called. The law compelled them to warn
everyone of their disease with this cry. "Master, have mercy upon us."

They were indeed a pitiable sight. With inward pain, Jesus looked at
their wasted bodies, mere skin and bone. Repulsive scars from the
disease marked their faces.

"These men seem to know the Master," murmured Andrew in surprise.

"They might be Galileans," replied James. "Perhaps they live here
because they were driven out of their homes." The people were afraid
that the lepers might come near them, but the twelve disciples knew that
Jesus intended to help them.

"Make ready and go immediately to Jerusalem," commanded Jesus. "Go to
the priest there and get a certificate showing that you are clean
according to the Law of Moses." The ten men turned without a word and
made for the leper house. In a moment they were out again, taking the
road around the outside of the city. On the way to Jerusalem they would
beg food.

"Let us go into the city," said Jesus. He had hardly come into the
shadow of the high wall when one of the lepers came running back. He
threw himself down in front of Jesus and cried out: "Blessed art thou.
Master! God is good! I am clean!" It was true. The men could see no sign
of the terrible disease.

"Where are the other nine?" asked Jesus. "Were they not healed also?"

"This man is not from Galilee!" exclaimed Andrew under his breath.

"Is this Samaritan the only one to come back and thank me?" Jesus asked
the people. He turned to the man. "Get up and go back to your own home.
Your faith has made you well."

The gate into Scythopolis was like a dark tunnel because the wall was so
thick. Roman guards stationed on the inside examined the travelers as
they passed through. If they were surprised to find a large group of
Galileans in a town on the border of Samaria, they said nothing.

"This town seems different from the one that refused us," admitted
James. Every one of the people who accompanied Jesus found a place to
stay. They discovered that many of the townsmen knew about Jesus. Some
even gathered curiously in the courtyard of the inn where Jesus rested.
By the time they left Scythopolis the next morning everyone knew they
were there.

"The Master could make many disciples here," observed Andrew
enthusiastically.

All the followers of Jesus were in high spirits. Even though Jesus kept
a fast pace, they did not fall behind. At noon they passed through a
large town, but Jesus paus