ed by this proof of divine wisdom and power. Most
terribly was his faith tested by the message which then reached him, "Thy
daughter is dead; trouble not the Teacher." Yet again, it was confirmed by
the word of Jesus, "Fear not: only believe, and she shall be made whole."
As he entered the house, Jesus spoke another word which rebuked the
faithless mourners and cheered the agonized parents, "Weep not; for she is
not dead, but sleepeth." He meant that in his presence and in virtue of
his power death loses its reality and is robbed of its victory. Nor has
the word lost its meaning and its comfort for the followers of Christ
during all the subsequent years.

Jesus showed clearly what he meant as he took into the death chamber his
three closest friends and the two trembling parents, as he stood before
the sleeping child and "taking her by the hand, called, saying Maiden,
arise. And her spirit returned, and she rose up immediately: and he
commanded that something be given her to eat." The record indicates the
supreme thoughtfulness and tenderness of the Master. He took with him only
three disciples for he would not have the awakened child terrified by the
sight of more strangers. When the miracle had been performed he requested
that the little girl should be given food; this was for her own comfort
but also to break for the parents the spell of awe and terror which had
been cast upon them by the presence of death, and also as a proof not only
that life had returned but also that complete recovery from disease had
been secured. One other command is recorded, "He charged them to tell no
man what had been done." The three disciples would be competent witnesses
of the miracle but a widespread report by the parents and their friends
might arouse such an outburst of excitement as to interrupt his work and
precipitate a crisis before the earthly ministry of our Lord was complete.

D. The Fourth Period. Ch. 9:1-50

1. The Mission of the Twelve. Ch. 9:1-9

1 And he called the twelve together, and gave them power and
authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 And he sent
them forth to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. 3
And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither
staff, nor wallet, nor bread, nor money; neither have two coats. 4
And into whatsoever house ye enter, there abide, and thence
depart. 5 And as many as receive you not, when ye depart from that