Mary Magdalene

by Diana Wallis Taylor

  Nathan turned toward Keturah, whose eyes seemed guarded as she watched him approach.

  “How is she?”

  He shook his head slowly. “I had to bar the door again. The evil one takes more and more of her. I don’t know how much longer I can endure this.”

  “You have borne more than most men would have, Nathan.”

  He raised his eyebrows. The comment was unlike her. He thought for a moment. How long had she been with them? Too many years. She had not sought marriage again, devoting herself to her son and Mary. One evening Mary had shared with him the circumstances of Keturah’s first marriage and how she had lived with an abusive husband. She told him Keturah had nearly lost her son to one of his rages when she was pregnant. It had almost been a blessing when he died suddenly in an accident.

  Nathan thought on all these things and knew he must make a decision in some way. What was he to do?

  “I must leave for Capernaum. I need to deliver the boat to Zebedee and his sons. When I return, I must decide what to do about Mary.”

  “Will Zerah go with you?”

  “No, I promised the next trip to young Daniel. He’s been a big help in the boatyard and has been begging to go along on one of my delivery trips.”

  She nodded, and Nathan noted that the same lines of fatigue he had seen on Rachel’s face now touched Keturah’s. He watched her knead the bread dough. She should have a life of her own, a husband and father for Mishma. Yet she stayed.

  The soft folds of her shift moved with her and Nathan felt an emotion suddenly constrict his heart that he hadn’t felt in a long time—the longing for a woman. Keturah was comely, a good mother and an able homemaker. On more than one occasion, he’d struggled with the temptation she presented living with them. When Rachel was there, it had been acceptable, but now Rachel was gone and he knew he must either send Keturah away or find a husband for her. He cringed inwardly, thinking of the words of their rabbi the previous Sabbath.

  “It has come to my attention that after the death of your mother-in-law a young woman remains in your home.”

  “She cares for my wife, who is ill.”

  “It is not a good situation. We know of your wife’s illness. It has continued for many years. This young woman must not remain unprotected in your home.”

  Nathan nodded. “I understand.”

  Now, as he thought back on the rabbi’s words, he stopped at the gate and suddenly turned around. Keturah was standing in the courtyard watching him, and in that unguarded moment, her feelings were in her eyes. They stood staring at each other in silence, and Nathan felt an overwhelming urge to take her in his arms and comfort her, yet he knew if he did, he was lost.

  He spoke first, but it was not what he wanted to say. “I pray things will go well with Mary while I’m gone. Huldah will help you and you have Eliab to watch over the household and protect you.”

  The moment passed. Keturah turned away abruptly and began to shape the dough into loaves. There was no resistance left in her.

  He needed to be at the boat. He picked up the leather pouch of food Keturah had prepared for his journey, slung the strap over his shoulder, and strode briskly toward the docks, wrestling with his thoughts.

  You love the boy, you could be a father.

  With Keturah you could have more children.

  Why should you stay with a woman who cannot be a wife?

  Mary’s words, flung at him in saner moments, haunted him, Leave me, divorce me, we have no life together.

  Everyone would understand Nathan taking another wife under the circumstances, but then what could he do with Mary? He searched his heart. Did he still love her? It was true, they had no marriage. Mary couldn’t bear to have him touch her. The forces that drove her caused her to cry out in fear lately whenever he came near. Bitterness raised its ugly head as Nathan contemplated his circumstances.

  Several fishermen were washing their nets, flinging them out again and again into the water to remove the sand and pebbles that clogged them. Some were mending their nets, torn by the violent waves from the sudden storms that plagued those who fished the unpredictable waters of the Sea of Galilee.

  When he neared the boat, Daniel waved at him and Nathan brightened a little. At least this trip he would not have to put up with a sour mood from Zerah, who had not shown up at the boatyard yesterday. No doubt recovering from one of his drinking sprees. Young Daniel would be better company.

  The sea was relatively calm as they hoisted the sail. Nathan was proud of this boat. It showed their finest workmanship, and he knew Zebedee and his sons would be pleased. Their young apprentice at the boatyard begged to go along and Nathan relented and gave him permission. Now he scampered like a young monkey, doing Nathan’s bidding as they readied the boat for its maiden trip to Capernaum. When he’d delivered the fishing boat, he would find passage on another boat heading for Magdala and return home.

  A slight breeze blew and the sail filled, moving the craft across the water. Nathan turned his face into the wind and breathed in the salty air. He loved the sea and had sailed their new boats to ports on the Sea of Galilee as often as was possible. It lifted the burden he bore. Now, he listened to the cry of the ever present seagulls as they hovered over the boat, looking for scraps.

  Daniel waved his hands at them good-naturedly. “You scavengers! We have no fish for you on this trip.”

  The birds seemed to sense this and eventually moved away over the water, looking for a more promising source of food.

  The craft was made to cut through the water, and with fair weather they reached Capernaum in good time. Daniel leaped to the dock to tie the line and secure the boat. A lone figure stood waiting for them. Zebedee.

  As Nathan stepped out of the boat and approached the older man, he was startled to see the sad look on the fisherman’s face. Zebedee looked distracted.

