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.MHH 14.1

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.MHH 14.2

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.MHH 14.3

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.MHH 14.4

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.MHH 14.5

In the excitement that 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 wonderworker or as a healer of physical disease. He was trying to draw people to Him as their Savior. They were eager to believe that He had come as a king to establish an earthly reign, but He wanted to turn their minds from the earthly to the spiritual. Mere worldly success would interfere with His work.MHH 15.1

And the wonder of the careless crowd jarred upon His spirits. No self-assertion mingled with His life. The homage that 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 allegiance or command homage. Centuries before His birth it had been prophesied of Him, “‘He will not cry out, nor raise His voice, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed He will not break, and the smoking flax He will not quench: He will bring forth justice for truth.’” Isaiah 42:2, 3.MHH 15.2

The Pharisees tried to gain distinction by their exacting commitment to rituals, the showiness of their worship, and their charities. They thought to prove their devotion to religion by making it the theme of discussion. Disputes between opposing sects were loud and long, and it was not unusual to hear on the streets the voice of angry controversy from learned doctors of the law.MHH 15.3

In marked contrast to all this was the life of Jesus. In His life there was no noisy disputation, no ostentatious worship, no act to gain applause. Christ was hid in God, and God was revealed in the character of His Son. To this revelation Jesus desired the minds of the people to be directed.MHH 15.4

The Sun of Righteousness did not burst upon the world in splendor to dazzle the senses with His glory. It is written of Christ, “His going forth is established as the morning.” Hosea 6:3. Quietly and gently the daylight breaks upon the earth, dispelling the darkness and waking the world to life. So did the Sun of Righteousness arise, “‘with healing in His wings.’” Malachi 4:2.MHH 15.5

“‘Behold! My Servant whom I uphold,
My Elect One in whom My soul delights!’”
Isaiah 42:1. See also verses 5-7, 10-12.MHH 15.6

“‘I will bring the blind by a way they did not know;
I will lead them in paths they have not known.
I will make darkness light before them,
And crooked places straight.
These things I will do for them, and not forsake them.’”
Isaiah 42:16.MHH 15.7

“Sing, O heavens, for the Lord has done it! Shout, you lower parts of the earth;
Break forth into singing, you mountains,
O forest, and every tree in it!
For the Lord has redeemed Jacob,
And glorified Himself in Israel.”
Isaiah 44:23.MHH 15.8

From Herod’s dungeon, John the Baptist watched and waited in disappointment and perplexity concerning the Savior’s work. He sent two of his disciples to Jesus with the message: “‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’” Matthew 11:3. The Savior did not answer the disciples’ question at once. As they stood wondering at His silence, the afflicted were coming to Him. The voice of the Mighty Healer penetrated the deaf ear. A word, a touch of His hand, opened the blind eyes to see the light of day, the scenes of nature, the faces of friends, and the face of the Deliverer. His voice reached the ears of the dying, and they arose in health and vigor. Paralyzed demoniacs obeyed His word; their madness left them, and they worshiped Him. The poor peasants and laborers, who were shunned by the rabbis as unclean, gathered about Him, and He spoke to them the words of eternal life.MHH 16.1

Thus the day wore away, the disciples of John seeing and hearing everything. At last Jesus called them to Him and told them to go and tell John what they had seen and heard. Then He added, “‘Blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.’” Matthew 11:6.MHH 16.2

The disciples took the message to John, and it was enough. He remembered the prophecy concerning the Messiah, “‘The Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and ... to comfort all who mourn.’” Isaiah 61:1, 2. Jesus of Nazareth was the Promised One. The evidence of His divinity was seen in His ministry to the needs of suffering humanity. His glory was shown in His willingness to step down from His royal throne and be born into our low estate.MHH 16.3