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NOTE BY THE ARTIST

Bethany is situated on the southern slope of the Mount of Olives, about two miles from Jerusalem.  The house of his friends, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, the only place which, during the latter part of his ministry, Jesus could call a home, was probably that of people in easy circumstances, and as such is here represented.  In the vineyards of Palestine the vine is cultivated bushlike on the ground; but in gardens, the plant is occasionally trained erect, as in Europe and America, or, as in the present instance, for the purposes of shade, upon a pergola.  In the middle of the village of Bethany are the ruins of an important house.  Here some years ago a French explorer discovered on the base the remains of an ancient chapel This seems to point with probability to a valid tradition of the site of the house of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.

JESUS BLESSETH LITTLE CHILDREN

And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them:  and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.  But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not:  for of such is the kingdom of God.  Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.  And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.—­St. Mark x:  13-16.

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NOTE BY THE ARTIST

In the Hebrew Bible—­the Talmud—­it is stated that, according to pious custom, parents brought their little children to the synagogue that they might receive the benefit of the prayers and blessings of the elders.  Rabbis also, of recognized sanctity, were frequently appealed to in a like manner; and his fame as a prophet and benefactor having preceded him into Peraea, infants were now brought to Jesus, that he might lay his hands upon them in supplication and blessing.  The architectural setting of the picture is adapted from that of a small square near the Damascus Gate of Jerusalem.  This kindly and gentle act of our Lord has been of incalculable consequence to the life of children in the development of Christian civilization.

THE RESURRECTION OF LAZARUS, FOUR DAYS DEAD

Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.  And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.  Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave.  It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.  Jesus said, Take ye away the stone.  Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh:  for he hath been dead four days.  Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou