The miracles of Jesus - Classical Christian Literature by Athleo.net

THE MIRACLE OF REPARATION 389
have in themselves reflects and epitomises the
many converging beliefs which centre upon their
personality. Political leaders are sometimes incapable
of strong, solitary, unapplauded statesmanship.
Unless the passion of the populace is behind them,
they are weak as water. The irradiated faces of a
spellbound crowd help the voice of the singer to
ranges inaccessible in solitary practice. Ten thousand
heart-beats reinforce the genius of the man who is
making himself the mouthpiece of a widespread
aspiration. The most commanding leaders sometimes
become limp, inane, and ineffectual when they are
left
alone.
Now that they see Him treated as a common felon,
Christ's own followers are disenchanted. Those
nearest to Him have little more than half-beliefs left.
But the wonder-working power of the Prophet is the
same, for it does not rest upon outward stimulations.
Whilst the attending disciples, filled with dismay, are
just girding up their loins for
flight, our Lord works
His last earthly miracle, sign of the fact that He does
not draw His power from the plaudits and frenzied
enthusiasms of the multitude ; but from a source
higher than the rising and setting sun and stars.
He
heals just as promptly as when the hills and valleys
were alive with the wondering crowds who followed
Him from place to place. He obeys the promptings
of the divine pity which speaks within Him, and in
the midst of His armed and cursing foes, heals with as
significant a mastery as when the aristocracy of a
small town came out to support the Centurion's prayer.
The emergency of the hour required it, and He could
heal unbesought, as well as in response to tears and