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The Desire of Ages
rulers be forced to honor Him who comes clothed with the authority
of God.
They eagerly arrange to carry out their purpose; but Jesus sees what
is on foot, and understands, as they cannot, what would be the result of
such a movement. Even now the priests and rulers are hunting His life.
They accuse Him of drawing the people away from them. Violence
and insurrection would follow an effort to place Him on the throne,
and the work of the spiritual kingdom would be hindered. Without
delay the movement must be checked. Calling His disciples, Jesus
bids them take the boat and return at once to Capernaum, leaving Him
to dismiss the people.
Never before had a command from Christ seemed so impossible
of fulfillment. The disciples had long hoped for a popular movement
to place Jesus on the throne; they could not endure the thought that
all this enthusiasm should come to nothing. The multitudes that were
assembling to keep the Passover were anxious to see the new prophet.
To His followers this seemed the golden opportunity to establish their
beloved Master on the throne of Israel. In the glow of this new ambition
it was hard for them to go away by themselves, and leave Jesus alone
upon that desolate shore. They protested against the arrangement;
but Jesus now spoke with an authority He had never before assumed
toward them. They knew that further opposition on their part would
be useless, and in silence they turned toward the sea.
Jesus now commands the multitude to disperse; and His manner
is so decisive that they dare not disobey. The words of praise and
exaltation die on their lips. In the very act of advancing to seize Him
their steps are stayed, and the glad, eager look fades from their counte-
nances. In that throng are men of strong mind and firm determination;
but the kingly bearing of Jesus, and His few quiet words of command,
quell the tumult, and frustrate their designs. They recognize in Him a
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power above all earthly authority, and without a question they submit.
When left alone, Jesus “went up into a mountain apart to pray.” For
hours He continued pleading with God. Not for Himself but for men
were those prayers. He prayed for power to reveal to men the divine
character of His mission, that Satan might not blind their understanding
and pervert their judgment. The Saviour knew that His days of personal
ministry on earth were nearly ended, and that few would receive Him
as their Redeemer. In travail and conflict of soul He prayed for His