Deliverance from the Cross — Page 103
ascent and how are his physical needs being met? If it is suggested that the ascent of Jesus to heaven was not physical but the ascent of his spirit, the question would still remain, then what happened to his body? The answer to these and similar other questions is to be sought in considering the purpose of his advent. He had stated positively and emphatically: I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. It is not meet to take. . . the children's bread and to cast it to dogs'. (Matt. 15:24-26) There is a reflection of the same sentiment in: 'Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you'. (Matt. 7:6) Now it is a historical fact that of the twelve tribes of Israel only two were in Judaea where Jesus passed the greater part of his life up to the event of the crucifixion. He thus fulfilled only a fraction of his mission. He had himself indicated that he had still to convey his message to the other tribes of Israel: 'And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd'. (John 10:16) Thus the major portion of the mission of Jesus would 103