hers gathered around. "This young
man says that the priests are plotting to arrest us," Peter said to
them. The dawn light, dimmed by the morning mist, threw an ashy gray
color over the faces of the Twelve. Peter could see that they were
afraid and very suspicious of the visitor. He turned sharply to him.
"Why have you come out here?"

The young man did not hesitate. "Your Rabbi knows the truth about us. We
all know he is right; that is why the others hate him so!" He looked
down at Jesus. "But I believe his word! God has sent him to call us back
to Him!"

Judas turned away. The courage of this young man made the disciples
ashamed. After a moment James said, "We thank you for coming here." The
young man smiled and answered: "I must go back to the Temple. Let no
harm come to your Rabbi!"

Without comment the twelve men watched him leave. The warm sunlight
awakened Jesus when the mist began to drift away. He was surprised to
find all the men up. A few were talking quietly; others sat alone.
Judas' back was turned. Peter came over to Jesus. "A student from the
Temple came here while you slept, Master. He told us that the priests
are plotting against us." All but Judas were looking at Jesus. He stood
up. His cloak was soiled from constant use. Small twigs and dirt clung
to the coarse cloth. But tangled hair and rumpled clothes could not hide
the Master's great dignity. His voice was untroubled when he answered.
"Today is the Feast of the Passover. Today the lamb is killed so that
the people may be saved. The Father in heaven has sent the Son of Man to
be delivered up. In a little while you will see me no more; then after a
short time you will see me again."

"We do not understand what you are saying. Master," said Peter.

"You will soon be full of sorrow--but the people who hate me will be
glad that they have overcome me," answered Jesus. "But your sorrow will
turn to joy. Right now you are full of fear--and you will be even more
afraid! But do not lose heart: I will return and give you the kind of
joy that no one can take away from you."

The disciples could make nothing of Jesus' words. What could he mean by
saying, "I will return"? Jesus prepared to go into Jerusalem. With
growing dread, the disciples realized what he intended to do. Would he
pay no attention to the warnings of the young man?

As they came into the Temple, Jesus found a large crowd that had
gathered early to meet him. The disciples felt like pris