Maximus

by Richard L. Black

  Heads immediately lifted, and the mood in the room brightened significantly. All eyes and ears were upon Jershon. “It is no small undertaking to take a family of our size to the Holy City, but we will prepare well and enjoy the time together. I have heard rumors that Jesus of Nazareth also travels to Jerusalem at this same time. That should provide some inspiration to each of you. There is a chance we might enjoy his teachings once again, and I surmise that if Jesus is going to Jerusalem, so are our brothers Jacob and Levi.” Liora and Sariah’s gaze were fixed on Jershon. “I call them brothers because in a short time they became part of our family, a very close part.” He looked down at the two beautiful girls at his feet, feeling great compassion for them. “Among the crowds we will find them,” he whispered. “This is not the end of the story. I believe the answers we seek to many questions can be found in Jerusalem. Let us prepare for our journey.” He slapped his hands on his knees in finality.

  Naomi wept and hugged him tightly. Sariah and Liora joined her. Jershon saw smiles on the girls’ faces for the first time in days. He silently thanked God for the inspiration to take his family on this journey.

  Lamech immediately asked how they could simply leave their nets. Jershon closed his eyes and lifted his palms in the air, halting any further objections. “The fish in this sea have been here for thousands of years; they will be here when we return,” he said in resolute response.

  The mood in the house continued light and happy as plans were made and executed for the journey. The fishing boat and equipment were secured onshore. It was decided that Lamech and Raisa would stay home, as traveling with the new baby would be difficult. Lamech would enjoy spending time with Raisa and their new son without having to rise early and fish every day and deal with the constant intrusion of a large family.

  The next day they awoke refreshed and ready to begin the trek. Jershon offered a prayer for their protection and safety. They set off excitedly, walking along the dusty highway south. It would take them a few days to make the journey and, if everything went as planned, they would arrive in Jerusalem just before the Sabbath. Jershon had arranged for two donkeys to carry the family’s supplies. David’s donkey was brought along for Naomi to ride while the rest of the family walked.

  Sariah and Liora walked ahead, each holding one of Esther’s hands. Jershon led the donkey that carried Naomi. She smiled and leaned forward to touch her husband’s shoulder. He looked back and relished the smile lighting her rosy cheeks.

  “The girls seem to be much happier,” Naomi said to him quietly.

  “Yes, I’m pleased they have discovered some joy in our journey,” responded Jershon. “I am hoping it will bring some closure for them.”

  “Do you really believe we will find Jacob and Levi there?” Naomi asked.

  “They will find us,” Jershon answered.

  “But they do not know we are coming, and we don’t know if they are there. How can you be so sure of that?” Naomi queried.

  “God led them to us once. He will lead them to us again,” Jershon answered confidently. Naomi believed his every word. Her faith had wavered recently, and she felt the oppressive melancholy promoted by the adversary. She offered a silent prayer for strength and faith. She trusted in God and trusted her husband. She was comforted by that knowledge, refusing to worry about the how of God’s ways. She settled back and contentedly watched the girls chat in animated tones.

  The second day on the road began early and without the same enthusiasm as the day before. Muscles were sore, and the animals were uncooperative. In trying to settle the young donkeys so he could pack up, David suffered a kick in the calf. He was all right, but a bruise rose, and he walked with a definite limp.

  “How’s your leg, David?” Jershon asked when the family stopped to eat their midday meal.

  “We may see it turn a few shades of black and blue before it gets better,” David chuckled, “but at least it won’t leave a nasty scar like the wound on Jacob’s leg,” he said without thinking.

  Liora overheard David’s comment and shot a menacing glance his way. She quickly walked away to hide the tears welling up in her large eyes. Her emotions were still close to the surface. Naomi placed a comforting arm around Liora’s waist, pulling her head into her shoulder as she began to weep. Liora believed her uncle’s words and was euphoric and yet fearful at the thought of seeing Jacob again in Jerusalem. She loved him with all her heart and was confused beyond understanding by his abrupt departure.

