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A Series of Lessons in Mystic Christianity1034
of loaves and fishes. They crowded around Him wishing to be among the
victorious host. But He encouraged them not—neither spoke He a word to
them. He knew them for the time-servers that they were.
The crowds of Jerusalem hearing of His approach, and moved by curiosity
to witness His triumphant entry into the City, flocked around the suburbs
through which He would approach. At last the cry went up, “Here He comes!”
and to their amazement and disgust the crowd saw Him riding quietly info
the City mounted on an ass, without display, pretense or pose. The crowd
scattered, sneering and reviling Him. But the pilgrims were becoming more
and more enthusiastic, and they strewed His way with palms, shouting,
“Blessed be our Messiah! The King of Israel approacheth.”
The Master proceeded directly to the Temple and performed the
customary rites. So amazed were the authorities by His fearless demeanor,
that they deferred laying violent hands upon Him. They feared a trap, and
moved cautiously. They even allowed Him to retire to Bethany and spend
the night. The next morning He returned to the city and dwelt among His
friends there. He attended the Temple regularly, and pursued His work of
teaching and healing in its very shadows.
Meanwhile the clouds of the persecuting forces gathered closely around
His head. One of the Twelve, Judas Iscariot, who was sorely disappointed at
the Master having refused to take advantage of the support of the crowd
to assist His claim as the Messiah and King of the Jews, and also fearing that
he would become involved in His inevitable downfall, began a series of
bargainings and dickerings with the authorities, which had for their object
the betrayal of the Master into the hands of the authorities, the reward to
be immunity from persecution for himself and a few pieces of silver for his
pocket in addition.
And so the time passed on, the nights being spent at Bethany and the
days at the Temple in the capital. Finally the priests made an important
move. They confronted Him in their official capacity and demanded that
He prove His ordination as a Jewish Rabbi and consequent right to preach