Jesus’ popularity had increased once more, and in the more thickly inhabited districts the people hurried together.  “The Prophet is passing through!” They streamed forth bringing provisions with them, and the sick and crippled came imploring Him to heal them.  He accepted enough to meet His immediate needs from the store that was offered Him, but He did not work the desired miracles.  He forbade His disciples even to speak of them.  He was angry with the crowd who would not believe without miracles, and would not understand the signs of the times.  “Directly they see a cloud rise in the west they say:  It’s going to rain.  If a south wind blows they know that it is going to be hot.  But they do not understand the signs of a new world uprising.  If they cannot understand the spiritual tokens, they cannot have others.  They would fain see the sign of Jonah, who lay three days in the whale’s belly?  Be it so.  They shall see how the Son of Man, after being buried for three days, shall live again.”

Judas shook his head over such talk.  “That doesn’t help much.”  But the others, especially John, James and Simon, did not think about the kingdom of the Messiah, or about earthly power; their hearts were filled with love for the Master.  Yet they, too, had their own temptations.  They often talked together of that other world where Jesus would be Eternal King, and where they—­they who firmly adhered to Him—­would share His glory.  And in all seriousness they dreamed of the offices and honours that would be theirs, and actually disputed who among them would hold the highest rank.  Each boasted of his own achievements.  James had brought Him the most friends in Galilee.  Simon rested his claim on the fact that he had been the first to recognise in Him the Son of God.  John reminded them that he came from the same place, and had once worked with Him as carpenter’s apprentice.  John might have said that the Master was especially fond of him, but he did not say so.  Simon, on the contrary, put forward most emphatically the fact that the Master had called him the rock on which He should found His community.

When Jesus noticed how they were disputing He went to them and asked what they were discussing so eagerly.

“Master,” said James boldly, “you come to us as if we had called you.  We want to know who among your disciples will be first in the Eternal Kingdom.  See, brother John and I would like to be nearest you, one on your right hand, the other on your left, so that we may have you between us then as we have you now.”

Upon which Jesus said:  “This is not the first time that you have talked thus foolishly.  You don’t know what you want.  I tell you, when you have done what I do, and have suffered what I shall suffer, then you may come and ask.”

They replied:  “Lord, we will do what you do and suffer what you suffer.”