In The Bronze Bow, what are Daniel's feelings when he first meets Jesus at Simon's house?

When Daniel first hears Jesus preach, he believes that Jesus is a born leader, a man who can ignite the spark of revolution against the Romans. Daniel is confused when the spark is never born; Jesus teaches peace and love instead of rebellion. When Daniel finally meets Jesus, this is thrown into sharp focus; Daniel's hate is overwhelmed by the love he receives:

Filled with fight and warmth, those eyes, welcoming him with friendship, yet searching too, disturbing, demanding.

"I am glad you have come," Jesus said. Daniel could say nothing at all. For a moment he was afraid. Only when the man turned away and his eyes no longer held his own, could he breathe freely again.
(Speare, The Bronze Bow, Google Books)

Coming on the heels of Daniel's heart being opened to love by Thacia, and his mind opened to different ideals by Simon, this is the first major crack in his personal philosophy. Daniel has been driven by hate for so long that he doesn't understand how a person could love anyone else, least of all him. Since Jesus has no judgement in his own heart, and since Jesus looks on Daniel -- as he does on everyone -- as a beloved child of God, Daniel is confused and bewildered. It is only later that Daniel recognizes this and accepts it into his own heart, holding out friendship to a Roman just as Jesus held it out to Daniel.

How does Daniel describe Jesus in The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare?

In Chapter 4, when Daniel sees Jesus for the first time, he mentions that his figure was "not in any way arresting" and that he could see from Jesus' arms and shoulders that he had worked hard labor as a child. Daniel says, "He was not regal or commanding" (Speare 46). When Jesus turns and faces the crowd, Daniel is startled. Daniel mentions that his face was vital and radiant. Daniel notices that Jesus' face burned with the intensity of the spirit. When he hears Jesus speak, Daniel feels a certain gentleness and promise in Jesus' voice. When Daniel sees Jesus preaching to the fishermen at the shore, he mentions that Jesus looks vigorous, confident, and happy. Although Jesus is not physically imposing, Daniel says, "The impression of strength came from an extraordinary vitality that seemed to pulse in the very air around him" (Speare 57). In Chapter 8, Daniel speaks to Jesus and notices that Jesus' eyes are filled with light and warmth. Jesus clearly has a mystical, commanding presence that attracts so many followers, including Daniel. Although he appears to look like a typical carpenter, his confidence and passion are evident in his gaze and speech.

What are Daniel's feelings when he hears Jesus preach in The Bronze Bow?

Simon, an old friend of Daniel, takes Daniel to the synagogue one day. He tells Daniel that there's a man he'd like him to see, a man from Nazareth. That man, of course, is none other than Jesus. Initially, Daniel is deeply impressed by Jesus's obvious charisma and leadership abilities. This is a man whom Daniel can easily imagine following, as so many others have already done. Daniel believes that Jesus is just the man to drive out the Romans from the land of Judea.

Yet, his initial enthusiasm soon gives way to disappointment. Daniel is looking for a military hero like King David, a champion who will put the Romans to the sword and defeat them on the field of battle. But that's not who Jesus is. His message of love and peace, though inspiring in many respects, isn't really what Daniel wants to hear at that particular moment. Jesus is not the man Daniel thought he was, and that's a disappointment.

What does Daniel reveal about himself to Jesus in The Bronze Bow?

In Chapter 21, Daniel visits Jesus to warn him about his enemies. Jesus thanks Daniel then asks him why he is troubled. Daniel tells Jesus, "Because I don't know where to turn. Everything has failed. Everything I hoped and lived for" (Speare 223). Daniel is confused and losing hope in his cause. When Jesus asks Daniel what he lives for, Daniel responds by telling Jesus that he lives for freedom from Rome and to avenge his father's death. Jesus notices that Daniel lives for two reasons, and Daniel comments that they are essentially the same thing. Jesus then asks Daniel if he is sure, and Daniel becomes frustrated. He voices his displeasure and tells Jesus that all he wanted was a chance. Daniel doesn't know how or why all of his plans failed but feels a sense of hopelessness. Daniel goes on to tell Jesus how Samson sacrificed his life for him, and died without understanding anything about Israel or the kingdom. Jesus acknowledges that Samson gave all he had and asks how Daniel will repay him. Daniel says, "By vengeance!" (Speare 224). Jesus asks Daniel if he can repay love with hate, and Daniel stubbornly responds by saying, "Should I love the Romans who killed him?" (Speare 224). When Daniel finally tells Jesus that he will fight for him, Jesus simply says, "I would ask something much harder than that. Would you love for me to the end?" (Speare 225).