Volume 2

John's Imprisonment
161
Lazarus, abed, Joseph of Arimathea's nephews, the
bridegroom of Cana, and some other disciples, had arrived
at Mary's house near Capharnaum. There were
present also about seven women, relatives and friends,
awaiting the return of Jesus. They went in and out the
house and gazed along the road, to catch the first sight of
Him. And now came some of John's disciples with the
news of their master's imprisonment, which filled the
hearts of the little company with anxiety. The disciples
then went on to meet Jesus with whom they came up not
far from Capharnaum, and made known to Him their errand.
He consoled them, and continued His way to His
Mother's alone. He had sent His disciples on in advance.
Lazarus came out to meet Him, and washed His feet in
the vestibule.
When Jesus entered the apartment, the men bowed
low before Him. He greeted them, and went up to His
Mother, to whom He stretched out His hands. She, too,
most lovingly and humbly inclined to Him. There was
no rushing into each other's arms; their meeting was full
of tender and ingenuous reserve, which touched all present
and made upon them the holiest impression. Then
Jesus turned toward the other women, who lowered their
veils and sank on their knees before Him. He was accustomed
to give His blessing at such meetings and
leavetakings.
I saw now a repast made ready, and the men reclining
around the table, the women at one end sitting crosslegged.
They spoke indignantly of John's imprisonment,
but Jesus rebuked them. He said that they should not be
angry and pass sentence upon it, for that it had to be.
Were John not removed from the scene, He Himself
would not be able to begin His work and go to Bethania.
Then He told them of the people among whom He had
been. Of Jesus' coming, none knew excepting those present
and the confidential disciples. Jesus slept with the