Sixty-sixth disciples

Jesus speaks to the Shepherds, and the conversation turns to Judas, who has gone with John to sell Aglaé's jewelry.

The shepherds of Bethlehem are nearby when Judas recounts his encounter with Diomedes, but they are not named. They are likely the shepherds Joseph, Simeon, John, and Matthias, whom we met in the previous chapter. They must have been waiting for Judas to return.

Judas recounted how he obtained ten and a half talents from the sale of Aglaë's jewelry.

In light of what is stated in EMV 83.3, perhaps the John mentioned here is John the son of Zebedee. To be confirmed.

Jesus is in the countryside. He is talking to a peasant who confides the good he gets from listening to Jesus (it's exactly the same for us who read the Work). Jesus talks about God's blessing, and about suffering, about how it is atonement and grace. Then John leaves, and Judas asks to go to Jerusalem to meet a friend. Jesus is disheartened by Judas, and weeps quietly in a bushy grove. He prays. Finally, he is joined by Simon the Zealot, who guesses his pain. They talk about Judas... And Simon also expresses his desire for him to meet Lazarus.

Jesus comes to Bethany. This is his first meeting with Lazarus. Lazarus soon confirms his faith in Christ, believing him to be the Messiah. A little later, the three men have a meal: Lazarus tells Simon that his house has been bought by someone anonymous (Matthew). The Zealot just wants his old servant to stay in his house, and the buyer has agreed. Lazarus then asks the Master whether he uses harsh words or words of mercy, and Jesus replies that he uses love. A brief mention of Olympus and the quicksand that bogs down the guilty, but a word of love can help them out. Lazarus then talks about his reading, as he reads Greek and Roman works to compare them with their Jewish books and see God's Doctrine in them. Jesus says there's no harm in reading his books, as long as the idea of God is not altered in him. He reminds us that every action is not sinful if we act holily.

Jesus goes up to the Temple in Jerusalem with Simon the Zealot to pray to the Father. He has no intention of preaching there. Slight reference to the Shepherds of Bethlehem. Jesus plans what they're going to do: go to Jonah, go to Nazareth, then to Capernaum. They will also meet up with the other disciples. They talk about the soul, then about beautiful Galilee, Nazareth and Mary. Judas preaches to men in the Temple. Simon repents for thinking badly of him in EMV 83. The two men then go to meet John at the Olive grove in Gethsemane. There, he has met Annalia's mother, Elise, and encouraged her to come and see Jesus, as her daughter is very ill.