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

THE MIRACLE OF REPARATION 391
decline of popularity in the last year of His ministry.
But Luke's narrative enables us to see that this
so-called illusion persists in the mind which has
somewhat reluctantly entertained it after the very
mainspring of its vitality has been destroyed. The
applause of the multitude is over, haunting the
memory only like the sad murmur of a far-off sea.
Dejected and disappointed disciples are on the tiptoe
for flight.
Infuriated foes who laugh to scorn His
claims, gape upon Him like bulls of Bashan. Pikes
and knives, spears and lances, glitter in the moonlight.
Having surrendered Himself to His captors, who bind
Him, He asks permission to withdraw His hand from
their toils for this last act of grace and power. His
popularity was at low-water mark. Does this look as
though His claim to superhuman gifts had been suggested
by the faith of credulous and excited followers
The healing virtue with which He was replenished
knew no finite vicissitudes, and did not ebb with the
tide of His outward fortunes. The consciousness of
it
was not kindled by the enthusiasm of His disciples,
or this last touch would have issued in ignominious
disenchantment both for Himself and for others.
The moraines, in mountain valleys, mark the melting
line of old glaciers. The old ice-rivers could not
carry the boulders they had borne from the mountain
heights an inch beyond the point at which they were
dissolved. This miracle lies beyond the zone at
which popular enthusiasm has melted away, and Jesus
achieves it, not by the stimulating plaudits of His
followers, but by the will and indwelling power of the
Father with whom He is
one.
In one of his graphic stories, Sir Walter Scott gives