Basic HTML Version
Night on the Lake
223
Jesus now spoke with an authority He had never before assumed
toward them. In silence they turned toward the sea.
Jesus now commanded the multitude to disperse, and His manner
was so decisive that they dared not disobey. In the very act of ad-
vancing to seize Him, their steps were stayed. The kingly bearing of
Jesus and His few quiet words of command frustrated their designs.
They recognized in Him a power above all earthly authority, and
without question they submitted.
Left alone, Jesus “went up into a mountain apart to pray.” For
hours 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. He knew that His days on earth were nearly
ended, and that few would receive Him. His disciples were to be
grievously tried, their long-cherished hopes disappointed. In place
of His exaltation to the throne of David, they were to witness His
crucifixion. This was to be indeed His true coronation; but they did
not discern this, and without the Holy Spirit the faith of the disciples
would fail. For them He poured out His supplications with bitter
agony and tears.
The disciples had not put off immediately from land, hoping
that Jesus would come. But as darkness was fast gathering, they
“entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum.” They
murmured because they had not been permitted to proclaim Him
king. They blamed themselves; if they had been more persistent,
they might have accomplished their purpose.
[251]
Unbelief was taking possession of their minds and hearts. Love
of honor had blinded them. They were eager to see Jesus exalted
as they thought He should be. Were they always to be accounted
followers of a false prophet? Why did not He who possessed such
power reveal Himself in His true character, and make their way less
painful? Why had He not saved John the Baptist from a violent
death? Thus the disciples reasoned until they brought on them-
selves great spiritual darkness. They questioned, Could Jesus be an
impostor, as the Pharisees asserted?