The third and final volume in the series, Lund now has no choice but to start including more of Jesus' story and ministry into the narrative which, up to now, has heavily favored the adventures of Simeon and Miriam. Time to get our young adults married off. Simeon has more opportunities to witness the miracles of Jesus and everyone participates in the wonderful and marvelous resurrection that will go down in world history as The First Easter.
Behold the Man contains 40 chapters and covers the time period between October A.D. 31 to April A.D. 33. The front cover map of Herod's Temple is now in color with maps of the Holy Land and Jerusalem at the time of Jesus on the respective back covers.
Chapter 1- October A.D. 31 Mordechai has returned from Rome to Jerusalem to meet with his fellow leaders of the Sanhedrin to determine what they must do to stop Jesus. Marcus meets with him later with more bad news, Miriam has escaped from Rome. Both correctly deduce that it was Simeon who rescued her (Curse him!). Marcus leaves and Mordechai arranges for a "private investigator" to go to the Galilee region and begin making subtle inquires about a certain woman (we are not told who).
Chapter 2- To the great joy of the house of David the Merchant of Capernaum, Simeon has returned, triumphant, from Rome with new additions to the family, including a long-lost brother from Greece. Simeon, Miriam, Livia and Drusus recount their adventure ending with the announcement that Miriam accepted Simeon's proposal of marriage. Livia plays favorite aunt to Esther and Boaz while Miriam and Leah talk and catch up. Both are happy they will soon be sisters, but Miriam is worried she has nothing to contribute to the household. Her father disowned her and she is left with no family and no dowry. Leah reminds her she still has her high class status education and can always help translate business documents at the warehouse.
Chapter 3- A few days later, Simeon, Miriam and Livia meet Jesus who talks very kindly to them about the great sacrifices required to follow Him. This comforts Miriam greatly as she's very troubled about the relationship between herself and her father. It has been arranged that Miriam and Livia will stay in a small room off Ezra's sandal shop until the wedding. Simeon is doing his chores in the family stable when Sextus Rubrius enters with an interesting bit of community gossip. A strange man from Jerusalem is in the area asking suspicious questions and paying money to anyone who will give him information about Simeon and his family. Be on your guard, he warns Simeon.
Chapter 4- The women are shopping in the marketplace when they run into Yehuda, who heard Simeon was back. He is invited to dinner.Yehuda would love all of them to come visit him in Beth Neela. It is decided that just Livia should go. Later, everyone, including Yehuda hears Jesus give the parable of the poor man who ended up in paradise in the bosom of Abraham while the rich man suffered the torments of hell. They discuss the finer aspects and deeper meaning of the parable later at the house.
Chapter 5- Mordechai is not very pleased when he receives a parchment roll announcing the betrothal of Miriam bat Mordechai to Simeon ben David of Capernaum. To his even greater dismay, Simeon bursts into the room at that very moment, accompanied by his father leading the hired man now bound. Simeon cuts his ropes and basically tells Mordechai to mind his own business and he would appreciate Mordechai's blessing on their forthcoming marriage. Mordechai refuses. His daughter is dead to him. Simeon says no problem, she's already considered part of our family now, anyway, so there! In a new scene, Simeon, Miriam and his parents stop and visit Uncle Aaron on their way to Beth Neela to get Livia. Simeon is grateful to his uncle who set aside his differences to intervene on Simeon's behalf when he was in prison, though it made little difference.
Chapter 6- Shana and Yehuda have just finished serving a meal to their guests. Shana and Samuel take their leave and everyone is happy and joking as Yehuda wrestles playfully on the floor with Simeon, teasing him about what Miriam can expect her future married life to be like with Simeon who snores, loudly. Miriam laughs and declares she'll take him anyway. Later, Simeon and Yehuda bed down in the stable (as the house is pretty full) for the night. Yehuda confesses to Simeon he's caught the marriage bug and is considering Livia but is uncertain how to approach her. Simeon tells him to just go for it. He'll even play the part of Don Pedro and speak to Livia on Yehuda's behalf. Later, Simeon reports to Yehuda that he has wooed in thy name, the fair lady is won, name the day of the marriage and God give thee joy.
