The Chosen: And I Will Give You Rest E-Book

Jerry B. Jenkins

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Seitenzahl: 436

Beschreibung

To the Pharisees, Jesus is a blasphemer. To the Roman authorities, he's a threat to their rule and order. But to the masses, he's a miraculous healer and a profound teacher. In this third installment of The Chosen series, we see Jesus healing the sick, preaching the Sermon on the Mount, feeding the five thousand, and raising the dead. We see his enemies growing ever more determined to silence him. And we see his very human disciples struggling with their own questions and concerns, believing in but not yet understanding their Messiah. Based on the acclaimed TV series The Chosen, the most amazing story ever told—the life of Jesus—gets a fresh, new telling from New York Times bestselling author Jerry B. Jenkins.  

Leseprobe

PRAISE FOR THE CHOSEN:AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST

And I Will Give You Rest made me weep the same way Jerry’s son’s The Chosen does, which oughta keep tissue stocks rising. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Mark Lowry Singer, humorist

And I Will Give You Rest brings the story of Jesus and his followers to life in a way never before seen. By imagining plausible back stories to well-known characters, Jerry allows us to see ourselves in them and bring our own frailties to Christ and draw closer to him. The streaming series and these novels may very well usher in a global revival of love for Christ and move us to love others as he loves us.

Terry Fator Singing ventriloquist/impressionist and winner of America’s Got Talent

If you have ever wondered what it might have been like to have been a friend or family member of the twelve disciples of Jesus, Jerry Jenkins’s And I Will Give You Rest will transport you into the minds of the early followers of Christ. You will be reminded of their humanity and might even see yourself as you seek to follow the One who still radically changes lives today.

Gary D. Chapman Author of The Five Love Languages

A fictional work that expands on Bible stories is successful when it drives you back into the Word of God. And Jerry Jenkins’s new novel paints a beautiful behind-the-scenes portrait of the first people whose lives were transformed by Jesus. I was especially moved by the imagined conversation between Jesus and one of his disabled followers who did not receive healing. The words chosen for this poignant dialogue struck home in a deep and powerful way. For like this disciple I, too, have asked my Savior to heal me of chronic pain. And this scene relays the stunning fact that Jesus, in all his love and tenderness, often chooses not to heal people. Why? Well, you’ll have to read this novel to find the answer. But keep a tissue on hand; your heart will be moved.

Joni Eareckson Tada Joni and Friends International Disability Center

The stories of Jesus’ life and ministry in the New Testament are some of the Bible’s most encouraging and illuminating passages. With And I Will Give You Rest, Jerry Jenkins has once again provided a gripping story that will point readers back to the beauty of Christ as revealed in Scripture.

Jim Daly President and CEO of Focus on the Family

And I Will Give You Rest connects me again to Jesus. And, oh, what a Savior he is!

Ernie Haase Grammy-nominated tenor and founder of Ernie Haase and Signature Sound

Well, Jerry Jenkins has done it again in his third offering in this series. The depth of emotion he captures in those around Jesus only deepens our understanding of what Jesus goes through in this escalating, tension-filled period of his ministry. We were hooked on page one and left wanting more at the end. If you love watching The Chosen Series, this is a must read.

Al & Phil Robertson Authors & Co-hosts of The Unashamed Podcast

And I Will Give You Rest

© 2023 Jenkins Entertainment, LLC. All rights reserved.

A Focus on the Family book published by BroadStreet Publishing.

Focus on the Family and the accompanying logo and design are federally registered trademarks of Focus on the Family, 8605 Explorer Drive, Colorado Springs CO 80920.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission of Focus on the Family.

The primary source of Scripture quotations is The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright © 2001 by CrosswayBibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Editors: Larry Weeden and Leilani Squires

Cover design by Michael Harrigan

“The Chosen” and the “School of Fish” designs are trademarks of The Chosen, LLC, and are used with permission.

ISBN 978-1-64607-022-0 (hardcover)

ISBN 978-1-64607-130-2 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-68428-316-3 (ebook)

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data can be found at www.loc.gov.

Printed in China

27 26 25 24 23 5 4 3 2 1

To Greg Thornton

Based on The Chosen, a multi-season TV show

created and directed by Dallas Jenkins

and written by Ryan M. Swanson,

Dallas Jenkins, and Tyler Thompson.

NOTE

The Chosen was created by lovers of and believers in the Bible and Jesus Christ. Our deepest desire is that you delve into the New Testament Gospels for yourself and discover Jesus.