  31

  Ezra led Jacob and Levi boldly to the palace of Pontius Pilate. They had to work to keep pace with him: he was on a mission. Jacob was amazed at the renewed vigor suddenly displayed by their wise mentor. They followed Ezra as they wove their way through crowds of people, taking side streets and narrow passages to avoid the shoulder-to-shoulder crush of visitors. It seemed every crevice on every street was filled with vendors hawking wooden bowls, brass cups and plates, incense, herbs, silks, tools, and even daggers and swords. Ezra greeted many acquaintances along the way and paused occasionally to converse briefly with some.

  Upon their arrival at the palace of Pontius Pilate, Jacob saw a contingent of eight Roman soldiers outside the main entrance. He and Levi drew back to allow Ezra to go ahead without them. Ezra fearlessly addressed the soldier who appeared to be the captain of the guard. The Roman officer soon disappeared into the inner courtyard, leaving Ezra waiting outside holding his staff upright, his back straight, and his head held high. The officer quickly returned with a smallish man dressed in colorful and costly robes. A conversation ensued that Ezra seemed to dominate. Jacob could sense the nervous movements of an outmatched diplomat as he made excuses for which Ezra obviously had no patience. Ezra then spoke at length with the captain of the guard, who suddenly gave Jacob and Levi a scrutinizing glance. Jacob could not hear the conversation, but he saw Ezra touch the breastplate and tunic of the large Roman he was engaging. He also motioned toward the captain’s belt and short sword and gestured emphatically toward Jacob and Levi. An accord was finally reached, and the two curtly shook hands. Ezra spun on his heel and headed straight for them. The slender young diplomat was left shaking his head and making some explanation to the captain of the guard, who warily watched Ezra depart and then stared menacingly at Jacob and Levi.

  “He is resting!” blurted Ezra. “Pontius Pilate will need his rest if the Messiah indeed comes to Jerusalem to observe the Passover,” he said with disdain. “We are promised an audience with him first thing tomorrow morning. We will return to the house and prepare our case more thoroughly.” Ezra walked off abruptly, leaving Jacob and Levi with unanswered questions and hustling to catch him. “We will stop briefly at the temple,” Ezra called back to them. “There is something I want you to observe.”

  Soon they were at the crowded gates of the temple. Ezra passed through confidently. Jacob and Levi hesitated and then heeded Ezra’s motion to join him. Ezra retraced his steps and approached his friends. “Your reluctance is without cause, my friends. This is the Court of the Gentiles.” Ezra indicated the large space around them. “You are welcome here, no matter who you might be.” Ezra smiled kindly.

  Jacob was impressed with the fine stonework of the courtyard. He noted with irony how Herod, a murderous client-king of Rome, could be so generous in his treatment of the Jews he seemed to despise. Jacob had seen no better construction in Rome itself. The carving and placement of the stones was impeccable. But the beauty and serene elegance of the architecture was starkly contrasted with the atmosphere within the courtyard. It was a madhouse of people and animals. Vendors offered doves, goats, and white yearling lambs for sale as sacrificial offerings to the great Jehovah. Arrogant-looking men seated at tables exchanged all types of foreign coins for the half-shekel temple coin, the only coin accepted by the collectors of the temple tax. These proud, bejeweled men clad in rich robes shouted their competitive rates of exchange loudly, no doubt realizing a healthy profit from those who were eager to enter the temple to m
ake their offering. Jacob thought the citizens of Rome displayed more respect and reverence for their gods than the people in this courtyard surrounding the temple of the Jewish God, Jehovah. It was like a strange and loud bazaar. Jacob half expected to see jugglers and athletes waging wrestling matches for patrons gambling in the corner. It was an incongruous scene. Ezra observed Jacob and Levi as they took in the spectacle before them. He was pleased to see hints of surprise and disgust on their faces.

  Ezra moved close and spoke softly. “You witness firsthand the very reason Jesus of Nazareth cleansed the holy temple of this defilement. It was an affront to him and his Father, just as it is to you and me.”

