Maximus

by Richard L. Black

  “In what way, governor?” Maximus probed.

  “I have a constant stream of Jewish rabbis and priests and other authorities knocking down my door with complaints: Sadducees, Pharisees, Herodians. These contentious factions have united against this Nazarene as if they were all long-time friends. He has managed to unite them in purpose as Rome never could. Surprisingly, they look to us for relief from one of their own.” Pilate shook his head. “It is incredible to me.” He rubbed his temples with his hands, as if seeking relief from a headache. “Last night I received a disturbing report. Apparently, prior to his kingly arrival the other day,” Pilate rolled his eyes in mockery, “Jesus was in Bethany. While he was there he restored the life of one Lazarus, brother of two of his beloved friends, Martha and Mary. It has been verified that indeed this Lazarus had been dead four days. Jesus had his sepulcher opened, and the man walked out in his burial wrap. Is it not enough that he restores sight to the blind, heals the lame, and cures the leper, but now he must raise the very dead? It makes me shiver to think of it.” Pilate clutched his robe tightly to his chest.

  The room was quiet, but Maximus knew Pilate expected some comment. “That is most curious. I have witnessed healings with my own eyes, both in Galilee and here at the temple. It amazes me too. But with respect, governor, as I’ve been told by Ezra, the Jews have laid hands on their sick and afflicted for years with the intent of healing. Now the prayers to their God are answered before their eyes. They have proof of his love and power, yet they attempt to refute it and desire to have the perpetrator of these miraculous acts, Jesus of Nazareth, put in shackles. That is even more troubling to me,” Maximus offered.

  Pilate scratched his chin. “You make an interesting point, my friend. Nevertheless, it causes them concern—fear, I suppose. If this Jesus can call down the power of the gods to perform the healings of which we have evidence and now even raise the dead, can he harness that same power to make the sky rain with fire to vanquish his enemies?”

  Maximus considered his response. “He isn’t that kind of man. He teaches peace and forgiveness and is not vindictive or malicious.”

  “Then why do the leaders of the Jews clamor for his arrest, Maximus?” Pilate countered.

  “On what charges?” Maximus asked honestly.

  “High treason,” Pilate answered.

  “How does he commit treason?” Maximus asked skeptically.

  “My sources tell me he claims authority from his father; intimating he is the son of their god and some sort of king,” Pilate answered. “In turn, Jesus accuses them of being hypocrites because they neither know nor practice the Law. He offends his own leaders in public, and from what I understand, he does a pretty good job.” Pilate smiled, causing muffled laughter from his surrounding sycophants. “He confounds them at every turn, challenging their very authority in a way they can’t argue. They come to me beaten and angry, looking to me to be the great defender of their faith. I find that ironic.”

  “It is ironic,” Maximus agreed. “From occupier to defender. Pilate, you must be proud. You have come full circle here in Judaea, gaining not only the Jews’ respect but also their confidence. My report to Rome will state as much.” Maximus continued. “My advice, governor, is to continue to lend a sympathetic ear, keep your door open, and withhold judgment. On occasion, especially in time of war, some of my soldiers would descend upon me with complaints about the undue hardship of the campaign. I listened to them but never agreed with them. The next day we would go into battle, and those who were not committed to the task at hand usually fell by the sword—their own doubt destroyed them. In your case, the enemy is coming to you confessing their doubt. Listen with a kind and caring ear, but don’t agree with them—let their own doubt destroy their will. You will win on two fronts—both Rome’s and Judaea’s.”

  Pilate looked admiringly at the powerful soldier standing before him. “Wisely stated, my son. Spoken like a true general. You have the analytical skills of your father, I see. Thank you for your insightful counsel.” Pilate stood, causing a stir among the crowd surrounding him. He turned to the aide at his side. “Tell them to prepare our midday meal quickly. Maximus, you and Androcles will dine with me.” It was more of an order than an invitation, and Maximus was not inclined to refuse.

  ◆ ◆ ◆

  Seth led Ezra to the family’s camp. He greeted Jershon and Naomi cordially and was introduced to David. He was led to a makeshift bench in the form of a thick olive branch balanced on deftly placed rocks at each end, and he sat gratefully.