Contents

Part 1 Homecoming

Chapter 1“Don’t Call Me Abba”

Chapter 2Tears

Chapter 3Leaving

Chapter 4The Hard Things

Chapter 5Time Away

Chapter 6Jairus

Chapter 7Houseguests

Chapter 8The Women

Chapter 9“Something Just For You”

Chapter 10Set Apart

Chapter 11The Cellar

Part 2 Two by Two

Chapter 12Emperor Obvious

Chapter 13Amends

Chapter 14Redraw

Chapter 15The Announcement

Chapter 16“Studying”

Chapter 17Followed

Chapter 18Love Is Love

Chapter 19Every Direction

Chapter 20The Assignments

Chapter 21The Golden Door

Part 3 “Physician, Heal Yourself”

Chapter 22The Box

Chapter 23Old Friends

Chapter 24Rumors

Chapter 25I Am

Chapter 26Not Today

Part 4 Clean

Chapter 27Sent

Chapter 28Sludge

Chapter 29Discretion

Chapter 30The Reunion

Chapter 31The Scare

Chapter 32The Business

Chapter 33Tension

Chapter 34Blood

Chapter 35Take It Back

Chapter 36The Visit

Part 5 Intensity in Tent City

Chapter 37The Loss

Chapter 38Arrangements

Chapter 39An Effort

Chapter 40Legacy

Chapter 41A Different Doctor

Chapter 42Negotiating

Chapter 43The Search

Chapter 44One Touch

Chapter 45Little Lamb

Chapter 46Swimming

Part 6 Why?

Chapter 47Strategic Acquaintances

Chapter 48Sharpening Iron

Chapter 49Dressed Down

Chapter 50Messy

Chapter 51The Confrontation

Chapter 52Rendezvous

Chapter 53The Solution

Chapter 54Interrupted

Chapter 55Unarmed

Chapter 56The Baptizer’s Question

Chapter 57“It’s Time”

Chapter 58Unfair

Part 7 Danger

Chapter 59Purim

Chapter 60Carnage

Chapter 61Challenged

Chapter 62The Return

Chapter 63Charlatan

Chapter 64On Business

Chapter 65Trespasser

Chapter 66The Explanation

Chapter 67Tassels

Chapter 68It Has To Be You

Chapter 69The Rebuke

Chapter 70The Threat

Chapter 71Refugees

Chapter 72The Trek

Part 8 Deep Waters

Interlude

Chapter 73Faith

Chapter 74Eden

Chapter 75Surrounded

Chapter 76Nashon’s Account

Chapter 77The Dilemma

Chapter 78God’s Time

Chapter 79Five Loaves And Two Fish

Chapter 80The Miracle

Chapter 81The Visit

Chapter 82Latecomers

Chapter 83Rest

Postlude

Acknowledgments

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”

MATTHEW 7:1-2

PART 1

Homecoming

Chapter 1

“DON’T CALL ME ABBA”

Capernaum, 24 A.D.

Matthew dreads the day ahead.

A rising star within the Roman Authority under Praetor Quintus, he has seen his sphere of authority expanded. Despite being the youngest tax collector in his hometown, he is now in charge of enforcing penalties for any Jewish citizens delinquent in their tributes to Rome. He’s known for his business acumen and the ability to squeeze every last shekel from those in his district. Matthew has quickly learned all the tricks of his trade.

To bolster even his lucrative salary, he pockets anything he can collect in excess of what is actually owed to Rome. When implying a higher obligation to fellow Jews who know better, he suggests that compliance will afford them a break in the future—not in the amount he expects, but perhaps in the time they’re allowed to pay it. He carefully manages the resources to keep Rome satisfied while more than doubling his income in the long run.

Such practices have afforded Matthew his mansion in the most exclusive neighborhood in town, not to mention the finest imported apparel, footwear, fragrances, and jewelry. The irony of it all is that he laps up the envy of his fellow citizens, while his very oddness makes him long for invisibility. He knows he misses the subtlety of sarcasm and barbed humor, but he fully understands the contempt hurled his way everywhere he is recognized—it comes in curses and spittle. Matthew cannot remember the last time he was met with a smile. He lives for the hint of admiration that comes from the Romans, who shake their heads at what he is able to weasel out of his own people.

My own people, he thinks. Beyond a few fellow tax collectors, he has no friend among the Jews. They clearly view him as the ultimate turncoat, traitor, financial cudgel. It’s not enough that they suffer the iron fist of Rome. No. That fist is thrust by the quirky, baby-faced son of Alphaeus and Elisheba—Jews so devout that for years they called Matthew Levi, convinced he would someday honor the one true God as a priest among his people.

Matthew quickly disabused his parents of that notion as a youngster in Hebrew school. Even then he was vilified by boys his age who could have, should have, been his pals. But he was slighter than most, proved anything but athletic, and ran—when he ran—with a halting, awkward gait. He only watched the others roughhouse, having no interest in soiling his tunic or enduring taunts about his idiosyncrasies.

Even he did not understand his obsession with precision and order. His scrolls, paper, writing instruments, and the like had to be arranged just so before him on the table. His seeming preternatural affinity for numbers and calculations made Matthew what the others called the rabbi’s pet. And while they painstakingly memorized the Torah, he was pushed ahead to mathematical classes with older students.

Somehow he understood that, though those his own age were loath to admit it, they had to envy him, even if they did not accept him. Well, he would show them, leave them in the dust. And while his ability to induce the disdain of his compatriots extended to his stellar tax collecting career, he told himself he would trade wealth and status for acceptance any day. Even his devastated parents had to acknowledge his singular achievement, didn’t they?

Yet today, as he endures his maddening morning routine, more niggles at the back of his mind than simply hoping to avoid as many scowls and curses from his fellow Jews as possible. Selecting his attire, jewelry, and fragrance requires the usual touching of every piece before settling on the very ones he lands on every day, and all the while he rehearses how he’ll handle his diciest task so far.

