None have fallen so low, none are so evil, that they cannot find deliverance in Christ. The demon-possessed man could speak only the words of Satan, yet Jesus heard his heart’s unspoken appeal. No cry from someone in need will be ignored, even if it doesn’t use just the right words. The Savior invites those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven, “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.” Isaiah 27:5. Angels of God will fight for them with victorious power. “Can ... the captives of a tyrant be rescued? ... I will contend with those who contend with you, and I will save your children.” Isaiah 49:24, 25, NRSV. HH 113.5
While the congregation in the synagogue were still spellbound, Jesus left for Peter’s home for a little rest. But here also a shadow had fallen. Peter’s mother-in-law lay sick, stricken with a “high fever.” Jesus rebuked the disease, and the healed woman got up and provided refreshments for the Master and His disciples. HH 113.6
News of Christ’s work spread rapidly throughout Capernaum. For fear of the rabbis, the people dared not come for healing on the Sabbath, but as soon as the sun had disappeared below the horizon, the inhabitants of the city hurried toward the humble home that sheltered Jesus. They brought the sick into the Savior’s presence. HH 114.1
Hour after hour they came and went, for no one 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. The Savior rejoiced in His power to restore the suffering ones to health and happiness. HH 114.2
It was far into the night when the crowds left and silence settled down on Simon’s home. The long, exciting day was past, and Jesus needed rest. But while the city was still wrapped in slumber, “a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.” HH 114.3
Jesus often sent His disciples to visit their homes and rest, but He gently resisted their efforts to draw Him away from His labors. All day He worked, and at evening or in the early morning He went to the mountains to talk with His Father. Often He spent the entire night in prayer and meditation, returning at daybreak to His work among the people. HH 114.4
Early in the morning, Peter and his companions came to Jesus, saying that already the people were looking for Him. The authorities at Jerusalem were trying to find a way to murder Him; even His own townsfolk had attempted to take His life; but Capernaum had welcomed Him with enthusiasm, and this had raised the hopes of the disciples again. It might be that the supporters of the new kingdom might come from the liberty-loving Galileans. So it was with surprise that they heard Christ’s words, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” Mark 1:38, NRSV. Jesus was not satisfied to attract attention to Himself as a wonder worker or healer. While the people were eager to believe that He had come as a king to establish an earthly reign, He wanted to turn their minds away from the earthly to the spiritual. HH 114.5
And the attention of the careless crowd jarred on His spirit. The homage the world gives to position, wealth, or talent was foreign to the Son of man. Jesus used none of the means that people employ to win the loyalty of others. Prophecy had said of Him, “He will not cry or lift up His voice, or make it heard in the street; ... he will faithfully bring forth justice.” Isaiah 42:2, 3, NRSV. HH 114.6
The life of Jesus included no noisy arguments, no showy worship, no act to gain applause. Christ was hid in God, and God was revealed in the character of His Son. HH 114.7
The Sun of Righteousness did not burst on the world in splendor, to dazzle the senses with His glory. Quietly and gently the daylight dispels the darkness and wakes the world to life. So did the Sun of Righteousness arise, “with healing in His wings.” Malachi 4:2. HH 114.8