by D A Walmsley
Jude notices the two collectors standing some distance away, in a small group of men and women. They are being completely ignored by the rest. Just snide remarks and occasionally someone will aim spit in their direction.
It was bad enough turning up expecting to talk to Jesus one on one and finding others there. Worse still when he realised they were all idiots. But when two collectors showed up, it turned into a nightmare. Why them? Why? After all he’d gone through, leaving home, travelling to Galilee of all places, only to come face to face with two of the worst kind of scum in Israel.
Jesus appears from the crowd and sits on a rock at the top of the slope, just as the Priests in the Temple always sit down when delivering their sermons. The significance is not lost on the people, for Jesus has fast become the go to guy on all spiritual matters, much to the annoyance of the religious leaders. It’s one thing claiming responsibility for the odd miracle, but taking their role as an authoritative elder is quite another. There is an air of expectation. What will he say? Is this the speech to rock the very foundations of Rome itself? How about another miracle? Members of the media rush to get their microphones in front of him.
“Where is my team, come on guys, sit here at the front, by me,” Jesus says. He points to Matthew and Alphie and waves them over. The two men walk over in deathly silence.
When they’re all sitting Jesus starts to speak.
“How many here are struggling with life?” Lots of nods and agreeable groans.
“Or too ashamed to even step inside the Temple?” Some agree. Others nod.
“Are some of you grieving from the loss of a loved one? Well, now you can all dance for joy, for My Kingdom is for you. I say to the gentle and pushed aside, to the people who are hungry and thirsty, those of you who feel empty inside, to the peacemakers and those who are persecuted and hated, I say sing praises, for there is a special place for you in My Kingdom.”
“Now, there are those who believe only in money, that we should do whatever it takes to get it. Those that force their will on others, think that might is right and retaliation is king. Those that spend, spend, spend. There’ll be no singing and dancing for you, no, what awaits you is only death.”
From the middle of the crowd two voices shout, “So you think all the sad and pathetic should be happy and all the successful, ambitious people are losers.”
“Good luck selling this tripe mate, talk about losing before you’ve started.”
Jesus ignores the hecklers.
“Now, what about the Ten Commandments, the most sacred of all the old teachings that Moses himself delivered to the people of Israel?”
All around there are whisperings, “he can’t start changing these.”
“So even if you break the smallest of the Commandments and teach another to do the same, you will be at the bottom of the pile in My Kingdom.” He then goes on to say that not only is murder wrong but you shouldn’t even hate, you commit adultery even if its just in your fantasies. If someone punches you, let him have another shot.
For some this is getting all too much and they start to wander off.
“You’ve heard the saying love your neighbour and hate your enemy, well I say you should love your enemies, because even collectors love their friends.”
“This is rubbish,” shouts someone and stands up to leave.
Others start to leave saying, “I’m off, I can’t take much more of this.”
“There is something for everybody… to feel inadequate about.”
“Talk about making us all feel bad, I mean who can live up to all these rules anyway?”
“People don’t want to be told they’re doing it wrong, they need to be built up, you need to be all inclusive. This guy’s just alienated ninety percent of the population.”
“If that’s his idea of the Kingdom he can keep it, it’s just a bunch of losers. Who wants to be part of that?”
Those that call out and leave are in the minority. Most people hang onto every word, to such an extent that when Jesus has finished they don’t want to leave. The camera crews start to pack up, journalists scramble to write their copy for the papers and once again Jesus is surrounded.
“Come on people, give the teacher some room,” says Peter taking charge. He looks around for his brother, “help us out Andy.”
As they walk down into Capernaum, the twelve surround Jesus like a team of bodyguards. By the time they are in the centre the crowd has thinned out and Jude hears that Esther is preparing a lunch for them. Not having taken his eyes off the two collectors the whole walk back he is glad to hear one of them can’t stay. He can’t quite work out the other collector, he’s young and doesn’t really look all that threatening. The others seem more accepting of him. Maybe it’s out of sympathy, not that Jude has any, he’d wished the Zealot had slit his throat.
They arrive at Esther’s to find around a dozen people gathered outside her door.
“Oh great, is it gonna be like this all the time” grumbles Thomas.
James looks around for Simon, “where’s the Zealot, hey, Zealot, threaten ‘em with your knife, that’ll put the fear of…” But Jesus knows them and insists they come inside and share a meal. Inside, Esther, with the help of Jesus’ mother Mary has prepared enough food for an army.
“Everyone just help themselves, there’s plenty to go round,” says Esther.
Peter’s stomach rumbles so loudly that it could be mistaken for an approaching storm and the four fishermen are the first to the table, pushing and shoving each other. They are quickly followed by the rest of the group. There is chicken soup with matzo balls, salad and cottage cheese, yoghurt and fruit. For dessert there is a choice of chocolate cake, strawberry trifle and iced buns.
Jude hangs back, waiting a little. He watches as James goes straight for the chocolate cake, slices himself an enormous piece and devours it in two seconds leaving chocolate all around his mouth, “Umm, fantastic, nice cake Esther.”