Today is the day he leaves his tax booth closed and makes the rounds of the homes of those behind in their accounts. He’ll take with him the centurion Lucius, one of his own guard’s most threatening henchmen. Lucius’s mere presence intimidates most into paying up immediately. Scofflaws who might normally attempt to shame Matthew for serving as a lapdog to the Romans tend to hold their tongues when they encounter the soldier.

While overdue collection day is always awkward and exhausting, it can also prove lucrative. Yet nothing about this day appeals to Matthew, for he has scheduled his toughest case first. And for this one, he has assigned Lucius the task of making the approach and the demand on his own. Matthew will look on from within earshot but out of sight.

“I’ve got this,” Lucius tells Matthew. “I love this kind of work.”

“Just see that he pays—today.”

“Oh, he’ll pay, one way or the other.”

Matthew shows the soldier the name on his ledger and points out the house. Resplendent in red, Lucius strides to the door, his clanging metal and squeaking leather drawing stares from others in the street. He spreads his feet and bangs loudly four times.

“Coming!”

As the door swings open, the resident’s look of curiosity dissolves into a shudder. Before the man can speak, Lucius bellows, “Alphaeus bar Joram?”

“Yes,” the man manages, sounding tentative.

“You are twenty days past your deadline for this quarter’s tribute. Your collector has transferred your case to the Roman office. Are you able to pay your penalty now?”

Alphaeus has turned ashen. “I—I filed for an extension in the month of—”

“I’ll take that as a no. By decree of Quintus, honorable praetor of Capernaum, I must remand you into custody.”

Matthew blanches. He had not expected Lucius to leapfrog to such aggression so quickly. Surely Alphaeus will quickly find a way to pay.

“I’m very sorry,” Alphaeus says. “I didn’t realize—”

Lucius removes a leather strap from his waistbelt. “Turn around!”

That’ll do it, Matthew decides.

“Sir,” Alphaeus whines, “I didn’t realize. May I request an extension of just five days?”

Agonizing now, Matthew hopes against hope Lucius will grant the request. Five days is nothing. It’s not as if the man is a criminal.

But Lucius grabs Alphaeus’s arm. And from inside comes the plaintive call of a woman. “Alphaeus, who is it?”

Oh, no! Matthew thinks. This is spiraling out of control.

“Everything’s fine, Elisheba!” Alphaeus calls out, somehow able to sound more confident than he looks. He whispers to Lucius, “Please, I beg you …”

Lucius yanks Alphaeus from the doorway and slams him against the frame.

“Adonai in heaven!” Alphaeus cries.

“Adonai is not here,” Lucius barks, beginning to tie Alphaeus’s hands behind his back.

It’s more than Matthew can stomach, and he quickly approaches. “I can settle this, Lucius. There’s actually been a mistake.”

Lucius looks shocked. “What do you mean? You told me to—”

“I’m aware, but I’ve realized the timeline was miscalculated. I will clear it up. Thank you.”

“You miscalculated? That’s never happened!”

“I was given inaccurate information, but now it’s being corrected. I will handle this. It would be best for you to go to our next house, and I will meet you at the booth in one hour.”

Lucius glares at Alphaeus, shakes his head at Matthew, and trudges away.

Alphaeus narrows his eyes at Matthew. “Are you now my—”

“It isn’t prudent to discuss this now, Abba. There isn’t much time.”

“First the shame of your choice—and now you are actually my collector?”

“Matthew?” Elisheba says from the door. “What are you doing here?”

“Your son is our publicanus!” Alphaeus says.

“Matthew, no,” she says, covering her mouth.

“He sent a soldier to your home!” Alphaeus adds.

“I’m sorry,” Matthew says quickly. “I didn’t want you to know. I didn’t choose this district.”

“You chose this job!” Alphaeus shouts. “The Romans never forced you into it. You chose to apply. You chose to betray—”

“Unlike you, Abba, I chose a secure future.” Matthew regrets this as soon as it comes from his mouth.

His mother says, “You are called to trust in Adonai with your whole heart and to lean not on your own understanding.”

“I have trusted!” Matthew says. “But can you name one thing Adonai has done for our people in a hundred years? Five hundred?”

“A traitor and a blasphemer,” Alphaeus spits.

Don’t they realize I have their fate in my hands? Matthew thinks. “Well,” he says, “you owe your government two months’ worth of tribute.”

Alphaeus presses his lips together. “I will bring in a payment at the end of the week.”

“You’ve missed two payments. I was hoping Lucius would convince you, but I will no longer protect you.”

“I don’t want your protection!”

How can he say this? Well, if that’s the way he wants it … “Then you have twenty-four hours, Abba.”

“Don’t call me Abba.”

Elisheba says, “Alphaeus, please …”

Matthew knows he should have seen this coming, but still it stings. “What?”

“Elly,” Alphaeus says, “cover the windows and put on your veil. We will sit shiva for seven days.”

Sit shiva?

“I have no son,” Alphaeus adds as he guides his whimpering wife back inside and slams the door.

Chapter 2

TEARS

The Korazim Plateau Seven years later

To his knowledge, Matthew’s parents have still not forgiven him, let alone accepted him. For all he knows, he remains an orphan in his father’s eyes. That’s why the words of Jesus, the man to whom Matthew has surrendered his entire life and future, seem to wash over him, bathing every fiber of his soul.

