Volume 2

JESUS' TEACHING MISSION
IN THE COUNTRY OF GENESARETH
AND ON THE BANKS
OF THE JORDAN
1. THE MESSENGERS OF THE
CENTURION OF CAPHARNAUM
From Nairn Jesus, leaving Nazareth on the left, journeyed
past Thabor to Cana, where He put up near the
synagogue with a Doctor of the Law. The forecourt of
the house was soon full of people who had anticipated
His coming from Engannim, and were here awaiting
Him. He had been teaching the whole morning, when a
servant of the Centurion of Capharnaum with several
companions mounted on mules arrived. He was in a great
hurry and wore an air of anxiety and solicitude. He
vainly sought on all sides to press his way through the
throng of Jesus, but could not succeed. After several
fruitless attempts, he began to cry out lustily: "Venerable
Master, let Thy servant approach Thee! I come as the
messenger of my lord of Capharnaum. In his name and
as the father of his son, I implore Thee to come with me
at once, for my son is very sick and nigh unto death."
Jesus appeared not to hear him; but encouraged at seeing
that some were directing Jesus' attention to him, the man
again sought to press through the crowd. But not succeeding,
he cried out anew: "Conle with me at once, for
my son is dying!" When he cried so impatiently, Jesus
turned His head toward him and said loud enough for the
people to hear: "If you see not signs and wonders, you do
not believe. I know your case well. You want to boast of
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