A small voice from the other group of people nervously tries to make himself heard, “er, excuse me, but shouldn’t we say grace before we eat?”
Jesus, standing in the doorway, makes his way to the large dining room, and without any fuss gives thanks for the meal and their hosts and gives a wink to Mary his mother, before squeezing in between Thaddy and Nathaniel and getting a bowl of soup.
Jude watches the young collector, who is the last to eat. He has never spoken a word and is staying close to Jesus, keeping a wary eye on the Zealot.
Jude takes his plate and sits next to one of the fishermen. John and a middle-aged woman sit in a chair opposite them.
“You must feel very privileged at being chosen to be a disciple?” says the woman.
John, his mouth full of matzo balls answers her, “A what?” he looks towards Jude for help, who shrugs.
“A disciple, that’s what they will call you, you know it means learner or student.”
John smiles and nods.
“I bet you made lots of notes this morning, I know I did, I’ve filled a whole notebook with what Jesus said about prayer and fasting.”
John again smiles and nods. When she excuses herself and goes for a drink John shouts over to Peter. “Hey Rocky, were we supposed to make notes this morning?”
Peter shrugs his shoulders.
“And when did Jesus talk about prayer?”
Suddenly a woman screams from the hallway and everyone stops eating. Some rush to see what it’s about. Esther is pushing Simon out of the house, “get out, get out, how dare you, how dare you.” The Zealot, it would be the Zealot, now what’s he done?” asks Peter.
“I don’t care who you are she tells Simon, you can’t smoke in my house.” She pushes him outside and shuts the door leaving him to finish his cigarette on the step. Jude starts to laugh, more out of relief than anything, as Esther gets some deodorising spray to cover up the smell.
“I will not have anyone smoking in this house, nor will I tolerate swearing either.”
&nbs
p; “Oh great, we’ll all be on the step in that case,” says Jude.
John, still puzzled by what the woman said to him, gets Andrew and Nathaniel on one side. “Lads, that woman over there called me a disciple, she said it means student, is that right?”
“That’s right,” nods Nathaniel.
“I don’t want to be a student, I hated college,” moans John. “I mean, I thought we were chosen as Jesus’ team, you know to help him and stuff.”
“Johnny B’s followers are called his disciples too,” says Andrew.
“The word disciple means learner, so I guess we are expected to learn from Jesus” says Nathaniel. John doesn’t seem convinced and wants to ask Jesus. He asks if anyone knows where he’s gone? In the garden around the back is the reply, but he is not to be disturbed as he’s gone to pray.
“I guess we wait here then!” suggests Peter, looking round at the food.
Chapter 16
The road around Mount Carmel is quiet this time of day, the tea time traffic having melted away. Andrew pushes his truck to the limit as it struggles to climb a steep stretch. They are passed by a car, that makes the mountain look flat. It sounds it’s horn as it passes.
“How rude,” says Ruth from the back seat.
“I think that was the Zealot,” says Andrew as he changes down a gear. It struggles to engage and crunches before popping in.
“I think I need a new clutch.”
“You need a new truck? I’m not sure we are going to make it?” says Peter from the passenger seat.
“Hey, it’s newer than yours? And anyway we are having so much time off lately I don’t think I can afford one.”
Finally the road begins to drop down towards the Bay of Haifa and the City. Just beyond that is the port.
“See the boats, that’s where we’re heading,” says Andrew.
A dozen yachts are berthed at the port, it being one of the few places on the coast big enough to moor the private yachts of Israel’s mega rich.
When Jesus told the twelve about the invitation they’d received, their minds were on nothing else. He’d finished his teaching early so they could get ready.
Peter hasn’t been to Haifa in years and never to the marina. Andrew seems to know where he is going, so for now he’ll keep his mouth shut. As they enter Haifa, the buildings that looked small from the mountain road, now look large and imposing and when they come to a sign pointing towards the port Andrew hesitates and starts to turn in.
“No, it’s not that one, go straight on and further round the bay, it’s a private entrance,” says Peter having bitten his lip long enough.
This time there isn’t any doubt - before they even arrive at the entrance they see the large white luxury yachts all lit up.
Security guards stop the truck at the gate. Andrew gives them his name and is allowed to drive up to the biggest yacht.
“Now that is a boat.” says Andrew.
Valets open Andrew’s and Ruth’s doors for them and they both step out. Peter doesn’t wait for his to be opened, he jumps out straight away, staring up at the yacht. Oh, this is fantastic, imagine sailing one of these. I must get a chance to see the bridge.
Ruth, wearing her best dress takes Peter’s arm as they walk up onto the yacht, tapping him whenever he touches his collar.
“Stop it,” she whispers.
Once on board they are greeted by an attendant.
“Welcome, on behalf of the esteemed Counsellor, Mr Joseph Arimathea and his wife Bella.” The attendant takes their names and walks them a few paces to the host and hostess.
