Chapter 7
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The lithe, speckled pup raced between a soldier’s legs as one of the Temple guard tried to capture him as they
tried vainly to find the end of the string which would allow them to close the confusion and restore order. But no one was
paying her or a busy dog any mind, not when he was helping to calm the situation by gathering and holding the milling sheep
in one place, despite their anxious glances about and willingness to bolt mindlessly.
“ What sign do you show us, seeing that you do these things? “
“
Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up!
Her brother’s voice
was clear and unmistakable, even over the noise and confusion of the scattered animals and the moans of the moneychangers
as they knelt, trying to scoop their coins into separate piles they could lay claim too.
“
It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days? “
Raamah ben Tola sputtered as Ahava pulled back, vainly attempting to call back the pup who had the loose sheep herded
into a group, looking as though they would bolt at the first opportunity.
Her
heart sank as she looked at the great foundation stones. Even with his three friends it would take many more men than five
to move just one of the stones! Yet he said he would rebuild the entire temple in only three days. Were they right?
Was he insane? Wonderfully mad, full of hope to end the despair of mankind but mad? Then was her mother? Her father? The Bethlehem
shepherds who spoke of angelic hosts who filled the night sky at his birth? The Magi? Yet…how could he rebuild in only
three days? Or who would allow him to destroy the Temple simply to prove his demented claim?
She was torn between loyalty and
doubt.
Joseph of
Aramathea and Nicodemus, two of the chief rulers in the high Sanhedrin came out to the passage reserved for the priests and
officials of the Temple. Looking down to the Temple portico.
“
It is written in the psalms, ‘For the zeal of your house has eaten me up’ Nicodemus whispered. “
You are certain this is the man John the Baptizer identified as the Messiah? “
“ I was there, old friend. As were some of those very men pressed against the wall.
Still…he was so young. I would feel better if I could speak with him. There are those men raised up by the crowds in
the past who thought themselves to be the Anointed One, and many, many died needlessly. One must be careful….
“ He answered thoughtfully, leaving much of his thought unspoken, out of habit.
The thickset man beside him leaned back;
all he could see was the tops of their heads and their rough clothing. There wasn’t anything to distinguish them from
the dozens of frightened bystanders who had come to purchase a lamb for next week’s holiday.
“ That’s
why you are a rich man, Joseph. “ He said a little enviously, but the turbaned man beside him
was too filled with internal dialogues to be listening to other voices, Slowly the shouts died down and the men gathered within
the consecrated enclave to talk among themselves.
“ Take
these hence! “
Jesus ben Joses’ voice echoed, expecting to be obeyed
“ I will, master, but they will trample or gore me on their way out and I will
be ruined! My family will be sold into slavery! What have I to do with you that you would do me this great evil?
“
“ Take the horns of the bullock nearest to you, the rest will follow.
“
“ Are you mad? “
“
Are you ready to suffer the consequences of further disobedience, Benjamin ben Adonijah? “
“
You know my name sir? “ He demanded incredulously but was quick to
obey as the frown deepened between the younger man’s brows.
“ How is it that you do not know mine? “
The man blanched and backed away to do as
he had been instructed, feeling as though he were in the presence of a mystery too great for him to bear. Ahava didn’t
even hear his approach until her brother knelt by her side, the small speckled pup sitting down beside him with its tongue
hanging wetly from its mouth. Behind him the yearling bullocks followed on their own in lines of three, as if they had done
so for all their lives.
The smell of their wet hides and their fear lingered on the trapped air between the high court walls. In the background she could hear the sheep bleat their mindless distress
at being penned again but she feared looking up at her brother’s face for fear of the madness and the wild exhilaration
she expected to see there. If she could have died at this instant and blown to dust rather to remove this humiliation for
her beloved brother’s sake she would have in an instant! Giving up all of life, its joys and its promises simply to
undo the moment when she looked into Jesus’ eyes and saw the stark legacy that had hidden itself so well for the first
thirty years of his life. And all of hers.
