"This has been a hard day," remarked James wearily, stretching out on the bed.
"I do not believe we shall leave Galilee again until we go to Jerusalem," observed Peter.
"I wish we knew what would happen there," remarked John. "Do you think he will really be killed?"
"You know what Andrew says," replied Peter, avoiding a direct answer.
"I cannot believe that the Master is just discouraged," stated James flatly. "That is not like him."
Peter nodded his agreement. He thought of how Andrew was inwardly torn. "I cannot escape from him—but I cannot understand him!" he had said. James blew out the oil lamp. The men settled themselves for the night. Peter spoke. "If we follow him to Jerusalem, we must be ready to suffer with him. We must not doubt."
"Tell me, Simon Peter, how can the Messiah of God die?" asked James.
The fishermen heard Peter sigh. "How it can be ... I do not know. I know only that we must decide whether we shall go on. Now is the time to decide...." His voice trailed off. Far into the night the fishermen stared open-eyed into the darkness. When at last they fell into a troubled sleep, they were no nearer the answer.
At dawn there was a knock at the door of their room. The men stirred, and Peter rose. Scarcely visible in the faint light stood Jesus. Peter stepped back, and Jesus entered.
"Will you come to pray with me in the mountain?" Jesus asked.