The Zealot said: "I hear some saying that you are Elijah come down from heaven to prepare the way of the Messiah. That is what I thought at first." A tiny stream of water, flowing over a rock, could be heard in the silence that followed the Zealot's remark. "What else do people say about me?" persisted Jesus. "Many people think that you are a prophet. Master," answered Simon. Jesus looked quietly at the men around him. When he spoke his words came deliberately. His voice was strong and deep. "But, Simon, who do you believe I am?" To Simon, Jesus' question was like a powerful beam of light shining into the darkest corners of his mind, driving away the last black shadows of doubt. With a sigh he raised his head and caught sight of the brilliant blue sky high above the dark valley that shut them in. The answer to his Master's question was as clear as that sunny sky--why had he not known it before? Simon's lips moved; then came his answer: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." [Illustration] 11. A SECRET IS TOLD "You are the Christ--the Son of the living God!" Against the high rock walls of the narrow ravine, the words echoed in the disciples' ears. For many months not one of them had dared to say that he believed this was true--but now Simon had confessed it plainly. "Simon," declared Jesus, "unless God had taught you this, you could never have known it. From this time on your name will be Peter, the Rock. On the solid rock of faith like yours, I will build my Church--and nothing shall ever destroy it! "Whoever puts his faith in God is a member of my Kingdom. To you"--he looked around at all the disciples now--"I have entrusted the keys to the door of my Kingdom. If you teach men to believe in me, they shall enter!" "We will tell every Jew that you are the Messiah!" burst out the Zealot enthusiastically. "No!" declared Jesus firmly. "This must remain a complete secret." The disciples were dumfounded. "But, Master," protested Andrew, "a Messiah whom nobody knows can never lead the people!" "Now is the time for action!" exclaimed the Zealot. "I have work to do which you do not understand," answered Jesus. "I have come to save the people--but in order to do it, I must first endure much suffering." "We are ready to fight for you," answered Judas. "It will cost more than that," replied Jesus. "I will be rejected by the high priest, the Pharisees, the scribes--and every authority in our nation." "We can overcome them if we have to," said the Zealot impatiently. The answer came like an exploding bomb. "They are going to kill me," declared Jesus plainly. The men looked at him speechless. "They may try to kill you," blurted Andrew, "but they can never do it!" "I must die," repeated Jesus. "There is no other way for me to finish the work that God sent me to do." A great force rose within Simon Peter; words flooded his lips. "No! This cannot be! God would never let it happen! He has sent you to lead us! You cannot die!"