Fishers of Men

by Gerald N. Lund

  But what did the Romans care about some local religious movement? By policy they did not interfere with the worship of their conquered peoples unless that worship contained a threat to Rome itself. Some country preacher who called on people to love their enemies, to forgive everyone, to live in peace and harmony wouldn’t even raise an eyebrow. It was brilliant. Simeon could picture in his mind some legionnaire sending in a report to his superior. “Nothing of concern here. The man is even telling the people to carry our packs twice the required distance.” What if you even helped a Roman centurion by healing his sick servant? That would snuff out any and all suspicions once and forever.

  It was like he had just awakened from a deep, restful sleep. His mind was alive, racing with excitement. This resolved the dilemma. This answered the questions. Jesus was the Messiah. He had to be. Bethlehem and the manger. The incredible power. The swelling popularity. And if he were holding back, just waiting for exactly the right moment to—

  Simeon had begun pacing back and forth in his excitement. Now he stiffened, as if he had just been struck with a bolt of lightning. A few days ago Mordechai ben Uzziel had extended an opportunity that could change history. Simeon and Yehuda had both felt that keenly. Like fire in my bones! Those were Simeon’s own words.

  His mouth opened, and he gave a soft exclamation of pure astonishment. This Roman column, with its massive collections of armaments, was the spark that would finally unite the various fires of rebellion into one great blazing torch. What better moment than that for the long-awaited Messiah to step forward and proclaim his leadership?

  The idea was so stunning that it nearly took his breath. He stood there, feeling as though his whole body was being jolted by some unseen power. Yes! He raised a fist to the sky in triumph. This is the answer! Now he understood.

  He wanted to race into his parents’ room and shake them awake. “I will come to your baptism, Mother,” he would shout at her. “I will come and listen to Jesus and watch him with newly opened eyes. Yes, Father. Peter and Andrew asked me to come and see this Jesus for myself. Well, I shall! I shall!”

  He turned his face to the sky, his heart singing with joy. “I thank thee, O God,” he whispered. “I thank thee for opening my eyes and helping me to see thy holy will.”

  V

  1 June, a.d. 30

  Deborah and her son were seated together on a grassy spot about fifteen paces from the shoreline, where the waters of the Sea of Kinnereth lapped softly against the pebbles. The grass was no longer green. The last rains had been several weeks ago now, and except for the forested areas, the Galilee had turned from green to golden brown. Leah and Joseph had the two children of Ephraim and Rachel down at the water’s edge, looking for the tiny seashells from which necklaces and bracelets and brooches were made and sold in the villages around the lake. The rest of the family members were standing with a small group down by one of the boats. Peter and Andrew were there, along with their wives and families. At the moment, David was talking with Peter’s mother-in-law, Anna’s mother. Ephraim and Rachel were in deep conversation with Zebedee and his family. Deborah had been in that group up until a minute or so before. Then she had noticed Simeon standing awkwardly off to one side and had left to come and give him company.

  He looked around and gave a sardonic grin. “So much for a quiet baptismal service for just the family and a few friends.”

  She smiled and nodded.

  Supposedly only a few had been told about this, but that seemed to make no difference. Wherever Jesus was, a crowd quickly followed. The man from Nazareth was a little farther down the beach, cornered by a small group of men who were speaking earnestly to him. Even as he watched, Simeon saw another clot of people appear on the path that led to the main part of town, hurrying to get there before something important happened.

  Not that Simeon was displeased. In fact, just the opposite was true. With his new perspective, this was actually quite gratifying. Not even Judah of Gamla, his mother’s uncle, had garnered a following like this, and he had been the most charismatic leader to rise up in Israel in more than a hundred years. One had only to whisper the name of this carpenter and it was like the very rocks themselves rose up to follow after him.

  Simeon looked up as he realized that his mother was staring at him curiously. He forced a light smile. “What?”

  “Are you sure you are all right?”

  “I’m fine.” When Deborah raised one eyebrow slightly, he laughed. You didn’t hide anything from this woman. “I was awake for a long time last night, thinking about what all of you told me about Jesus.”

  “And?”

  “And I decided that you and Leah and Father are right. Jesus is no ordinary man. I determined to come and listen to him for myself, hear more of what he has to say, and then decide.”

  She gave a momentary look of surprise, instantly replaced by hope. “Really, Simeon?”

  “Yes, Mother. I want to know. After hearing what he has been doing, I would be a fool not to at least hear him.”

  There were sudden tears in her eyes, and she reached out and laid a hand on his arm. “That’s wonderful!”

  He felt a sudden stab of guilt. He didn’t want to mislead her. “I’m not sure yet, Mother. I’m not making any promises.”

  A fleeting smile came and went. “Did you know those are almost exactly the words I used with your father a few weeks ago?”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. If you are willing to ask, that’s enough. That’s what your father and I have been praying for.”

  That startled him a little. They were praying for him?

  Then she cocked her head quizzically. “What happened to you in Jerusalem?”

  Caught off guard, he fumbled for a moment. “It was—It turned out to be a very interesting meeting.”

  “Interesting?” Her tone told him that she knew he was being evasive.