  “Age is getting the better of me,” Ezra said as Naomi offered him a cup of wine. “Thank you.” He took a generous gulp and wiped beads of sweat from his forehead. Two young women and a girl emerged from the tent in front of him and approached.

  “These are my daughters, Sariah and Esther, and my niece, Liora,” Jershon said proudly. Ezra struggled to stand, then faced the three girls and in turn took each one by the hand. “I see what has the good legate and his deputy commander so agitated.” Sariah giggled, and Liora bowed her head and blushed. Ezra turned toward Naomi. “God has blessed you with a beautiful family. I am sure you are proud.”

  “Yes, we are, rabbi,” Naomi responded. “Our oldest son, his wife, and their new son remained in Capernaum. It’s been only a few days, but I miss them greatly.”

  “I am sure you do.” Ezra took his seat again, still feeling light-headed from the uphill walk.

  “Are you all right, rabbi?” Jershon asked.

  “Oh, yes. I’m just a little tired from the hike. I have been preoccupied as of late and have not gotten out much. The walk and the fresh air were exhilarating. My studies have given me great strength of soul, but I’m afraid they have made the body weak.” He gladly accepted more wine from Naomi.

  “Tell us about your studies, rabbi. I was interested in your comments when we met, and I am sure my family would like to hear, if I may be so bold.”

  “It is fine to ask, but please, call me Ezra. I am not worthy to be called rabbi.”

  “Jacob and Levi spoke highly of you as a great teacher, so I assumed . . .” Jershon’s voice trailed off.

  “They are good students and good men. You have made a great impression upon them.” Jershon smiled, and Ezra continued. “I have been studying the writings of the prophets and their words testifying of the Messiah. By your reverence and attention, I take it this is a subject of interest,” Ezra observed.

  “It most certainly is,” Jershon answered. “Would you be willing to share with us what you have learned?” he asked.

  Ezra looked thoughtful. His bushy gray eyebrows almost entirely covered his closed eyes as he spoke. “The prophecies have pointed toward Him for centuries. The words are very clear.”

  “Is Jesus of Nazareth the Messiah?” David blurted out impatiently.

  Ezra lifted his head, opened his eyes, and looked straight at David, weighing his answer carefully. “I think each one of us needs to discover that for himself,” he responded.

  “But you said the scriptures you study are clear. Do you believe Jesus is the Messiah?” David asked again. Jershon bristled at his nephew’s impertinence.

  Ezra smiled at David. “The scriptures are not always clear to those who fail to read them with proper humility. It seems the prophets want us to search these things out for ourselves and come to a prayerful decision.” Ezra looked David squarely in the eye. “David, from my perspective, the Messiah walks among us. Everything I have studied supports that conclusion. His powers are self-evident, and his love and charity toward all men is unquestionable. I believe if you have chosen to follow him, you have made a wise decision.”

  Ezra paused and then continued. “Jacob said to me that you are believers.”

  “Yes, we are,” Jershon answered without hesitation. “We first heard him months ago in Capernaum and have since had other opportunities to listen to him teach. Liora, Sariah, and David followed him to Bethsaida recently and saw and heard wonderful things.”<
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  “That must have been an enlightening experience,” Ezra said to Liora.

  “I will never forget those days, rabbi. They are burned in my memory and my heart,” Liora answered softly.

  Ezra had known why Maximus insisted on his meeting with Jershon and his family. His intentions regarding this beautiful woman were clear. Now, as Ezra listened to her and observed her, he understood more fully why. Her skin glowed like a pearl in the sunlight, and her long brown hair framed her face, which projected an indefinable radiance. She spoke as softly as a summer’s breeze and moved with the grace of a girl he had known years ago—the girl he had made his wife, she who by the will of God had left him too soon. If Maximus loves you the way I loved her, no one should stand in his way, he thought, holding back a tear as he thought of his beloved Miriam.

