st.

Evening had now come, and the people not finding Jesus, went away to
their homes, and the disciples in their little ship returned to
Capernaum. The people could not understand, nor could His disciples,
that Jesus did not come to be an earthly king over the little nation of
the Jews. Not until the Holy Spirit came to make all things clear did
they understand that He was to be the Spiritual King of all the world.

CHAPTER XXIV.

WALKING THE WAVES--THE TWO KINGDOMS.

While Jesus was alone on the mountain side the disciples were trying to
reach Capernaum in their fishing boat. It was not a long sail, but a
contrary wind had risen and was blowing them out into the Lake away
from the landing place.

They had taken down their sail and were rowing, but by three o'clock in
the morning they were still out upon the Lake.

Jesus, who knew all things, saw them struggling with the oars, and
coming swiftly down the mountain side He went to them walking upon the
water.

The disciples saw a form through the darkness drawing near to them, and
strangely enough they did not think of Jesus, but cried out in terror,
saying,

"It is a spirit." Then the clear sweet voice of their Master rose over
the sound of the wind and the waves, "Be of good cheer, it is I, be not
afraid." And Peter, full of glad faith, cried out, "Lord, if it be
Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water."

When Jesus said "Come," Peter climbed over the side of the boat and
began to walk toward Jesus, but when a strong wind drove the waves upon
him he lost sight of the Lord for a moment, and he was afraid.

"Lord, save me!" he cried, and began to sink.

Then Jesus stretched out His hand and caught Peter, saying, "O thou of
little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"

When they both entered the ship the wind ceased, and while the
disciples wondered and worshipped, saying, "Of a truth Thou art the Son
of God," they found themselves at the land not far from Capernaum.

It was on the white beach of pebbles and shells that bordered the plain
of Gennesaret where they moored the boat in the early morning, and as
soon as the people saw them they began bringing their sick friends to
Jesus. Many were too ill to walk, and were brought on little beds or
mattresses and laid at Jesus's feet, and there they were healed if they
but touched the hem of His garment.

Many of those who brought the sick to Jesus had been with Him on the
mountain side, and had ea