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A Series of Lessons in Mystic Christianity992
base proposal with the horror of the true mystic,—he met his fate like a man
knowing the Truth, and the head which graced the royal platter bore upon
its face no expression of fear or regret. John had conquered even in Death.
Jesus retired once more into the Desert upon the news of John’s death
reaching him. Added to His sorrow came the conviction that there was a
new work set before Him to do. John’s death necessitated a combining of
the work of the Baptist with that of Jesus’ own ministry. The followers of the
two teachers must be combined into one great body, under the supervision
of the Master Himself, aided by the most worthy and capable of His disciples.
The tragic death of John played a most important part in the future ministry
of the Master, and He sought the solace and inspiration of the Desert in His
consideration of the plans and details of His new work. Students will note
that from the time He emerged from the Desert He threw off the cloak of
reserve and retirement and stepped boldly before the people as an ardent
preacher to multitudes and an impassioned orator and public speaker. No
more the little circle of appreciative students—the rostrum with the great
crowds of hearers were His from that time.
Returning from His work in Samaria and Judea, He once more made
Galilee the scene of His principal work. The new spirit which He now threw
into His preaching attracted the attention of the public, and enormous
crowds attended His meetings. He spoke now with a new air of authority,
differing greatly from His former mild tones as a teacher of the few. Parables
and allegories and other rich Oriental figures of speech fell from His lips,
and many of the educated classes flocked to hear the wonderful young
orator and preacher. He seemed to have an intuitive insight into the minds
of His hearers, and His appeals reached their hearts as personal calls to
righteousness, right thinking and right living. From this time on His ministry
assumed the character of an active propaganda, instead of the usual quiet
mission of the Mystic.
And here began that remarkable series of wonder workings or “miracles”
which He evidently employed to attract the attention of the public and