YORWW Congregation Manuscript #1003: Minas Parable Explained
Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 9:36 pm
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Luke 19:11-27 -- The "minas" represent knowledge of Sacred Secrets and the precious "understanding" of such, for first century christians. It represents Special Bible Understanding of God's Sacred Purposes, not commonly known within mankind in general. Which means, the "minas" can then be something tangible that we can see in a person. We can see if the person can comprehend these things, and when they cannot. We can see when these things are even, "taken away" from a person, as in the case of the unfaithful "locusts" of the "first woe". In such a case, the person has "blasphemed the spirit", wherein there is no forgiveness, forevermore for doing this. It is the "sin that incurs death," that John referred to. Blaspheming the Spirit, where John says, we should not even pray for such a person, nor should we "make request" of God to forgive such a person. (Matthew 12:31, 32; 1 John 5:16) Because of this great "sin" being committed on their parts, blaspheming God's Holy Spirit, the unfaithful "locusts" will unwittingly fulfill the actual contents of Luke 13:24-30, showing the great value of the lesson to be learned about proper use of the "minas" or "talents" [True Bible Understanding of Sacred Secrets] that God grants his servants today, as in the past, yes...to "do business with" ... till he "comes" for the all-important "inspection." -- Luke 19:13; Luke 19:44; Revelation 9:1-12
Yes, we must remember that Jehovah God can and will, yes, "take away" from the undutiful disciple, the unfruitful disciple, this true bible understanding, if he/she proves themselves to be unfaithful in the discharging of their Godly Responsibility to "do business with" these gifts from God. Yes, as John said, "every branch in me NOT BEARING FRUIT He [Jehovah] takes away..." (John 15:2) Therefore a faithful disciple and servant of God, then must always, always prove himself worthy to "do business" with his God-Given BIBLE UNDERSTANDING from Jehovah. This Sacred Trust from Jehovah God Himself. He must value it like a "pearl of high value," always. In this way, the MDS fulfilled the contents of Matthew 13:44-46, uniquely and becomes the primary modern day example of placing a high value on "pearls" and spiritual "treasures" that truly come from Jehovah God. Real Bible Truth. -- Proverbs 3:13-15
In our day, we call true bible understanding, the "Talents". In other words, we today use the sacred bible knowledge and understanding that God gives us, well to be blessed. And realize that if we don't use these "talents" properly, and we could possibly end up as one who had their bible understanding "taken away" from us. We could become even a church-going trinitarian, thrown outside into "darkness," like the unfaithful modern day "locusts" of the first "woe," those who proved unfaithful, those who have "blasphemed God's Spirit" completely, in our modern times. -- See Matthew 25:28-30; Luke 19:26; Revelation 9:1-12
Below we will list 7 key points on how we can use the illustration of the "minas" to help a Jehovah's Witness see that this particular illustration had unique fulfillment within the first century.
1) Jesus gave the "minas" to his first century disciples, and no one else. We must highlight this point.Therefore, it is logical then that Jesus would come back to the same disciples, all done within their lifetimes, and collect or harvest additional "fruits" for His Father, the Chief Cultivator and Owner of the Vineyard. Jesus as the "heir" or "Son," then would be officially appointed to look after His father's interests, His vineyard. Jesus then would be expected to "reap what he did not sow," the verse says. In other words, Jesus wants and expects to get...increase, for His Father. -- Matthew 21:33-44
It appears that since 70 c.e., then no "minas" have been "given out" to professed christians. Jesus gave them out all during the years between 30 and 70 c.e. After 70 c.e. it stopped completely. Which explains the evident lack of bible understanding prevalent today and over the past 2,000 since that time. This is evident in the fact of the visible apostate condition of professing "christians" turning away from the faith, and turning to "teachings of demons" and other "false stories" since that time, since 70 c.e.. -- 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 4:3, 4
Matthew 24:40, 41 shows Jesus came and "abandoned" all unfaithful "christians" in 70 c.e.. This situation opened the doors for the unfaithful from among the congregations of the first century, to carry on worship, but in an "abandoned" state. It was this "abandoned" state or state of being a "blasphemer of the spirit" that has lead to such "teachings of demons" like the blasphemous trinity teaching, the hellfire doctrines, the veneration of "images" within worship. These "abandoned" unfaithful disciples of Christ, were "abandoned" officially in 70 c.e. Also, it was around this time too, when the DE-emphasis upon God's Great Name, got its horrendous start. 70 c.e. was the "cut-off" point.