“ Beloved? Look at me. “ He urged tenderly, squatting down in the dust as thickset bovine legs marched past
him. Tears filled her eyes and despair filled her heart, and for the first time she disobeyed him.
The hand still holding the scourge of cords lifted itself to her chin and pressed gently but firmly until she was forced
to life her head but she willed herself to see nothing beyond the film of tears.
“ Let not your heart be troubled, Beloved. You believe in
GOD? “
She
nodded numbly.
“ Then believe also in me, that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me. Or else believe
me for the very works sake, Dear Heart. “
She blinked away
the tears and pulled her head back. But what she saw amazed her. Making it difficult for her to draw a breath over the beauty
she saw, His features were unchanged but he glowed from within with a pure, clear light. His inner self revealing a strength
and a joy she’d never seen in another human being.“
Jesus? Is that you? “
“ As
I am. As I will always be with you, Beloved. “
She edged away
from the press of strangers who jostled past them thoughtlessly, and tentatively touched his cheek, then pulled her hand away,
expecting her fingertips to glow.
“
Dod Kiah, am I imagining all this? “ She demanded in sweetest
joy, catching hold of his hand to keep from being pushed from his side as they followed her eldest brother out of the courtyard
reserved for the lesser of Israel, women and righteous Gentiles who had embraced the faith of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
“ If you are, you are using my mind to imagine it at well. “ He said thoughtfully, rewarded by her dazzling smile of trust
and faith.
-
As they left the Temple mount Jesus and his youngest half-sister were met near the
outer gate by a man kneeling on a board covered with homespun cloth.
“
LORD! I have no right to greet you, or even speak to you but I cannot allow you to pass me by! My name is Berechiah
ben Benaiah, and I am a sinful man, Lord! But if you
will, you can heal me. This I believe, sir! “
Jesus twisted
sideways, leaving his arm around Ahava’s shoulder. His smile reaching out to the stricken man even before his free hand
touched the soiled cloth on his bowed shoulder. Hilkiah automatically reached for the small leather sack hung from his waist
to find a copper coin or two to give the crippled man, but he waved the gesture away, almost angrily, turning his full attention
to Jesus. In fear of the cursed man’s sudden rage, the slender thirteen year old slipped back to her uncle’s side,
watching with wide and frightened eyes.
“ Shalom aleikhem, Berechiah ben Benaiah. I’ve been waiting to speak to you.
“
Ahava held
her breath at the worshipful look on the crippled man’s face. She looked up to the tall man at her side instinctively
but he showed none of the repugnance her brothers gave when someone old or diseased came too near. ‘He’s feeling
what I’m feeling ’, she marveled.
A quiet
joy lifted her spirits with ever so light a touch. Her heart went out to the old man in sympathy as Berechiah reached out
a palsied hand, marked with age spots, so old that only bones and thinnest sinew were held together under the wrinkled skin
of parchment.
“
I sinned as a young man. I gloried in my own strength as a warhorse that can not be defeated. Yet all I achieved, all
that I took by might and the power of my own hand is withered away and turned to dust, and I weary of life yet I fear the
righteous and just punishments I must receive. Oh help me, LORD! I know not who you are, but I know what you are! More than
a prophet, mighty in word and deed. Help me, Son of David, for I perish under the weight of my own repentance and sorrow,
yet it avails me nothing! “
The
men from Capernaum held back, as if an unseen hand pushed them against one another’s shoulders, shock and disgust evident
at this unheard of exchange between beggar and passer-by. It was almost too grotesque to believe, but Jesus was actually touching
the man, although he would be unclean by the merest touch, perhaps a glance that lingered too long and encouraged the beast
to become more aggressive in his demands?
“ I will. Stand and receive what is due you, Berechiah ben Benaiah. “
“ Sir! You
mock me! “ The old man wailed in fear.
Jesus knelt on one knee, closing the distance between them as the old man cowered in fear. And listening to his urgent
plea from an open heart, Jesus raised the man to his feet as tenderly as a father with a frightened child.