Chapter 7- Back in Capernaum, Miriam, with help from her new family and community, has accumulated a modest dowry in preparation for her future life as mistress of a future home that will hopefully include lots of babies. The betrothal ceremony is held (without as much detail since the author already covered Shana's in volume one) and the Ketubah signed. David channels Benjamin Steed by making a long and dignified speech full of wisdom and advice for the newlyweds about the significance of man and woman coming together to be literally "one flesh." It is now December A.D. 31.
Chapter 8- September A.D. 32 Almost one year has passed. Livia and Yehuda are happily married and Simeon, Miriam and Leah just arrived in Beth Neela for a visit. Simeon and Miriam are not married, their one-year betrothal isn't up yet, but preparations are underway. Drusus went to Greece for several months, found his place working as an apprentice in a trade he'll enjoy and living among people he feels more comfortable with, as religion isn't for him. He is well and happy. Yehuda enters the house. He has a great idea, Livia should travel back with the party to Capernaum for a nice month-long visit. Everyone loves the idea.
Chapter 9- While encamped one night on the road to Bethlehem (where the wedding is to be held) Peter shares with Simeon and Miriam past experiences he's had, powerful confirmations by the spirit witnessing to him that Jesus is the Christ and that he has come to suffer and die for the sins of all people. Peter admits he had a hard time understanding it then but he does now. Jesus must die and there's nothing any of his beloved friends and closest acquaintances can do to stop it. Still, Peter knows they've got to try and have made a pact with each other to never forsake their Master. In Jericho, Jesus heals an older woman, bent and disfigured from a terrible infirmity she'd suffered 18 years from. Jesus is immediately rebuked by those from the synagogue for healing on the Sabbath day but Jesus rebukes them right back.
Chapter 10- October A.D. 32 Marcus and Pilate sit in a meeting. Two full pages of narration follow describing Pontius Pilatus' past mistakes in ruling the stubborn Jewish people, provoking them to rebellion and offending them in every possible way. Now, Pilate wants Marcus to plan a "demonstration" by luring all Zealots to the temple during the next Jewish festival and attacking them. This will discourage any possibility of a future uprising against Rome. We are also informed, out of nowhere, that Marcus has married. His new bride is a rich young woman of a prominent Roman family named Diana. Marcus and his wife call on Mordechai for advice on the best day for Marcus to lead his men in the attack. Over in Bethlehem, Uncle Aaron marries Simeon and Miriam. The solemn vows and rituals are described as they proceed. Miriam encircles her new husband three times, reciting the statements required, committing herself to him in loving patriarchy. They share a cup of wine, symbolizing the sharing of their lives in marriage. Amen
Chapter 11- A few days before the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, Marcus walks with Sextus, asking him what he knows about that servant girl connected with Simeon's new wife, Miriam. She was once a slave, correct? Just like her brother? Sextus tells him both were given their freedom. But if that can't be proven and we were to arrest Livia as a runaway slave, then we'd have something to bait the Zealots, lure them here. Sextus doesn't really like the idea but Marcus is determined. In a new scene, the ritual waving of palm fronds is described, the lighting of the four giant menorahs, the swelling of trumpets announcing the celebration of light and thanksgiving. Suddenly, Jesus addresses the crowd inviting all to come unto him. This both intrigues and enrages the people as many do believe but many more, including Pharisees, are so angry they call the temple guards to arrest him but Jesus disappears. Simeon and Miriam witnessed it all.
Chapter 12- One hour later, the family is surprised to meet Uncle Aaron in the courtyard of the temple where everyone is still talking about Jesus. Uncle Aaron is troubled and doesn't know what to think because he's just come from Jericho. That woman Jesus healed just happens to be related to his wife's family. Aaron knows this good woman! He can't deny that it was a miracle from God but that would mean accepting Jesus as the Messiah and he's not sure he can do that because of his views on proper Sabbath Day conduct. Livia and Yehuda find the family. They also saw and heard everything. Livia and Miriam speak aside where Livia blushes and admits she may be with child. Miriam is glad for her. David and Deborah decide they're done and excuse themselves. Leah, the awkward third wheel, goes with them leaving the two married couples to socialize until they hear Jesus is back. They find him surrounded by people both hearing him and asking him questions, including Aaron, who addresses Jesus directly in innocent bewilderment to ask, "Who ARE you?" Jesus answers he is the Messiah, the great I AM which enrages everyone. They attempt to lay hands on him again for blasphemy but, once again, Jesus disappears and no arrest is made.
