by Krishna Rose
“The scribes said Elijah would come first, to herald the Messiah’s arrival, so are you the deliverer the world waits for?” the man questioned.
“Elijah has come and gone. He restored all things, yet they knew him not. Likewise has the son of man now suffered at the hands of his people,” Jesu said, putting his wounded hands out for all to see.
The people understood that he spoke to them of John the Baptist and they were saddened, while amazed that the risen King might be before them. “I am he of whom it was written. Do not concern yourselves whether Elijah has come or not—for more serious matters are at hand. You should know that the destructive forces of corruption in the morality of civilization, which work through the flesh unhindered, are the things for which we should have grave concern.”
“What do you speak of?” asked an old man whose face seemed hardened—shadowed by the trials of life.
“I speak of adultery, greed, wrath, strife, envy, murder, and drunkenness. And for those who choose such things unto themselves—the Kingdom is lost. For I tell you, whosoever looks upon a woman, to lust after, hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
“Therefore, do not set your hearts upon the Godless world, nor anything within it. For one who loves the world and enjoys of it, is a stranger to the Kingdom. Those unfortunate souls who yield to temptation, know not that in one moment the world is passing from them, with its allurements and attachments. But those who do the Lord’s will, stand forevermore beside me and the Kingdom shall be their inheritance.
“The quality of craving is such that it sets itself against the soul, while the spirit within fights against it. Persuasions of the flesh, and the spirit within, are without fail determinedly in conflict with one another. The flesh, which you labor so hard to enjoy, brings greater urging. But led by the spirit within, you shall come to find that you have no more inclination towards the laws of man, for your soul is protected evermore by the laws of God. Therefore I tell you, fleshly nature has no claim on us! We are not beholden to weaken ourselves by immorality, or to be led astray by the godless—into indecency and corruption. To do so, you shall surely end your days in death, only to be born and die again, until the end of time. But, if by the soul, you set aside the vain pursuits of the fallen angels, then you shall have life and eternity shall be yours.
“None can claim to be a disciple of mine without first parting from the totality of worldly possessiveness. So go forth and sell what you have. Give it to the poor, and you shall have a great treasure in the Kingdom of my Father. If you want to be baptized by me, to be appointed by me as a disciple, then first you must leave wickedness and selfishness behind, day after day . . . to walk as I do.
“I bid thee, put away troubling thoughts of food and drink. Nor even worry how to retain your life, for the Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Is not life, more than food and the body? More than the clothes which cover it? Look to the birds of the air. They do not sow and reap, nor do they store in barns—yet still our Father feeds them. Have faith, for you are worth so much more to Him than the birds in the sky!
“Consider how the lilies grow in the fields. They do not work and they do not spin. Yet I tell thee, even King Solomon in all his splendor, was not attired like even one of the lilies in the field. If the Lord clothes the orchard, which is here today and tomorrow, thrown upon the stove, will He not all the more clothe thee?
“How little faith you have! Do not ask faithlessly, ‘What am I to eat? What do I wear? Where am I to live?’ These are not things to run after. As the Lord knows when you have need of them and they are given thee. Rather, set your mind upon the Lord’s Kingdom and His justice, before all things, and they shall be conferred upon you. So too, have no concern for tomorrow, for tomorrow looks to itself, as each day has troubles of its own.
“You must not think that I have come to bring peace to the world, for I have come to set sons against fathers, and fathers against sons. You will find that your enemies are under your own roof. Now come forward and ask your questions,” he said reaching his hands out, beckoning the crowds to move closer.
They came, they sat, and they asked questions.
“Why would you wish to set us apart from our own kith and kin?” someone asked.
“I do not say you should not love your spouse or your family. I am speaking spiritual metaphors so that you might consider where your attachments lie. One should take care, to love the things of the spirit more, for one day you will all die. And when you die, you shall leave behind not only all your possessions, but also your family to whom you dedicated all of your time. Then a great crying will ensue by those who are left behind. Yet in truth, once your spirit is cut loose from the fastenings of the flesh, you will forget the people who were once your family. In a moment, full separation will come. Therefore teach yourself to be as inclined toward prayer and righteous living, as you are to your possessions and relations. Such things are spoken for your benefit, for I wield a sword by which to cut your untruths.”
Some nodded. Some frowned. Some doubted.
“A father resolves to disown his son when his son surrenders to the Lord, and not to his father’s will. Yet, unless we die to this world, we cannot know the Lord, nor Paradise. And until such time as we enter the Kingdom—we shall never know peace or happiness. Nor shall we inherit that which has been bequeathed to us. Death is without doubt of a mind to seize the day, for as long as we submit our souls unto the dishonor of faithlessness. Many of my brethren shall lose their lives for my sake, yet they will gain it and be repaid many times over in the hereafter,” Jesu prophesied, closing his eyes ponderously.
“My family are against my hearing from you. They say you are against the laws of natural living and that we should obey them, not you. So what should I do?” a young lady asked.