The old man slowly rose to his feet at the younger man stood, leaning heavily on Jesus’ arms. His shoulder blades
moving back into place and the twisted hump melting away, His face shown with awe and with love, highlighting the aged skin
as if it were translucent glass glowing with light from within. Lifting his head, the old man’s eyes grew wide with
astonishment, then filled with tears as prayers of gratitude and repentance spilled between lips with rapidity and joyfulness.
Yet as they watched shocked, the Master looked
heavenward and his face grew grave.
“ Well did the prophet Hosea say. ‘ But I will have mercy
on the house of Judah, and will save them by the LORD, their GOD. And will not save them by bow, neither by sword, not by
battle, by horses or by horsemen. ‘ “ “
Then how will you save them, Lord? “ Machba`nel inquired, in fear and
awe.
“ By mercy, Machba`nel ben Abishalom. By mercy! “
He repeated earnestly at the look shutting him out. “
By faith, by hope He will restore and win back the love of His rebellious sons until their restored love is greater
than their untried affection! “
“ Son of David, receive my praise! “ Berechiah
ben Benaiah cried loudly, his hands trembling with joy rather than palsy. Looking around to show the crowd of people around
them, people like himself, denied access to the Temple because it was believed they had been cursed by GOD to be allowed to
suffer injury or disease.
“ No. “ Jesus rebuked him gently.” There is One greater than me, to Him only is your rightful praise due. Go and sin no more, lest a greater
ill befall you and you lose that which you already have. “
There was no mistaking the tone of authority in his voice and those few following him to judge and to measure buzzed
among themselves like an active beehive, their words lost to the overwhelming bird song as the warmth increased. They fell
back in horror as beggars and the other unspeakable rabble timidly approached the young country rabbi rather than to plead
or demand alms of the more affluent. When the numbers grew too large, the watchers fled, disgusted by what they had seen.
A madman surrounded by an army of the infirm. Vermin to overrun their homes and soil their houses with their diseased alliance.
Despite her brother’s firm injunction, the old man knelt at Jesus’ feet, weeping with joy. Others were
drawn toward them and all were healed who sought the freedom Jesus offered so freely. It was nearly an hour before they were
able to leave the temple area. His disciples followed after the trio, talking between themselves with joy and shock.
“ How
did you know what He was going to do, Dod? “
She questioned Hilkiah as they neared Joktan’s rental house.
“ I didn’t, Child. “ He said
kindly, but with an edge of uncertainty and distaste to his words, as if he thought he could hide something from her after
all these years. “ I’m learning, just like you are. “
“ But
that man knew! He called Jesus Messiah! “
“
Many know, but few will call him Lord, though He rightfully is, child. This path will not lead us to a life of peace
after all, but a time of struggle and civil war, I fear. I hadn’t seen this coming, perhaps I should have.
“
He seemed
to be talking more to himself than to her, but because his grip on his her hand remained firm, the thirteen-year-old girl
followed him, trusting in the man she had always known him to be. When they reached the house, Jesus kissed her on the cheek
and sent her inside to speak to their mother and tell Mary that he was well but not to expect him till late. She had to stand
guard over Nimrod long enough for him to do his duty as he vainly tried to make friends with the snarling guard dogs. Then,
calling him to her side eagerly, she ran down the worn flight of stairs to the servant’s quarters and the huge kitchen
to tell her mother and older brothers the wonderful things she’d just witnessed!
-
*
-
IV D K Mar - E Ninth
hour of the day
779 AUC The Pratorium, aloft
Procurator
of Judea’s Public Halls
Jerusalem
of Judea
-
‘ Why did
these heathens have to be so religiously intolerant?’ A large company had come
outside the gates en mass, no doubt spurred by that scum Barabbas in the hopes of starting a confrontation that he could push
into an open rebellion against Rome with that mange covered hellion shouting incitements from the river’s edge, sending
sharply pointed rebukes from the Governor in Syria already, now there would surely be a flurry of self righteous protests
to Cassius Longinus despite the inconvenience they’d gone too to hold an open celebration in the olive grove
OUTSIDE the city, where their own ancestors had once worshiped tree spirits and lesser gods under the auspices of Jewish kings!