Chapter 13- A council convenes, Mordechai gives his opinion echoing what everyone already knows: Jesus must be arrested, stopped, silenced, even if it means putting him to death. Back in the temple courtyard, what a night of excitement this has been! Jesus is reported to be back at one of the gates of the temple, teaching and healing. The four married friends hurry to the area just in time to witness the healing of a blind man, whom, it was asked of Jesus, did sin: this man or his parents? Jesus anoints the man's eyes with mud and instructs him to go wash in a pool located on the outskirts of the city, outside the temple grounds, a good ten minute walk for a seeing person. Half an hour later a great commotion is heard. The blind man is back, running, waving, exclaiming, "I see!" It is a miracle. He wants to find Jesus who, as all suddenly realize, has gone. Yehuda is speechless while the others weep and rejoice.
Chapter 14- It is still the same day in October A.D. 32. Mordechai meets his fellow Sanhedrin high priests which includes Caiaphas to discuss Jesus' violation of Sabbath code. The blind man and his parents are brought in to testify. They bare testimony of the miracle enraging these leaders who waste no time in excommunicating them from the church for his belief in Jesus Since no name is given in the Bible account, Lund calls him Asa the Beggar. Outside, Jesus and his followers are coming. Jesus addresses Asa, declares himself and Asa worships him with joy. Aaron, (who does NOT sit on the council) is also waiting outside and questions Jesus about his actions. Aaron feels the sting of rebuke when Jesus tells him he is the one who is blinded by sin. Meanwhile, Sextus informs Marcus he's done as ordered and all is ready to arrest Livia next time she is out in public and alone.
Chapter 15- Marcus gets his chance the very next day when Livia is waiting for Miriam (purposely detained by a Roman soldier) in the courtyard outside the temple. Marcus approaches Livia leading a squadron of men and, to her shock and horror, declares her under arrest as a runaway slave with no papers, which are back in Beth Neela. Miriam arrives just in time to witness Livia being taken away to the Antonia Fortress next door. Simeon and Yehuda are quick to rally their Zealots and lead them to the temple courtyard in demand of her freedom. A runner has already been sent to Beth Neela for the papers, they plead for more time. Marcus just sneers and unleashes his men who begin the slaughter. Simeon is knocked down, bound and dragged, semi-conscious, over to a wall. Yehuda fights valiantly, taking on three Romans at once. Simeon takes advantage of his careless guards, escapes and, wearing a Roman disguise, claiming a false order from Marcus, demands the men guarding the prison entrance to let him in. Still incognito, he frees Livia and helps her escape, just like in the movies. He passes her along to Ephraim and returns to help his friends. After taking on the entire legion, Yehuda is staggering under a fatal wound. Just before he passes out, he sees David, Ephraim and the unmistakable form of his beloved Livia, running along the sidelines to safety with Simeon following. He thanks God and faints. RIP Yehuda. (He was never baptized but LDS readers understand Yehuda would've accepted the gospel in the spirit world)
Chapter 16- Mordechai is quite put out. The plan to arrest either Simeon or Jesus failed and the courtyard of the holy temple was violated with the shedding of human blood. Marcus, on the other hand, is pleased. With all the Zealots killed or in prison, any future uprisings have been nipped in the bud. Marcus reminds the old man he should be more worried about the trouble he's just brought on himself with his family relations. His daughter's best friend is a widow, her deceased husband the best friend of the most powerful Zealot leader in the region who might seek revenge against his father-in-law. In a new scene, the family buries Yehuda in a humble grave outside Jerusalem. Shana is the only living member left of her family but Samuel survived. Weeping prevails. Livia will return to Beth Neela, have her baby, and tend the vineyard Yehuda left her with the help of Samuel and other men in the community.
Chapter 17- March A.D. 33 Shana has a new baby but would rather not see Simeon and Miriam when they come to visit Livia. A large party is traveling to Jerusalem for the upcoming Passover and Livia is invited to come. Jesus is expected to be traveling with them but with the death of her husband, Livia is struggling to remain faithful as a Christian. Her friends reassure her that before Yehuda died, he knew she had escaped safely and his efforts to help free her weren't in vain.
