n, I came to you."

Andrew looked at Jesus and spoke the thought in the minds of them all:
"If we go on proclaiming the gospel, the same thing may happen to us."

Jesus' answer was firm: "Nothing must stand in our way. We speak for
God."

Never before had the men felt the strength of Jesus as they did now.
There was not a trace of fear in his actions. He knew that their danger
was increasing every day! And he acted with such authority! Everything
he said or did proved that he knew what he was about. It was his
certainty that convinced the people!

An event occurred on the second day of their return to Capernaum which
showed the disciples that they might soon share the fate of John the
Baptizer. It did not take many hours for the report to spread through
all Capernaum that Jesus was back in the city. From every corner of the
town came those needing help--not only the sick and lame, but people of
all kinds who were restless and dissatisfied. So many people crowded
into the courtyard of Simon's home that Jesus decided to stand in the
doorway of his room where he could see them all. The porch roof shaded
him. He was about to raise his hand to quiet the people when Andrew
hurried to him.

"Master," he whispered excitedly, "there are Pharisees and their scribes
outside."

"Well, bring them in."

Andrew was amazed. "But, Master, some of them are from Jerusalem!"

Jesus knew what that meant. Over the crowd he caught Simon's eye. The
fisherman was worried. _From Jerusalem!_ Simon was thinking. _They have
come to see if what we are teaching is against the Law of Moses._

Jesus realized that news of his preaching must have traveled to
Jerusalem. He knew that officials of the Pharisees would come to hear
him personally. He expected no friendliness from them; but he was ready.

He glanced behind him. "There is room for them there. Bring them in."

Andrew looked anxiously at Jesus. "O Master, don't...."

Jesus looked at him. "Courage, Andrew! Make certain that they see and
hear everything that happens."

People stepped back respectfully as the scribes and Pharisees came in.
Jesus paid no special attention. He had turned to the people who stood
before him.

"I have been sent by God with news," he began. "If you are poor, you can
be rich if you will humble your heart and trust God."

He saw a man covered with sores. "Are you unclean?" he said, looking at
him. "God will accept you. You are clean in his sight if your he