2) Verse 15 of Luke 19 explains that Jesus would first secure Kingly power for himself. Then he would "return" to give inspection to his servants, before rewarding them with heavenly life and rulership in the heavens with himself. Now we know, at this juncture, most JWs will argue the fact that Jesus "secured" kingly power in the first century. (If they argue this point, then explain that fact, first. In other words, you will have to destroy the 1914 Lie, first in this case.) But if they believe that something is wrong with this 1914 teaching, then they may be able to better understand that Jesus "secured kingly power" in the first century and how the "minas" parable will help them better understand this situation. Even if they are undecided about this point, still the information presented here on Luke 19th chapter, could help you make your case to them. Of course, we know the overwhelming evidence is that Jesus did indeed "secure kingly power," and returned too, in the first century to give close inspection to his disciples in 70 c.e..
Therefore, these "slaves" that Jesus was to deal with, then would be the same disciples that he gave the "minas" to. In fact, the bible account actually says when he returned, he called to himself those "slaves to whom he had given the silver money" to. If Jesus tried to collect from disciples today, these would be people that he never gave anything to, in the first place. So the illustration wouldn't make sense. -- See Verse 15
3) Matthew 3:11 makes clear that first century Christians were to be "baptized with" either, "spirit" or "fire." One or the other. This makes for a unique combination of events that fell upon the Jewish Nation, with both events being completely accomplished by 70 c.e. This is a reasonable conclusion, in itself. First, the "spirit" baptism which occurred at Pentecost. A known fact. We can easily prove this. And secondly, the "fire" baptism occurring in 70 c.e. The "fire" is described as fire "that can not be put out." (Matthew 3:12) Which means the baptism of the "fire" represents everlasting destruction of Jesus' enemies. This would include the Jewish nation of Israel --- those who didn't accept him as King, the "citizens that hated him," Jesus mentioned at Luke 19:14, 27. Also it would include any and all unfaithful professed christians, which would also be destroyed everlastingly, by being "abandoned" to spiritual "darkness" forevermore.
With this particular understanding of matters, then makes for special meaning to the words "truly I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away until all things occur." All things that Jesus promised would occur within ONE "generational" period. -- Luke 21:32
The eternal destruction of both groups is brought out by Paul at 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10. He clearly says there that: "these very ones will undergo the judicial punishment of everlasting destruction." This "Judicial Punishment of Everlasting Destruction" was given out logically, in 70 c.e. (Please remember, members of the Jewish nation that came into contact with Jesus directly, was promised a resurrection from the dead, even if they did not listen to Jesus, at Matthew 12:41, 42. But, not so for those in the Mosiac Covenant, that remained "unconverted" to christianity by 70 c.e. If they waited, then they would have been "judged" because of a 40 year judgment period being passed upon them in 70 c.e. (Jesus actually died in 30 c.e., most bible scholars and historians say.)
4) Highlighting the importance of Luke 19, in verses 12 we see the word "return", and in verse 13 we see the word "come", and in verse 23 we see the word "arrival"...showing these three words all mean the same thing. Jesus' "arrival," "coming" and "return" means the same event. Jesus then, could have had a second "coming," second "arrival," and a official "return," all within the first century...by the year of 70 c.e.
5) Luke 19:14, 27 shows the "citizens who hated Jesus" did not want him to become "king". Which time period would this apply better? The first century or our modern day time period. Realistically, it would be difficult today to find a person who feels this way. A person who today, does not want Jesus Christ to become "King" over them? Hardly no one on earth would say such a thing. This situation is more appropriately applied to the Jewish nation of the first century, who were totally unconcerned for the most part about Jesus' ministry...but were preoccupied with establishing their independence from the Roman yoke of domination.
