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The Story of Redemption
feelings bitter against Jesus. He hoped that so few would receive
Him as the Son of God that He would consider His sufferings and
sacrifice too great to make for so small a company. But I saw that if
there had been but two who would have accepted Jesus as the Son
of God and believed on Him to the saving of their souls, He would
have carried out the plan.
Relieving the Suffering
Jesus began His work by breaking Satan’s power over the suf-
fering. He restored the sick to health, gave sight to the blind, and
healed the lame, causing them to leap for joy and to glorify God. He
restored to health those who had been infirm and bound in Satan’s
cruel power many years. With gracious words He comforted the
weak, the trembling, and the desponding. The feeble, suffering
ones whom Satan held in triumph, Jesus wrenched from his grasp,
bringing to them soundness of body and great joy and happiness. He
raised the dead to life, and they glorified God for the mighty display
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of His power. He wrought mightily for all who believed on Him.
The life of Christ was filled with words and acts of benevolence,
sympathy, and love. He was ever attentive to listen to and relieve
the woes of those who came to Him. Multitudes carried in their own
persons the evidence of His divine power. Yet after the work had
been accomplished, many were ashamed of the humble yet mighty
Preacher. Because the rulers did not believe on Him, the people
were not willing to accept Jesus. He was a man of sorrows and
acquainted with grief. They could not endure to be governed by His
sober, self-denying life. They wished to enjoy the honor which the
world bestows. Yet many followed the Son of God and listened to
His instructions, feasting upon the words which fell so graciously
from His lips. His words were full of meaning, yet so plain that the
weakest could understand them.
Ineffective Opposition
Satan and his angels blinded the eyes and darkened the under-
standing of the Jews, and stirred up the chief of the people and the
rulers to take the Saviour’s life. Others were sent to bring Jesus