What had Jesus helped Thacia understand about the coming of God's kingdom? Why does her explanation cause Daniel to get angry?
In Chapter 16, Thacia, Joel, and Daniel are discussing how Thacia will disguise herself as Joel in order for them to fulfill Rosh's assignment. Thacia mentions that she would feel ashamed to meet Jesus while she is disguised as Joel because she doesn't "want to face Jesus with a lie." Daniel responds by saying that in war, a lie is considered a weapon. Thacia disagrees, then asks Daniel and Joel what makes them so sure...
In Chapter 16, Thacia, Joel, and Daniel are discussing how Thacia will disguise herself as Joel in order for them to fulfill Rosh's assignment. Thacia mentions that she would feel ashamed to meet Jesus while she is disguised as Joel because she doesn't "want to face Jesus with a lie." Daniel responds by saying that in war, a lie is considered a weapon. Thacia disagrees, then asks Daniel and Joel what makes them so sure Jesus wants war. They assume that when Jesus says that the kingdom of heaven is at hand, he is referring to an upcoming war. Thacia challenges their beliefs by mentioning that Jesus might mean that the kingdom of heaven will come some other way without fighting. Thacia goes on to say that Jesus has helped her see that they don't need to wait for God to care for them because he already does. Thacia tells them, "Jesus says that God sees into our hearts and loves us. If everyone understood that---every man and woman---" (Speare 178). The boys then ask her if that will rid them of the Romans, and she says, "Suppose---the Romans too could understand?" (Speare 178). Thacia also asks them why Jesus says that they must love their enemies. Daniel loses his temper and yells, "He is talking to men. A girl can't understand such things!" (Speare 178). Daniel becomes upset because he is a sworn enemy of Rome and hates them with a passion. He cannot accept the idea that God loves Romans, especially under the present circumstances. Galilee is under Roman occupation, and the Jews are their enemies. Daniel believes that the only way to restore the kingdom of heaven is through a violent uprising.
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