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The Seventh Lesson: The Beginning of the End.1023
His disciples—John, Peter and James—He entered the chamber of death.
Waving back the weeping family and the neighbors who had gathered,
“Stand back,” He cried, “the child is not dead—she but sleepeth.”
An indignant cry went up from the orthodox relatives and friends at
these words of the Master. How dared He so mock the very presence of the
dead, whom the physicians had left, and over whom the priests had already
begun the last sacred rites? But, heeding them not, the Master passed His
hands over the child’s head, and took her little cold palms within his own.
Then began a strange happening. The little chest began to heave, and the
white wan cheeks began to show traces of color. Then the arms and hands
began to move, and the wasted limbs drew slightly up. Then, opening her
eyes with a wondering look, the child gazed at the Healer and smiled gently
at Him. Then the Master, with a look of gentle tenderness, withdrew from
the room, after ordering that nourishing food be brought for the child.
Then began the usual dispute. Some declared that another had been
raised from the dead, while others declared that the child had but been
in a trance and would have awakened anyway. Had not even the Healer
declared that she only slept? But Jesus heeded not the disputants, but
returned to the scene of His work.
The work went on in its accustomed way. He began to send His apostles
away on longer and more extended tours, having fully instructed them in
the occult methods of healing. Great success attended their efforts and
the best reports came in from all sides. The authorities recognized to a still
greater extent the growing influence of the young Master, and His actions
were still more closely watched by the spies. Reports of His teachings and
work were carried to Herod, who, recognizing in them the same note that
had been struck by John the Baptist, who had been put to death, perceived
that though men might die, the spirit of their teachings would still live on.
No wonder the guilty ruler should cry in terror, “This verily is the spirit of
John, whom I put to death, risen from the grave to wreak vengeance upon
me!” And the authorities reported to Rome that here was a young fanatic,