His rabbi and master speaks to a massive throng blanketing the hillside, preaching a sermon the former tax collector feels privileged to have helped him rehearse. He mouths the words right along with his rabbi. “You have heard it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.”

What is it about this man that allows him to speak with such authority and compassion? It’s all Matthew can do to drink it in.

Jesus continues, “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go.”

A lump rises in Matthew’s throat. Jesus is speaking to healing his past and offering hope for the future.

“First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

Matthew wonders how the other followers of the Messiah must be responding to this. He cannot take his eyes off Jesus.

Judas has never heard anything like this. He finds himself so taken with Jesus’ message, his approach, even his delivery, that it makes Judas’s profession pale in comparison. He’s never before even dreamt of leaving his and his business partner’s lucrative—if not entirely aboveboard—enterprise, but suddenly he feels tempted to cast his lot with this man! Have I lost my mind? Jesus’ ragged band of followers seem to have nothing. How do they eat? They appear to need new clothes.

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on …”

Is this man speaking directly to Judas, somehow able to read his mind?

“Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”

Am I not? How Judas longs to be seen in such a way!

Tamar the Egyptian harbors no question about the identity of this teacher. She knows beyond doubt that he is the Messiah, for she has seen him perform miracles. She saw him not only approach and touch a leper, but actually embrace him. And instantly heal him! That’s why she prevailed upon friends to take a paralytic friend of their own and lower him through a man’s roof to get to Jesus. The rabbi healed him too, even in the face of Pharisees who called him a blasphemer and sinner.

“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”

That truism also strikes Andrew, who can’t deny he feels anxious about nearly everything, especially since leaving his first rabbi, John the Baptizer, who has wound up in prison. Andrew fears for John’s life, for his own brother Simon’s life, for Jesus, for himself.

“And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed as one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?”

Is Jesus looking at me? Am I a man of little faith?

Mary of Magdala, though delivered, redeemed, and forgiven, can’t help despairing over her own lack of faith—not in Jesus; she has no doubts about him. But she still doesn’t trust herself. Why could she not keep herself from straying, even after all Jesus had done for her?

“Therefore do not be anxious saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

That’s all I want—the kingdom Jesus speaks of.

The young Pharisee Yussif is nothing if not conflicted, sweating in the sun and listening to this man who has brought nothing but trouble to his mentor and rabbi, Shmuel. But Yussif himself has witnessed things that make him question everything he has been taught. He has seen this preacher perform miracles, or at least accomplish tricks that appear miraculous. And now he speaks with such sureness as if he actually could be the chosen one, the—no, it can’t be possible, can it?

Yussif challenged Jesus of Nazareth because of things he has said and done, and yet he somehow feels a certain empathy for the man and his followers. What is happening to him? And now is Jesus singling him out? It’s one thing to confront a man for claiming to be someone he’s not, for working on the sabbath, for daring to forgive sins. But it’s another to deny what your eyes have shown you—a woman transformed, and a man healed.

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”

Little James, Nathanael, and Thaddeus have been assigned crowd control, though they are hopelessly outnumbered. Nevertheless, this multitude needs no supervision, for they all seem rapt by the profundities flowing from the sage.

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”

Matthew notices that Mary of Magdala is a pile of tears, as are several of Jesus’ disciples. Mother Mary quietly approaches and whispers, “How’s he doing?”

Matthew can barely speak. “Wha—the script?”

Mother Mary nods.

He peeks at his tablet. “The words are the same, but …”

“But now he’s saying them.”

Tears stream down Matthew’s cheeks as he listens to all the blessings Jesus bestows on his hearers—plainly leaving out no one.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Matthew jots in his tablet that this plateau should now be known as The Mount of Blessings. But somehow that feels too pedestrian. In the end, these pronouncements are too deep, too touching, too solemn to be referred to as mere blessings. Beatitudes, Matthew decides. Some day, when he writes his comprehensive report of all he has witnessed of Jesus, he will memorialize this place as The Mount of Beatitudes.

Chapter 3

LEAVING

The Mount of Beatitudes

The two Simons—one the former fisherman and the other the former Zealot the rest now refer to as Zee—stand watching, listening. The one Jesus told he would now become a fisher of men finds himself wondering what Zee must think of this teaching. The Zealot brought to the group a unique mix of skills—most designed for hand-to-hand combat when the Jews finally find the wherewithal to stand up to the Romans and overthrow them. There’s little call for Zee’s abilities now, but Simon still finds him an interesting addition to the mix.

Jesus continues, “You have heard it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.”

Not far away stands Atticus, a senior member of the Cohortes Urbanae, an elite police force established by Caesar Augustus to act as marshals or soldier investigators. He has been following the Nazarene from a distance, surveilling his protégés, and meticulously listening—more so today than ever. Finally this man, this potential threat to Rome, is making public his manifesto. Oh, he’s done this before, among his disciples and before small—and sometimes not so small—crowds. But this gathering alone shows the magnitude—and potential—of the vagabond’s visibility and popularity.