  “I assume you have questions regarding my two Roman students?” Ezra lowered his head covering and brushed his unkempt hair out of his face. He could see all eyes were upon him. “Jacob told me last night that he and Levi had told you everything. I have come to know these two men well, and they speak nothing but truth. They are good men. In fact, I have not met men with such integrity in all of Jerusalem. They have become like sons to me. They seek only to do their duty. Their mission here will soon be complete, and it will be hard to see them go.” Ezra spoke in a melancholy tone. He did not want to lose his association with them, but that was out of his hands.

  Jershon spoke. “We were grateful when they came to us; they probably did not tell you, but they saved my sons and me from destruction on the sea. Their sudden departure was confusing, but we all feel better about things now that we know the truth. We are dismayed too that they will soon leave us for good.”

  “Then don’t let them.”

  Ezra’s response caught Jershon off guard. Ezra, sensing his puzzlement, continued. “I know full well why I am here, my brother,” he said to Jershon affectionately. “Perhaps we could take a little walk and have a few words privately.”

  When Ezra stood, he stumbled slightly, and David quickly grabbed his arm to steady him. “Thank you, David. You have the strength of Levi.”

  “We are both blacksmiths,” David said with a smile.

  “You are?” Ezra asked.

  “Yes,” David said with pride.

  “Your grip is like the iron you work,” Ezra commented. “A man with iron muscles must develop a soft and forgiving heart to temper the great strength he possesses.”

  David gave him a perplexed look.

  Ezra was fully aware of the manner in which David and Liora had lost their brothers. He had given Androcles the same counsel, knowing anger was a millstone around his neck in the form of a gold amulet. He was sure David wore the same millstone around his heart. He hoped the young man would ponder his words.

  Jershon took Ezra’s arm and led him away from the camp. “Let’s walk over here. There is a grove of olive trees whose shade awaits us. I’ve brought some wine we can share.” Jershon held a small goatskin sack in his other hand. The two men walked some fifty yards away in silence and came to a grassy area beneath two large trees. Jershon helped Ezra sit down and sat down opposite him.

  “You have a beautiful family, Jershon,” Ezra said.

  “Thank you. God has blessed me,” Jershon answered. “And you, rabbi, what of your family?” he asked.

  Ezra stared blankly across the valley toward Jerusalem. It was a magnificent sight from their perch on the hillside. “My wife died many years ago.”

  Jershon instantly regretted his question as Ezra’s eyes clouded with tears.

  Ezra continued. “I have a son in Alexandria, whom I don’t see often . . . I need to change that.”

  “I’m sorry, rabbi,” Jershon apologized. “I didn’t know. Jacob told us of your son—a merchant in Egypt, I believe? I only assumed . . .”

  “He is adopted,” Ezra interrupted. “God was kind to me shortly after I suffered the devastating loss of my wife. He brought me Benjamin.” He told Jershon the story of how the young Egyptian boy had come into his life and of how he had taken him under his wing and taught and tutored him. He told of Benjamin’s turning from idolatry and accepting Jewish teachings and the Law of Moses, a fact that deeply interested Jershon.

  Jershon sensed that this was a story Ezra had not shared with many people. He was honored by the show of trust. “Thank you, Ezra, for telling me. You have been blessed with a son who has brought you much joy.” He smiled at his new friend.

  Ezra leaned forward. “Let me come to the reason I think Jacob and Levi desired that I meet with you. I know you are asking yourself whether they would convert to Judaism, and if they did, would that conversion allow you to give permission for them to marry your daughter and your niece.”

  Jershon was surprised by Ezra’s frankness and could not respond.

  Ezra continued. “I cannot answer that complicated question or even give you much guidance. We of the house of Israel are under strict covenant. It is in our nature; it is who we are. The Law is our life, and it dictates our decisions in everything we do.”

  He leaned against the gnarly olive tree at his back. “I have heard it reported that Jesus talks of fulfilling the Law of Moses. I have pondered the meaning of those words, Jershon, and they confuse me. I, like you, am convinced that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the Son of David, even the very Son of God. I am a student of the Law and consider myself a relatively intelligent man, but I do not understand the deeper meaning of his teachings. If the Law of Moses is fulfilled, what will take its place? Does that change the covenant Jehovah made with our father Abraham and the house of Israel? Can Jews and Gentiles alike be followers of Jesus and his law? If so, does that mean we are both part of a new covenant, one that gives us the right to intermarry with those of like thinking but not of similar bloodline?”