6) Jesus encounters the same "slaves" to recompense them according to their "business activity." The punishment for not "doing business" was to have the "minas" plus "even what he has" to be miraculously, in uncanny fashion, yes, "taken away" from them. So then, what is "taken away," from these unfaithful disciples, is actually bible understanding. And even things that they knew before Jesus gave them the "minas", bible understanding on a elementary level, was also "taken away" from them. This "taking away" action on Jesus' part, then occurred in 70 c.e. -- Verse 26
Today, who can we point to as having received "minas" from Jesus -- which religious organization can make such a claim? Which religious organization has Jesus actually given "minas" to do business with, with must ask? Today there is total religious confusion, even among professed "christians" on a unprecedented scale...worldwide. So then, Jesus could not "recompense" his disciples accordingly, as to how they have used the all-important "minas", as promised. (Matthew 16:27) That's because no "minas" have been given out at all. Therefore, Jesus has a positive as well as a negative "encounter" then with the same disciples, that he originally "gave" minas to in the first century, as promised in verse 15.
7) The expression: "do business till I come" mentioned in verse 13, matches what Jesus said in Matthew 28:20: "...I am with you until the conclusion of the system of things." Now what did Jesus mean by such an expression? Has Jesus been with professed "christian" disciples, ever since the first century, for the past 2,000 years? Has Jesus "been with" the world of professed "christians", all throughout the brutal "crusades" wars against the Muslims, all throughout the "Spanish Inquisition" Period, the brutal enslavement of various races of people as practiced in the name of religion, with their blessings, the terrible massacre of millions of people, done through the name of God, bloody warfare between nations, and so on...Has Jesus Christ "been with" mankind, professed "christians" down through these centuries, as the record of history shows? The answer is obvious. No, he has not. However, if we say, Jesus has "been with" first century christians...up to 70 c.e., then this expression makes more sense.
So then, in 70 c.e. Jesus Christ came back, rewarded his "slaves" by taking them into his "storehouse" as "wheat" of the first century. They were the "wheat" of the first century, which lays the groundwork for the "wheat and weeds" illustration which will be fulfilled with our day and time. -- Matthew 3:12
The "Son of Man" was foretold to come and "recompensed" the faithful, as well as the unfaithful from among the congregational setting. This has a dual application. Just as Matthew 24th chapter does too. (Matthew 16:27) So, accordingly, Jesus was obligated, yes obligated to deal with all those "citizens" of Israel, who did not want him to become "king" over them, those who actually "hated" him, Jesus said. -- Luke 19:14, 27
Therefore, the "minas" parable is applicable to first century christians only, whereas the parable of the "talents" will prove to be a future event and happening, in our modern day time...between the Modern Day "Servant" and certain "disciples" of his, the reformers among Jehovah's Witnesses, who will have to prove themselves, yes prove their faithfulness to Jehovah, during the forthcoming "Great Tribulation." -- Matthew 16:27; Matthew 25:14-30
The "Chieftain" -- Donald C. Burney (yorww)
____________________________________________________________
Review Questions For Article: The Parable of the “Minas” Explained – Luke 19:11-27
1. What did “minas” represent for first century Christians? What happened if these “minas” were misused?
2. How does the above information benefit us today?
3. Who specifically did Jesus give “minas” to and what did he expect they would do with these?
4. Why do we know that no “minas” were given out after 70 C.E.?
5. When Jesus returned after securing Kingly Power, what was his first act according to Luke 19:15?
6. How could this information be used to help Jehovah’s Witnesses reason on the veracity of the 1914 date?
7. At Luke 19:14, Jesus spoke about his “enemies” who did not want him to become king. In verse 27, these “enemies” were slaughtered after he returned with Kingly power. Who must these enemies be?
8. At Matthew 12:41, 42, Jesus said that the generation that heard him but did not pay attention to his teachings would be resurrected only to be condemned by resurrected non-Israelites in the Judgment. Why does this group not include those who were “slaughtered in 70 C.E.?”
9. In verse 26, Jesus spoke about the unfaithful where “even what he had would be taken from him.” What did he mean?
10. In verse 13, Jesus’ disciples were told to “do business till I come.” Matthew 28:20 expresses a similar thought using the “conclusion of the system of things” as the “time” he would come. What questions might we ask concerning this time period?
11. Which time period would Jesus have most logically been referring to?
12. In Jesus’ illustration at Matthew 25:14-30, who is the “man about to travel abroad” and who are “his slaves” that he gives talents to?
To get the answers for the review questions CLICK HERE.
