Had they not just before proclaimed everywhere, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand"? Had not Christ Himself promised that many should sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of God? Had He not promised to all who had left aught for His sake a hundredfold in this life, and a part in His kingdom? And had He not given to the twelve the special promise of positions of high honor in His kingdom,--to sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel? Even 548 now He had said that all things written in the prophets concerning Him should be fulfilled. And had not the prophets foretold the glory of the Messiah's reign? In the light of these thoughts, His words in regard to betrayal, persecution, and death seemed vague and shadowy. Whatever difficulties might intervene, they believed that the kingdom was soon to be established.

Havde de ikke lige nu forkyndt: Guds rige er kommet nær? Havde ikke Kristus selv lovet, at mange skulle sidde til bords med Abraham og Isak og Jakob i Guds rige? Havde han ikke lovet enhver, der forlod noget for hans skyld, at han skulle få det hundred fold igen og få del i hans rige? Og havde han ikke givet de tolv det særlige løfte om en ærefuld plads i hans rige, om at sidde på troner og dømme Israels tolv stammer? Selv nu havde han sagt, at alt det, der var skrevet om ham hos profeterne, skulle opfyldes. Og havde ikke profeterne forudsagt herligheden i Messias rige? I lyset af disse tanker forekom hans ord om at forrådes, om forfølgelse og død uklare og tågede. Hvilke vanskeligheder der end måtte komme, så troede de, at riget snart skulle oprettes.