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The Desire of Ages
upon the Sabbath; but no sooner had the sun disappeared below the
horizon than there was a great commotion. From the homes, the shops,
the market places, the inhabitants of the city pressed toward the humble
dwelling that sheltered Jesus. The sick were brought upon couches,
they came leaning upon staffs, or, supported by friends, they tottered
feebly into the Saviour’s presence.
Hour after hour they came and went; for none could know whether
tomorrow would find the Healer still among them. Never before had
Capernaum witnessed a day like this. The air was filled with the voice
of triumph and shouts of deliverance. The Saviour was joyful in the joy
He had awakened. As He witnessed the sufferings of those who had
come to Him, His heart was stirred with sympathy, and He rejoiced in
His power to restore them to health and happiness.
Not until the last sufferer had been relieved did Jesus cease His
work. It was far into the night when the multitude departed, and silence
settled down upon the home of Simon. The long, exciting day was
past, and Jesus sought rest. But while the city was still wrapped in
slumber, the Saviour, “rising up a great while before day, ... went out,
and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.”
Thus were spent the days in the earthly life of Jesus. He often
dismissed His disciples to visit their homes and rest; but He gently
resisted their efforts to draw Him away from His labors. All day He
toiled, teaching the ignorant, healing the sick, giving sight to the blind,
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feeding the multitude; and at the eventide or in the early morning, He
went away to the sanctuary of the mountains for communion with His
Father. Often He passed the entire night in prayer and meditation,
returning at daybreak to His work among the people.
Early in the morning, Peter and his companions came to Jesus,
saying that already the people of Capernaum were seeking Him. The
disciples had been bitterly disappointed at the reception which Christ
had met hitherto. The authorities at Jerusalem were seeking to murder
Him; even His own townsmen had tried to take His life; but at Ca-
pernaum He was welcomed with joyful enthusiasm, and the hopes of
the disciples kindled anew. It might be that among the liberty-loving
Galileans were to be found the supporters of the new kingdom. But
with surprise they heard Christ’s words, “I must preach the kingdom
of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.”