***
THE PARABLE OF THE "MINAS" EXPLAINED -- Luke 19:11-27
YORWW Congregation Manuscript #1003
YORWW Congregation Manuscript #1003
Luke 19:11-27 -- The "minas" represent knowledge of Sacred Secrets and the precious "understanding" of such, for first century christians. It represents Special Bible Understanding of God's Sacred Purposes, not commonly known within mankind in general. Which means, the "minas" can then be something tangible that we can see in a person. We can see if the person can comprehend these things, and when they cannot. We can see when these things are even, "taken away" from a person, as in the case of the unfaithful "locusts" of the "first woe". In such a case, the person has "blasphemed the spirit", wherein there is no forgiveness, forevermore for doing this. It is the "sin that incurs death," that John referred to. Blaspheming the Spirit, where John says, we should not even pray for such a person, nor should we "make request" of God to forgive such a person. (Matthew 12:31, 32; 1 John 5:16) Because of this great "sin" being committed on their parts, blaspheming God's Holy Spirit, the unfaithful "locusts" will unwittingly fulfill the actual contents of Luke 13:24-30, showing the great value of the lesson to be learned about proper use of the "minas" or "talents" [True Bible Understanding of Sacred Secrets] that God grants his servants today, as in the past, yes...to "do business with" ... till he "comes" for the all-important "inspection." -- Luke 19:13; Luke 19:44; Revelation 9:1-12
Yes, we must remember that Jehovah God can and will, yes, "take away" from the undutiful disciple, the unfruitful disciple, this true bible understanding, if he/she proves themselves to be unfaithful in the discharging of their Godly Responsibility to "do business with" these gifts from God. Yes, as John said, "every branch in me NOT BEARING FRUIT He [Jehovah] takes away..." (John 15:2) Therefore a faithful disciple and servant of God, then must always, always prove himself worthy to "do business" with his God-Given BIBLE UNDERSTANDING from Jehovah. This Sacred Trust from Jehovah God Himself. He must value it like a "pearl of high value," always. In this way, the MDS fulfilled the contents of Matthew 13:44-46, uniquely and becomes the primary modern day example of placing a high value on "pearls" and spiritual "treasures" that truly come from Jehovah God. Real Bible Truth. -- Proverbs 3:13-15
In our day, we call true bible understanding, the "Talents". In other words, we today use the sacred bible knowledge and understanding that God gives us, well to be blessed. And realize that if we don't use these "talents" properly, and we could possibly end up as one who had their bible understanding "taken away" from us. We could become even a church-going trinitarian, thrown outside into "darkness," like the unfaithful modern day "locusts" of the first "woe," those who proved unfaithful, those who have "blasphemed God's Spirit" completely, in our modern times. -- See Matthew 25:28-30; Luke 19:26; Revelation 9:1-12
Below we will list 7 key points on how we can use the illustration of the "minas" to help a Jehovah's Witness see that this particular illustration had unique fulfillment within the first century.
1) Jesus gave the "minas" to his first century disciples, and no one else. We must highlight this point.Therefore, it is logical then that Jesus would come back to the same disciples, all done within their lifetimes, and collect or harvest additional "fruits" for His Father, the Chief Cultivator and Owner of the Vineyard. Jesus as the "heir" or "Son," then would be officially appointed to look after His father's interests, His vineyard. Jesus then would be expected to "reap what he did not sow," the verse says. In other words, Jesus wants and expects to get...increase, for His Father. -- Matthew 21:33-44
It appears that since 70 c.e., then no "minas" have been "given out" to professed christians. Jesus gave them out all during the years between 30 and 70 c.e. After 70 c.e. it stopped completely. Which explains the evident lack of bible understanding prevalent today and over the past 2,000 since that time. This is evident in the fact of the visible apostate condition of professing "christians" turning away from the faith, and turning to "teachings of demons" and other "false stories" since that time, since 70 c.e.. -- 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 4:3, 4
Matthew 24:40, 41 shows Jesus came and "abandoned" all unfaithful "christians" in 70 c.e.. This situation opened the doors for the unfaithful from among the congregations of the first century, to carry on worship, but in an "abandoned" state. It was this "abandoned" state or state of being a "blasphemer of the spirit" that has lead to such "teachings of demons" like the blasphemous trinity teaching, the hellfire doctrines, the veneration of "images" within worship. These "abandoned" unfaithful disciples of Christ, were "abandoned" officially in 70 c.e. Also, it was around this time too, when the DE-emphasis upon God's Great Name, got its horrendous start. 70 c.e. was the "cut-off" point.
