For the last few miles it was all downhill. But now Jesus was pulling into the most scenic service station imaginable. For Caesarea Philippi was no tacky M6 Todhills (recently voted the worst pitstop in the country); it was one of the lushest valleys in Palestine.
Accordingly, it was the perfect place to ask the question. No, not: ‘Who wants to come with me to buy some overpriced confectionery?’ but: ‘Who wants to drive on to death?’ Mark 8:34: ‘Then He called the crowd to Him along with His disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me”.’
The topography was spot-on. For at this junction Jesus no doubt physically looked up and said: ‘Will you climb, with me, these mountainous roads to Jerusalem and then the hill of crucifixion, or will you stay here relaxing in the rich and peaceful valleys of Caesarea?’
Last Word: wisdom
‘Mum, what should I do when Harry tells me he won’t be my friend unless I let him cheat on …