‘Less
than a month into the New Year, things were already going sour!’ Pontius Pilate thought
to himself in rare introspection after last night’s festivities, his frown deepened as he watched Claudia Procula and
the stately matron clasped in her arms appear at the private door to the dignitaries’ chamber, followed as if in military
procession by Xavier Quintus Marcus, the chief Centurion to the Legion general and his adopted son Marcus. Shelomith bat Elnaam
walked at his wife’s side as erect and stately as any Roman matron. She would have curved her lips in contempt at the
comparison and he knew it. Like the rest of the educated Jews she thought herself above every other person of every other
race in existence. The tall, thin woman’s plainness made his wife’s gentle curves seem overgenerous, and she was
uncomfortably flattered by the attentions of the well bred mistress to a mere Centurion, whatever his abilities as the commander
of a legion of Rome. Were it not for the fact they were raising the son of a murdered Senator who was still as much loved
as he was hated, even in death, Pilate would have put an end to the association between them and his wife, or demanded Xavier
get a hold of what was left of his senses and shed the stern faced, provocative woman!
Old soldiers were like old wine; interesting and useful in their bloom, but left around too long and they spoiled.
But like vinegar, the blunt old man had his uses. His mind was full after reviewing reports of recent near-riot this morning
from his military personnel. Xavier was tolerated because of his in-depth understanding of the “Jewish religion”
and the presumption to the religious leaders that he was giving far more attention to their petty demands than he had any
obligation, or intention of doing!
Machba`nel stood behind the older man, stiffly at attention like a good soldier. When asked he gave his report, and
was dismissed with the demands for further updates. Xavier wished he could go with him, but obedience to a superior officer
was too deeply engrained into his being. It would be his own undoing if he ever allowed her to glimpse the
depth of resentment toward the subjugated culture.
“
Well, you were there. You’ve talked with Marcus at length. Does this man really think he is a god?
“
“
He claims only to be the son of a god. “
“ Don’t they all? Even Alexander did so. “
He said bluntly, feeling the warmth of the wine rise up to his cheeks and touch them with a hue of sunset. ‘Drink
a man’s wine and damn him in your mind. What a strange contraction we mere mortals be.‘ Pilate
thought inwardly, examining the surface of his half-empty goblet.
While his silence spoke volumes to the pain filled man waiting to be spoken too or dismissed.
“ If it doesn’t injure your soldier’s pride, I have a couch there no one
has sat on in the last three hours. I can see your brows tightening. Is the pain getting worse? “
“ It’s
too kind of you to take notice of me, sir. “
But the offer was too necessary to be resisted at too great a length, lest it be impatiently rescinded. It would not
be offered a second time.
“
Don’t take so much upon yourself, man. “ Pilate said bluntly in soldier’s
Latin. “ I need to know if my commanders are fit to take their legions into war. “
“
Would that this was a war we could fight with swords and archers, Excellency. “
“
We came near enough to it today when a single man burning up with self-righteous zeal almost stampeded a herd of ox
and sheep into ...well, never mind. “
Pilate smiled in spite of himself.
“ It’s
very real to him, Sir. “
Pilate’s
smile faded but the hardened man sitting stiffly at attention never flinched. They were the eyes of a killer. Which was strange,
given the basic gentleness of the man locked within.
“
Why did you save him? “
For a moment Xavier looked confused, rightfully.
“
Your son. “
The older man’s
‘oh’ was drawn out and introspective, and for an instant he feared the question wouldn’t be answered with
the military brevity he required.
“
He was worth saving, Excellency. “
Pilate’s smile deepened.
“
Relax, drink. I’m not going to seduce you. You’re as stiff as a virgin who wants to get laid and doesn’t
know how to ask for what she wants! “
They both laughed, for the same purpose of dissimilation.