“A grasping man perceives not the things that are of the spirit, for it is foolishness to him. He cannot discern the real from the unreal, for these things need to be judged in the light of the spirit. Listen. If the world hates you, know that it hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because I have chosen you out of this world, the world disapproves of you and ridicules you. Understand?” he said with a meaningful look in his eye.
They nodded, they frowned, and they doubted.
“I have many things to say, but you cannot bear them now. If you do not believe when I tell you of material things, how will you believe if I speak to you of spiritual things?” he told them choking on tears, for so great was his compassion, but greater was his love for the Lord.
“Master, which is the greatest commandment?” someone asked.
To which he answered, “Love the Lord with all thy heart. Love Him with your mind and also with your will. That is the greatest commandment. It comes first. The second is also similar. Love your neighbor as thyself. Everything in the law hangs on these two commandments.
“If you wish to see the Lord, then you must pray without ceasing. The doctrine I speak is not mine. It belongs to He who has sent me unto the world. If you do as He wills, you shall know what is to be done and what is not to be done. Those who speak only of themselves, seek only their own vain glory. Yet that person who glorifies the Lord, shall come to know the Kingdom.
“During the week of Passover in Jerusalem, the temple priests sacrifice seventy-five-thousand doves and two-hundred-and-fifty-five-thousand lambs in a day’s work. What the people do not know—is that the priests do it with great revenue coming into their back pockets. For they receive commissions from the merchants and also the temple taxes, which are charged to pilgrims who come humbly and in good faith to worship.
“The priests say unto the people that this is to be done or that is to be done, yet does your conscience not know that the Lord has no longing f
or offerings of bloodshed? He hath spent His energy creating that which they slay. And they who claim to destroy life in the Lord’s name, know not His will, nor do they follow the laws of the commandments.
“I say fie on those who preach against God, for they serve Satan! You should be vigilant as lions. Do not follow blindly. Faith is one tree with many branches. As branches you may say faiths are many, but as a tree, faith is one. Religions which are organized and having leaders at their head, inevitably result in false truth. For what once started as something untainted, is quickly tainted by the need of men for dominion over others. I come to make war upon all that is false and all that is unrighteous.”
The sun set slowly behind him as the swaying cypress trees danced in the soft breeze. There was a strange light afoot. You could hear a pin drop. The only sound was that of his otherworldly voice, all else had blotted out from those ears which came forth that day to drink. Heads were bowed low and tears flowed freely, as those who heard recognized what was to be done and what was not to be done. Their minds were made clear and their goals were set with unwavering determination. It was as if Jesu had drawn out of them, those things which lay dormant within—feelings and thoughts that they didn’t even realize existed. His words resonated as true. All could feel their power, the charged energy was palpable.
“Listen and preserve the treasures which I give you for the sake of your soul. Those who tormented me, did so for I healed the sick. They called me a magician, a charlatan. When I raised the dead, they claimed me to be haunted. Once, I broke a law for the sake of someone in need, and they called for my death. Listen, if a lion goes hunting it gets blamed for spilling blood, yet if it lays down quietly, it gets criticized for being lazy.”
There were murmurs throughout the congregation, people whispered, complained, and doubted. Jesu paused a moment to let these things sink in deeply. Then continued. “I, who came to bring the riches of the Kingdom freely unto all, was persecuted by men claiming to be of God. I had good reason to fear them, and I had good cause to hate them. I could be filled with righteous revenge which could gnaw at my soul. Yet in my sorrow, I found that the Lord was with me and those men of cloth were not my enemies after all,” he said through a watery smile.
“In a moment of weakness, I cried out, ‘Lord let this cup pass from me.’ And I am here today, while my flesh is a testament to what was done. I speak of such things of the spirit, to overturn every hidden thing, for I was with the Lord and I have been returned for your sake,” he said calmly, as hushed whispers in excitable tones spread like the wind through the assembly.
Holding back my tears, an unspeakable pain gripped at my throat. I would save them for another day.
“Those people were my people. It was they who had waited and prayed for my arrival. It was they who then called me ‘Imposter!’ and shouted, ‘kill him!’ I endured their reproach when they threatened me with censures. But our Father opposed them, and commanded my soul to obey His will, not theirs. So I was returned. Satan has been deceived. For the Lord willed that the gospel of truth was to gather up into life once more through His divine and holy power.”
Pausing, Jesu searched for me, “Mary, would you like to say something?” Sensing his need for respite, nodding, I took the reins upon my head and stood before the audience, trusting in the Lord. The crowds turned to face me, seemingly wondering who it was that was given such a charge as to address them on behalf of the Messiah.
Covering my head I began, “The Lord’s holy angels deny none. Therefore pray to them, for they are ordained with the strength to offer us benedictions which rule over all sin, and by our repentance are easily forgiven. Difficulties appear when we disobey the divine command. Reach for the gifts of the Kingdom and you shall enjoy them and be crowned as princes in Heaven. Defend the honor of your soul and arm yourself with the invincible shields of righteousness, that Satan and his apostates might leave you be.