2) Verse 15 of Luke 19 explains that Jesus would first secure Kingly power for himself. Then he would "return" to give inspection to his servants, before rewarding them with heavenly life and rulership in the heavens with himself. Now we know, at this juncture, most JWs will argue the fact that Jesus "secured" kingly power in the first century. (If they argue this point, then explain that fact, first. In other words, you will have to destroy the 1914 Lie, first in this case.) But if they believe that something is wrong with this 1914 teaching, then they may be able to better understand that Jesus "secured kingly power" in the first century and how the "minas" parable will help them better understand this situation. Even if they are undecided about this point, still the information presented here on Luke 19th chapter, could help you make your case to them. Of course, we know the overwhelming evidence is that Jesus did indeed "secure kingly power," and returned too, in the first century to give close inspection to his disciples in 70 c.e..
Therefore, these "slaves" that Jesus was to deal with, then would be the same disciples that he gave the "minas" to. In fact, the bible account actually says when he returned, he called to himself those "slaves to whom he had given the silver money" to. If Jesus tried to collect from disciples today, these would be people that he never gave anything to, in the first place. So the illustration wouldn't make sense. -- See Verse 15
3) Matthew 3:11 makes clear that first century Christians were to be "baptized with" either, "spirit" or "fire." One or the other. This makes for a unique combination of events that fell upon the Jewish Nation, with both events being completely accomplished by 70 c.e. This is a reasonable conclusion, in itself. First, the "spirit" baptism which occurred at Pentecost. A known fact. We can easily prove this. And secondly, the "fire" baptism occurring in 70 c.e. The "fire" is described as fire "that can not be put out." (Matthew 3:12) Which means the baptism of the "fire" represents everlasting destruction of Jesus' enemies. This would include the Jewish nation of Israel --- those who didn't accept him as King, the "citizens that hated him," Jesus mentioned at Luke 19:14, 27. Also it would include any and all unfaithful professed christians, which would also be destroyed everlastingly, by being "abandoned" to spiritual "darkness" forevermore.
With this particular understanding of matters, then makes for special meaning to the words "truly I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away until all things occur." All things that Jesus promised would occur within ONE "generational" period. -- Luke 21:32
The eternal destruction of both groups is brought out by Paul at 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10. He clearly says there that: "these very ones will undergo the judicial punishment of everlasting destruction." This "Judicial Punishment of Everlasting Destruction" was given out logically, in 70 c.e. (Please remember, members of the Jewish nation that came into contact with Jesus directly, was promised a resurrection from the dead, even if they did not listen to Jesus, at Matthew 12:41, 42. But, not so for those in the Mosiac Covenant, that remained "unconverted" to christianity by 70 c.e. If they waited, then they would have been "judged" because of a 40 year judgment period being passed upon them in 70 c.e. (Jesus actually died in 30 c.e., most bible scholars and historians say.)
4) Highlighting the importance of Luke 19, in verses 12 we see the word "return", and in verse 13 we see the word "come", and in verse 23 we see the word "arrival"...showing these three words all mean the same thing. Jesus' "arrival," "coming" and "return" means the same event. Jesus then, could have had a second "coming," second "arrival," and a official "return," all within the first century...by the year of 70 c.e.
5) Luke 19:14, 27 shows the "citizens who hated Jesus" did not want him to become "king". Which time period would this apply better? The first century or our modern day time period. Realistically, it would be difficult today to find a person who feels this way. A person who today, does not want Jesus Christ to become "King" over them? Hardly no one on earth would say such a thing. This situation is more appropriately applied to the Jewish nation of the first century, who were totally unconcerned for the most part about Jesus' ministry...but were preoccupied with establishing their independence from the Roman yoke of domination.