Atticus wonders if he is the only one among the thousands here who thought to bring sustenance. That is nothing new for him—he always carries at least a piece of fruit. But if this goes on much longer, he’s going to need something more substantial. And from the looks of the crowd, everyone is going to need something.

For the moment, however, everyone seems mesmerized by the paradoxes the preacher resorts to when making points it seems no one has raised before. Like this one: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”

What in the name of Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva could this Jesus of Nazareth mean by that? Love my enemies? Pray for them? Not on your life.

In fact, Atticus suppresses a smile at the very thought of the stir such words might cause. And at how wrong Praetor Quintus is about Jesus. The crowd appears entranced. A man like this could be dangerous. And what a showman! If Atticus didn’t know better, he’d say the man’s moving casually through the crowd as he speaks appears to be a genuine expression of affection for them. Surely he’s grooming them for something, but what? Insurrection? The Nazarene actually strokes the cheeks of some and seems to gaze deep into the eyes of others.

“Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. …’”

Barnaby, the amputee, leans on his crutch next to Shula, his blind friend. They are accompanied by Zebedee and Salome, the parents of John and Big James, whom Jesus has nicknamed the Sons of Thunder. Barnaby can only imagine their pride in having their sons associated with this miracle-working orator.

Jesus continues, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Judas is more than intrigued. He’s fascinated by this magnetic man who stops strolling and stands firm, his eyes seeming to dance over the colossal gathering. Judas has spent the entirety of his young adult life trying to lay up treasures, as the teacher has so poignantly put it. It’s true, his heart is in such treasure. What else is there to devote oneself to? Yet Jesus clearly has these people, all of them, in the palm of his hand.

“Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it. And everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”

Everyone who hears these words and does not do them, Judas repeats in his mind. What, he wonders, does the man want him to do? Is his quest for riches like a house built on sand? Might he be willing to abandon the idea and follow this rabbi? As soon as he allows the thought, it seems to expand within him, and he knows it’s exactly what he wishes to do! There is something so dynamic, so compelling, so otherworldly about Jesus of Nazareth that Judas can think of nothing he’d rather do than follow him, become part of his inner circle.

At the golden hour of the day, though he’s among thousands, Yussif feels alone. And he’s grateful for that. What might he be tempted to say to Shmuel? Might he camouflage his true thoughts, his misgivings, his—he has to admit, if only to himself—intrigue with the mind-jarring thoughts Jesus has planted? How dumbfounding that he understands exactly what Jesus is trying to say.

The chatter around Yussif proves that others are similarly influenced. “You ever hear anything like that?” one asks another.

“Not with that kind of authority. He spoke with actual authority—his own, not from someone else.”

“Yes, almost above the Law. Is he a revolutionary?”

The other, noticing Yussif ’s pharisaical garb, shushes his friend, and they both bow as they pass.

A cripple and a blind woman also pass, reciting lines from Jesus. “‘Consider the lilies,’ he said!” Barnaby cackles. “‘How they neither toil nor spin …’”

“‘Yet I tell you,’” Shula adds, “‘Solomon in all his glory …’”

Yussif must find solitude, somewhere to think this through. He wants to hear no more, say no more, just ponder. He must get back to his chamber at the Beth Midrash in the synagogue, where he will be uninterrupted and close to the sacred scrolls.

Judas has made up his mind. He’s on a mission and must tell his partner—the one with whom he swindled a landowner out of his property and later helped Jesus’ disciples negotiate for this place to preach his sermon. Finally, Judas spots him, grinning ear to ear. “Hadad!” he calls out.

“I lost you!” Hadad says. “Did you find those guys?”

“I stood with his followers,” Judas says, nodding.

“Could you see the people’s faces? I’ve never seen a crowd so moved. That ‘turn the other cheek and lay up treasures in heaven’ business was a little naïve, but this man has talent!”

The treasures line was the very one that impressed Judas. “No, I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Can you imagine him selling for us?”

Selling for us? He thinks this man is a huckster? “Hadad?”

“Why didn’t they take up a collection? They could live like kings!”

Of course they could, Judas thinks. Even a shekel from each family would have resulted in a fortune. But that was hardly the point. “I’m going to join them,” he says.

“You’re what?”

“I’m leaving. I quit. I’m going with his followers.”

“Where?”

“I don’t know. To the ends of the earth.”

Hadad stares, looking bemused, as if he can’t believe his friend is serious.

“Everywhere this message needs to be heard,” Judas adds.

Hadad’s smile freezes. “I’ll sue you. You can’t—”

“I renounce my shares!”

“Then I’ll sue him!”

Judas shakes his head, eager to be done with this conversation, done with Hadad. “Nothing you could take from him would be of any value to you.”

Judas strides away, only to pause and turn at Hadad’s question: “What’s he got to give you then?”

The younger man just stares. “Good luck, Hadad.”

Chapter 4

THE HARD THINGS

The Mount of Beatitudes

One of the most senior Roman centurions, Primi Ordine Gaius sits astride his horse, motionless as the excitedly chattering hordes disperse and mill about. Gaius assigned many men to this event, determined to prevent any issues, such as what happened when a much smaller crowd gathered outside an old fisherman’s house in the eastern ghetto. There this same man spoke, appeared to heal a man crippled from birth, and created what Gaius’s boss, Praetor Quintus, described as a stampede that delayed Herod’s envoy and made the praetor look bad.

