I open with two powerful stories today demonstrating conflict.

"Two main roads swept out of Jericho--one north, the other south. At the moment, Jesus was standing at the outskirts of the town. From St. Mark''s simple record, we gather that some big emotion seemed to grip and possess him...He looked this way and He looked that. His soul was plainly in a great torment.

"Which of these two ways would he take?...

"One road, sloping gently to the north, recalled to Jesus many gracious memories of his distant home in Galilee, friendship and tested love, a sure prospect of continuing happiness, a ripe old age in growing honor and respect.

"Should he choose to take it, this north road would bring him again to the good hearts that loved him, where he could continue his ministry with deepening a…