Chapter 15

It was true, as Peter had learned, that Jesus had stopped to rest and have a friendly word with Hannah, whom he had not seen since the day he had miraculously healed her; but this was not the main reason for his visit. He wanted to see Esther; and said so, after brief inquiries of Hannah about her health.

Sensing that her presence was not required or desired, Hannah excused herself and left the two alone together.

‘I have been anxious to talk with you, Master,’ said Esther. ‘There is no reason for my remaining here any longer. What shall I do? Where shall I go? I have no homeland now, no plans, no future.’

He did not answer her importunate queries directly, but began to talk about the great crowds that had followed him, and would be following him, day by day, throughout the summer. It was, he went on, a multitude that stirred one’s compassion. So many grievously sick ones were brought from long distances, through the heat and into the confusion of a jostling throng. Desperate young mothers from afar carried their blind and crippled babies in their arms, arriving hungry, dirty, and exhausted. Something must be done for them…He paused and regarded the girl with entreating eyes.

‘You mean—me?’ she faltered.

‘Yes, Fara,’ he replied quietly. ‘I offer you a mission—and a homeland too.’

‘A homeland?’ she queried.

‘In my Kingdom.’

There was a long moment before she spoke.

‘I shall try to do what I can for them, Master; but I wish you had asked me to do some service for you. I owe you so very much!’

‘My child,’ said Jesus softly, ‘whatever you do for the least of these needy ones, you will have done it for me.’

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