Chapter 16

Now that he was seated beside this beautiful girl, who had unwittingly preoccupied his thoughts and disturbed his sleep, the Big Fisherman was not sure how—or whether—to break the silence. Esther promptly relieved him of this responsibility.

Turning toward him, she declared impetuously, ‘The trouble is, Simon, it all seems so hopeless, so pitiably hopeless! They are so rude, so mean to one another.’

‘They are indeed,’ agreed Simon, ‘but I suppose some allowance must be made for them. A woman who has borne the grief of a blind or crippled child—and now has a chance to see him made well—is desperate. She will lie, steal, and fight to be the first in line—for his food—and his healing. Their conduct is deplorable, but it is understandable.’

‘You have great patience, Simon,’ murmured Esther.

‘No, my dear,’ he confessed. ‘If I seem to have patience, it is because of the Master’s compassion on them. I’m learning—from him—to hold my tongue and keep my temper. It isn’t easy.’

‘Perhaps I too might learn to be more sympathetic if there was anything—anything good, anything at all—to come of it!’

‘He heals their sick, Esther. Surely that is something!’

‘I know,’ she conceded wearily. ‘He opens their babies’ poor little blind eyes so that they can see; and what do they see but unfriendliness and greed!’ The pent-up flood of her indignation was loosed now, and her passionate words came tumbling recklessly over one another, while Simon, amazed at the outburst, watched the big tears gather and slowly trickle down her flushed cheeks. He tried to interject a gentle protest, but she went on, her husky voice breaking with emotion.

‘There he stands,’ she cried, ‘day after day, entreating them to be kind and to love one another, and live at peace with one another—’

‘I think some of them try to do that,’ said Simon.

‘A few, perhaps; but not enough,’ persisted Esther. ‘My heart bleeds for him, Simon! He is going to be so dreadfully disappointed! If he were just an ordinary man, deluded into thinking that he could save the whole world by teaching people to be merciful and generous, no attention need be paid to his dreaming; but—Jesus has the power of a God in his hands. He has proved it—over and over! I truly believe that he could save the world—or end it, if he chose; but not this way!’

‘How then?’ asked Simon, soberly.