We immediately see this as a method—a religious/ missionary/ evangelical one to categorize and identify which man is “in” and and which man is “out;” and unfortunately, a method by which we strengthen (oh no, maybe even save) our ego. But that is not what Jesus means when he says “No man...” Jesus means that man gets in his own way. It is precisely man himself—his very “man-ness” that is blocking the way to where he wants to go: the place of no more desires; the place outside of the value structure; a place only of Life. Our ego—this thing Adam became—has to change; we feel it, but we can’t do it. So, along with all our other constant desiring, we desire a “method” to strengthen our position—our ego—our “I.” But the more we try...the more we fail; and all that happens is we talk and talk and strain, and our guilt increases. Jesus is not a method. There is no method. (Is there a method to love?) Jesus wants that illusion to die—to lay down.
The only real work of love is to disappear. When we love what we do, self-consciousness disappears. To love another, we must only work to become less and less and less. It is odd to the point of impossibility—which is why it is only by divine gift. No “man” could ever do it. It is a letting go kind of work. It is knowing Jesus in a completely different kind of way—and of being truly known—it just...happens. Specifically outside of the purview of the “knower.” What did Job know? THERE IS NO ME! Is there “knowing” without a “knower”? Jesus is the answer—and the answer is yes. “The only work which the Father requires is to know the one He sent.”
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