im in
consequence of the visible descent of the Holy Ghost upon Him at His
baptism; and (said he), "I saw and bare record that this is the Son of
God" (S. John i. 34). The other evidence was "greater witness than
that of John," namely, the miracles which He wrought, for (said He)
"the works which the Father hath given Me to finish bear witness of Me
that the Father hath sent Me" (S. John v. 36); and "though ye believe
not Me, believe the works" (S. John x. 38). Other kinds of evidence
were also employed; such as the direct testimony of the Father in the
voice from Heaven, and in the immediate answers to prayer in the
working of His miracles--"The Father Himself which hath sent Me, hath
borne witness of Me" (S. John v. 37)--and also, the statements of Holy
Scripture, describing His person and His work so clearly that He could
say to the Jews, "Search the Scriptures; for they are they which
testify of Me" (S. John v. 39). But we know the result. All the
evidences were in vain. The Jews in general refused to believe in Him
as their King. The ruling classes not only rejected Him, but they also
hindered others from acknowledging Him. So that He cried out against
them, "Ye shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against men; for ye neither go
in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in" (S.
Matt. xxiii. 13).

And there were but very few exceptions. The Apostles and the small
band of disciples professed their faith in Him. "Whom do men say that
I am?" He asked them once; "and they said, Some say John the Baptist;
some Elias; and others, Jeremias or one of the Prophets." None
accepted Him as Messiah, their King. "But whom say ye that I am?" He
went on to ask; "and Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the
Christ, the Son of the living God" (S. Matt. xvi. 13-16). So also
Nathanael, the "Israelite indeed," boldly proclaimed his belief:
"Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God; Thou art the King of Israel" (S. John
i. 49). And there was one bright flash of enthusiasm which carried all
along exultingly to welcome Him on His last visit to the Holy City;
when the crowds spread branches of the palm-trees, and cried, "Hosanna
to the Son of David: blessed is He that cometh in the name of the
Lord" (S. Matt. xxi. 9). "Blessed be the King that cometh in the name
of the Lord: peace in Heaven, and glory in the highest" (S. Luke xix.
38).

But it was within a few days after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem
that the rulers of the Jew