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The Seventh Lesson: The Beginning of the End.1029
good of the world. And still we hear the querulous complaint that the Inner
Teaching is reserved for the Few—why not scatter it broadcast among the
people? The stake, the rack, the stones, the prison cell, the cross and their
modern prototypes—these are the silent answers to the question.
Moving on toward Jerusalem the little company reached Perea, a number
of miles from Bethany, at which latter place dwelt a family of His friends—
the two sisters, Martha and Mary, and their brother Lazarus. At this place
He was met by a messenger from Bethany, who bore the sad news that
His friend Lazarus was sick unto death, and who also begged the Master
to return to Bethany and cure the man. But this Jesus refused to do, and
allowed several days to pass without answering the summons. At the end of
the several days He started toward Bethany, telling His disciples that Lazarus
was dead. And reaching Bethany they found that it was indeed so—Lazarus
was dead and in the tomb.
Jesus was received with scowling antagonism. The people seemed to say,
“Here is this heretical imposter again. He feared to come even to the aid of
His dying friend. His power has failed Him and He now stands discredited
and exposed!” Then came Martha, who reproached the Master with His
indifference and delay. He answered her that Lazarus should rise again, but
she doubted His word. Then came Mary, whose grief brought tears even
from the Master, who had seen so much of human suffering as to have found
his eyes refuse to weep.
Then asked the Master, “Where have you laid him away?” and they took
Him to the tomb, followed by the curious mob hungering for the sight of
more wonders from the man whom they feared even while hating and
reviling Him. Jesus stood before the dreary tomb and bade the men roll away
the stone that closed the mouth of the tomb. The men hesitated, for they
knew that a corpse lay within, and they even perceived the characteristic
odor of the tomb issuing therefrom. But the Master insisting upon it, they
rolled away the stone and Jesus stood full in front of the dark opening to
the cavern.