l.

Two hours later the company of miserable disciples arrived in Tiberias.
For an hour and a half they had been soaked to the skin. The wind had
become quite cold, and they were chilled through. Only after they
entered the city of Tiberias did they find an inn where there was room
for them.

"This city is crowded with people going to Jerusalem for the feast,"
observed James, as the disciples stripped off their wet clothing.

"I wonder how Herod likes to have his home city full of loyal Jews,"
replied John.

"I just hope he does not find out we are here."

The disciples were alarmed when Jesus insisted on teaching the next day
in the market place, where people gathered to gossip and buy food.

"What if the tyrant discovers that we are here?" inquired Andrew
fearfully. "He could throw us into prison before we could escape!"

"This is an important city for us," replied Jesus. "We must tell the
news of the Kingdom to all these pilgrims who are traveling to
Jerusalem." Nervously the disciples kept watch for the Roman police
while Jesus talked to the people.

It was well that they did. "Here come some Pharisees," warned John. The
men were stepping around carts piled with food, taking care to avoid the
heavily burdened donkeys that crowded the street. The people dropped
back to let them pass. The two Pharisees smiled as they came up to
Jesus.

"They seem friendly!" said John, astonished.

"Don't let them deceive you," warned the Zealot.

Jesus received the men graciously. The first said: "Rabbi, we have come
to warn you. You had better get out of Tiberias as soon as possible. We
have private information from Herod's court that he intends to kill
you!"

The disciples were alarmed. The Zealot was frowning and looking at the
Pharisees very suspiciously. "Why do you tell us this?" he asked
bluntly. They ignored his question, waiting to see what Jesus would say.

Jesus' answer was stern: "Go tell that sly fox that he does not have the
power to stop my work!" The people were startled. How did he dare speak
like this about the king? "Now I am preaching the good news of the
Kingdom of Heaven and helping people," continued Jesus. "When I finish
this work I will leave--but I will go to Jerusalem only when the time
comes for me to be delivered up to death!"

"Unless you leave Tiberias at once, you will certainly die here," said
the second Pharisee.

"No." There was bitter humor in Jesus' tone. "It would hardly be righ