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doctrine laid hold of their minds, and his tender benevolence won their
hearts. While eating the food he had provided for them, they decided
that this was indeed the Messiah. No other one could do so mighty a
miracle. No human power could create from five barley-loaves and
two small fishes, food sufficient to feed thousands of hungry people.
His teachings and work of healing had already nearly convinced them
of his divinity, and this miracle crowned their growing conviction with
entire belief.
They decided that this was the Prince of Life, the promised De-
liverer of the Jews. They perceive that he makes no effort to win the
applause of the people. In this he is essentially different from the chief
priests and rulers, who are ambitious for titles and the honor of men.
They fear that he will never claim his right as King of Israel and take
his place on David’s throne in Jerusalem. But they decide that what
he will not assume for himself, they will claim for him. They need no
greater evidence of his divine power nor will they wait for any further
proof. They quietly consult among themselves, and arrange to take
him by force, and bear him upon their shoulders, proclaiming him
the King of Israel. The disciples unite with the people in declaring
that the throne of David is the rightful inheritance of their Master. Let
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the arrogant priests and rulers be humbled, and compelled to yield
honor to Him who comes clothed with the authority of God. They
begin to devise means to accomplish their purpose; but Jesus discerns
their plans, which, if followed out, would defeat the very work he
designs to do, and a period to his instruction and deeds of mercy and
benevolence.
Already the priests and rulers look upon him as one who has
turned the hearts of the people from them to himself. Already they
so dread his growing influence among them that they seek to take his
life. He knows that violence and insurrection would be the result of
his exaltation as Israel’s king. He did not come into the world to set
up a temporal kingdom; his kingdom, as he had stated, was not of
this world. The multitude do not perceive the dangers arising from
the movement they contemplate; but the calm eye of divine wisdom
discovers all the hidden evils. Jesus sees that it is time to change the
current of feeling among the people. He calls his disciples to him and
directs them to immediately take the boat and return to Capernaum,
leaving him to dismiss the people. He promises to meet them that