The rulers of the Jews then began to plot to kill Jesus. Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews, but departed thence into the country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim; and there he tarried with the disciples.
XIII
ZACCHAEUS THE PUBLICAN.
How the Lord Jesus, Still Doing Loving Deeds, Began the Journey Which Was to Lead to the Cross.
After some weeks of retirement, Jesus again went to Jerusalem. On the way, he and his disciples came to Jericho: and as he went out from Jericho, with his disciples and a great multitude, the son of Timaeus, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the wayside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, "Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me."
And many rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried out the more a great deal, "Thou son of David, have mercy on me."
And Jesus stood still, and said, "Call ye him."
And they called the blind man, saying unto him, "Be of good cheer: rise, he calleth thee."
And he sprang up, and came to Jesus. And Jesus answered him, and said, "What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?" And the blind man said unto him, "Lord, that I may receive my sight."
And Jesus said unto him, "Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole." And straightway he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.