Volume 2

238 Life of Jesus Christ
the southern extremity on a tongue of land not far from the
outlet of the Jordan. A large bridge and a danl led to it. Between
the city and the lake was a gently sloping plain
covered with verdure. The city was called Tarichaea.
1. Is. 61: 1.
6. CURE OF LEPERS AT TARICHAEA.
JESUS INSTRUCTS HIS DISCIPLES
IN SIMILITUDES
Jesus did not go into the city. Taking a bypath, He
drew near the southern wall not far from the gate. On the
exterior side of this wall was a row of huts built purposely
for the leprous. As Jesus approached them, He
said to the disciples: HStand at some distance and call out
the lepers. Tell them to follow Me, and I will cleanse
them! When they come out, do ye stand at a distance that
ye may not be alarnled nor contract stain. Moreover do
not speak of what ye shall see, for ye remember the fury
of the Nazarenes. Ye must not scandalize anyone." Then
Jesus went on a little toward the Jordan while the discipIes
called to the sick: HCome out and follow the Prophet
of Nazareth! He will help you!" When the disciples saw
the poor sufferers cOIning out of their huts, they hurried
away. Jesus, turning out of the road that led to the city,
walked slowly toward the region of the Jordan. Five men
of different ages answered the disciples' invitation and
issued from the cells in the city wall. They were clothed
in white garments long and wide, but wore no girdle. On
their head was a cowl from which fell over the face a
black flap with holes in it for the eyes. They followed
Jesus in single file to a retired spot, where He paused.
There the first threw himself at His feet and kissed the
hem of His robe. Jesus turned, laid His hand upon the
leper's head, prayed over him, blessed him, and bade him