Slave

And Jesus looked around and noticed that Peter was wearing a new tunic. "Where did you get that, Peter?"

"Oh, Master, do you like it?" he asked. "It's what everyone is wearing these days, especially down in Jerusalem. And since you're determined to go down that way, I thought I'd better get in style."

Jesus raised his eyebrow. "Really? Why, Peter?"

"Well, I don't want those important people down there to think I'm some sort of country bumpkin. You know what they say about those of us from Galilee. They even think we talk differently! So I thought if I dressed like they do, dressed better, then they would accept us—accept you—more readily. Pretty smart, huh? 'When in Jerusalem, dress like the Jerusalemites,' that's what I always say."

Jesus frowned. Then he turned and noticed Andrew on his Facebook account, busily working away. "What are you doing, Andrew?" he asked.

"Oh, me?" Andrew looked up, slightly bleary-eyed. "I'm just making some new friends."

"Friends?" Jesus asked.

"Oh, yes," Andrew turned the screen of his phone to show Jesus. "See? These are some important and influential people in Jerusalem. I'm 'friending' them so that when we get there, we'll already have connections to important people."

Jesus scanned the list. "Caiaphas? Really?"

"Never hurts to know the high priest's father-in-law, you know. I've even 'liked' the page for the Jerusalem Temple."

Jesus sighed. When he noticed Bartholomew working away on his tablet, he was afraid to ask. A glance in that direction, though, was enough to get Bart to open up. "I'm updating Jesus.com, Master. I want to make sure all of your latest miracles and teachings are posted online so that the wealthy ones down in Jerusalem will know what you're all about. You know, Jesus, you can't rely on word of mouth anymore. You have to market yourself!" And Bart turned back to his work.

Jesus looked around at his disciples, each of them busy about something and ignoring the people who were gathering on the hillside for a time of worship. He started to say something, then just gave up and started down the hill toward the people. As they looked at him expectantly, the first thing that came to his mind was this: “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him (Luke 12:4-5).

Which brings us to John Wesleys' fifth question: "Am I a slave to dress, friends, work or habits?"

Well, are you?