  “Would you care to inspect the boat, sir?”

  “Yes, yes, of course.” Zebedee walked closer and looked over the sleek craft from head to stern. “It is good.”

  Nathan frowned. “And how are those two strapping sons of yours?” He meant only to make conversation, but Zebedee’s face was suddenly as dark as a storm cloud.

  “Gone, both of them, their two cousins, Peter and Andrew also.”

  “Gone? Where?”

  “They are off to follow an itinerant rabbi gathering followers. He came to our boats one day and merely said, ‘Follow me,’ and my sons left our boat and walked away with him.” He shook his head slowly. “I don’t understand. They just left. They have wives and children and now I must take care of their families.”

  Nathan stood dumbly, trying to imagine what Zebedee was telling him. A man counted on his sons to follow him into his trade, and now it was as if Zebedee had no sons at all.

  “Who is this rabbi they are following? Is it the prophet you told me about earlier?”

  Zebedee waved a hand in the air. “No, it is not the man called John. It is a new teacher by the name of Jesus. He goes around the countryside telling people the kingdom of God is at hand. They say he heals people. Preposterous stories! Who can believe these things? I say he’s a sorcerer.”

  He had Nathan’s full attention then. “Healing people? In what way?”

  Zebedee shrugged. “I hear conflicting stories. Some say he has caused a blind man to see, healed lepers, driven out demons—”

  “The man has authority over demons?”

  “So it would seem, but unless I can see these things for myself, who can believe all he hears?”

  Nathan thought of Mary. A glimmer of hope tugged at his heart. He needed to find this rabbi and see what he could do. He had nothing to lose. Then he remembered he needed to complete this sale.

  “Are you satisfied with the boat, sir?”

  “It is well made. I am pleased.” Then Zebedee remembered his hospitality. “Come, young man. Share a meal with my family. We will talk more.”

  Daniel was still standing by the boat. Zebedee
nodded toward him. “Bring your young friend with you. My men will guard the boat.”

  Nathan and Daniel followed Zebedee down a series of narrow streets to his home. It was a simple one story with steps up the side leading to the rooftop where the family could sleep in the heat of the summer. The courtyard was surrounded by a wall with no gate. Two goats grazed on a pile of hay in one corner and a few sheep moved restlessly in their cramped pen in another corner. Three large clay jars containing water stood by the side of the house in the shade.

  Two women came out of the house, one holding a baby on her hip. Zebedee glanced toward them. “Miriam, the wife of my son James, and my grandson, Eli. Also Dinah, the wife of my nephew Peter. A houseful as you can see.” He shook his head sadly.

  There was also sadness in the faces of the women as they gazed at Nathan a moment before respectfully lowering their eyes.

  Another woman came out of the house and Zebedee introduced her as his wife, Salome. A thick carpet was unrolled on the ground and the men sat cross-legged as the women began to bring wine, bread, fruit, and date cakes, which they spread before their guests.

  Daniel waited until Zebedee spoke the prayer of thanks before the meal, and then began to sample the variety of food, especially the platter of fish that had been fried to perfection in olive oil and leeks.

  Zebedee settled himself and, as a good host, inquired about their journey and Nathan’s family. Nathan spoke briefly about his mother-in-law and father-in-law’s deaths.

  Daniel watched covertly, no doubt wondering what Nathan would say about his wife.

  “My wife suffers from an illness. It is worse since the death of her mother recently.”

  Zebedee’s dark eyes studied Nathan’s face, and Daniel had the feeling the older man saw a lot more than they realized. Zebedee stroked his beard and remained quiet, only nodding at Nathan’s words.

  Finally Zebedee spoke. “The fishing has been good and I am able to provide what is needed, but I must now work without the help of my sons. My brother is in the same circumstances. Both of his sons, Peter and Andrew, have gone after this rabbi.”

  Nathan shrugged. “Perhaps the interest in this new rabbi will wane and they will return.”

  Zebedee paused, a small bunch of grapes in his hand. “That is my hope. I pray each day to the Most High, blessed be his name, they may tire of wandering the countryside. May he hear my prayers.”

  “May he hear your prayers indeed.”

  When the meal was over, Nathan stood, and despite Zebedee’s expected urging to stay longer and eat more, he thanked his host for his hospitality. He needed to go. Daniel had remained respectfully silent throughout the meal, listening eagerly to the older men’s conversation, and now rose quickly and waited for Nathan. He was eager to find out more of this rabbi who healed people. Perhaps Nathan would take him to hear Jesus.

  Daniel’s eyes lit up when Nathan turned to their host and asked, “Can you tell me where I would find this Jesus?”

  Zebedee frowned and eyed him suspiciously. “Do you wish to follow him also?”

  “No, but I would see what it is about him that causes sons to leave their father’s business.”

  “He is sometimes found out on the hills. Many people come to hear him speak and that is the only place where there is room for the multitudes. Ask anyone in the marketplace. They can tell you where he is.”

  Nathan walked toward the marketplace with Daniel hurrying beside him, eagerly anticipating the prospect of adventure.

