Volume 2

Jesus at Lazarus's Castle
171
Toward evening He arrived and entered the garden by a
back gate. Lazarus went out to meet Him in a reception
hall, where he washed His feet. There was here a deep
basin connected with the house by pipes, through which
Martha poured tepid water for the use of their Guest.
Jesus, sitting on the rim of the basin, immersed His feet,
which Lazarus washed and dried. After that he shook out
Jesus' garments, put on His feet fresh sandals, and handed
Him a little food and drink.
Then Jesus accompanied Lazarus through a long, shady
walk up to the house and down into the vaulted chamber.
The women drew their veils and bowed low on their knees
before Him, while the men inclined profoundly. Jesus
greeted all and blessed thenl, after which they took their
place at table. The women sat on cushions at one side of
the table, their feet crossed under them.
Nicodemus was remarkably impressed and very
desirous of hearing every word of Jesus. The men spoke
indignantly of John's imprisonment. But Jesus said that it
had to be, it was the will of God, and that they should not
speak of such things in order not to attract attention and
thereby give rise to danger. If John had not been removed
from the scene of action, He Himself would not yet have
been able to labor here. The blossoms must fall, if the
fruit is to appear.
Then they spoke angrily of the spying and persecution
set on foot by the Pharisees, whereupon Jesus again commanded
them to be at peace. He deplored the action of
the Pharisees and related the parable of the unjust
steward. The Pharisees, too, were unjust stewards, though
not so prudent as the subject of the parable, therefore
would they have no resource on the day of reckoning.
After the meal, they retired to another apartment where
lamps were lighted. Jesus prayed aloud, and they began
the exercises of the Sabbath. After that Jesus conversed
awhile with the men, and all retired to rest.