“How shall we know which man is Jesus?” the officer asked.
“The man that I greet with a kiss will be Jesus,” said Judas. “And then your master can do with Him as he wishes.”
As Judas turned to leave, the bag of silver under his robe banged noisily against a pot which stood nearby. He felt the bag—filled with coins—and wondered if perhaps he should have asked for more. He then hurried off into the night.
The officer turned to the priest.
“He seems quite willing,” he mused.
“And useful,” said Zichri, removing the robe covering his head.
Jesus stood after washing the feet of every disciple. All of them were amazed at His humility, and had been quite uncomfortable watching the Man they loved do such a menial task. And yet He had taught them an example of serving one another. His robe was wet in front from the washing.
“One more thing before we depart from here,” Jesus said, gathering His things. “All of you will scatter tonight because of Me. But do not fear. I promise after I am risen I shall see you all again in Galilee.”
“Enough Lord!” Peter exclaimed. “I will never leave. Though the rest of these flee Your side, I shall always be with You—even to the end! I will never deny You!”
Jesus put a hand on Peter’s shoulder.
“Dear Peter,” He said. “Do you know Satan has targeted you so he might sift you like wheat? But I have prayed for you that your faith will not fail you. Yet, I promise you, before the rooster crows you will deny Me three times.”
CHAPTER 19
“Is this how you betray your Master?”
Pontias Pilate looked over the balcony of the Antonia Fortress where he had arrived only a few hours earlier. He preferred the coastal city of Caesarea, but found it prudent to be present during these troublesome Jewish religious festivals. He also found it prudent to bring the three thousand soldiers stationed with him at Caesarea and to position them in and around the city to ensure the peace.
Gazing at the Temple, he could only wonder at the minds of such men who could build a magnificent complex such as this, dedicating it to an invisible god. Still, as long as they kept their nonsense to themselves, he could live with their zealous faith. Besides, the emperor was counting on him to keep this rebellious nation subdued, and religion might prove his greatest ally.
Pilate, a man in his forties, owed his appointment as procurator to Sejanus, the real power behind the emperor in Rome. He was a merciless man, not at all above demonstrating Rome’s hold on the Jews. At one point he caused a riot when he placed images of Tiberias in the city. In addition, he had also ordered the massacre of several Galileans who had revolted due to his placing of offensive symbols in the region.
Tiberias was not pleased with these events, and ordered Pilate henceforth to keep the peace—at all costs. Thus he was predisposed this Passover night to allow the Jews to worship their god and to leave them alone—so long as they worshiped quietly.
From inside the palace he could hear his wife, Claudia, tossing and turning in her sleep. At one point he had gone in to see to her. Now her servant was headed to the room with a hot liquid to help her sleep. Poor Claudia. She dreamed of being a great lady in Rome. Instead she was consigned to this backwater of the empire. Still, it was a ladder that could be climbed—even from Judea.
“Governor,” came a voice. “The report.”
Pilate put his wine down and took the daily briefing from his aide. The report always updated him on the most recent arrests, executions or other occurrences in the city which was under Roman authority. Pilate read the document.
“Who is this Jesus?” he asked curiously, as he read.
“Just another religionist,” said the aide. “A Galilean who entered the city for the Passover like the others. He seems to hold the people in some sort of spell.”
“Seems there was a disturbance of some sort reported by the priests in the Temple,” Pilate continued.
The aide laughed.
“There is always some sort of disturbance in the Temple, Excellency. Especially during one of these holy days.”
Pilate thought for a moment. As he did, he could hear his wife moaning in her sleep. The aide glanced in the direction of the hallway. Pilate folded the document and handed it to his secretary, standing nearby.
“Nevertheless, double the guard around the Temple gates and make sure of the watchmen,” he said. “And send for my physician. My wife seems to be ill.”
“I have many things to say to you,” Jesus said. “But you cannot bear them right now. I will tell you I am about to leave you. And where I am going you cannot go. But when the Holy Spirit comes—He will guide you in all truth. So do not be troubled. In the Father’s house there is much room. I am going so I can make a place for you. Then I will return for you.”
“We believe you, Master,” said Andrew. “We believe in all You have told us.”
“Do you?” asked Jesus. He looked over the faces in the room that flickered in the dim light of the oil lamps. Then His eyes dropped to the center of the table. “The hour has come. The prince of this world has been judged. You all say You believe me. Yet I assure you, that you will soon scatter and leave Me alone—except that I can never be alone for the Father is always with Me.”
The disciples stared at each other in consternation. They thought again of Jesus’ words about a betrayer among them. Was this what He meant? Jesus pulled His cloak up around His neck.
“Let us go. But remember these words: I want you to be in peace. In the world there will be times of great stress and tribulation. But you can be of good cheer. I have overcome the world!”
“My dear you might at least look like you are religious,” said Herodius. “After all, these festivals only occur a few times a year.”
Herod was bored. He hated coming to Jerusalem. In his father’s day there was at least a measure of respect for the king—if only motivated by fear. Herod Antipas felt the people neither respected nor feared him. And though he was a Jew, he believed the religious obsession of his people had become unhealthy in view of the Roman presence. Still, he made his way each Passover to the Hasmonean Palace where he could be officially present.