Well, it hadn’t been anything close to a stampede, but yes, the gathering had grown and blocked the street. And the last thing Gaius needs is any semblance of a repeat of that. Who knows what might happen with a crowd hundreds of times larger?

Gaius told himself he had come this day to superintend his men, but the truth is he was there to see Jesus of Nazareth in action on a larger scale and—admittedly—to perhaps get a peek at how Matthew was doing. Gaius had been the strange little man’s personal bodyguard for several years, assigned by the Roman Authority, when Matthew was a tax collector. The primi could not deny that, despite Matthew’s eccentric peculiarities, he had developed a fondness for the fellow.

Gaius had once been assigned by Quintus to arrest Jesus and haul him before the praetor for questioning. He’d been accompanied by Cohortes Urbana Atticus, whom he considered pompous and condescending—just the type Caesar seemed to select for his private goon squad. It was beyond Gaius why Rome needed such a unit when the centurions were perfectly capable.

Speak of the devil. Here comes the selfsame Atticus in all his smugness. Gaius pretends not to notice him, continuing to gaze at the crowd. In truth, he doesn’t want to deal with the man. He wants to ponder all he’s seen and heard. It would be unprofessional to admit to anyone that he has been strangely impressed by the Nazarene. As unique and disturbing as were so many of the things Jesus said, they resonate deeply within Gaius, and he needs time to make sense of them.

Atticus steps up beside Gaius’s horse. “Well?” he says.

Gaius continues to stare straight ahead. “Hm,” he grunts. He doesn’t have to look at the urbana to sense his all-knowing grin.

“My thoughts exactly,” Atticus says. “I’ll see you in the morning for our report to Quintus.”

“Mm-hm.”

“Good chat,” Atticus says and adds a maddening chuckle as he strides away.

Judas can barely contain himself. He makes his way toward the curtains, through which Jesus has exited to a makeshift stone stage. And apparently he’s not the only one hoping to get a moment with Jesus. People everywhere are asking Jesus’ followers if the preacher will return, if he’s still nearby, if they can chat with him. Judas calls on his prodigious memory to try and recall the names of the people he has met only briefly. There are the two Simons explaining to people, “Please, the rabbi is very tired,” and “He’s done for today,” and “Thank you for coming.”

Three smaller men—Little James, Nathanael, and Thaddeus (he can’t remember which of those last two is which)—are starting to untie the draperies and clear the rocks. The bigger James and his brother—the name escapes Judas for the moment—are letting the others know that Jesus has called for a brief meeting in a few minutes. Judas looks past the brothers to where Jesus stands with his mother and a younger woman, the wife of one of the disciples. Knowing he should not impose himself upon the meeting later, Judas decides it’s now or never. He gathers himself and tentatively approaches Jesus and the women, hoping the rabbi will at least notice and acknowledge him and he’ll get a chance to express what an impact the sermon has had on him.

Jesus looks exhausted, and his mother sits him down and hands him a plate of food. The one disciple’s wife stands nearby, holding the blue sash Jesus had worn while speaking. Judas hesitates to interrupt, especially now, but neither does he want to miss his chance. Yet when he starts to make his move, the former tax collector barges in. Judas knows this man, Matthew, from the past. He knows many tax collectors, even thought of applying for such a position once. But he cared too much of what others thought of him. There were other ways to earn a lucrative living.

“I was able to write down many of the new things you said,” Matthew says as Jesus’ mother and the other woman step aside, “but not all of them.”

Between bites, Jesus says, “That’s fine. I will say them again. We can discuss them.”

“I did recognize some of them from my study of the teachings of Rabbi Hillel.”

“Very good, Matthew,” Jesus says, sounding weary.

“When you said to be reconciled to your brother, can you elaborate on wh—”

“Matthew, let’s discuss this another time, please. I’m very hungry and have some things to discuss with our new friend.” Jesus gives Judas a look.

So, he has noticed me. “Oh!” Judas says. “I’m sorry. I can come back.”

“No, I’m gathering everyone shortly and would like to speak with you. Matthew, could you please help Big James and John gather the others?”

John, yes, that was the brother’s name!

“Right now?” Matthew asks, clearly disappointed.

“Mm-hm.”

Matthew hesitates and starts off.

Jesus calls after him, “Thank you for helping me.”

Matthew smiles. “Yes, Rabbi.”

Jesus pops a bite into his mouth and looks up at Judas as the disciples start moving toward them. “So …”

“I’m Judas of Kerioth,” he says, shaking hands.

“Shalom, Judas. I saw you before I stepped out to talk to the people, and then I noticed you listening very intently during my sermon.”

“It was wonderful,” Judas says, wishing he could be more articulate.

“Thank you. Nathanael briefly told me about the help you gave and that you might be interested in joining us. He’s not easy to impress.”

Judas places which one is Nathanael. “I attended Beth Midrash,” he gushes, “but my father passed away before I could pursue a rabbi, so I stayed home to work. I would like to follow you.”

“You would?”

“Very much! I did attend the House of Study.”

Jesus chuckles. “I heard you the first time. I don’t require that of my followers. You would actually be one of the few who have. I require only what many rabbis do—that you seek to be like me.”