Chapter 18- The camp has, indeed, joined with Jesus and his large party of disciples with their families. Miriam witnesses at the campfire that night, a rich man asking Jesus what he must do to have eternal life. Jesus tells him, simply, keep the commandments. Later Peter and the others comment to Jesus, since they also forsook everything to follow him, will they be blessed? Jesus reassures them their reward in heaven will be great. He then grows sad, turns away and reminds them that the Son of Man must die and rise the third day. He walks away to be alone and Peter and the others are troubled. In a new scene, meet Zacchaeus the Publican. Not the most popular man in Jericho but very curious about this Jesus who will be passing through sometime today and he is anxious to see him. Being of short stature, he climbs a tree for a better view and gets the shock of his life when Jesus, passing below, stops, looks up and addresses him with a smile. Zaccheaus reforms immediately and agrees to host Jesus and his party for the midday meal.
Chapter 19- David and Deborah pay a visit to Huldah, the woman healed by Jesus. To their surprise, Uncle Aaron answers the door and welcomes them into the house. The three speak privately for a few pages about Jesus, the Sabbath and finding answers to prayers after faithful and fervent scripture study. He is invited to join the Passover caravan. Next day, the camp is enjoying the hospitality of Zaccheaus and there is talk of extending the visit as many here in Jericho believe and desire baptism. Then word comes from Bethany that Lazarus, brother of Mary and Martha is very ill, could Jesus come right away and heal him? Jesus takes his time, for there is a lesson to be learned here. Two days pass until the morning of the third day when Jesus states, quite openly and frankly, that Lazarus is dead.
Chapter 20- Two more days pass. Livia is troubled as she knows all about the grief for the loss of a loved one and finds herself growing more depressed. At last the company reaches Bethany. Word has spread and many have gathered to see the reaction of the Master, including members of the local Sanhedrin. Jesus is shown the tomb where he weeps. This astonishes Livia who has never seen Jesus cry until today. She joins the crowd in quiet weeping too. Lazarus is called forth. Despite the three days his dead body lay in a tomb, he lives. Later, David and Deborah find Aaron sitting alone, in shock, over what he witnessed. He has no choice now but to accept Jesus as the Messiah. Meanwhile, Livia's feelings are quite the opposite. She is understandably troubled. Why Jesus couldn't raise her own Yehuda from the dead like he did Lazarus? It is a valid question.
Chapter 21- Mordechai conducts another council. Aaron and other sympathizers, such as Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea are stripped of their membership and dismissed. They walk out with their heads held high as the newest members of "Team Jesus." Next item of business: arranging the murder of Lazarus to prevent more of their people from following this miracle worker from Galilee. Aaron returns to his new home in Jerusalem only to find it foreclosed and his family evicted. His sister Deborah is more than happy to take them in until their return to Capernaum. Back in Bethany, Simeon chats with Peter who tells him Jesus seems to be preparing his closest followers and friends for something. He has a bad feeling about this. Mary, sister of Martha, is already two steps ahead of everyone. Peter recounts to Simeon how she anointed Jesus with costly ointment and was criticized by Judas but praised by Jesus. Livia returns from a walk and declares she is back to being a believer again. Jesus enters the scene and commends her for her choice, reminding her of his mission and very existence and purpose which is save everyone from death. Livia believes.
Chapter 22- Peter has been sent on a special errand by Jesus to obtain a donkey with specific instructions on where to find one. Simeon tags along. To their amazement, all occurs just as Jesus said. Back at camp, everyone gathers branches to wave as Jesus enters Jerusalem as a king on a peaceful visit. He is proclaiming himself the Messiah and it is time for his "Last Week" to begin. As the procession enters the city gate and the temple, Mordechai can't believe his eyes, or ears. The people love Jesus! They welcome him into the city as their Savior and praise God. This won't do at all. Later, Miriam and Livia talk with the others about what an exhausting but exciting day this has been.
Chapter 23- Jesus "curses" the fig tree as an object lesson. He cleanses the temple for the second time with his temper perfectly controlled and in check with no unnecessary violence. Mordechai and others confront Jesus demanding by what authority he does this? Jesus poses the question of John the Baptist and where he got his authority. Knowing how the public feels about the recent martyr they "plead the fifth." Jesus teaches a few parables to emphasize who he is and why he has come. Simeon and Miriam are part of the large, listening crowd. Miriam sobs in the arms of her husband because her own father has publically declared himself against Jesus and doesn't even acknowledge her after he's finished confronting Jesus. Father and daughter are truly dead to each other.
