126
The Desire of Ages
Slowly and thoughtfully, but with hate in their hearts, they returned
to the temple. But what a change had taken place during their absence!
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When they fled, the poor remained behind; and these were now looking
to Jesus, whose countenance expressed His love and sympathy. With
tears in His eyes, He said to the trembling ones around Him: Fear not;
I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me. For this cause came I
into the world.
The people pressed into Christ’s presence with urgent, pitiful ap-
peals: Master, bless me. His ear heard every cry. With pity exceeding
that of a tender mother He bent over the suffering little ones. All
received attention. Everyone was healed of whatever disease he had.
The dumb opened their lips in praise; the blind beheld the face of their
Restorer. The hearts of the sufferers were made glad.
As the priests and temple officials witnessed this great work, what
a revelation to them were the sounds that fell on their ears! The
people were relating the story of the pain they had suffered, of their
disappointed hopes, of painful days and sleepless nights. When the
last spark of hope seemed to be dead, Christ had healed them. The
burden was so heavy, one said; but I have found a helper. He is the
Christ of God, and I will devote my life to His service. Parents said
to their children, He has saved your life; lift up your voice and praise
Him. The voices of children and youth, fathers and mothers, friends
and spectators, blended in thanksgiving and praise. Hope and gladness
filled their hearts. Peace came to their minds. They were restored
soul and body, and they returned home, proclaiming everywhere the
matchless love of Jesus.
At the crucifixion of Christ, those who had thus been healed did
not join with the rabble throng in crying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him.”
Their sympathies were with Jesus; for they had felt His great sympathy
and wonderful power. They knew Him to be their Saviour; for He had
given them health of body and soul. They listened to the preaching of
the apostles, and the entrance of God’s word into their hearts gave them
understanding. They became agents of God’s mercy, and instruments
of His salvation.
The crowd that had fled from the temple court after a time slowly
drifted back. They had partially recovered from the panic that had
seized them, but their faces expressed irresolution and timidity. They
looked with amazement on the works of Jesus, and were convicted