Chapter 15

‘Perhaps because Elisha once healed a leper,’ explained Andrew. ‘Don’t you remember? The Scriptures say that Elisha cured Naaman, a great one of Syria; made him bathe in the Jordan.’

Alpheus chuckled softly at the recollection of this old legend, and remarked, ‘Naaman objected at first, willing to bathe—but not in the Jordan.’

‘You’ve a good memory, Alpheus,’ observed James.

‘My father often told us the story,’ said Alpheus. ‘He thought it was quite funny.’

‘My father,’ drawled Andrew, ‘never thought that anything found in the Scriptures could be funny.’

Apparently nobody cared to pursue that subject any further and there was a long interval of silence before conversation was resumed.

‘Almost everyone seems to think,’ said John,’ that Jesus must be one of the ancient prophets restored to life.’

At this point in their conversation, held in subdued tones to avoid disturbing the Master’s much needed rest, they were suddenly startled by his voice, inquiring, ‘And you! What do you think of me? Who am I?’

They all shifted their eyes to Simon, whose courageous display of faith that afternoon had earned him the right to be their spokesman. After a long, thoughtful pause, the Big Fisherman came to his feet and declared, in a deep, impressive voice, ‘Master—I believe that you are the son of God!’

A hush fell upon them.

‘Simon, son of Jonas,’ said Jesus, ‘henceforth your name shall be Peter—Peter the Rock! It is upon your faith that I shall build my Kingdom!’

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