  Ezra sighed and shook his head. “It is almost too much to digest. This is what I have been studying so diligently lately, and this is the question the Sanhedrin struggles with. This is what keeps them discussing the Law late into the night. This is what fuels their desire to be rid of Jesus.” He paused. “I don’t have a good feeling about how all this is going to end.”

  “Do you mean the interpretation of the Law?” Jershon asked.

  “No, I mean the life of the Messiah,” Ezra answered. “But let me speak of our friends Jacob and Levi for a moment, for that is the real reason we are here talking together. I have never met finer men. I am not inclined to like Rome or the Romans and what they have done to our people. However, Rome is wise in that they let us govern ourselves, with only a few exceptions. They definitely have their hand in the taxation of our people, but they let us worship and govern ourselves by our established law. Rome does reserve the authority to take the life of a person convicted of a capital offense, even one convicted by the Sanhedrin under Jewish law. The chief priests therefore seek to convict Jesus of a capital offense and then have Rome decree his death. Our friends Jacob and Levi have met each day this week with Pontius Pilate, the prefect of Judaea, to dissuade him from siding with the evil-minded Sanhedrin and pronouncing a death sentence upon the Messiah. As you now know, Jacob and Levi are here by the decree of Tiberius, emperor of Rome, at the request of Pilate himself to advise him in this matter. They are doing their best to defend Jesus, but the pressures of the Sanhedrin are likely too strong for Pilate to ignore. I fear that soon he will succumb to their pernicious request to render a judgment of death on the Nazarene. Jesus comes to Jerusalem like a lamb to the slaughter.”

  Ezra shook his head. “Our friends are both good men, and in this struggle, they are on our side. Jacob, in fact, has become a disciple. He fights with every bit of power and influence he has to prevent a tragic end. His character is flawless, and his intentions are pure. You could not find a better husband for your niece. I echo the same feelings for Levi. I am not sure of his feeling for Jesus, but he fights for him with the same zeal.”

  Ezra looked squarely at Jershon, who wa
s listening intently. “I envy you your family, my friend. Being a father is not for the faint of heart. You and Naomi have done well for yourselves. You have the love and respect of your children, and I am sure they will eventually see wisdom in whatever decision you make.”

  Jershon smiled. “You are most kind. The problem with loving my children as I do is giving in to them when I shouldn’t.” He looked away into the distance. “But in this case I am torn, yet I shouldn’t be. The conditions of the Law are black and white. Yet why do I feel things are changing?”

  “I sympathize with you, Jershon,” Ezra said. “The changes attendant on the coming of Messiah are hard to comprehend. He is not what we Jews have historically expected. He comes not with the steel sword of the liberator but with authority and righteousness in fulfilling the Law of Moses and giving us a higher law, a gospel of kindness, forgiveness, love for our fellow man—and service. He teaches a gospel that requires even more work and devotion from its converts, and it focuses on a personal relationship with a loving God. He does not limit his teachings or his healings to Jews. Some Gentiles have even reached out to the Messiah. I think the Abrahamic covenant as we understand it remains in force, but I have pondered prayerfully our bloodline and the purity of our Jewish family. I have observed the actions of the leaders of the Jews, and I question their purity. On the other hand, as I share experiences with men like Jacob and Levi, born Gentiles of Roman blood, I see purity in its truest form.”

  The two patriarchs sat in silence for some time. Finally, Ezra added, “I think as we profess our belief in Jesus and accept him as the Messiah, that act purifies us and by God’s reckoning makes us all partakers of the covenant as followers of Christ, no longer divided by such labels as Jew and Gentile.”

  Tears welled up in his eyes. His studying and praying had culminated in belief nurtured by faith. Originally a rushing in his ears and a burning in his bosom. Now it manifested itself in tears of joy like those flowing freely down his deeply lined cheeks.