Yet John was not perfect, as we shall see in another chapter.  We know of some things he said and did when a man, which help us to understand the kinds of temptations he had in his younger days.  They were such as these; contempt for others who did not think and do as he did, judging them unjustly and unkindly, and showing an unkind feeling toward them; a revengeful spirit, ready to do harm for supposed injury; selfishness; ambition—­wanting to be in honor above others.  His greatest temptation was to pride.  But at last he overcame such temptations.  What was lovable in childhood became more beautiful in manhood.  He more nearly reached perfection than any other of whom we know—­by what influence, we shall see.

CHAPTER VI

First Visit to Jerusalem

At twelve years of age a Jewish boy was no longer thought of as a child, but a youth.  Before he reached that age he looked forward to an event which seemed to him very great.  It was his first visit to Jerusalem.  Peter was probably older than James or John.  With boyish interest they listened to the report of his first pilgrimage to the Holy City.  When the time came for James to accompany him, John’s interest would increase as he heard his brother’s story; and much more when he could say, “Next year I too shall see it all.”  And when at last he, probably the youngest of the five Bethsaidan boys, could be one of the company, a day of gladness indeed had come.  With his father, and perhaps his mother, he joined the caravan of pilgrims, composed chiefly of men and boys.  Their probable route was across the Jordan, then southward, through valleys and gorges, and along mountain-sides which echoed with the Psalms which were sung on these pilgrimages, called “Songs of Degrees.”

At Bethabara, nearly opposite Jericho, the travelers recrossed the Jordan.  There John might think of that other crossing many years before when Joshua led the hosts of Israel between the divided waters; and when Elijah smote them with his mantle, and there was a pathway for him and Elisha.  John was to add to his memories of the spot.  At a later day he would there witness a more glorious scene.

[Illustration:  JOSHUA’S HOST CROSSING THE JORDAN Old Engraving Page 45]

At last from the Mount of Olives, at a turn in the road, he had his first view of the Holy City; its walls and seventy towers of great height, and the Holy House—­the Temple of God, with which in after years he was to become familiar.  There he saw for himself of what he had often heard;—­the Holy Altar and lamb of sacrifice—­reminders of the coming Messiah; the offering of incense; and the many and varied forms of stately worship.