training only a
handful of disciples to preach. It would take more than that to bring
God's great day. At last the Prophet sent two messengers to Jesus.

"Our Prophet, John the Baptizer, has sent us to ask a question," said
the leader. "Are you the One whom God has sent to judge the wicked and
justify the faithful?"

This very question was stirring in the minds of the disciples. Why did
Jesus not tell them plainly who he was?

"Are you the Messiah of God?" repeated the man. "Or should we look for
someone else?"

"You know what I teach," answered Jesus. "You have heard about the
things that I do. Go back to John and tell him that the eyes of the
blind are opened; the lame walk; lepers are cleansed--the good news that
God is present among men is declared to everyone who will listen."

"But, Rabbi," said the puzzled leader, "what shall we tell the Prophet?
Are you truly the Messiah?"

"How do you expect to know the Messiah?" asked Jesus. "What will he do
that you will recognize him?" The men did not answer. "Isaiah the
Prophet said: 'Here is my servant, my Chosen One. He will not be loud
and noisy: He will not raise a great shout in public. He will not break
a bent sapling or even blow out the tiniest lamp flame!'"

The followers of John murmured to themselves. "The Messiah--coming
silently?... You say he won't even break a twig?" The ideas seemed to
escape them, slipping away as soon as they were spoken.

Andrew was distressed at Jesus' words. "Master, the Messiah is mighty!
He will come from the sky in great glory. How can you say that the
Messiah will come without people even knowing he is among us?"

Jesus turned to the followers of John the Baptizer and said: "Go tell
John what you have heard. He truly knows the will of God if he
understands these things I have said."

Impulsively Andrew reached out his hand to stop the men. But then he
drew back: _Jesus had told them to go_. He turned to Jesus the instant
they left and demanded, "How _does_ the Messiah come?"

"Andrew," replied Jesus patiently, "don't you understand yet what I
mean when I tell you that the Kingdom of God is at hand?"

Andrew could not hide his disappointment. Jesus knew how hard it was for
his disciple to grasp what he meant. Hopes that he had held for years
were not easy to give up quickly.

"Then John the Baptizer was wrong?" Andrew's voice was subdued. "The
Messiah will not come with an army of angels to destroy the enemies of
his