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Chapter 2—Days of Ministry
In the fisherman’s home at Capernaum, the mother of Peter’s
wife was lying sick of “a high fever,” and “they told Him about her.”
Jesus “touched her hand, and the fever left her,” and she arose and
ministered to the Savior and His disciples.
Luke 4:38
;
Mark 1:30
;
Matthew 8:15
.
Rapidly the news spread. The miracle had been performed on
the Sabbath, and for fear of the rabbis the people did not dare to
come for healing until the sun had set. Then from the homes, the
shops, the marketplaces, the inhabitants of the city pressed toward
the humble dwelling that sheltered Jesus. The sick were brought on
litters; they came leaning on staffs; or, supported by friends, they
tottered feebly into the Savior’s presence.
Hour after hour they came and went, for nobody knew 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 scattered and
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 Savior, “having risen a long while before daylight,
... went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.”
Mark 1:35
.
Early in the morning Peter and his companions came to Jesus
saying that already the people of Capernaum were looking for Him.
With surprise they heard Christ’s words, “‘I must preach the kingdom
of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been
sent.’”
Luke 4:43
.
[15]
In the excitement that then pervaded Capernaum, there was dan-
ger that the object of His mission would be lost sight of. Jesus was
not satisfied to attract attention to Himself merely as a wonderworker
or as a healer of physical disease. He was trying to draw people to
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