“More wine,” was all he could manage. He smiled at his wife, with eyes half-closed from the wine. “It’s the only way I can get through this endless parade of fawning and fake embassies.” He scoffed as he read through a pile of communiqués that had been delivered to his room. “Even the high priest sends his blessing!” He sneered. “Caiaphas! I should have that man removed some day.” He drank his wine.
“It is important your people see you on these occasions,” Herodius continued.
“Your presence inspires them.”
“My people?” Herod retorted. He slammed his goblet on the table. “They were my father’s people! He had them in the palm of his hand!” As he said this he picked up a bunch of dark purple grapes from a small bowl and crushed them in his hand. The juice dripped around his fingers and on to the floor. “But one day they will fear me!”
“They fear you now,” Herodius said soothingly. She brought a towel and basin to him and began washing his fingers. “They fear you now. And they love you.”
“Their love I will never have, my pet” he said, looking at his wife. “And they fear only their faith. They fear any fellow with some sort or new revelation or trickery. Like John. Or that man Jesus.”
“Jesus?” Herodius said. “John’s cousin?”
“Yes,” said Herod, gritting his teeth. “That miracle-working Holy Man who claims to be the Son of God or some such nonsense. That is the sort of Man that preys upon the minds of my simple people.” He began to wave his goblet around as he spoke. “They want miracles. Signs. Wonders.” He sniffed. “And I’m afraid I can offer only majesty.”
Chronicles of the Host
Gethsemane
And so it was on that dreadful Passover night, the Lord led His disciples back to the Mount of Olives, to a little g
arden spot called Gethsemane. He intended to pray there and requested three of His own—Peter, James and John—stay close by while He called out to the Father.
The Host remained alert and nearby as well—daring not to interfere, but desiring to put an end to this episode, should the Most High command it. Michael stood by, intent on spoiling the plot of those who would destroy the Lord. He watched…he waited…but the command to deliver Jesus never came…
A.D. 33
Early Friday Morning, The Last Week
Gethsemane
“Father, I know this is the reason I came,” Jesus prayed. “I know the plan is a good one…”
He looked at His arms where sweat beaded with droplets of blood ran down to his hands. His entire body was wet with perspiration mixed with blood—so great was His distress. He looked up toward Heaven and continued in prayer.
“Do you see that, Kara?” asked Rugio. “He’s breaking, I tell you!”
“So is Michael,” said Kara. “Have you noticed how this prayer has disturbed him? Wouldn’t it be ironic if, having come all this way, the ridiculous Man died of His own stress, here in the garden?”
“Stress or cross, it’s all the same to me,” growled Rugio. “So long as He dies!”
Michael looked at Kara and Rugio for a moment—penetrating them with his deep, dark eyes. He then turned his attention back to the Lord.
“Poor Michael,” chuckled Kara, mockingly. “How frustrating it must be for an archangel to be so impotent at such a time.”
“Wait until his Master hangs on the cross,” said Rugio. “Then we shall see what this ruling angel is made of!”
The angels, making an impregnable wall around Jesus, stood in silent, reverent positions. Huddled together, they formed a shimmering shield of light, the likes of which had not been seen since they had appeared to the shepherds near Bethlehem 33 years earlier.
Gabriel and Michael stood by Jesus’ side, feeling helpless to do anything for the Lord they served. Above and around them, thousands of howling demons, cursing and blaspheming Jesus, told Him the humans He was to die for did not love Him and were not worth His life.
“You have been betrayed by Your Father!” shouted one.
“Death…slow and painful…and for what?” came another.
Jesus bowed His head low, scraping up against the rock which had become His altar. “Father, if there is any other way to do this…If there is another way, then do not have Me drink from this bitter cup…”
Every angel—wicked and holy—stopped as if frozen. What were these words coming from the mouth of the One sent from the beginning of time? Michael and Gabriel stared at each other in shock. Could this be?
“What did He say?” asked Kara.
“He wants out!” shouted Rugio. “I told you He was breaking!”
“Nevertheless…” continued Jesus.
“Wait, He’s still praying,” cautioned Kara.
Every angel hung on the words that held the plan of the ages in the balance. Since Eden, the Seed had been promised, and through years of blood and strife it had finally arrived in the Person of Jesus. Now the mysterious plan the Most High had decreed seemed precariously close to falling apart. And yet…
“Your will be done in this matter, Father,” He said. “And not Mine.”
The angels cheered their Lord, drowning out the harassing words of the demons. Kara and Rugio were infuriated. As for Michael and Gabriel, they looked with great compassion and respect at their Lord. What a God they served! Michael suddenly knelt down next to Jesus.
“Michael, what are you doing?” Gabriel asked.
Michael placed his hand on Jesus shoulder to strengthen Him.
Lucifer stood next to Judas as the men waited in the darkness of the garden. He had completely won Judas over by now, although he could sense some remorse on the part of the man who would soon betray Jesus. Several warrior demons accompanied the group of brutes that Zichri had assembled to bring Jesus in for a speedy trial.
