The Jews talk
Jesus the Good Shepherd.
(The Gospel History, Section 81)
There arose a division again among the Jews because of these words. And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? Others said, These are not the sayings of one possessed with a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?
The Jews talk
(The Saviour of the World, Vol V Book V Poem LXI)
These words of sheep and shepherd heard the Jews;
Their restless hearts within them witness bore,
As sheep that have no shepherd, doubt-distressed;
But who takes counsel with his secret heart
When he hath a part to play in men’s affairs?
Their part, to save the temple, condemn the Man
Who made things seem quite other than they knew—
Belittled all their rights, relaxed their claims.
Jew. Why hear ye him, good people? He is mad;
Nay, hath a devil who prompts Him with large words
Of sheep and shepherd when ye look for sense;
What means the Man, I pray you? Rulers, priests,
These be the people’s shepherds; pasture fit
In sacrificial rites is spread for you,
In teachings of the law by your scribes set forth;
Aye, thieves and robbers they, who would break through fold
Which encloses Israel: heaven’s curse on them,
On this Man, every man who would lead astray
The chosen of the Lord!
Another. A devil, see you,
Must needs speak of his own; must lie and hate.
Whence hath a devil words of love and life
And healing for the nations? Take ye heed;
An awful thing it were to fight against God!
What if He sent a sign? Can devils ope
The eyes of a man born blind? I pray you, pause.
St. John x. 19–21.
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Stitcher | RSS