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

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

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DEMONIACS IN THE COUNTRY OF<br />

THE GADARENES<br />

<strong>The</strong> Prayer <strong>of</strong> the Gadarenes<br />

"And they began to pray him to<br />

—Mark v. 17.<br />

depart out <strong>of</strong> their coasts."<br />

THIS is the miracle at which men smile. <strong>The</strong><br />

Higher Criticism <strong>of</strong> the street draws the line at<br />

this. Yet Matthew, Mark, and Luke record it.<br />

Surely there is truth hidden somewhere in this story.<br />

Yes, and a bitter, terrible truth. <strong>The</strong> Gospels border<br />

on irony in this narrative. <strong>The</strong> scourge <strong>of</strong> knotted<br />

cords is here. A fearful phase <strong>of</strong> human nature<br />

and a pathetic aspect <strong>of</strong> Christ's work are shown in<br />

these verses. To him who reads between the lines<br />

there is here scant food for laughter, but much<br />

cause for tears.<br />

Exactly what the incident in itself was, is<br />

probably<br />

irrecoverable for evermore. But the parable <strong>of</strong> the<br />

miracle is a mirror <strong>of</strong> truth. Who can stand its<br />

challenge <br />

61

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