th, the disciples were prepared
for other disappointments. Before they entered the next town on their
journey through Galilee the men talked soberly, a little fearfully,
about what might happen. But, one after another, the villages of Galilee
welcomed Jesus. The common people listened eagerly to the news that he
proclaimed, and many believed. The disciples began to forget that Jesus
had been driven out of Nazareth.

Late one Friday afternoon just before the Sabbath began, Jesus led the
disciples into Chorazin, a town crowded in by the steep walls of a
valley north of Capernaum. A full hour before sunset the hills to the
west threw deep shadows over the village. It was cooler than Capernaum,
thought Simon. Soon he would be home with his wife and children! But he
was as glad as the others to rest in Chorazin over the Sabbath. They had
traveled all week, pausing only to tell the good news in the towns they
had passed through, and they were very tired.

The men rose the next morning greatly refreshed, ready to worship at the
synagogue. They were sure Jesus would be asked to teach. Most of the
disciples expected the people to receive Jesus gladly, but Simon could
not forget the last time they had been in a synagogue--at Nazareth. It
was in the market places and on the streets, Simon remembered, not in
the synagogues, that Jesus had been most gladly welcomed.

As soon as they entered the synagogue, Simon decided that the whole town
must have seen them arrive the night before; everyone was expecting
them. Invited by the minister of the synagogue, Jesus took his place
behind the desk on the low platform in the center of the room, and read
from the Prophets. Then he told the people very plainly that God was
among them in great power; that they must immediately give up everything
that kept them from understanding God's purpose and devote their lives
to him. Both the people and the elders listened closely, and Simon was
not surprised when many people gathered around Jesus as soon as the
service was over. The minister and the elders asked many serious
questions, and Simon saw that they were very sincere. The things Jesus
had said disturbed them deeply. No one noticed a very short woman
quietly walking up behind the men who surrounded Jesus.

When at last there were no more questions, Jesus turned to go. The men
stepped back. For the first time, Jesus saw the woman. Shyly she moved
away. Instantly he realized why she had come. He