“It is so.”
“You are right, sir,” interposed a third
speaker. “But suppose a woman had seven
husbands one after another because they died one after
another. If they all rise from the dead the woman
would have seven husbands at once, each is her lawful
husband, and yet she may only have one.”
There was immense eagerness to hear what He would
say, for the problem seemed insoluble. And Jesus
said: “He who asks that question knows
neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.
The Scriptures promise us resurrection, and the power
of God the eternal life of the soul. There is
no marriage between souls, so the question falls to
the ground.”
There was fresh shouting and applause, and kerchiefs
were waved from all sides. The teachers of the
Law drew back in ill-humour, and dismissed the police
who were waiting in the back court.
After the excellent reception in Jerusalem, and the
victory in the Temple on the first day, the disciples
ventured to walk about the city fearlessly and openly.
Jesus remained grave and silent. They put up
in a quiet inn by the gate. The disciples did
not see why He should not have lodged them in a palace.
They would have liked occasionally to accept the
invitation of rich people, and enjoy the homage that
would be paid them, but Jesus would not permit it.
The festival of the Passover was at hand; there was
something else to do than to be feted and have their
heads turned, they would soon need to have their heads
very cool. If He accepted any of the invitations
it would be the one from Bethany, where He knew He
had truer friends than in Jerusalem. But meanwhile
He had something more to say in the Temple.
When He went there the next day the hall was filled
to overflowing with people, Rabbis, and expounders
of the Law. Some had come in order to witness
His glorification, others to try and ruin Him.
One of the Pharisees came up to Him and asked Him
without any preliminaries which was the greatest commandment.
Jesus ascended the pulpit and said; “I have
just been asked which is the greatest commandment.
Now, I am not come to give new commandments, but
to fulfil the old ones. The greatest commandment
is: Love God above all, and thy neighbour as
thyself. Those who asked Me, your teachers and
interpreters of the Law, say the same, but their actions
do not square with their words. You may believe
their words, but you must not imitate their deeds.
They exact the uttermost from you, but do not themselves
stir a finger. And what good they do, is done
in the eyes of the people, so that they may win praise.
They like to take the first place at festivals, and
to be greeted on all sides as the expounders of Holy
Writ. That honour they do not offer to God, but
to themselves. I tell you he who exalts himself
will be cast down.”