“Remember,” said the officer in charge. “The man he greets is the Man, Jesus. He is to be arrested and taken alive. If there is any trouble from His followers, you are at liberty to deal with them.”
“Here they come,” said Judas. “Quiet now!”
Jesus and the men and decided to move near the Kedron brook. Peter and John had made a secret covenant that they would see Jesus through to the end—even if it cost them their very lives. As they came to a clearing, Judas moved out to greet them. The disciples saw him and waved him in. Ignoring them, he went immediately to Jesus. Lucifer stood behind him the entire time.
Judas came to Jesus, who looked at Judas and then at Lucifer. Judas greeted Jesus with a kiss exclaiming, “Master! Master!”
Looking at Lucifer, Jesus said the words: “Is this how you betray your Master? With a kiss?”
Lucifer only looked back into Jesus’ eyes.
Suddenly, a rush of men emerged from the darkness, uncovering their torches. The disciples jumped to Jesus’ side, and Peter felt for the sword he had taken from Simon earlier that evening. Jesus looked over the men who had come for Him. He then stepped away from His disciples and stood in front of the band of men.
“Who are you looking for?” Jesus asked.
“Jesus of Nazareth,” said the officer, holding a writ in his hand.
“I am He,” said Jesus.
Upon these words, the men fell over backwards and tumbled onto the ground. Judas fell as well. Even Lucifer fell back. Gathering themselves, the men repeated their demand that Jesus come with them.
“All this time you could have taken Me in the Temple, or in the city,” Jesus said, preparing to go with them. “Yet for fear of the people you must take Me in darkness. But I will go because it is the Father’s will.”
Peter suddenly grabbed the sword and came down hard, slicing off the ear of Malchius, servant to Caiaphas. The man bent down in agony. The others made a move to take Peter but Jesus held up His hand and they stopped.
“Peter, you cannot do this by the sword,” He said, rebuking him. He then touched Malchius’ ear and healed him, restoring it. “This shall not be overcome with violence.” He turned to the men who were to take Him. “Although, if I wanted, I could command twelve legions of angels to destroy you with great violence!”
Michael and Gabriel stood nearby, watching it all.
“Can’t we do anything?” Michael asked. “Will the Lord simply give up?”
“He knows we are here,” said Gabriel. “But His is a greater mission than that which would involve mere angels.”
The disciples followed the arresting party down the mountain. They were silent and devastated. Only Simon the Zealot managed to say to Peter, “And you thought I would use my sword heatedly?”
Peter didn’t say a word.
A.D. 33
Early Friday Morning
Caiaphas’ House
“I ask You again, are You the Son of God?”
Jesus looked at the high priest. In the room were several of his high-ranking priests and Pharisees. Jesus was bound at His wrists, and showed signs of bruises and cuts from having been handled roughly on the trip to the home of the high priest. One of the men present, a priest named Ethan, who was a friend to Nicodemus, was concerned about the highly irregular nature of the proceedings.
“I have told you,” said Jesus, panting for breath. “I sat with you in the Temple; I taught in the open. I did nothing in secret. Everything I have said you have heard. What more do you want of Me?”
Jesus’ answer was met with a stinging slap from one of the priests.
“How dare You answer the high priest like that?”
Lucifer, Kara, and Berenius were in the room watching it all with great delight. They were amazed at how quickly things had gone badly for Jesus. The slap echoed loudly.
“Slapping the Most High,” said Kara. “Now that is something unheard of!”
“They hate Him,” said Berenius. “I have been with them a while
now. They are jealous of His hold over the people. There will be more than a slap in the face before this is all over.”
“I’m counting on it,” agreed Lucifer. “The religion of all men eventually degrades into law and death. It is how this game will be won.
The chill air of the evening seemed even colder as Peter stomped his feet to warm himself. John actually managed to go into the house with Jesus, but Peter preferred to stay outside. He stood near the gate of the house of the high priest. From time to time, he could hear raised voices coming from within.
“You there,” came a voice. It was the girl who kept the door for the high priest.
“Yes,” said Peter.
“Aren’t you one of the men who came with Jesus?” she asked.
“Of course not!” said Peter, walking away.
“May I have a word with you, Zichri,” said Ethan.
“What, now?” said Zichri, trying to hear the interrogation.
“It is urgent.”
Zichri sighed, moving to the other side of the room. He never trusted Ethan. He found him too agreeable with the populace. Besides, he was a friend of Nicodemus, whose loyalties were going to be investigated as well, once the matter of Jesus was settled. Zichri bowed his head courteously.
“Zichri, I know you have nothing in your heart except for the good of our nation,” Ethan began.
“Of course,” said Zichri, as another slap across the face sounded in the room.
“For the record, I am concerned about the… legality of these proceedings,” Ethan continued. “The nature of this is extraordinary. A trial at night? Clearly a violation of law! There is no legal mandate here. And these proceedings were instigated through the efforts of this fellow, Judas. That clearly violates our rabbinical tradition that every detail of such an arrest be handled by us…”
Final Confrontation Page 25