Chapter 24- Aaron observes Jesus outwitting and stumping the scribes and Pharisees with every question and hypothetical situation they pose such as: if a woman is married to more than one man, whose wife will she be in the next life? Is it lawful to pay tribute? Which commandment is the greatest and so on. Soundly beaten at their own game, they leave, and Jesus commences teaching the people more of his gospel including the proper way to serve and worship God, sans hypocrisy. Deborah finds Aaron afterward and they talk. On the way back to Bethany, the entire company is amazed to see the fig tree is now withered and barren from yesterday's cursing.
Chapter 25- Peter is still recovering too from Jesus' vitriolic attack on the Pharisees. The gauntlet has been thrown, the lines drawn between common Jew and his ecclesiastical leader with the power to put blasphemers to death. Peter and the others are walking through the city with Jesus when one comments on the beautiful temple. Jesus prophesizes its utter destruction. No one believes him. All are troubled. They climb Mount Olives where Jesus explains the signs of his second coming including giving them the parables of the ten virgins, talents, sheep and goats. (Cue the Cake song: Sheep go to Heaven, Goats go to...)
Chapter 26- Mordechai has a visitor in his courtyard, one Judas Iscariot, interested in that offer of delivering Jesus to them. This is not about money, Judas insists to Mordechai as they share a jug of wine, if you promise not to hurt Jesus, just lock him up in prison until after the festival, then I'm your man. Mordechai and Judas agree on the payment of thirty pieces of silver if Judas will lead them to Jesus. Peter tells David Jesus is planning to celebrate Passover with just the twelve. Everyone is encouraged to eat the holy meal with their respective families, but thanks for the invite. Peter and John are astonished to find all in readiness, just as Jesus said, when they are sent on an errand, similar to the donkey, to procure a place for Jesus to eat the Passover dinner with his friends.
Chapter 27- April A.D. 33 For the third time in the series, the Passover meal is mentioned, but this time in even shorter detail as more lengthy descriptions were already given in past volumes. David leads his family in the traditional questions and singing of psalms when he suddenly stops and reminds them how, just a few days ago, they welcomed the Messiah to deliver them. All realize they must now give thanks for what has finally come to pass. Old things are about to be done away, replaced by the new gospel of Christ. Meanwhile, Peter and the twelve are eating with Jesus in the upper room. Jesus introduces the sacrament. He washes their feet, admonishing them to serve each other in the same way. One will betray him and he nods to Judas, excusing him. Judas leaves. Peter is told he will deny Jesus three times tonight.
Chapter 28- Twenty-six year old Peter is deeply troubled tonight. The room has gone silent but Jesus speaks comforting words for he will not leave them alone and forgotten. They will do great things in his name and glorify the Father. In Bethlehem, the family of David are engaged in post-dinner conversations when Miriam announces she is expecting and all rejoice. Simeon takes David aside and confides that Miriam wants to go into the city tonight and personally give the news to Mordechai that he will be a grandfather in hopes it might reconcile them. At the house of Mordechai, a visitor comes knocking. It is Judas. It is time, but Mordechai is not there, he is celebrating Passover at the palace of Annas tonight. So, when Simeon and Miriam come knocking they are also directed there. Mordechai completes the transaction with Judas while his fellow leaders witness the act. Jesus and his disciples are still in the upper room, singing a hymn before they depart. Simeon and Miriam are waiting in the garden at the Palace when they see Judas and wonder what he's doing here. Mordechai enters and they share their news which touches Mordechai who warns Simeon he might want to think about removing Miriam from the city as trouble is brewing. Outside, Miriam is weeping in Simeon's arms again when they see a small column of Roman soldiers pass, led by Judas and two members of the Sanhedrin. Simeon wonders what's going on and decides to follow but not until after they find a safe place for Miriam.
Chapter 29- Jesus leads his twelve who lag behind, talking furiously among themselves about what an unforgettable Passover this turned out to be before Jesus turns into the Garden of Gethsemane, not an unusual meditation place for the Master. Jesus has Peter, James and John accompany him further, the rest are told to tarry here while he goes yonder to pray. Peter is awakened once by a reproachful Jesus. The second time, Jesus lets them sleep. Less than an hour later, he awakens Peter again who can't help but notice dark streaks of blood, not sweat, and Jesus' sleeve is stained as if wiping away sweat and perspiration. What on earth has he been doing? No time to ask because, right on cue, Judas is here with the temple and Roman guards to arrest Jesus and take him away. Peter strikes with his sword, a clumsy blow. Jesus heals Malchus before allowing himself to be bound and taken away.
