In our own lives we may cross paths with another person, when the very thought of the other’s purity of heart can make us painfully conscious of our own meanness. Maybe with these disciples, at the time in question, Jesus still was that kind of master, and the only thing which held their little band together was a feeling that they would be haunted by lonely regret for the rest of their lives if they were to desert him now.

After Jesus’ resurrection, nothing could intimidate his disciples anymore.