An indignant cry went up from the orthodox relatives and friends at these words of the Master.  How dared He so mock the very presence of the dead, whom the physicians had left, and over whom the priests had already begun the last sacred rites?  But, heeding them not, the Master passed His hands over the child’s head, and took her little cold palms within his own.  Then began a strange happening.  The little chest began to heave, and the white wan cheeks began to show traces of color.  Then the arms and hands began to move, and the wasted limbs drew slightly up.  Then, opening her eyes with a wondering look, the child gazed at the Healer and smiled gently at Him.  Then the Master, with a look of gentle tenderness, withdrew from the room, after ordering that nourishing food be brought for the child.

Then began the usual dispute.  Some declared that another had been raised from the dead, while others declared that the child had but been in a trance and would have awakened anyway.  Had not even the Healer declared that she only slept?  But Jesus heeded not the disputants, but returned to the scene of His work.

The work went on in its accustomed way.  He began to send His apostles away on longer and more extended tours, having fully instructed them in the occult methods of healing.  Great success attended their efforts and the best reports came in from all sides.  The authorities recognized to a still greater extent the growing influence of the young Master, and His actions were still more closely watched by the spies.  Reports of His teachings and work were carried to Herod, who, recognizing in them the same note that had been struck by John the Baptist, who had been put to death, perceived that though men might die, the spirit of their teachings would still live on.  No wonder the guilty ruler should cry in terror, “This verily is the spirit of John, whom I put to death, risen from the grave to wreak vengeance upon me!” And the authorities reported to Rome that here was a young fanatic, whom many believed to be the Messiah and coming King of the Jews, who had thousands of followers all over the land.  And word came back from Rome, in due time, to watch carefully over the man, who was undoubtedly striving to incite an insurrection, and to imprison Him or put Him to death as soon as the evidence was sufficient to convict Him.

Jesus about this time was near a small fishing town called Bethseda, on the lake about seven miles from Capernaum.  Near this place His boat landed at a place on the beach where He had hoped to take a few days’ rest.  But, alas, a great crowd had hastened to the place of disembarkation, and now gathered around Him, demanding teaching and healing.  Putting aside His mental and physical fatigue, He attended to the wants of the crowd.  Healing now, and then teaching, He threw Himself into His work with fervor and zeal.  There were over five thousand people gathered together around Him, and toward evening the cry went up that there was not sufficient food in the camp to begin to feed the multitude.  A great tumult arose among the crowd, and complaints and even curses began to be heard.  The spiritual wants were forgotten, and the physical began to manifest itself in a most insistent manner.  What was to be done?