  Jacob shook his head in bewilderment as he and Levi followed Ezra back outside the Court of the Gentiles. They walked some distance away, lost in thought, until Jacob asked, “Ezra, I saw you speaking with the Roman guard. What was that about?”

  “I told them who you are,” Ezra answered, smiling at his friend.

  “You what?” Jacob exclaimed.

  “I told them you are the great general Lucius Fabius Maximus. There’s no reason to hide any longer. You’ve come to the end of a long journey. Pilate knows who you are and will approve delivery of Roman clothing and arms first thing in the morning. Let’s go home and get you cleaned up. It’s time to restore you to Roman citizenship and your normal life.” Ezra laughed and walked on.

  Soon they arrived at Ezra’s house, and their mentor spoke. “When I instructed the guard at the gate to furnish you with Roman clothing appropriate to your rank, the captain of the guard was reluctant to comply. I told him he could confirm your identity with Pilate himself. The wormlike little man was one of Pilate’s aides who was in Caesarea at our first meeting. I didn’t remember him, but he remembered us, and when he saw you two, he told the captain that what I was saying was true. They will supply you with clothing, breastplates, and weapons. You can bathe, shave off those beards that annoy you, and present yourself as the elite Roman citizens and soldiers you are when we attend Pilate’s court tomorrow. I don’t want any doubt that your report is genuine, and I’m afraid that your Jewish disguise weakens your presence. Besides, you will be returning to Rome soon.”

  Jacob listened without commenting. It would be hard for him to explain to Ezra what he was feeling, so he didn’t. He simply thanked him.

  32

  At midday on the fifth day of their dusty and tiring trip, Jershon and his family crested a rise and saw the city of Jerusalem before them. They had passed many camps of travelers like themselves who were journeying to the city to celebrate Passover. The surrounding hillsides and olive groves were filled with tents and people and an ever-present cloud of dust. Jershon could not hold back tears. He was looking forward to celebrating Passover and making his offering to Jehovah at the temple. Overcome with gratitude and emotion, he leaned heavily against Naomi as she sat on the donkey. She tenderly pushed back his head covering and stroked his graying hair. Jershon was a good man, a holy man. He had always taken care of his family and been faithful to his God. Naomi loved him dearly, and she was grateful they had brought their family this distance. She was sure the experience would bind them closer together. She shed tears of gratitude as she thought of how good God had been to her family. They walked the last few miles to the city in high spirits and found a place to make camp with other worshippers outside the city.

  The next morning, after they had eaten and fully organized the camp, Jershon led them into the city to explore. The family passed travelers from many nations, vendors hawking wares, and foreign sights and sounds that bombarded the senses of the humble family from Galilee. Naomi and the girls stopped at a tent along the way to admire colorful silk from the east that they had only heard about. The vendor let them handle the fabric and began a one-sided barter. Naomi smiled and would have nothing of it. Liora veiled her face with a piece of fabric, coyly turning her head from side to side. Sariah and Esther laughed. The vendor, sensing a sale was not to be made, quickly relieved Liora of the fabric and haughtily returned to his stool in the back of the tent.

  The walk through the city was having the desired effect. The mood of the family was lighter, and they were excited to see what was around the next corner. David and Seth were drawn to a blacksmith shop, smoke billowing from the hole at the peak of the large open tent that provided the workers with some shade. The man working the metal had the typical strong arms of a blacksmith; however, David noted his lack of skill in bending the metal to his wishes. David could see immediately he was too impatient to heat the metal to make it sufficiently malleable. If this man was representative of a skilled blacksmith in Jerusalem, David thought, surely he could come here and make a decent living. David had learned from his father and brothers that metal could be worked more easily with sufficient heat and finesse than with simple brute strength. David had discovered early that blacksmithing was an art for a craftsman, not just a trade for strong men.