“ In your opinion Xavier? “ He asked when
he finally sensed a loosening in the old soldier’s stance. “ Will there
be an uprising from the furor caused by the ‘commotion’ at the Temple? “
“ Today,
or tomorrow, no. But the country is ripe for it. They feel a prophet is in the land after three hundred years of silence from
above. “
“
They usually kill their own prophets, the Tetrarch was a fool to imprison the man on such a slight pretext. Did you
know that he goes and talks with him when he thinks no one else knows? There’s madness all through
that blood! From the father down. “
“
There’s a saying. ‘It was safer to be Herod’s pig, than his son’, Excellency.
“
Pilate was unable to hide his weariness any longer.
“
They always have a saying. I wonder what they’ll say about us? Or will anyone even remember that a noble Roman
came here, served and died in boredom and futility trying to calm a people their own god eschewed? Will
the name of Pontius Pilate even be remembered beyond my grandson’s span? “
He paused, regretting the flowery
assurances he expected to receive, and then resented the silence that followed instead.
“ You have nothing to answer? “
“ My
first Decurione taught me well and soon. If you don’t know the answer, don’t speak. That in listening
to one’s betters you’ll end up knowing more than what you reveal of your own ignorance. “
“ It’s
a shame that such can’t be Tribunes or the sons of rich men. Perhaps it takes a poor man to know the
baser realties that formulate one’s truth. “ He said at last, quaffing
most of the remaining wine to the dregs that lay bitter and hard against his tongue. Like the unspoken truth his eyes couldn’t
deny from his seasoned competitor.
“
I don’t mean to be tiresome, I’m familiar with the overall gist with their quarrelsome beliefs, who wouldn’t
be after being here this many years? I married one. But I need your input on whether you think granting his brother-in-law
Zaavan ‘favored’ status will benefit this Nazarene’s cause? “
“
On the contrary. It will more deeply divide the family. “
Pilate’s smile was like a knife twisted that one had learned to live with because withdrawing it was more deadly.
“ Reason
enough to do it, don’t you think, Xavier? “
He didn’t need to see the man’s face to know his answer. Moving to where he could look out on the sun-scorched
balcony overlooking the public yard, he fought to draw a single breath into his lungs. It ended with a dry rattle and a cough
from the dirt in the wind, on the ground, between his toes. The endless peril of dust, too small to fight individually, but
communally, enough to bury an entire civilization till even its memory was forgotten to generations that came later!
“ Sooner or later, I’ll to have to quell any rising mass of hysteria, religious
or otherwise and nail that good man to a cross. But I’m reluctant to do it, until necessary. He’s such a young
man, so sincere. Too bad the good are the first to die in any battle, whether ‘just’ or ‘unjust’ and
wouldn’t even Socrates wonder who was left in this cruddy world fit to be the judge of what is just or unjust?
“
It too was an
aside, not meant to be answered, and Xavier recognized himself dismissed as he heard the deliberate steps of the attending
aide to the somber and pensive Prefect. He was almost out the door, nodding yes to Pilate’s blunt, callous remark that
they continue to watch the Nazarene closely and ‘mark well’ his followers among the zealots, including the man’s
own brother, Simon ben Joses. At the time he thought it odd, since the whole family appeared unremarkable
to him, more interested in merchants accounts and wood grains than revolt against a mighty empire who’d ruled already
for a thousand years.
“
Father of peace? “ Pilate called out contemptuously. “
What a strange name for a soldier to take. Judah I understand, a warrior prince, but Abishalom?
“ He mocked, but the old soldier never broke stride, nor gave any indication on his
face that he had even heard the well rehearsed and barbed remark. One expected to be stung by a scorpion, now and again.
-
Monday, 5th of Abib First
watch of the night
3787 Bethany
-
“ Beloved? “
“
Yes, Jesus? “ She agreed merrily, ready to do anything that he asked no
matter how late the hour or difficult the task.
“
I’m expecting a visitor and I need someone I can trust to help me to serve himand Dod Hilkiah. Would you mind being the one that I cam use? “
“ This late at night? I don’t mind at all. “ She
added hastily, even though she already saw the smile forming at the corners of his mouth. “ Ask,
and I’ll do it, to the best of my ability.
