terribly disturbed the disciples were by the
criticisms against him. Therefore, very early the next morning before
the people began to come to market, he took them to the lake. They had
no idea where he was leading them as they stepped into Simon's boat.

What a relief it was to be away from the crowds of Capernaum! They were
glad for the silence of the lake, smooth as a mirror in the calm of the
dawn, after the noise and bustle of street and market. Through the mist
the men could see a few fishermen working hard to gather in their nets
with the night's catch of fish. Simon and Andrew recognized them, but
the men did not look up and the disciples passed unseen. In the days
when they too had gathered nets in the morning the four fishermen had
always been glad to feel the warming rays of the sun breaking through
the blanket of fog. The mist began now to tear into ragged pieces,
clinging here and there to the lake. The disciples caught sight of the
stately crest of Mount Hermon to the north, white with summer snow,
standing guard over all Galilee. A breeze sprang up and blew the
remaining mist to tatters. Little wisps of fog chased each other over
the surface of the water as though ashamed to be caught by the sun.

Jesus turned his gaze from the noble mountain ahead of them and spoke to
the disciples. "I must warn you against the tricks of the Pharisees and
scribes. Their false arguments sometimes sound reasonable, but the evil
purpose of these men grows like a nasty mold. It will creep into your
very hearts and destroy the Bread of Life."

James leaned over to Philip. "That reminds me--did you bring enough food
for this trip?"

"The provisions ought to be stored under the stern seat," answered
Philip.

James reached under the seat. "Nothing here," he said.

"What! No food?" The other disciples had heard what he said. They were
hungry. They forgot that Jesus was speaking. "Look under the front seat,
Andrew," said Simon. The men searched everywhere; there was but one loaf
in the boat. James turned to Philip in a temper. "What in the world are
we going to eat?"

Jesus had watched them without saying a word. Now he spoke. "My
followers, what have you to worry about?"

"This stupid Philip forgot to bring the food!" said James, irritated.

"Have you ever gone hungry when you were with me?" asked Jesus
patiently. "You have seen me feed crowds--and yet you do not trust me!
Many times you have heard me say that I am the