They had signally failed to subvert the authority of Jesus, or to turn from him the respect and attention of the people, many of whom were powerfully affected, and deeply convicted, by his impressive discourse. His mighty works had first arrested their notice and aroused their wonder, and when his searching words disclosed his true character, they were ready to acknowledge his divine authority. On the other hand, his words had thrilled the hearts of the rulers with condemnation for their course. He had pressed their guilt home upon their consciences, yet this only made them more bitter against him, and they were fully determined to take his life. They sent messengers all over the country to warn the people against Jesus, whom they denounced as an impostor. Spies were sent to watch him and report what he said and did. The precious Saviour was now most surely standing under the shadow of the cross. {2SP 172.2}

Det mislykkedes åbenbart for dem at svække Jesu indflydelse og at vende folkets opmærksomhed og agtelse bort fra ham; thi mange i folket var stærkt påvirkede og overbeviste af Jesu indtrængende ord. Hans kraftige gerninger havde først fængslet deres opmærksomhed og vakt beundring, og da hans tale åbenbarede hans sande karakter, var de rede til at erkende hans guddommelige autoritet. På den anden side havde hans ord dybt rystet og fordømt de ældste. Han havde irettesat dem strengt for deres synder; dette gjorde dem blot (173) mere forbitrede mod ham, og de havde fast besluttet at dræbe ham. De skikkede sendebud rundt omkring i landet for at advare folket mod Jesus og erklærede, at han var en bedrager. Spioner blev udsendt for at fange ham i ord og fortælle, hvad han sagde og gjorde. Vor kære frelser stod i sandhed allerede under folkets skygge.