Simon gave him a warning glance. He still mistrusted this man. "We plan to tell everyone in this country our message," he said guardedly. "If you are going to establish a free Jewish nation, you must do more than talk," declared the Zealot. "You should organize!" The fishermen looked at each other, doubting how much they should say. Finally James said vaguely, "We think it won't be much longer." "Why can't we do something definite about it?" said the Zealot. "Do you really think he could be king of the Jews?" asked James. "I'm certain of it!" replied the Zealot. "My people would follow him to a man!" James looked inquiringly at Simon. "I think most of the people would be favorable, don't you?" Simon shook his head doubtfully. "We ought to see what the Master thinks. King Herod has many Roman soldiers under his command!" "Listen, Simon," argued James. "The Master has spent plenty of time teaching already. Everyone in Galilee has heard about the kingdom." Simon didn't reply. "He intends to fight eventually," continued James. "Didn't he say he came to bring conflict and not peace? I think it is about time to stop talking and get to work!" Simon stared at the ground. "Well, one thing is sure," he admitted. "The Pharisees are all against us. They will keep us out of the synagogues." "That is exactly why I think Jesus should openly declare himself king," affirmed the Zealot strongly. "It is time to go forward!" Jesus had told the disciples to wait for him in Capernaum and had gone to the hills for prayer. He knew his work had reached a turning point. For several days he remained alone, praying and seeking wisdom from God. When he returned to Capernaum, he called the disciples together. "My followers," he said gravely, when they were gathered about him, "many times I have told you that the Kingdom of God cannot come without suffering. Men who hate truth hate anyone who speaks the truth." The men knew Jesus had made a decision. "The Kingdom of God has been proclaimed only in Galilee," he continued. "The time has now come to carry the news to all Palestine!" _That means Judea!_ thought James and John at the same time. In Jerusalem the priests and Pharisees were strongest. "Rulers will show us no mercy," said Jesus. "God is our only Source of strength. We must tell the gospel in every village and countryside. We must not miss a single Jew. You are to be my missionaries to this nation!" The men stirred and glanced at one another. The Zealot vigorously nodded his approval. No hiding in the hills for them; they were going forward! Fear mixed with eagerness sent chills through them.