Feast of Tabernacles
237
Meanwhile, Jesus had quietly arrived at Jerusalem. He had chosen
an unfrequented route by which to go, in order to avoid the travelers
who were making their way to the city from all quarters. In the
midst of the feast, when the dise concerning himself was at its height,
Jesus walked calmly into the court of the temple, and stood before the
crowd as one possessed of unquestionable authority. The sudden and
unexpected appearance of one whom they believed would not dare
to show himself among them in the presence of all the chief priests
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and rulers, astonished the people so that a sudden hush succeeded
the excited discussion in which they had been engaged. They were
astonished at his dignified and courageous bearing in the midst of
many powerful men who were thirsting of his life.
Standing thus, with the eyes of all the people riveted upon him,
he addressed them as no man had ever done. His knowledge was
greater than that of the learned priests and elders, and he assumed an
authority which they had never ventured to take. Those very men who
had so lately been wrought up to a frenzy of hate, and were ready to do
violence to Christ at the first opportunity, now listened spell-bound to
his words, and felt themselves powerless to do him harm. He was the
attraction of the hour; all other interests were forgotten for the time.
The hearts of the people thrilled with awe as they listened to his divine
words.
His discourse showed that he was well acquainted with the law
in all its bearings, and was a clear interpreter of the Scriptures. The
question passes from one to another, “How knoweth this man letters,
having never learned?” Some, less acquainted with his former life,
inquire among themselves in what school he has been instructed.
Finally, the rulers recover their presence of mind sufficiently to demand
by what authority he stands so boldly teaching the people. They seek
to turn the attention of the multitude from Jesus to the question of his
right to teach, and to their own importance and authority. But the voice
of Jesus answers their queries with thrilling power:—
“My doctrine is not mine, but His that sent me. If any man will
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do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or
whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his
own glory; but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is
true, and no unrighteousness is in him.” Jesus here declares that his
Heavenly Father is the source of all strength, and the foundation of