A Sabbath Blessing

Seated upon the grassy plain, in the twilight of the spring evening, the people ate of the food that Christ had provided.... No human power could create from five barley loaves and two small fishes food sufficient to feed thousands of hungry people. And they said one to another, “This is of a truth that Prophet that should come into the world” (John 6:14).... He can conquer the nations, and give to Israel the long-sought dominion. AG 46.2 In their enthusiasm the people are ready at once to crown Him king. They see that He makes no effort to attract attention or secure honor to Himself.... They fear that He will never urge His claim to David’s throne. Consulting together, they agree to take Him by force, and proclaim Him the King of Israel.... Jesus sees what is on foot, and understands, as they cannot, what would be the result of such a movement.... Violence and insurrection would follow an effort to place Him on the throne, and the work of the spiritual kingdom would be hindered. Without delay the movement must be checked. Calling His disciples, Jesus bids them take the boat and return at once to Capernaum.... AG 46.3 Jesus now commands the multitude to disperse; and His manner is so decisive that they dare not disobey.... The kingly bearing of Jesus, and His few quiet words of command, quell the tumult, and frustrate their designs. They recognize in Him a power above all earthly authority, and without a question they submit. AG 46.4 When left alone, Jesus “went up into a mountain apart to pray.”... He prayed for power to reveal to men the divine character of His mission, that Satan might not blind their understanding and pervert their judgment.... In travail and conflict of soul He prayed for His disciples.... Their long-cherished hopes, based on a popular delusion, were to be disappointed in a most painful and humiliating manner. In the place of His exaltation to the throne of David they were to witness His crucifixion. This was to be indeed His true coronation.