And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to
go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when
he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray:
and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with
waves: for the wind was contrary.
And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them,
walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they
were troubled, saying It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good
cheer, it is I; be not afraid.
— Matt. 14:22-27
For most people there is but one world: the material,
physical world in which they can see, hear, touch, taste, and feel. The more
enlightened person, however, knows that higher worlds of finer substance
exist, and that we are now being prepared to live in them in the future. Much
of the teaching of Christ Jesus pertained to future conditions wherein we will
function in more ethereal states of matter, as He did at the time He was upon
the Earth.
The vehicle which humanity began to evolve through living
the life of love and service as taught by Christ Jesus is the soul body, and
He emphasized the importance of acquiring this luminous "golden wedding
garment" by numerous veiled references to it in His parables, etc.
Interpreting the above passage from the esoteric viewpoint, we would
understand that He is assisting His disciples into the invisible realms, away
from the multitudes, indeed, in the soul body, which is spoken of as a
"ship." Only the vanguard of humanity, such as the disciples, had
soul bodies at the time of Christ Jesus, and the multitude could not follow
into the invisible realms for lack of a suitable vehicle. Then, "He went
up into a mountain apart to pray," which may be interpreted to mean that
He withdrew into a high state of consciousness to prepare for work on the
inner planes with His disciples.
The disciples, not being thoroughly trained in functioning
on the inner planes, were having their difficulties, and their
"ship" was "tossed by the waves" of the desire world. The
desire world, particularly the lower regions, is a turbulent place for those
not fully prepared to function there, but Christ Jesus, with His power over
all conditions, was able to bring harmony wherever He chose. His ability to
"walk on the sea" indicates that He had entirely mastered His desire
nature, the goal set for every spiritual aspirant.
Among the first tests given the neophyte on the inner planes
is that in regard to fear. Many experiences of various kinds are given to
train the aspirant not to fear, for until he has conquered this emotion to a
considerable extent he cannot cope with the beings on the invisible planes.
Some of these are exceedingly repulsive and dangerous in appearance, but may
easily be kept in their places by an attitude of poise andfaith.
"Perfect love casteth out fear," and as we evolve the soul body
through love and service we automatically dispel the lower emotions. An inner
realization of the Christ Presence leaves no room for negative feelings, for
the Spirit responds to the assurance of the words: "Lo, it is I,be not
afraid."
— Rays from the Rose Cross Magazine,October, 1975, page 458
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