THE LOVE OF CHRIST by Anna Dutton Michener

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Aug 13, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 33.

THE LOVE OF CHRIST.

By Anna Dutton Michener

THE scene was laid in Bethany. Around the board, partaking of the solemn feast Prepared, sat they, the twelve, the honored Twelve, who, followers of Him now Sitting in their midst, were favored more Than men had ever been, or have been since. The Master sat among them. On His Face had grown a sadness sweet, a Tender radiance, for well He knew The Father's will, that soon, ah! very soon, He would be called to Him.

They were at solemn feast in Bethany. But lo! the opening door revealed a woman's Form; O why should she be there? Each face expressed the thought,— Each tongue almost conveyed. A woman! Yes—had been a woman once—a babe, An innocent, a laughing child, A youthful maiden, treading with light feet The dewy grass, and letting fall pure words From lips that gleamed with childish innocence. But ah! the hour had come,— The tempter loves to sting the fairest fruit;— And she, the precious lamb, had strayed Without the fold A while—only a while—for on her life There broke "Glad tidings of great joy," Tidings of One who peace would bring— Sweet peace—into each life.

O, could not she, sin-stricken as she was, For pardon hope? She had no jewels rare, No golden gifts; but she had come, And with a cry for pardon, and a heart So filled with deep humility and love, She cast herself low down at Jesus' feet; And with the precious ointment (all she had) She bathed His feet; then wiped them with her hair. O, gracious, pitying Christ! He comfort gave, Poured balm into her wounds, and straightway they Were healed. She went her way. But Jesus caught The selfish words of those who followed Him. Upon His face had grown a radiant look Such as the world's applause could give to none. "She loveth much," He said; "And what she could, That hath she done; I do not ask for more." Berkeley, Cal, ANNA DUTTON MICHENER.