The shepherd looked up quickly and smiled. This man understood! But the disciples were quiet. They knew Jesus was thinking about his own work in Jerusalem.
The wind had veered around and now blew from the southwest. Spattering drops turned into a steady, cold, driving rainstorm.
"Perhaps it will settle the dust," said Andrew hopefully. He was thinking how dejected the sheep looked that had not found room in the shed when he felt cold water on his back. "This place leaks!" he exclaimed. Soon all the men were moving uncomfortably about, trying to find places to stand where they could keep dry. But it was hopeless. The rain poured through the cracks in the old roof.
"We might as well be walking outside as standing here," declared the Zealot in disgust. The suggestion seemed sensible.
"Thank you for the shelter," said Jesus to the shepherd.
The rain had not let up at all, but the men plunged into the night. "Be careful of that ankle," said Peter, the last to go. The shepherd smiled in farewell.
Two hours later the company of miserable disciples arrived in Tiberias. For an hour and a half they had been soaked to the skin. The wind had become quite cold, and they were chilled through. Only after they entered the city of Tiberias did they find an inn where there was room for them.
"This city is crowded with people going to Jerusalem for the feast," observed James, as the disciples stripped off their wet clothing.
"I wonder how Herod likes to have his home city full of loyal Jews," replied John.
"I just hope he does not find out we are here."