“
I know you will. “ He agreed, but a sadness seemed to weigh
so hard against his shoulders that she could also see them stoop under the additional weight. There were dark rings of exhaustion
under his eyes but the look that came from them eased her concerns in a way she felt only when she was near him, or thinking
of him with the intensity as she was now. They paused at the doorway to a room that was already set up to receive guests,
It lacked only the guest and the hostess. He seemed to look over her head at a greater distance than mere walls or stadia
could contain and when he spoke in a low voice it was as though he were speaking to himself rather than her, even though there
was no one near to wake at this hour of the night.
“ I have come to call men to the light, but we must endure caution when caution is necessary
for belief. Are you too tired, Little One? “
“
I’m tired, yes, but not too tired to help you. Will you heal him like you did the man at the temple? Should I
have fresh clothes or sandals ready for him do you think? “
Some of the somberness seemed to leave her brother as he took in great, deep breaths of the night scented air.
“ You never cease to refresh me, Beloved. How I enjoy being
around you. No, Dear Heart, this is an inner healing for friend Nicodemus, if he will receive it. He thinks
himself rich but hope makes a man wealthy beyond measure and that is what we offer him tonight. “
She inspected the room carefully before she went downstairs to set up the food. When she glanced up she found her brother
watching her, a slight smile playing across his lips.
“
What? “ She inquired nervously, walking toward the doorway.
It couldn’t be much longer before their important visitor arrived.
“ I can see why Abba and Mary are so proud of the woman
you’re choosing to become, Would I embarrass you if I told you how much I loved you? “
His smile deepened even as her heart began
to race with excitement. She felt a little dizzy, as if her heart would burst for joy as she saw Joseph alive in Jesus’
words.
“ If Uncle Hilkiah is letting in our visitor, I’d better have as much ready in
the room before he arrives as possible. “
“ Mary’s child. “ He
agreed quietly and walked out the door behind her.
“
So are you. “ She said, under her breath, and he chuckled. The rumble of the thunder almost covered the hesitant click of the puppy’s toenails as he crept
up the stairs toward the sound of the beloved voices.
“ Oh Nimrod! “ She said hastily,
heartbroken at the mud and the cobwebsthat clung to his wet hide. Guilt
rushed in to take away her joy but when Jesus knelt and held out his fingertips, the puppy raised his head and hastened to
them joyfully.
When
the three, armed men came inside with the temple nobleman, Jesus came to
the top of the stairs in front of her. As soon as they inspected the chamber and the accommodations they bowed respectfully
and returned downstairs to eat and sleep until his return. Leaving the two disparate men to a private conversation between
themselves, with only the faithful old servant and the little serving girl with the beautiful but innocent face.
The well-dressed Pharisee waved away Ahava’s attempt to wash his feet with the warm, scented water, motioning
the younger bearded man to his couch that they might talk about what was so clearly on his heart. With a gentle nod and smile
of apology from her brother, Ahava sat on the small stool by her brother’s feet, listening to their earnest discussion.
The older man clearly had a purpose to his soft questions and knowing smiled but since her brother wasn’t rattled
by the searching, occasionally rude probing, she didn’t feel she had the right to interrupt her elders. Much less a
man so learned and respected in Jewish Law. Within seconds she was rejoicing at her shocking control. Though it began in a
clear attempt to control the conversation, her brother’s calm answered so quickly left her breathless that she had to
squeeze her fingers painfully around her ankle to keep from drawing attention to herself, so great was her relief.
“ Rabbi, “
Master Nicodemus said at last when sufficient flowery praise and nonessential conversation had been said.
“ We know that you have come from Yahweh Elohim as a teacher. For no one can do the
signs that you do, unless GOD were with him. “
He completed reverently, looking away. He braced himself for whatever political or moral tirade
would justify what the pleasant man believed, having listened with such politeness and comprehension for his opportunity to
speak. Nicodemus braced himself to remember every nuance and word for later discussion with Annas, and perhaps more candidly
later with his old friend Joseph. The young man’s head dipped as he leaned forward for a slice of melon on the tray
Ahava arranged in preparation for this timely encounter. Nothing had been left to chance. Picking it up by the rind and placing
it on a napkin, he graciously motioned for his guest to have another, attempting to wait until the internal clamor of his
guest subsided enough that he could hear something more than the rhetoric of his next debate to be raised in the night shadowed
room.