Joseph welcomes them on board and introduces his wife. A waiter offers them a glass of champagne. The yacht is very impressive with a large ballroom that leads on to an open balcony. There is a band playing modern background music on one side of the room and there appears to be a good number of staff. Peter looks round while taking a sip of the bubbly, but he’s not admiring the satin cherry tables, teak flooring or even the leather and marble furnishings, he’s checking out who’s here. He recognises a few business leaders, but no sign of Jesus. His tie feels like it’s strangling him and he fiddles with it and downs the champagne in one go and looks round for a waiter.
“So now I understand why you let your brother drive,” says Ruth, taking his glass and giving him hers. “I may see if they have something alcohol free.”
Andrew joins them and points out the lads. They are all standing together in a group next to the bar. They go over and join them. Peter finishes the glass Ruth gave him and gets himself another from a passing waiter.
“Hey Andrew, I thought that truck of yours wasn’t going to make it,” says Simon.
“It was fine, I was just admiring the view.”
Simon scowls as he looks over to the doorway, and Peter knows without even looking that Matthew must have arrived.
“Wow, look who he’s brought?” says James.
Ruth squeezes Peter’s arm and he too looks over. On Matthew’s arm is who Peter can only assume is a model. She is tall, thin and wearing a long black dress. Her hair flows over her slender shoulders.
“Bet those are diamonds she’s wearing?” comments Thaddy.
“Paid for by our tolls,” says Jude.
As Matthew and his date start to come over Simon and Jude move away.
“So, that’s The Collector you’ve been complaining about,” says Ruth.
“That’s him, as welcome as a shark in a swimming pool,” Peter replies turning away, wanting to follow Simon and Jude.
Alphie has slipped in quietly to join the lads, and he waves Matthew over.
“This is Rebecca,” Matthew says to them.
James and John push the others out of the way in an attempt to be the first one introduced.
“What are you wearing?” Matthew asks John.
Peter hadn’t noticed, but John is the only man on the whole yacht not wearing a jacket and tie. In fact, he has on a short sleeved shirt.
“I left mi jacket in the car. When we pulled up and got out some guy got in and drove off! Mi jacket and tie were on the back seat.”
The others laugh, Peter tuts and shakes his head.
“Why didn’t you say something?” Matthew asks.
“I didn’t get a chance, he’d driven off! Anyway, I don’t like wearing a tie so why bother? They let me in didn’t they. Hey, never mind about me, I didn’t know we could bring dates, how come you brought a date?”
Matthew smiles, “would you turn this beauty away?”
“True.”
“Hi I’m Ruth, Peter’s wife, I’ve heard quite a lot about you,” Ruth says to Matthew.
“That doesn’t surprise me.”
“And you look amazing,” Ruth says to Rebecca.
Peter excuses himself, he needs another drink. He feels very uncomfortable, with the company and his collar. He fiddles with it again, it’s way too tight. Ruth has told him to keep the top button fastened as he needs to look smart around all these people, but it’s choking him. At the bar he undoes it and loosens his tie, oh the relief! Thomas wanders over and seeing he is ordering a Goldstar lager, asks for the same.
“Hey Pete, I’m gonna have a nosy around, you coming?”
“I wonder if they’ll let us on the bridge?”
“I don’t see why not, we are special guests.”
Peter looks at Ruth talking to Matthew and Rebecca. She seems okay for a while. “Sure, why not.”
They head to where they first came aboard.
“I think there might be some stairs around here,” Thomas says.
“How about using that instead,” Peter points to the lift doors.
“This things got a lift? no way!”
Peter presses the button to call the lift and the doors instantly slide open, revealing an elegant cherry wood lined interior with gold hand rails and a mirrored wall. Both step inside.
“So how much do you think one of these bad boys cost?” asks Thomas.
“I reckon around twenty-
five to thirty million, maybe more.”
Peter suggests they should start at the top and work their way down as he looks at the panel next to the door, before pressing a button labelled Sun Deck. It does feel a bit like snooping, but their curiosity far outweighs any sense of guilt. The size is incredible, the yacht has four decks, Lower, Main, Upper and Sun and it’s room after room, all immaculate as the next. The Lower has most of the bedrooms and staff quarters and is the only floor not to have an outdoor deck area. It’s here that a staff member asks them what they are doing and suggests they return to the main deck where the party is being held.
Stepping out of the lift Peter looks for Ruth. Oh great, she is still talking to Matthew and Rebecca. Not ready to go back he and Thomas explore the main deck. Opening one door, Thomas comes upon the dining room.
“Hey Pete, look at this.”
A large table is set out with all kinds of food, from a seafood buffet to chicken and even grilled steak. If it had been the first place they’d seen, they wouldn’t have gone any further.
Peter’s stomach rumbles so loudly that Thomas is sure it could have been heard over the band in the other room.
“Look at all this food.” says Thomas. “Do you think we can help ourselves?”
Peter is way ahead of him and is already loading up a plateful. Thomas does the same and then they both head back into the party.
John, standing with Philip and Nathaniel spots them, “Hey, where did you get that?”
“The dining room,” Thomas points out.
John and Nathaniel both dash off to the dining room.
Peter takes his plate and goes over to Andrew to tell him about the buffet. The only one of the twelve to make any effort to talk to other guests has been his brother. He’s a natural in this environment. The others just stick together looking very much like fish out of water.