In the beginning of any really significant human endeavor, be it a marriage or parenthood or a business venture, there is usually a high level of idealism and hope. We expect to do the thing we are beginning with great success. This was certainly true of Jesus' ministry. Who can read how he emerged out of Galilee saying, "The time is fulfilled, the kingdom of heaven is at hand, repent and believe the good news," and not sense the excitement and anticipation that was present in that act of beginning? And such hopefulness was not a matter of fantasy either. Incredible things did begin to happen immediately. "The common people heard Jesus gladly"; they sensed in him an authority and a vitality that was not present in other rabbis. He began to heal all kinds of diseases and quickly generated a…