Chapter 30- Just so we know, Marcus Quadratus Didius is senor tribune in the providence of Judea; second in command to Pilate. So when someone comes knocking on the door of his boudoir, interrupting his early morning cuddle time with Diana, he is not amused until he hears the news. Jesus of Nazareth has been arrested! Things are happening all over the city and order will be needed in case the people revolt. Marcus kisses his wife and pulls on his uniform. Meanwhile, David and Simeon have also heard the news. They join Peter and the others to wait outside the palace in anxiety. Jesus is interrogated by the council before he is hauled away to Caiaphas. Mordechai is cold and calculating in his orders to those who serve under him to find all who are against Jesus and organize a "mob" to influence the Romans.
Chapter 31- Peter and John are admitted into the courtyard of the palace of Caiaphas to wait with other curious onlookers gathered around the fire where Peter is recognized as a disciple and follower of Jesus on account of his country accent which he hotly denies. Inside, Jesus is accused of blasphemy, claiming he could tear down and rebuild the temple in three days. Back outside, Peter is asked a third time if he is a follower of Jesus and for the third time he swears no association with this Jesus of Nazareth. Just then, he sees Jesus being led out. Their eyes meet and the cock crows. Peter goes out and weeps bitterly. Presented again before Caiaphas and the other prominent Jewish leaders, Jesus declares not only is he the son of God but all will see him sitting on the right hand of power. It is enough and the room erupts in cries for Jesus to be put to death immediately for blasphemy.
Chapter 32- Because Jews have no authority under Rome to put anyone to death, Mordechai reminds them all they must take Jesus to Pilate. While they discuss this, the others mock and bully Jesus, blindfolding him and demanding his answers. Jesus endures it all silently. Judas begs admittance to see Mordechai and the other leaders but it is too late. The council decides to take the money he threw at their feet and purchase that field they've been considering. Pontuis Pilate is awakened by a servant pounding on his door. The Jews want him to question the famous Jesus of Nazareth.
Chapter 33- Pilate is both curious and surprised such a seemingly unassuming man with no form or comeliness we should desire could be this famous troublemaker deserving to be put to death by his peers. He also notes the bloodstains on his brow, tunic and sleeves. Outside, Simeon and Miriam watch and wait with the crowd, talking in disbelief that anything bad could actually happen to their beloved Master. This is not good. Pilate's wife is never mentioned by name in the Bible. Christian tradition suggests Claudia yet the author has named her Fortunata, but never explains why in the chapter notes. Fortunata warns her husband of her nightmares; nothing good will come of their association with this man (Pilate being depicted as a madman in a future TV show, for example). Pilate notes her warning and enters the room to talk to Jesus. Any return LDS missionary who served during the 1990's will have immediate callbacks to the Lamb of God video as Jesus has his conversation with Pilate, suffers the torture and abuse from the Roman soldiers: robed, mocked, spat upon, ridiculed and returned to Pilate who washes his hands of it all. Roman soldiers show no mercy in the flogging. He is again presented to the crowd which includes all our fictional characters. Miriam is stunned when she recognizes her father's voice as the first to demand, "Crucify him!" Mary, mother of Jesus, collapses into the arms of Mary Magdalene and Martha who sob in disbelief. Even the offer to exchange Jesus for Barabbas is refused. The majority of the crowd are demanding Jesus be put to death. An exasperated Pilate appeases them. Narration only refers to Jesus being sent to King Herod Antipas by Pilate. The actual, one-sided, interview mentioned in the Bible is not included here.
Chapter 34- Roman execution is always overseen by the captains and leaders of the Roman army. Marcus knows the unpleasant task that awaits him and is drinking up in preparation while Sextus comments they are putting an innocent man to death today. Outside, riding his horse through the crowd lining the city streets in anticipation of the famous condemned man, Marcus spots Miriam and warns her the crowd might get violent. Simeon runs into Mordechai and chews him out. Mordechai only turns and flees into the crowd. As Jesus, carrying the crossbeam that will become his cross, is led north, through the city, to Golgotha, Peter and the others follow. They've just received word that Judas Iscariot is dead. Jesus collapses and Marcus picks a dark-skinned man wearing a turban to carry it for him (named Simon of Cyrene in the Bible so it is very possible he came from Africa). The women wail as Jesus passes. He stops and prophesizes that even darker times are coming for them and their future children.
