Chapter 41—The Crisis in Galilee
This chapter is based on
John 6:22-71
.
When Christ forbade the people to declare Him king, He knew that
a turning point in His history was reached. Multitudes who desired to
exalt Him to the throne today would turn from Him tomorrow. The
disappointment of their selfish ambition would turn their love to hatred,
and their praise to curses. Yet knowing this, He took no measures
to avert the crisis. From the first He had held out to His followers
no hope of earthly rewards. To one who came desiring to become
His disciple He had said, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the
air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head.”
Matthew 8:20
. If men could have had the world with Christ, multitudes
would have proffered Him their allegiance; but such service He could
not accept. Of those now connected with Him there were many who
had been attracted by the hope of a worldly kingdom. These must be
undeceived. The deep spiritual teaching in the miracle of the loaves
had not been comprehended. This was to be made plain. And this new
revelation would bring with it a closer test.
The miracle of the loaves was reported far and near, and very
early next morning the people flocked to Bethsaida to see Jesus. They
came in great numbers, by land and sea. Those who had left Him the
preceding night returned, expecting to find Him still there; for there
had been no boat by which He could pass to the other side. But their
search was fruitless, and many repaired to Capernaum, still seeking
Him.
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Meanwhile He had arrived at Gennesaret, after an absence of but
one day. As soon as it was known that He had landed, the people “ran
through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in
beds those that were sick, where they heard He was.”
Mark 6:55
.
After a time He went to the synagogue, and there those who had
come from Bethsaida found Him. They learned from His disciples
how He had crossed the sea. The fury of the storm, and the many
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