Jesus (Yeshua) said: “The people of another age will better understand the gospel of the kingdom when it is presented in terms expressive of the family relationship—when man understands religion as the teaching of the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, sonship with God.” Then the Master discoursed at some length on the earthly family as an illustration of the heavenly family, restating the two fundamental laws of living: the first commandment of love for the father, the head of the family, and the second commandment of mutual love among the children, to love your brother as yourself. And then he explained that such a quality of brotherly affection would invariably manifest itself in unselfish and loving social service. (142:7.4)
The Master imparts a significant insight into the understanding of the gospel of the kingdom. He placed his focus on the importance of presenting spiritual truths in terms of the family relationship, saying that individuals of a future era will better comprehend the teachings when expressed through the familial context. This metaphorical approach, using the family structure as an illustration of the heavenly family, serves to demonstrate the divine principles inherent in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man.
The Master’s discourse places emphasis on the significance of love and highlights the two fundamental laws of living. Firstly, the commandment of love for the father, representing the devotion and reverence owed to God as the head of the divine family. Secondly, the commandment of mutual love among the children, illustrating the importance of loving one’s brother as oneself. This articulation of brotherly affection is portrayed as a reflection of the divine love that binds the spiritual family together.
Jesus extends the understanding of this love into practical application, explaining that such a quality of brotherly affection naturally results in unselfish and loving social service. Here, he bridges the spiritual ideals with tangible acts of kindness and service, emphasizing the power of genuine love in shaping one’s interactions within the human family.
It is recorded in 143:1.4 where Jesus said “…in an age to come the gospel which I declare to you will rule this very world. The ultimate goal of human progress is the reverent recognition of the fatherhood of God and the loving materialization of the brotherhood of man.”
Jesus’ teaching about the fatherhood of God is deeply rooted in the acknowledgment of a divine and benevolent Creator who sustains a paternal relationship with humanity. This recognition forms the foundation of a spiritual journey, urging us to approach life with reverence, humility, and a sense of responsibility towards our divine origin.
The Master’s teaching about the brotherhood of man helps us have a better understanding of how connected the human family is. Our relationship with one another should transcend the boundaries of race, nationality, and creed. The materialization of this brotherhood involves the very real manifestation of love, compassion, and mutual understanding in human interactions. We can clearly see that Jesus’ instruction to love, both vertically towards the Father and horizontally towards one’s fellow beings, forms the basis for a harmonious and spiritually enriching existence for those seeking a deeper understanding of the gospel of the kingdom.
As humanity progresses, the recognition of the fatherhood of God and the realization of the brotherhood of man are depicted as the pinnacle of achievement, representing a state of enlightenment and collective harmony that transcends the challenges and divisions of the current world in which we live. Jesus’ teaching on the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man serves as a guiding light, inspiring us to strive towards a world characterized by spiritual awareness, love, and unity.
Application
The application of Jesus’ teachings on the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man in our lives is far-reaching. He teaches us to embrace the concept of understanding spiritual truths within the context of the family relationship. Consider your connection to God as a loving Father and recognize the connection of humanity as a global family. This perspective can help us have a better sense of unity, empathy, and shared responsibility.
Implement the two fundamental laws of living as outlined by Jesus. Cultivate a deep and reverent love for God, acknowledging His role as the head of the divine family. Simultaneously, express mutual love among fellow human beings, treating others with the same care and consideration you extend to yourself. In doing so, you contribute to the harmonious functioning of the spiritual family.
Translate the understanding of brotherly affection into real actions. Engage in unselfish and loving social service, reflecting the ideals of the divine family. Acts of kindness and service towards others become a direct expression of the love that binds the spiritual family together. Look for opportunities to contribute positively to those around you.
Integrate the teachings of Jesus into your daily life. Recognize that the gospel is not just a set of beliefs but a beautiful, guiding principle that should rule your actions. Strive to live in accordance with the values of the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. This may involve making ethical choices, showing compassion, and promoting understanding in your interactions.
Contemplate the ultimate goal of human progress as described by Jesus—the reverent recognition of the fatherhood of God and the loving materialization of the brotherhood of man. Actively contribute to the creation of a harmonious and enlightened community. Seek unity beyond the challenges and divisions in the world, creating an environment characterized by spiritual awareness, love, and unity.
Acknowledge your personal responsibility in the spiritual journey. Approach life with reverence, humility, and a sense of responsibility towards your divine origin. Recognize the divine connection that binds all of humanity, transcending artificial boundaries. This awareness can guide your decisions and actions in a manner that reflects your understanding of the teachings on the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man.
Questions for Personal Study
1. What did Jesus mean when he taught that presenting spiritual truths in terms of the family relationship enhances the understanding of the gospel of the kingdom?
2. What are the two fundamental laws of living that Jesus highlights in his discourse, and how do they relate to the family structure?
3. In what way does Jesus use the earthly family as an illustration of the heavenly family, and what divine principles does this metaphor reveal?
4. How does Jesus emphasize the significance of love in the context of the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man?
5. What is the practical application of brotherly affection according to Jesus, and how does it manifest in unselfish and loving social service?
6. According to the teachings recorded in 143:1.4, what did Jesus say about the role of the gospel in the future of the world?
7. How does Jesus’ teaching about the fatherhood of God form the foundation of a spiritual journey, and what qualities does it encourage in individuals?
8. What role does the acknowledgment of the brotherhood of man play in Jesus’ teachings, and how does it transcend boundaries in human relationships?
9. How does Jesus connect the commandment to love vertically towards the Father and horizontally towards fellow beings as the basis for a harmonious and spiritually enriching existence?
10. In the progression of humanity, how does the recognition of the fatherhood of God and the realization of the brotherhood of man represent the pinnacle of achievement, according to the content provided?
(fa,lp)