Basic HTML Version
276
From Heaven With Love
the thought was forced on them, “Never man spake like this Man.”
But they had stifled the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Now, enraged,
they cried, “Are ye also deceived? Have any of the rulers or of the
Pharisees believed on Him? But this people, who knoweth not the
law are cursed.”
Those to whom the message of truth is spoken seldom ask, “Is it
true?” but, “By whom is it advocated?” Multitudes estimate it by the
numbers who accept it, and the question is still asked, “Have any of
the learned men or religious leaders believed?” It is not an argument
against the truth that large numbers are not ready to accept it, or that
it is not received by the world’s great men, or even by the religious
leaders.
Again it was urged that if Jesus were left at liberty, He would
draw the people away from the established leaders and the only safe
course was to silence Him without delay. In the full tide of their
discussion, they were suddenly checked. Nicodemus questioned,
[310]
“Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what
he doeth?” Silence fell on the assembly. They could not condemn
a man unheard. But the haughty rulers were startled and chagrined
that one of their own number had been so impressed by Jesus as to
speak a word in His defense. “Are you from Galilee too? Search
and you will see that no prophet is to rise from Galilee.” RSV.
Yet because of the protest, the rulers were defeated for the time,
and “every man went unto his own house.”
Jesus Deals With a Case of Adultery
From the confusion of the city, from eager crowds and treacher-
ous rabbis, Jesus turned to the quiet of the olive groves, where He
could be alone with God. But in the early morning He returned to
the temple, and the people gathered about Him.
He was soon interrupted. A group of Pharisees and scribes ap-
proached, dragging a terror-stricken woman. With hard, eager voices
they accused her of having violated the seventh commandment. Hav-
ing pushed her into the presence of Jesus, they said, “Moses in the
law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest
Thou?”