6) Jesus encounters the same "slaves" to recompense them according to their "business activity." The punishment for not "doing business" was to have the "minas" plus "even what he has" to be miraculously, in uncanny fashion, yes, "taken away" from them. So then, what is "taken away," from these unfaithful disciples, is actually bible understanding. And even things that they knew before Jesus gave them the "minas", bible understanding on a elementary level, was also "taken away" from them. This "taking away" action on Jesus' part, then occurred in 70 c.e. -- Verse 26
Today, who can we point to as having received "minas" from Jesus -- which religious organization can make such a claim? Which religious organization has Jesus actually given "minas" to do business with, with must ask? Today there is total religious confusion, even among professed "christians" on a unprecedented scale...worldwide. So then, Jesus could not "recompense" his disciples accordingly, as to how they have used the all-important "minas", as promised. (Matthew 16:27) That's because no "minas" have been given out at all. Therefore, Jesus has a positive as well as a negative "encounter" then with the same disciples, that he originally "gave" minas to in the first century, as promised in verse 15.
7) The expression: "do business till I come" mentioned in verse 13, matches what Jesus said in Matthew 28:20: "...I am with you until the conclusion of the system of things." Now what did Jesus mean by such an expression? Has Jesus been with professed "christian" disciples, ever since the first century, for the past 2,000 years? Has Jesus "been with" the world of professed "christians", all throughout the brutal "crusades" wars against the Muslims, all throughout the "Spanish Inquisition" Period, the brutal enslavement of various races of people as practiced in the name of religion, with their blessings, the terrible massacre of millions of people, done through the name of God, bloody warfare between nations, and so on...Has Jesus Christ "been with" mankind, professed "christians" down through these centuries, as the record of history shows? The answer is obvious. No, he has not. However, if we say, Jesus has "been with" first century christians...up to 70 c.e., then this expression makes more sense.
So then, in 70 c.e. Jesus Christ came back, rewarded his "slaves" by taking them into his "storehouse" as "wheat" of the first century. They were the "wheat" of the first century, which lays the groundwork for the "wheat and weeds" illustration which will be fulfilled with our day and time. -- Matthew 3:12
The "Son of Man" was foretold to come and "recompensed" the faithful, as well as the unfaithful from among the congregational setting. This has a dual application. Just as Matthew 24th chapter does too. (Matthew 16:27) So, accordingly, Jesus was obligated, yes obligated to deal with all those "citizens" of Israel, who did not want him to become "king" over them, those who actually "hated" him, Jesus said. -- Luke 19:14, 27
Therefore, the "minas" parable is applicable to first century christians only, whereas the parable of the "talents" will prove to be a future event and happening, in our modern day time...between the Modern Day "Servant" and certain "disciples" of his, the reformers among Jehovah's Witnesses, who will have to prove themselves, yes prove their faithfulness to Jehovah, during the forthcoming "Great Tribulation." -- Matthew 16:27; Matthew 25:14-30
The "Chieftain" -- Donald C. Burney (yorww)
____________________________________________________________
Review Questions For Article: The Parable of the “Minas” Explained – Luke 19:11-27
1. What did “minas” represent for first century Christians? What happened if these “minas” were misused?
2. How does the above information benefit us today?
3. Who specifically did Jesus give “minas” to and what did he expect they would do with these?
4. Why do we know that no “minas” were given out after 70 C.E.?
5. When Jesus returned after securing Kingly Power, what was his first act according to Luke 19:15?
6. How could this information be used to help Jehovah’s Witnesses reason on the veracity of the 1914 date?
7. At Luke 19:14, Jesus spoke about his “enemies” who did not want him to become king. In verse 27, these “enemies” were slaughtered after he returned with Kingly power. Who must these enemies be?
8. At Matthew 12:41, 42, Jesus said that the generation that heard him but did not pay attention to his teachings would be resurrected only to be condemned by resurrected non-Israelites in the Judgment. Why does this group not include those who were “slaughtered in 70 C.E.?”
9. In verse 26, Jesus spoke about the unfaithful where “even what he had would be taken from him.” What did he mean?
10. In verse 13, Jesus’ disciples were told to “do business till I come.” Matthew 28:20 expresses a similar thought using the “conclusion of the system of things” as the “time” he would come. What questions might we ask concerning this time period?
11. Which time period would Jesus have most logically been referring to?
12. In Jesus’ illustration at Matthew 25:14-30, who is the “man about to travel abroad” and who are “his slaves” that he gives talents to?
To get the answers for the review questions CLICK HERE.
***