righteous man, but if he were only a common criminal how would you feel? That's exactly how it happened with Jesus, but Jesus did not blame the man. Could you do such a thing easily? I think you are not confident. Jesus came as the Son of God but he was killed in place of the worst criminal, and not even by righteous men but by Roman soldiers who were only on a distasteful errand.

Would you be willing to die as Jesus did? What kind of value would result? It would mean that anyone on that level could he freed. By Jesus' forgiveness of Barabbas and the Roman soldiers, the lowest hell could be liberated spontaneously.

The Age of Repentance
September 1, 1978

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