“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.

CHAPTER XXVIII

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.”