The wheezing man forced himself to be silent for a moment for politeness sake though he angrily waved away the offer
of the sticky fruit. When he finished his mental conversation he found the man watching him with a gentle but compelling smile,
as if they had shared the words out loud. His mind was empty and silent for a moment in shock. What made Jesus so remarkable,
Master Nicodemus decided was the force and purity of his personality rather than his oratory, for so far he had spoken
more tonight! Nothing seen at a distance prepared him for Jesus ben Joses’ regal repose. His answer seemed so far from
the topic of conversation that for just another heartbeat Nicodemus doubted that he’d heard the faint Galilean correctly.
He knew he had bit he needed a moment to recover.
“ Bemet, of a truth I tell you, unless one is
born again, he can not see the kingdom of GOD. “
“ How can a
man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?
“
“
Bemet, of a truth I tell you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he can not enter into the kingdom of GOD.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that that I said to you,
‘You must be born again’. The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of
it, but do not know where it comes from, and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit. “
“ How
can these things be? “ Nicodemus demanded, perplexed.
Taking notice for the first time of the man and the little girl listening as intently as himself.
“
Are you the teacher of Israel, and you don’t understand these things? Bemet, of a truth I tell you, we speak
that which we know, and bear witness of that which we have seen; and you do not receive our witness. If I have told you of
earthly things and you do not believe, how shall you believe if I tell you of heavenly things? “
He paused in a meaningful way as the older man became more and more uncomfortable, seeking a means to end their lengthy
conversation and leave without unpleasantness.
“ And
no one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven- even the Son of man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up;
that whoever believes may in Him have eternal life. For Yahweh Elohim, Blessed be His Name, so loved the
world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have life everlasting. For GOD
did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him. For whoever believes
in Him is not judged; but who does not believe has been judged already; because he has not believed in the name of the only
begotten Son of GOD. And this is the judgment, that the light came into
the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the
light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. “
But he who practices the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest as having been wrought in GOD.
Blessed be His Name. “
The old man’s
face cleared and relaxed, though tears streamed singly from his eyes as they finished their light meal and made an end to
their discussion. Hilkiah had to help the old man stand, surprised to find himself locked in an emotional embrace without
the old man’s joy.
” Rebbe...Be careful! “ Nicodemus
cautioned Jesus as he prepared to leave. “ There are those seeking to be near
you that are not as pure in their motives as you. “
Ahava found herself trembling unaccountably. The sadness that filled her brother’s eyes ripped a hole in her
deepest being because she couldn’t conceive any way in which to alive it for him.
“
There are people eyeing you like a hungry toad watching a juicy dragonfly, Jesus ben Joses! “
His smile went no deeper than his eyes.
“ It was for this reason that I came Nicodemus, and I shall not leave the world the
same as I found it. “
“ I remember when I was young and though my idealism could change the world.
“ The
old man said, dismissing the quiet words as impossible to achieve. He turned away, as if seeing her the
first time. Reaching out his chilled, bony fingers to her cheek, moving the tears aside in a gentle circular motion with his
thumb.
“
I won’t let anyone take my dreams from me, Jesus! “
Ahava promised in sudden decision as they walked toward the darkened doorway in the hushed courtyard. Rewarded by his
slow smile.
“ Hilkiah. Will you join us as far as Bethany?
It’ll be daylight by the time we reach the gate. “
“ I don’t want to spend another night in this place, Lord. Thank you
for your gracious offer! “ “ There is a saying that was old in Noah’s day. ‘A man who
is asleep, may be wakened, but a man who is pretending to be asleep cannot.‘ Friend Nicodemus just stirred uneasily
in his sleep. Let us give him time to wipe the sleep from his eyes that he might see clearly in the coming light. “
-
-
End Chapter 7
Abib: March/April [7th month of Civil year][1st month of
Religious calendar] Warming weather, Pulling of Flax 29 days 
