And sick persons began to drag themselves to Him so that He might heal and comfort them.

But the more they heard of miracles wrought on the sick and crippled, the more miracles they desired, so that He grew angry, and reminded them that He did not come on account of their bodies but of their souls.

Moreover, He pointed out to them that He was not the Messiah from whom men expected deliverance and the establishment of the kingdom of the Jews.
But they regarded that as an excuse, as prudent reserve, until the time was ripe for the entry of the great general.

The curiosity increased at every new speech, and they hoped to hear Him sound the call to arms.
Others held aloof and thought over the deeper meaning of His words, and if it was possible to comprehend them and live according to them.

At first they found it easy and pleasant to be free from care, and to be conciliatory towards their neighbours.