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The Fourth Lesson: The Beginning of the Ministry.985
The guests began to gather, each depositing his sandals in the outer court,
and entering the guest chamber barefooted, after carefully bathing his feet
and ankles after the custom still prevailing in Oriental countries. Jesus was
accompanied by a few of His faithful followers. His mother, and His several
brothers were also among the blood-relations present at the feast.
His appearance caused much interest and comment among the other
guests. To some He was simply a traveling religious teacher, not uncommon
in that land, to others He was an inspired prophet, bringing a wonderful
Message to the Jewish people, as He had to the Persians, Egyptians and
Hindus; to others he was more than this, and whispers of “He is the Messiah”;
“The King of Israel,” etc., began to circulate among those present, causing
interest, uneasiness or disgust, according to the views of the hearers. But
whenever He moved, He attracted attention by His manner, attitude and
expression. All felt that here indeed was an Individual. Strange stories of His
wanderings in strange lands added additional interest to His presence.
A feeling that something unusual was about to happen began to creep
over the crowd, as is the case often preceding such events. Mary, His mother,
watched her son with longing eyes, for she saw that some strange change
had come over Him, that was beyond her comprehension.
Toward the end of the feast, it began to be whispered around among the
near relatives that the supply of wine was about exhausted, the attendance
having been much greater than had been expected. This, to a Jewish family,
was akin to a family disgrace, and anxious looks began to be exchanged
among the members of the immediate family.
Tradition has it that Jesus was besought for aid by His mother and other
female kinswoman. Just what they expected Him to do is not clear, but it is
probable that they unconsciously recognized His greatness, and accorded
Him the place of the natural Head of the Family, as being the most prominent
member. At any rate, they asked His aid. What arguments they used, or
what reasons they urged, we do not know, but whatever they were, they
succeeded in winning Him to their side, and gaining from Him a promise of