These miracles and works of healing were spread abroad throughout the city. Yet these acts of mercy only made the bitterness of the Pharisees more intense. They closely watched all the movements of Jesus, seeking for cause to accuse him. Their influence prevented many from applying to Jesus for relief from their infirmities upon the Sabbath day. They feared being stigmatized as transgressors of the law. But no sooner had the sun passed out of sight in the west than a great commotion ensued. The diseased flocked to Jesus from every quarter. Those who had sufficient strength came by themselves, but a much larger number were borne by their friends to the great Physician. {2SP 181.1}

Rygtet om disse undergerninger og helbredelser blev udspredt overalt i staden. Men disse barmhjertigheds-gerninger forøgede blot farisæernes forbitrelse. De iagttog nøje alt, hvad Jesus foretog sig, og søgte en anledning til at anklage ham. Deres indflydelse holdt mange tilbage fra at bede Jesus om hjælp i deres svaghed på sabbatsdagen. De frygtede for at blive stemplede som lovovertrædere. Men aldrig så snart var solen gået ned i vest, før der blev en stor bevægelse. De syge flokkede sig om Jesus fra alle kanter. De, som havde tilstrækkelig styrke, kom selv; men mange flere blev båret af deres venner til den Store Læge.