“To My Father, and Your Father”
711
Now with the eleven disciples Jesus made His way toward the
mountain. As they passed through the gate of Jerusalem, many won-
dering eyes looked upon the little company, led by One whom a few
weeks before the rulers had condemned and crucified. The disciples
knew not that this was to be their last interview with their Master.
Jesus spent the time in conversation with them, repeating His former
instruction. As they approached Gethsemane, He paused, that they
might call to mind the lessons He had given them on the night of
His great agony. Again He looked upon the vine by which He had
then represented the union of His church with Himself and His Father;
again He repeated the truths He had then unfolded. All around Him
were reminders of His unrequited love. Even the disciples who were
so dear to His heart, had, in the hour of His humiliation, reproached
and forsaken Him.
Christ had sojourned in the world for thirty-three years; He had
endured its scorn, insult, and mockery; He had been rejected and
crucified. Now, when about to ascend to His throne of glory,—as He
reviews the ingratitude of the people He came to save,—will He not
withdraw from them His sympathy and love? Will not His affections
be centered upon that realm where He is appreciated, and where sinless
angels wait to do His bidding? No; His promise to those loved ones
whom He leaves on earth is, “I am with you alway, even unto the end
of the world.”
Matthew 28:20
.
Upon reaching the Mount of Olives, Jesus led the way across
the summit, to the vicinity of Bethany. Here He paused, and the
disciples gathered about Him. Beams of light seemed to radiate from
His countenance as He looked lovingly upon them. He upbraided
them not for their faults and failures; words of the deepest tenderness
were the last that fell upon their ears from the lips of their Lord. With
hands outstretched in blessing, and as if in assurance of His protecting
[831]
care, He slowly ascended from among them, drawn heavenward by a
power stronger than any earthly attraction. As He passed upward, the
awe-stricken disciples looked with straining eyes for the last glimpse
of their ascending Lord. A cloud of glory hid Him from their sight; and
the words came back to them as the cloudy chariot of angels received
Him, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” At
the same time there floated down to them the sweetest and most joyous
music from the angel choir.