“Those who are watchful, forestall the bitterness of affliction, which otherwise is bound by its very nature to crush you. Return to grace and have hope of pardon. In humility and charity, live patiently with all the virtues of goodness. Obtain victory over pride, which is the originator of all sin,” I said bowing my head in thankfulness, stepping away from the crowds, so that all would know my sermon was complete.
“I was returned to life so that I could teach you of these things. Therefore, have faith that you too can endure anything for love of the Lord.”
Jesu held out his hands for all to see. Slowly he began unwrapping the bandages on his hands, throwing them on the floor before the awed crowds.
“Behold what I have endured, so that the world would come to know of these things. Therefore, let not my words fall upon dry ground,” he said baring his ghastly wounds for all to see. The crowd gawked, turning their heads from him, for it was frightening to see.
Some nodded, some frowned, some wept, and some still yet doubted.
“I was a scapegoat for man’s covetousness. I gave them my blood, yet still they were not satisfied. Buried beneath their fine cloth and aristocratic titles, hides the sin of pride. I was, and am, the measuring stick by which humanity may compare its own state. Through me, your inequities are revealed. Now boldly go forth and love your enemies, as I have forgiven mine. Pray for those who persecute you and forgive those who trespass against you. For though you may be crushed beneath the heels of those who despise you, ask the Lord to give you perseverance for the rest of your days.
“I have become a fugitive from my own land, yet as the hands of wicked leaders have forced my life to be taken from me, by the tides of their judgements hath the Lord’s hand held firm around my waist and lifted me up—even above death! He knew what must be done. Dark times are ahead, I have seen it,” he said gravely. “So do not tarry—make haste.”
Observing the souls gathered there before him, assessing how much more he could reveal, he fixed his attention on the spirit within. Jesu was expert at pushing people beyond their comfort zones.
“I end this day swifter than a star in winter, as all luster for the world is gone from me. When all that is familiar is taken from you, remember that endings are certain, and in all things, there is a time for the rising and the setting of the sun. Die to the things you have known, that you may come forth as spring comes to winter.
“I have overcome, in order to deliver unto you these words. Let them not fall upon deaf ears. For you are all filled with thirst and craving. Be not concerned with what you wear—but with how you clothe your soul, for soon you shall face death. Do not tarry, for this cup will not pass from your lips. Rather, relinquish the cup, just as I give this cup to Mary here,” he said, passing me his empty cup symbolically.
“The cup is deceivingly full, yet in truth it is empty, for it shall never fill you,” he said ambiguously. Thus he ended his sermon, to which everyone applauded, and bowed, and wept, for they understood, and they came forth to receive his blessings and baptism.
The Mary and I, unbearable in our sadness, said farewell as if we would see one another the next morning for breaking fast. Our eyes locked for the last time and we exchanged a recognition of our two souls, eternally bound by history. It was to be the last time I would see her.
Brother John wrote his gospel as he cared for his mother, often visiting the temples to discuss matters of philosophy and faith.
CHAPTER 24
RESPECT
Respect is when one offers honest politeness, out of appreciation and regard for another living being or for one’s own self.
There were rumors of a bloodthirsty Roman soldier who was said to be hunting us down. He had one intention—to destroy Jesu, his family, and our mission. His name was Saul. Our guards, Saturnius and Matrial, were determined to protect us from him. The gypsies had known all alon
g that we were in trouble, but they knew not from what, or from whom, for we didn’t discuss it with them. Since our arrival in Ephesus, and the consequential events thereafter, they had become supporters of our cause, dedicating themselves to traveling side by side with us to ensure our safe trek through the Taklamakan Desert.
Peter was preaching in Greece and Rome. Apparently, he had shown Jesu’s burial shrouds to the Romans as evidence of his Master’s resurrection. The linen shrouds were deftly captured by the Romans and never returned. ‘He will be well rewarded with the left hand, only to then be persecuted with the right, for that is the nature of duplicitous cheats.’
Jesu propounded that Peter was likely using the shroud as evidence of his resurrection—for the benefit of his new followers. He implied that Peter did this, whilst simultaneously proving to the Romans that his Master was dead and buried somewhere and was therefore no longer a threat. It was a great risk, and if it was indeed true, then I admired his courageous, gutsy move.
There was no shortage of money available on the Silk Road, as every town and city along the route had large open markets where the world’s most exotic wares were being sold, exchanged, and bartered for. Wealthy merchants were anxious to invoke protection or give thanks for a safe desert crossing. Therefore money was flushed amongst the gypsy people, for they sold their trinkets and amulets which were said to offer protection.
In every direction, Jesu sought out the lost tribes and preached to them. Many had been scattered by centuries of war and strife. Though he still had his broody moments, where he would disappear into the caravan to fast and pray, sometimes for days at a time, he always returned to us filled with divine revelation and inspiration. These were his cycles, and knowing his ways, we supported him in his every need.