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Chapter 2—Days of Ministry
In the fisherman’s home at Capernaum the mother of Peter’s
wife is lying sick of “a great fever,” and “they tell Him of her.”
Jesus “touched her hand, and the fever left her,” and she arose and
ministered to the Saviour and His disciples.
Luke 4:38
;
Mark 1:30
;
Matthew 8:15
.
Rapidly the tidings spread. The miracle had been wrought upon
the Sabbath, and for fear of the rabbis the people dared not come for
healing until the sun was set. Then 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 litters,
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.
Not until the last sufferer had been relieved did Jesus cease His
work. It was far into the night when the multitude departed and
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silence settled down upon the home of Simon. The long, exciting
day was past, and Jesus sought rest. But while the city was wrapped
in slumber, the Saviour, “rising up a great while before day,” “went
out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.”
Mark 1:35
.
Early in the morning Peter and his companions came to Jesus,
saying that already the people of Capernaum were seeking Him.
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With surprise they heard Christ’s words, “I must preach the kingdom
of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.”
Luke 4:43
.
In the excitement which then pervaded Capernaum there was
danger that the object of His mission would be lost sight of. Jesus
was not satisfied to attract attention to Himself merely as a wonder-
worker or as a healer of physical disease. He was seeking to draw
men to Him as their Saviour. While the people were eager to believe
that He had come as a king to establish an earthly reign, He desired
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