  Jershon guided his family toward the great temple. He paused to offer a prayer of gratitude before entering the Court of the Gentiles. The irreverent atmosphere of people shouting and bartering took Jershon aback. It was more like a marketplace than he had expected. He shared a look with Naomi; they frowned and shook their heads. Jershon had heard stories of Jesus of Nazareth sweeping through the temple with a makeshift whip, tipping over tables, and driving the vendors out of the temple precincts. He had heard accounts of many things Jesus supposedly had done; he had discounted this story only because physical conflict seemed against Jesus’s nature. But after experiencing the offensive scene in the temple for himself, he could see why the Messiah would clear the courtyard of the raucous crowd.

  He turned to his family. “We are all tired from our journey. Let’s go back to our camp and prepare for Shabbat. We will purify ourselves and give thanks in the humble confines of our tents.” The family followed Jershon back through the busy streets and out the city gate to their camp. Jershon felt relieved to be outside the confining walls of Jerusalem. This was far from the simple life they enjoyed in Capernaum. He chided himself for thinking ill of his fellow Jews, but he could sense with every step the mocking glares of the puffed-up citizens as his humble family passed by.

  Shabbat was observed simply. Jershon and Naomi lit traditional candles shortly before sunset, and Jershon offered a prayer of gratitude. His prayer included thanks for the presence of the Messiah and a request that they as a family would more fully understand Jesus’s mission and how it affected them. The family enjoyed discussing their religion, the great exodus, the teachings of Moses, and their thoughts on Jesus of Nazareth. Jershon made a commitment that when he returned home he would study the writings of the prophets more diligently. Lately he had become complacent in his studies, but with the coming of the Messiah, he realized he would require additional inspiration and knowledge. His family was asking questions for which he had no response. Their questions were honest, and he should have the answers. He was humbled by his family’s thirst for knowledge and their dedication to their faith. He promised himself and God that he would improve.

  The Sabbath meal was plain but strengthening. The braided challah bread seemed more like a dessert. The family discussed the sights and sounds they had experienced already in Jerusalem. They talked of Jesus and the commotion at the temple that he surely would have condemned. They had heard rumors that Jesus was in the nearby town of Bethany and would soon visit the temple. David and Seth agreed to ask around to learn when and where Jesus would come.

  33

  Early on Friday morning, a burly and unkempt Roman soldier accompanied by a young boy leading a donkey loaded with two medium-sized bundles appeared down the street from the house of Ezra. He looked carefully at a small piece of parchment in his hand and surveyed the street up and down. He turned to the boy holding the reins of the donkey, and the boy pointed to Ezra’s doorway. The surly guard rapped on the wooden door with the back of his hand. Presently Ezra opened the door and peered out.
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  “Good morning,” Ezra said. “I assume you come with the delivery for my guests.” The soldier grunted and turned to the boy, ordering him to untie the two packages. The boy quickly complied.

  “May I see your guests?” the soldier slurred in a gravelly voice. “I know every Roman soldier in Jerusalem. I wasn’t aware of the arrival of anyone new, and I am not accustomed to leaving weapons in the hands of Jews,” he said with contempt.

  Ezra, in his confident diplomatic tone, answered, “I assure you my guests are worthy of the items you have brought. I thank you,” he said dismissively.

  The soldier straightened and placed the palm of his hand on the hilt of the short sword resting loosely on his left hip. “I deliver these packages directly to them or to no one at all,” he said gruffly.

  Ezra stepped out of the doorway onto the street, facing the soldier. He was in no mood to be intimidated first thing in the morning by a dirty soldier smelling foully of wine. “This matter is under the direction of Pontius Pilate,” Ezra rejoined. “I suggest you leave the packages here and report to the prefect upon your return to the prefect’s residence.”

  “This is a matter of the captain of the guard at Antonia. I will see your guests!” The soldier spat out the words in a loud voice. Curious neighbors and passersby started to gather. The boy set the packages behind the soldier and tended to the donkey once again.

  At that very moment, Jacob stepped through the doorway, followed by Levi. They stood beside Ezra, towering over him and the Roman soldier. “Thank you for the clothing and equipment. That will be enough of your questions.” Jacob glared at the soldier.