King of the Jews | Page 7

friends in Bethany, and then go to Jerusalem, where in these
days all will be fulfilled which has been written by the prophets
concerning the Son of Man."
The disciples understood not his saying, and after some questioning
among themselves Philip ventured to address Jesus, saying unto him,
"Has the day then really come at last when thou wilt restore the
kingdom to Israel?"
Jesus looked upon Philip with tender compassion, and said unto him,
"Then shall the Son of Man be delivered up to the Gentiles, and shall
be mocked and spat upon and they will crucify him; but on the third
day he will rise again."
Then said John in a voice that trembled with emotion, as the other
disciples gazed at each other in horror, "Dear master, what dark and
terrible words thou speakest. What are we to understand by them?
Make it clear unto us."
Then Jesus answered and said unto him, "The hour is now come when
the Son of Man shall be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, if a
corn of wheat does not fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone, but

if it die it bringeth forth much fruit. Now is the judgment of the world.
Now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up
from the earth, will draw all men unto me."
Then were the breasts of the disciples troubled, for they could not
understand what these things meant. Thaddeus said to Simon, "What
does he mean by this speech?"
Simon replied with a puzzled air, "Why does he compare himself to a
grain of corn?"
Then said Andrew unto him, "Lord, thou speakest at once of shame and
of victory. I know not how to reconcile those ideas in my mind."
Jesus said, "That which is now dark to you as the night will be as clear
as the day. I have told you before that you may not lose courage
whatever may happen. Believe and hope. When the tribulation is
passed, then you will see and understand."
Thomas answered and said unto him, "What I cannot understand is that
thou shouldst speak of suffering and of death. Have we not heard from
the prophets that the Messiah shall live forever? What can thine
enemies do unto thee? One single word from thee would annihilate
them all."
Jesus said unto him, "Thomas, reverence the secret counsels of God
which thou canst not fathom."
Then, turning to the others, he said, "Yet a little while is the light with
you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you."
By this time they had approached near the village of Bethany, and there
met them one Simon, after whom there came Lazarus, who was raised
from the dead, with Martha, his sister, and Mary Magdalene, the latter
tall, dark, with long black hair, in dark blue dress with a yellow mantle.
Simon pressed forward; he was an old man and he hastened to meet
Jesus. "Welcome, best of teachers, O what joy that thou shouldst honor

my house with thy entrance. Dear friends, be also welcome," he
exclaimed; but he was startled to hear the reply, "Simon, for the last
time I, with my disciples, lay claim to thy hospitality."
Simon replied in grief, "Say not so, Lord. Often still shall Bethany
afford thee brief repose."
By this time Lazarus drew near; he was of less than middle stature and
silent, as if his sojourn in the other world left him little to speak of in
this. "See," said Jesus, "there is our friend Lazarus."
"My Lord," cried Lazarus, embracing him, "the vanquisher of death,
lifegiver and Lord, I see thee once again and hear the voice that called
me from the grave."
Then hastened the Magdalene to his side, and kneeling down, "Rabbi,"
she exclaimed; Martha also said, "Welcome, Rabbi."
Then Jesus blessed them, saying, "God's blessing be upon you!"
Then Martha asked, "Wilt thou Lord, grant me the happiness of serving
thee?" while the Magdalene timidly inquired, "Wilt thou despise a
token of love and gratitude from me?"
And Jesus replied with tenderness, "Do, good souls, that which you
purpose to do."
Then said Simon, "Best of masters, come under my roof and refresh
thyself and thy disciples."
So Jesus entered into Simon's house, exclaiming, "Peace be upon this
house," to which the disciples added, speaking together, "And to all
that dwell therein." Then said Simon, "Lord, all is ready, set thee down
at table and bid thy disciples sit down also."
Then Jesus sat down to meat, saying, "Let us now, beloved disciples,
enjoy with thanks the gifts which our Father in heaven bestows upon us
through Simon, his servant. O Jerusalem, would that my coming were

as dear