Chapter 35- Sextus oversees the soldiers nailing their victims to the crosses. Jesus cries out for God to forgive them. The pompous Pharisees aren't happy about the condemned man's sign proclaiming he is the king of the Jews but that it should say he claimed to be king. Pilate says too bad. Some jeer and mock Jesus, "Save yourself! Come down and then we will believe!" Peter and everyone else witness, in solemn soberness, the fate of the Savior. Since Pilate won't change the sign, Mordechai and his friends remind him it is against their law to have dead bodies hanging around during the Sabbath day tomorrow. If Jesus is still alive, someone will have to break his legs and hasten his death before sundown. Pilate sends a message to Marcus granting their request. Back at Golgotha, Jesus speaks the last of the three "seven statements" he made while on the cross: "Why hast thou forsaken me?" (referring to one of David's psalms, just another example of the Savior never passing up a teaching moment) "I thirst" and "Into thy hands, I commend my spirit." It is finished. Joseph of Arimathea has arranged for the body of Jesus to occupy his own personal tomb. Clouds rapidly gather overhead. A great earthquake throws many to the ground (while an even greater one wrecks havoc on the other side of the world). Sextus is given the line spoken by a scripturally unnamed Roman centurion, "Truly he was the son of God."
Chapter 36- Back at the house of David's relatives in Bethlehem, the family does not welcome the Sabbath but all go straight to bed where there is much weeping throughout the night. Next day, everyone keeps to themselves. No one attends synagogue. Aaron shows up and, to the astonishment of all, asks where can he find Jesus? He missed everything! The family talks with him and helps answer some of his questions. Livia shares her own grief because she also missed the opportunity to see Jesus one last time, too bitter over Yehuda's death to go anywhere, choosing instead to stay home feeling sorry for herself. David recites the entire chapter from Isaiah 53, all twelve versus. Aaron and his wife will join the family later this evening with Peter and the others in the upper room. Peter wants to plan tomorrow's activities, namely finishing the burial of Jesus body in which all desire to contribute. It is decided a few women will go and do this.
Chapter 37- Mordecahai is awakened by an urgent message: the body of Jesus is gone! The Roman soldiers have come to the Sanhedrin to report an unbelievable story involving a bright light, two men, the ground shaking, then darkness. Knowing their own leaders will not only call them liars but put them to death for falling asleep during sentry duty, they beg the Pharisees help in what to do. They are given this story to tell their superiors with the assurance they will not be put to death: after consuming too much wine, they fell asleep and while they slept, the followers of Jesus came and stole the body. Dawn is just breaking over the courtyard of the house in Jerusalem where Jesus and his apostles ate Passover as Mary Magdalene declares she can't wait any longer and leaves with her pot of ointment. The others decide who should follow. Miriam and Deborah are the only fictional characters who tag along as part of the women's party. Anna, (fictional name of the wife of Peter) Mary, (sister of Martha) Martha, Joanna, and Salome (wife of Zebadee and mother of James and John) make seven women in the group that never meets Mary Magdalene who is about to have her own, personal, encounter with the resurrected Lord. Finding the stone rolled away, stooping, she peers inside then turns and breaks into a frantic run. On another garden path, the seven women hear the footfalls, wonder who that was, but never see Mary who arrives back at the upper room in the city, pounding on the gate to report the empty tomb. Someone stole Jesus' body! Peter and John take off running. John reaches the tomb first but waits, in respect for the senior apostle. The tomb is, indeed, empty and the two men comment that the burial linens are undisturbed, as if the body they surrounded simply disappeared. Mary Magdalene followed the two apostles but they outran her. Reaching the garden entrance, she stops to catch her breath as Peter and John stroll down the path, completely untroubled, for they understand what has happened, but Mary is still convinced someone stole the body. Meanwhile, the seven women must've stopped for egg McMuffins because they STILL haven't reached the tomb yet. Apparently they took a wrong turn and have been wandering around this huge garden all this time, never seeing anyone else from their party. They are also very surprised to find the stone rolled away. All enter for a closer look. Miriam is just stepping back out when she screams and drops her jar of ointment. Two angels are standing outside the tomb with glad tidings. They tell the women to go tell Peter and the other disciples that Jesus is risen from the dead.