“Of course.”

“But that will be much more difficult with me than with other rabbis, I can assure you. Are you ready to do the hard things?”

Hard things? I would do anything! “I believe you are going to change the world. And I want to be part of that. I might not be a soldier in battle, but I have business and financial skills, and I want to use them to grow this ministry far and wide, as fast as possible. So, yes, I am ready to do the hard things.”

“We will see. So, I assume you know what Judas means, yes?”

“God be praised.”

“Yes. With your hands. Will you praise God?”

“Every day.”

As the other disciples arrive, Jesus sets his plate aside and stands. “Well, in that case, Judas, follow me.”

“Thank you.”

“Everyone is here, Rabbi,” Big James tells Jesus.

Jesus nods and beckons Judas to stand near him. But before he can speak, the rest begin to clap and smile.

“All right, that’s good,” Jesus says lightheartedly. “That’s enough. First of all, thank you for such a wonderful day. Barnaby! Shula! Come on in! Did you approve of the sermon?”

“A little long,” Barnaby teases. “But effective.”

Shula elbows Barnaby. “It was wonderful.”

Jesus addresses all of them. “You did your part in spreading the word, which is a vital part of our ministry. And let’s especially thank Nathanael, Thad, and Little James for their part in getting the land and putting all this together so quickly. I know you’ll all help them clean up here before you go.”

The others applaud those three.

Jesus adds, “I also have a quick announcement. I know a few of you have met him already, but for those who haven’t, this is Judas of Kerioth. He just asked for me to be his rabbi and to contribute some of his talents to our ministry, a request I was happy to grant. So, let’s please welcome Judas to the group.”

More applause and good wishes.

“Well,” Jesus says at last, “it’s been quite a journey these last several weeks. A lot of good work has been done, and there’s quite a lot more to do in the future. But for now, let’s take some time off to rest. Simon, you especially need to get home.” With a twinkle in his eye, he adds, “After the joy of having you gone wore off, Eden has actually started to miss you. So, you two take a break.”

Jesus motions everyone closer, and they stand with arms around each other’s shoulders. “You all can discuss with each other how to stay in touch so we can get together again soon, but for now, let me pray over you.” As they bow their heads, he says, “The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn His face to you and give you peace.” He looks up. “I will see you soon. Thank you.”

Judas has just joined them, and now they’re taking a break to rest? Where will these nomads go to do that, and what is he supposed to do in the meantime?

Chapter 5

TIME AWAY

The Mount of Beatitudes

Though everyone else seems to be gathering their belongings and preparing to leave this place, Mary of Magdala wishes she could stay here forever. Her heart is full, and yet she wants more. More of Jesus. More of his love, his compassion, his wisdom, his empathy. She could listen to him until dawn.

She’s about to ask her friends if they feel the same. But Tamar, the resplendent, ebony-skinned Egyptian, and Ramah, Thomas’s love, appear distracted. Another woman approaches—appearing perhaps ten years older than Jesus. She’s dressed in finery, including an elaborate shawl that had to be uncomfortable all day in the heat.

“Excuse me,” she says. “You are followers of the teacher, yes?”

“Yes,” Mary says. “Shalom.”

“May I speak with him?”

Tamar speaks up. “He’s about to leave. We all are. It’s been a very long day.”

The woman removes her shawl and turns it inside out to reveal its blood-orange underside. “I want to give you this.”

Mary is astounded. “I-I don’t, uh—thank you? What for?” Surely none of the three look as if they have any use for such dazzling attire. Even Tamar’s sumptuous clothing has become worn and faded.

“It’s an offering,” the woman says. “There was no collection taken?”

“He didn’t ask for that,” Ramah says. “This isn’t a way to get to speak to him.”

Tamar steps closer, eyes wide. “Is this shahtoosh?” She grabs the shawl and holds it up.

Mary has heard of the premium wool made from the neck hair of Himalayan ibex, but she’s never seen it.

“From Nepal,” the woman says.

“You’re donating this to his ministry?” Tamar says, sounding in awe.

“Yes, and there will be more.”

“Who are you?” Ramah asks.

“My name is Joanna. And I bring greetings for Jesus from someone, if I could have only a few moments …”

“From whom?” Ramah says.

Joanna appears hesitant but whispers, “I come from Machaerus. I’ve spoken with John, the Baptizer.”

John! Mary flashes the woman a double take. “Andrew!”

Andrew finishes his farewells to Zee and Nathanael and makes his way over, seeming to curiously eye the newcomer.

“She says she’s spoken with John—in Machaerus.”

He raises his brows. “When? How? You’ve seen him?”

“My husband works in Herod’s court,” Joanna says, “so I’ve had the opportunity to speak with John since he’s been—brought in. I was intrigued by his words, and—”

Mary moves to fetch Jesus. He’ll want to hear this.

After a full, exhausting day, just when Andrew thought nothing could make it better, now this. “You’ve spoken to him? Is he okay? What did he say?”

“You’re Andrew?”

“Yes!”

“He mentioned you. You were a follower of his.”

“Yes. Is he hurt?”

“No. Well, yes, it’s not a great place for him to be, and he’s upset some important people. But he wanted you especially, Andrew, to know he’s in good spirits.”

