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and abuse of precious privileges placed them in a position where he
could not manifest his power in their behalf. On the other hand, a
heathen nobleman, who had lived faithful to his convictions of right,
and fully up to his highest privileges, but who felt his great need of
help, and whose heart opened to receive the lessons of Christ, was, in
the sight of God, more worthy of his special favors, and was cleansed
from his leprosy, as well as enlightened in regard to divine truth.
Here Jesus taught an important lesson that should be received by
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all who profess his name to the end of time. It was this: That even the
heathen, who live according to the best light they have, doing right
so far as they are able to distinguish right from wrong, are regarded
with greater favor by God than those who, having great light, make
high pretensions to godliness, but whose daily lives contradict their
profession. Thus Jesus stood before the Jews, calmly revealing their
secret thoughts, and pressing home upon them the bitter truth of their
unrighteousness. Every word cut like a knife as their corrupt lives and
wicked unbelief were laid before them. They now scorned the faith
and reverence with which Jesus had at first inspired them, and they
refused to acknowledge that this man, who had sprung from poverty
and lowliness, was other than a common man. They would own no
king who came unattended by riches and honor, and who stood not at
the head of imposing legions.
Their unbelief bred malice. Satan controlled their minds, and they
cried out against the Saviour with wrath and hatred. The assembly
broke up, and the wicked people laid hands upon Jesus, thrusting him
from the synagogue, and out of their city, and would have killed him
if they had been able to do so. All seemed eager for his destruction.
They hurried him to the brow of a steep precipice, intending to cast
him headlong from it. Shouts and maledictions filled the air. Some
were casting stones and dirt at him; but suddenly he disappeared out
of their midst, they knew not how, or when. Angels of God attended
Jesus in the midst of that infuriated mob, and preserved his life. The
heavenly messengers were by his side in the synagogue, while he was
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speaking; and they accompanied him when pressed and urged on by
the unbelieving, infuriated Jews. These angels blinded the eyes of that
maddened throng, and conducted Jesus to a place of safety.
* * * * *