How is it that you so well know how to discern the face of the heavens but are so utterly unable to discern the signs of the times? To those who would know the truth, already has a sign been given; but to an evil-minded and hypocritical generation no sign shall be given."
When Jesus had thus spoken, he withdrew and prepared for the evening
conference with his followers. At this conference it was decided to undertake a
united mission throughout all the cities and villages of the Decapolis as soon as
Jesus and the twelve should return from their proposed visit to Caesarea-Philippi. The Master participated in planning for the Decapolis mission and,
in dismissing the company, said: "I say to you, beware of the leaven of the
Pharisees and the Sadducees. Be not deceived by their show of much learning
and by their profound loyalty to the forms of religion. Be only concerned with
the spirit of living truth and the power of true religion. It is not the fear of a
dead religion that will save you but rather your faith in a living experience in
the spiritual realities of the kingdom. Do not allow yourselves to become blinded
by prejudice and paralyzed by fear. Neither permit reverence for the traditions
so to pervert your understanding that your eyes see not and your ears hear not.
It is not the purpose of true religion merely to bring peace but rather to insure
progress. And there can be no peace in the heart or progress in the mind unless
you fall wholeheartedly in love with truth, the ideals of eternal realities. The
issues of life and death are being set before you—the sinful pleasures of time
against the righteous realities of eternity. Even now you should begin to find
deliverance from the bondage of fear and doubt as you enter upon the living
of the new life of faith and hope. And when the feelings of service for your
fellow men arise within your soul, do not stifle them; when the emotions of
love for your neighbor well up within your heart, give expression to such urges
of affection in intelligent ministry to the real needs of your fellows."
Early Tuesday morning Jesus and the twelve apostles left Magadan Park for Caesarea-Philippi, the capital of the Tetrarch Philip's domain. Caesarea-Philippi was situated in a region of wondrous beauty. It nestled in a charming valley between scenic hills where the Jordan poured forth from an underground cave. The heights of Mount Hermon were in full view to the north, while from the hills just to the south a magnificent view was had of the upper Jordan and the Sea of Galilee.
Jesus had gone to Mount Hermon in his early experience with the affairs of the kingdom, and now that he was entering upon the final epoch of his work, he desired to return to this mount of trial and triumph, where he hoped the apostles might gain a new vision of their responsibilities and acquire new strength for the trying times just ahead. As they journeyed along the way, about the time of passing south of the Waters of Merom, the apostles fell to talking among themselves about their recent experiences in Phoenicia and elsewhere and to recounting how their message had been received, and how the different peoples regarded their Master.
As they paused for lunch, Jesus suddenly confronted the twelve with the first question he had ever addressed to them concerning himself. He asked this surprising question, "Who do men say that I am?"