  “Yes, and significant too. I can’t say more now, but soon I’ll be able to explain everything.”

  “Will there be danger?”

  He looked away, unable to answer her untruthfully.

  “Oh, Simeon,” she whispered.

  “Everything is going to be all right. Just give me a week or two, and then you won’t have to wonder any longer.” He decided to change the subject. “You’re really sure this is what you want to do?” He motioned with his head toward the water.

  “Without question.” Her voice was barely a murmur, and yet it was rich with conviction. “I wish I could describe to you what happened that day in the marketplace. In one instant my heart was completely changed.” She turned to look at where Esther was swishing her hands back and forth in the water, her face completely somber as she concentrated on her task. “Thanks to that precious little one.”

  Simeon nodded. Last night, as his mother had described what happened with Esther and Jesus, he thought he had understood what she had been trying to tell him. But this morning, as the family came to the beach, Jesus had been talking with James and John and Philip. The moment Esther saw him, she wiggled out of her father’s grasp and darted over to tug on Jesus’ robe. He instantly turned from the men, dropped to one knee, and whispered something to her. She giggled and kissed him on the cheek. Then she trotted back to her father. Like the rest of the family, Simeon adored this little dark-haired, dark-eyed enchantress. Like the rest of the family, he worked hard every time he saw her to win her acceptance. To see it given so openly and so spontaneously had left him a little misty-eyed as well. “I understand,” he said.

  “You understand what?”

  They both turned, then stood, as David came over to join them.

  “We were just talking about Esther and Jesus.”

  Simeon’s father bobbed his head, then took his wife’s hands. “Are you ready?”

  “Oh, yes, David. I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life.”

  “I think Jesus is too,” he said. He lifted one hand and pointed off to their right.

 
Jesus was coming toward them. Seeing that, Rachel called to Leah to bring the children; then she and Ephraim and the rest of the family came over to join David and Deborah and Simeon.

  Jesus was smiling as he came up. He clasped David’s hand in a firm grip. “This is a wonderful day, my friend.”

  “Indeed, it is.” David half turned and took Simeon’s arm. “Jesus, this is our second son, Simeon.”

  “I know.” It was said simply as his eyes probed Simeon’s.

  “I—I have heard much of you,” Simeon said, a little disconcerted by the directness of his gaze.

  Jesus smiled quietly. “Have you now?”

  Before Simeon could answer, Esther began pulling on Jesus’ sleeve. He looked down, laughed softly, and scooped her up. “What is it, little one?”

  “Can I be babatized too?” Esther said.

  He chuckled as he enfolded her in his arms. “Young children such as yourself have no need to be baptized until they are older. You are pure and innocent. Would that all who seek to enter the kingdom of heaven were like that, young Esther.”

  That seemed to satisfy her. But then her eyes fell on Simeon. She swung back to Jesus. “What about Simeon? Can he be babatized?”

  Simeon visibly started. “I—”

  Jesus didn’t even look at him. He pulled her close and whispered something into her ear. She turned and stared at Simeon, her mouth forming a large O. Laughing softly, Jesus set her down again, and she moved back to stand by her mother.

  “You have won her heart,” Simeon said, not sure what else to say. “And she does not give it that easily.”

  “All the more reason to treasure such a gift.” Then Jesus’ gaze intensified. “You are the one they call Ha’keedohn, the Javelin, are you not?”

  Startled, Simeon nodded.

  There was the hint of a smile in his eyes now. “And what I said that day on the hillside offended you somehow.” It was a statement of simple fact and not an interrogation.

  Simeon did not know what to say. He had wondered if Jesus had noticed him shoot to his feet in the middle of the sermon and bolt away. He felt his face flush a little, but Jesus did not wait for an answer. He turned back to Simeon’s parents. “I have asked Peter to baptize the two of you and young Joseph.” He swung partially around. “And I have asked Andrew to baptize Ephraim and Rachel and Leah. Is that acceptable to all of you?”

  They were all nodding. “Of course,” Ephraim and his father said at the same moment.

  Peter took a step forward. “I would consider it a special privilege, David.”

  “We are the ones who are honored, Peter,” Deborah answered for the both of them.

  Jesus stepped back, extending one arm, indicating that they should move down to the water’s edge. But just as they started to move forward, there was a commotion off to the left. Everyone’s head turned. Coming from the direction of Capernaum, a small group of men was hurrying toward them. At the head was Amram, leader of the scribes and Pharisees in the town. Then several of the family gasped. Directly behind Amram was a familiar figure. It was Deborah’s brother, Aaron.

  Jesus stopped, content to wait while they approached. Simeon thought he detected a slight tightening around Jesus’ mouth, but he could not be sure. As the group stopped a few feet away, Aaron gave a cry, pointing toward Deborah. “What are you doing here?” he demanded.

  Color flooded across Deborah’s face. Everyone was staring. “I am going to be baptized, Aaron,” she said, her voice surprisingly calm. “The better question is, what are you doing here? I had no word that you were coming down from Sepphoris.”

  “I heard that you were thinking of becoming a disciple of this man.” He flung out his hand contemptuously in the direction of Jesus.