“Can I see him?”

Mary returns and introduces Jesus.

“Of course,” Joanna says. “I saw your teaching.”

“Hello, Joanna. So, you’ve spoken with my cousin?”

“Yes, and he’s been telling me I need to hear your teachings. When word reached Machaerus about this gathering, they didn’t think much of it, but John thought this would be a good opportunity for me.”

“Rabbi,” Andrew says, “I’d like to visit John.”

“Just a moment, Andrew.” He turns back to Joanna. “So, what will you report back to him?”

“That I want to support your ministry.” She hesitates, growing emotional. “This was a healing day for me, as John said it would be. Thank you.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

“John wanted me to tell you he is eager for you to come to Herod at some point. He believes there is uncertainty in the court about him, and he also says they aren’t taking you seriously yet. He thinks a strong visit from you soon could resolve both issues. But he also wanted to make it clear he is trusting your timing on ‘soon.’”

Jesus smiles. “Of course. Thank you for sharing that. Now, so my student here doesn’t grind his teeth into dust, is John even able to receive visitors at the moment?”

“Are you coming to Machaerus?”

“No, I am taking some time alone. But if you were able to somehow arrange for Andrew here to safely visit John …”

Andrew can’t hide his eagerness.

Joanna says, “I suppose I could make some arrangements. My men are taking me back in my carriage to Machaerus shortly. You can join me.”

“Thank you!” Andrew says. “And thank you, Rabbi.”

“You need to rest and to trust, Andrew. But perhaps after seeing John, you will be able to do both.”

Andrew hugs Jesus, and they exchange shaloms. As the small group is breaking up, Andrew’s brother, Simon, approaches. “What’s going on?” he says. “Everything good?”

“We’ll leave in a few moments, Andrew,” Joanna says and moves away.

“Who is she?” Simon asks.

“I’m going to see John. She knows him from Machaerus.”

“What do you mean? This isn’t—”

“Rabbi already said yes. She works in Herod’s court. Don’t worry about me. You need to go home with Eden.”

“I can’t let you go alone …”

“I’m going to be fine.”

“Andrew …”

“Listen, I’m going to be fine! But thank you.”

“For what?”

Andrew is suddenly overcome. For all their squabbling, he loves his brother, and there’s no one with whom he’d rather be sharing this adventure of a lifetime. “For watching out for me. For everyone. You always have. You’re a great leader, and I don’t say it enough. Thank you.”

Now Simon looks self-conscious. He smirks and sighs and puts a hand behind Andrew’s head. “Say shalom to John for me.”

“Really?”

“I mean it,” Simon says. “John started all this, introducing you to Jesus.” He pulls Andrew’s forehead to his. “And you introduced me to him. I thank John, and I thank you.” He kisses Andrew on the cheek. “I love you. Shalom.”

“I love you. Shalom.”

Andrew finds Philip and beckons the newcomer, Judas, to join their conversation. He tells them where he’s going and invites them to stay at his place until he returns. “It’s small, but we’ll manage. Judas, Philip can bring you up to speed in the meantime.”

“Give me the directions,” Judas says, “and I’ll find you. I need to take care of a few things at home first.”

Thomas stands alone on the edge of the staging area. Though there were no miracle healings this time, he’ll never forget Jesus’ turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. Somehow Thomas sensed he would never be the same, and that has certainly proved true. Now he needs to become more pro-active about his intentions with Ramah. As she and Mary and Tamar head his way, he steps forward. “Ramah!”

Ramah leaves the others, who hang back, and comes to him. “So, did you talk to John?”

“Yes, I’ll be taken care of. And you’re all set with Mary?”

“Yes.”

“Good,” Thomas says. “I’ll stop by tomorrow to check in.”

Ramah smiles at him. “I figured you would.”

Feeling his way now, Thomas says, “Is after second meal a good time?”

“I’ll have to see what my plans are.”

I need to slow down! Thomas thinks. “Oh!” he says. “I can come later.”

She breaks into a grin. “I’m joking, Thomas.”

Whew! “Aah, yes—of course.” He hesitates, unsure of what to do or say next. Finally, “Well, shalom.”

“Shalom.”

He turns to leave.

“Thomas?”

He whirls. “Yes?”

“Maybe come by after first meal?”

“Of course! I just didn’t want to bother you. We’ve spent a lot of time together lately.”

She smiles. “I know.”

Oh … he realizes.

And she adds, “I just hope this time away doesn’t become too much, you know, time away.”

Just what he wants to hear. “It won’t.”

“Good,” she says. “That’s all. Shalom.”

Thomas stares as Ramah rejoins Mary and Tamar, then notices Barnaby and Shula off to the side, beaming at him. Barnaby nods and pumps his fist. Thomas chuckles and walks off as if on air.

Chapter 6

JAIRUS

Capernaum synagogue, Beth Midrash

Yussif hardly knows what to do with himself. He has always been able to separate his emotions from his study and training, and Shmuel has drilled into him the absolute discipline of sober reflection on the Scriptures. Above all, he is to cautiously and seriously evaluate anyone’s commentary on the Torah.

But he has to admit, something is happening within him. He’s seen things, heard things, experienced things, felt things—all because of this rogue preacher from Nazareth.