SCRIPTURE READING

“…with all thy getting get understanding.”
Proverbs 4:7 (KJV)

INTRODUCTION TO THE LESSON

Not all of the disciples received a ‘direct call’ from Jesus of Nazareth. In today’s lesson, we meet Thomas and Nathaniel, both of whom encountered Jesus in an ‘indirect way.’ Even so, according to the scriptures, both are listed as his disciples. Jesus worked with his disciples by giving them assignments that enabled them to mutually fulfill their purposes. We must do the same.

MAJOR POINTS

1. The Protestant Bible does not record how Jesus met his disciple, Thomas, also known as ‘Didymus’ and also ‘Doubting Thomas.’ Thomas represents understanding. The physical center is the center of the forehead. Unless we understand a thing, we doubt it.
2. Nathaniel, also known as Bartholomew is brought to Jesus by Phillip. Jesus confesses seeing Nathaniel before meeting him. Nathaniel/Bartholomew represents imagination. The physical center is between the eyes (often referred to as the third eye). Nathaniel must be trained to ‘image rightly’ and not to image based on facts alone.

QUOTES TO PONDER

Understanding

“Just because you don’t understand it doesn’t mean it isn’t so.”
Lemony Shicket

“Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.”
Marie Curie

Imagination

“The man who has no imagination has no wings.”
Muhammad Ali

“You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.”
Mark Twain

“ Live out of your imagination, not your history.”
Stephen R. Covey