  “He came to see if he could bring you back to your senses,” Amram hissed. “To save you from a terrible mistake.”

  To Simeon’s surprise, it was his father who answered, and his voice was taut with anger. “This is a family matter, Amram. We don’t need any help.”

  Deborah had not been deflected by that. She was still looking at her brother, her eyes sorrowful. “So you just arrived?”

  That knocked him back a bit. “No, I arrived last night.”

  “And you didn’t come to me and share your concerns in the privacy of our home? Is that what I deserve from the brother I raised as though he were my son?”

  “I—”

  “Have I or David ever given you cause to think you are not welcome in our home?”

  “How can he feel welcome in a home where the light of faith has been snuffed out?” Amram exclaimed.

  Simeon jerked forward. Ephraim’s hands balled into fists. The rudeness of the man knew no bounds. But it was Jesus who reacted most swiftly. He stepped forward so that he was standing just a foot or two away from the chief Pharisee. He never said a word, and because his back was to them, Simeon could not see his expression or tell if his eyes were filled with anger. Jesus was a good handspan taller than Amram, and the shorter man flinched and stepped back, as if he were about to be struck. Jesus never moved, but after a moment Amram’s eyes could no longer meet his gaze. He turned away, muttering something under his breath.

  “Good-bye, Aaron,” Deborah said softly. “Thank you for caring about my eternal soul. I know you mean well.”

  “It is not just Mother and Father you need to pray over, Uncle Aaron,” Ephraim said, his voice trembling. “Rachel and I are going to be baptized today as well.”

  “As am I,” Leah added softly, as Aaron’s face went even redder than before.

  “Aaron,” David said, stepping forward. “If you wish to stay and observe, you are welcome. If you wish to discuss this matter further, Shabbat begins this evening. There will be a place set at our table for you. Now it is time for us to proceed.”

  “It is you who has poisoned the mind of my sister,” Aaron cried. “I hold you accountable.”

  “He has filled my mind with understanding, Aaron,” Deborah cut in. “This is my choice. My decision.” Her chin dropped. “Good-bye.”

  She turned away, her head high, her eyes shining. David turned as well and took her hand, and together they started toward the water.

  “You don’t know what you are doing,” Aaron shouted.

  “Come, Aaron,” Amram broke in, clutching at his arm. “We are too late. They are beyond hope.”

  As quickly and noisily as they had come, the group turned and bustled away. Jesus watched them for a moment; then, completely unruffled, he also turned and waved a hand at Peter. As the fisherman moved forward to join David and Deborah, Deborah stopped. When she came around to face Jesus, there were wet streaks down her cheeks. “I am so sorry—” she started.

  He raised a hand, cutting off the rest. Then he turned his head and watched the retreating figures for a moment. When he spoke, it was not just to Deborah but to the assembled crowd. “You need not fear them which can kill the body but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

  There was instant quiet. Everyone leaned forward, straining to hear. Finally Jesus’ eyes came back to Deborah. “Some think that I am come to bring peace on the earth,” he said slowly.

  Simeon felt a sudden jolt.

  “I am not come to send peace, but rather a sword.”

  Yes! When he had least expected it, there it was. There was no innuendo, no veiled message here. Simeon wanted to whoop for joy.

  Deborah looked suddenly bewildered. Simeon’s father was clearly startled as well.

  Jesus laid a hand on Deborah’s shoulder, peering deeply into her eyes. “I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

  Simeon rocked back a little. What was this?

  “I tell you now that a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. And you must know that he that loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me. He that loves a s
on or a daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”

  Suddenly Simeon’s exultation died away. This was a reference to Aaron. Jesus was telling his mother that in spite of the pain, she had made the right choice. The disappointment was as sharp and as bitter as the joy had been sweet just moments before. And yet, what did Jesus mean about not sending peace?

  Simeon’s thoughts were cut off as Jesus stepped back from his mother and looked directly at him. “And he that is not willing to take his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. He that tries to save his life shall lose it; and he that is willing to lose his life for my sake shall find it.”

  Once again, in an instant, Simeon’s emotions swung sharply in the other direction. He stared at Jesus, letting the words ring in his mind. Now he understood. He had been so confident, so sure that it was he, Simeon the Javelin, Ha’keedohn, who would create the opportunity for Jesus to step forward and claim his kingdom. Here was a stinging rebuke. Who was Simeon of Capernaum to decide when the Messiah would carry out his work? Did the whole mission of the Great Deliverer depend on a single man or a single band of men?

  There was more there too, and it was deeply sobering. The kingdom was not going to come in peaceably. It would require the sword. And some would die. Some on the side of right would die. The charge to take up your cross was a grim reminder of what awaited anyone captured by the Romans before the battle was fully won.

  He bowed his head in shame. I stand rebuked. I hear what you are saying. I wish only to be an instrument in your hands. His chin lifted, and he looked squarely into the face of the man who watched him steadily now. “I understand,” he said in a low voice.

  At first there was no response; then finally Jesus nodded. Then he motioned to Peter.

  As they gathered at the water’s edge and the women helped his mother remove her outer robe and her sandals, Simeon noticed Esther standing quietly by her mother. He sidled over and bent down.