Page:Jesus of Nazareth the story of His life simply told (1917).djvu/307

 it meant, and was told that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. An intense desire to recover his sight sprang up within him:

"Jesus, Son of David," he cried, "have mercy on me!"

And many rebuked him that he might hold his peace, but he cried a great deal more: "Son of David, have mercy on me!"

And Jesus standing still commanded him to be called. The people were kinder then: "Be of better comfort," they said, "arise, He calleth thee."

He leaped up, cast aside his outer garment that he might move the faster, flung out his arms for some one to lead him. And, trembling with hope, came and fell down at our Lord's feet, his hands clasped, his sightless eyes lifted to the face of Jesus.

"What wilt thou that I do for thee?" Jesus asked.

"Rabboni, that I may see!"

"Go thy way, thy faith hath made thee whole."

And immediately he saw and followed Him in the way glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

Accompanied by the crowd, our Lord went on to Bethany, where He arrived on Friday, "six days before the Passover," says St. John, for Thursday, when the Paschal lamb was slain, was regarded as the first day of the Festival. With the Twelve He went to the house of His friends, leaving the multitude to go on to Jerusalem. The excitement there was intense, both among rulers and people, for the chief priests had now given commandment that if anyone knew where Jesus of Nazareth was he was to tell them, that they might apprehend Him. On every side inquiries were being