Chapter 38- Peter and John have gone back to the house in Jerusalem but Mary Magdalene went back to the tomb, still trying to comprehend what happened to the body of Jesus. Still weeping, she reaches the tomb and is startled to see two angles inside, the light radiating from them is blinding. They ask, "Why weepest thou?" Suddenly she hears another voice behind her. A man standing under an olive tree who asks her the same question followed by, "Whom seekest thou?" He is dressed as a common man in a plain tunic. Is he the gardener? "Sir, if you have borne him away..."
Mary
She KNOWS that voice! Jesus does not permit her to touch him, or even hug him but Mary is so filled with joy she falls at his feet, tears streaming down her face as she promises to go tell the brethren what has happened. When she looks up, Jesus is gone. He has ascended to the Father. Meanwhile, the other women are hurrying back, still discussing the visit and conversation with the angels, wondering who will ever believe them. As they walk along the garden path, they meet a strange man who greets them, "All hail," and at the same time they recognize Jesus. Back at the house in Jerusalem, everyone is reacting to Peter and John's incredible story of the empty tomb. Aaron is more troubled than skeptical. There must be a logical explanation for this yet how does that explain the perfectly undisturbed burial shrouds? Mary Magdalene enters, alone, glowing with the knowledge that she has seen the risen Lord! He lives! Aaron asks if she got to touch him? She blushes and lowers her head. No. But he wasn't a vision or a spectre or a ghost or a hologram. The other women arrive and Aaron realizes he'll have to start believing now. Deborah and Miriam bear tearful testimony that, yes, they did get to touch Jesus and bathe his feet with their tears. Later that night, Livia and Miriam lay awake talking. Livia requests the story again, in every detail and Miriam is only too happy to re-visit. Livia is not bitter, angry or jealous that she missed out. She's accepted the fact she won't get to see Yehuda until the resurrection and is content to live out the rest of her life as a widow. In another part of the house, David is also unable to sleep. Peter joins him and they discuss those lucky women whose story must be true. Peter admits just seeing the empty tomb and the linens was enough to convince him.
Chapter 39- Back at the upper room, all believers and followers of Jesus have gathered for a meeting. Peter presides. Aaron walks in and is welcomed by his family. David tells his brother-in-law that Peter has seen Jesus. Peter calls everyone to order. They have much to talk about tonight but, first, let's eat our potluck dinner. David and his family sit together on the floor where Aaron asks a question: Why were only women allowed before the men to see the resurrected Lord? Are they more righteous, pure or better than men? No, he thinks not. Especially when Leah speaks up in disappointment that she missed out on everything, despite her desire to accompany the other women to the tomb. Aaron, her uncle, kisses the top of her head with a very touching compliment about her faith. This leads to a discussion on faith. Miriam admits she didn't have to see and touch Jesus to believe. It would be impossible for Jesus to personally appear to everyone who believes in him. All need faith to believe and accept. Luke and Cleopas "take the mic," interrupting this family conversation to tell an amazing and wonderful experience they had today on the road to Emmaus.
Chapter 40- Peter finishes recounting his own personal witness meeting the resurrected Lord. David and his family are going back to the buffet table for seconds when Aaron screams (like a little girl?) dropping his plate with a crash as a figure materializes out of thin air. The figure is dressed in dazzling white robes with no sandals or head covering. It is Jesus who greets them, "Shalom, why are you so surprised to see me? Did not the others tell you I have risen?" Aaron sees the marks in his hands and wrists. Jesus invites all to come touch, feel and know for themselves that he is not a spirit. Leah is first as she is closest. Aaron is next, sobbing, as he too learns for himself. Liva hugs the wall in shock and joy as she watches everyone else in the family embrace and fall at the feet of Jesus. Finally, Jesus reaches her and she accepts. Jesus completes his circumference of the room, back to Peter where he asks for something to eat. Further proof that he is flesh and blood, albeit glorified. he then admonishes all to go forth unto the world, preaching and baptizing all who will believe. Then he disappears. And just like that it's...
THE END