  21

  Nathan transferred some of Zebedee’s final payment to a small leather pouch in the front of his waistband. He tucked the larger bag of coins out of sight in his belt lest it be a temptation for thieves as he and Daniel strolled through the crowded marketplace. He paused, wistfully admiring a beautiful blue silk mantle. He considered buying it, but shocked himself when in his mind he saw how attractive it would be on—Keturah, not Mary. He hurried Daniel on to the next stall. Doves cooed in cages, their sounds almost mournful. Did they know they were destined for the Temple for a sacrifice? Nathan shook his head to clear away his foolish thoughts.

  He purchased a cloak for Daniel, for the air was cooling and they would have to pass the night somewhere. He also purchased some dates and figs, which he shared with his young friend, who, like any twelve-year-old boy, seemed forever hungry.

  The fruit merchant appraised him quietly. “You are a stranger here in Capernaum?”

  “Not totally. I’ve just delivered a fishing boat to someone here.”

  The man smiled then, showing two missing teeth. “Ah, a builder of boats.”

  The man seemed amenable and Nathan decided to make an inquiry.

  “I’ve heard news of a rabbi traveling around here preaching and healing people. Would you know of him?”

  The man looked around and, with an air of conspiracy, sidled closer. “He is a sorcerer. No ordinary man could do the things he does.”

  Overwhelmed by the waft of garlic from the man’s breath, Nathan casually stepped back, not wishing to offend his informant. “What if he is a man of God?”

  The merchant shrugged. “See for yourself. He was here, but I hear he has left for Bethsaida.”

  “Many thanks for your kindness, my friend, I shall enjoy the fruit.” With a tilt of his head, Nathan indicated to Daniel that they should move on.

  Bethsaida. He would have to hire a boat. At least it was across the narrower part on the upper end of the Sea. The voyage would not take long. He contemplated what funds he could spare and decided he could chance the passage and still get back to Magdala in a short time. He sighed. Only the Most High, blessed be his name, knew what Zerah was up to in his absence. Sober, Zerah was a shrewd businessman, drunk, he was prone to rages, and Nathan prayed all was calm at the boatyard.

  When they returned to the docks, they inquired about transportation to Bethsaida. A friendly fisherman, by the name of Puah, agreed to take Nathan and Daniel across to Bethsaida.

  As they left the harbor of Capernaum, the conversation turned to the traveling rabbi. “His name is Jesus of Nazareth.” Puah’s face lit up. “He healed my daughter who had been sick with a fever. He had only to touch her and she was well.” He shook his head slowly. “I saw him heal a lame man who threw away his cane and walked and leaped for joy.”

  “Do you think it was a trick?”

  Puah’s eyes bored into Nathan’s. “When you see him, you will know who he is and what he is. No one speaks like this man.”

  Nathan was thoughtful. “Did you see any other healings when you were there?”

  “Dozens. He healed everyone who was brought to him. He cast out demons and only had to touch the eyes of the blind and they could see. I would still be there, but I have to feed my family so I returned to my boat. You came at a good time. I’ve had a good catch, enough to take care of my family for this week. I would go with you to hear the teacher again, but I must return home to Capernaum.”

  Jesus casts out demons? A flutter of hope rose in Nathan’s chest. Is it possible? Was this man the answer to his quest?

  When they reached the harbor at Bethsaida, Nathan started to pay the fisherman, but surprisingly, Puah refused.

  Putting a hand on Nathan’s shoulder, he smiled. “What he has done for me I cannot repay. So, go, hear him for yourselves. You will never be the same.”

  Nathan stood watching the boat sail out of the harbor and thought of what Puah had told them. A man who had only to touch or speak and people were healed. Suddenly he felt he couldn’t find Jesus fast enough.

  The air was full of the smell of salted fish. Knowing they might be away in the hills a long time, he stopped at a fishmonger’s stall. He needed to purchase food for the two of them. Who knows where they would find a place to eat later? He bought a couple of salted, dried fish, and in the street of the bread makers, he purchased several fragrant loaves to eat later. He knew Daniel would be hungry before long.

  “You are seeking Jesus of Nazareth?�
�� said a voice at his elbow.

  He turned to see an older woman staring up at him. He nodded his head. How did she know?

  “Come, follow me. I will show you where he is.”

  As they walked, Nathan considered that the woman had called Jesus a Nazarene. He knew the saying, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” It was a poor village with little reputation. How could such a man come from Nazareth?

  After about half an hour, Nathan and Daniel were well out of the city and following the woman and other townspeople toward the hills. As they drew closer, Nathan heard a man’s voice, speaking clearly. Amazed that the voice carried so well over the crowd, Nathan focused on a figure sitting on a large rock near the top of the hill. The man did not appear tall, he had a finely chiseled face, and his hair curled softly to his shoulders. There was little about him that was more than ordinary, except for a commanding voice that echoed through the crowd. Nathan put a hand on Daniel’s shoulder to keep him close in the throng and began to listen.

  As Jesus spoke, Nathan recognized that the rabbi was teaching from the Torah, the words of the Law. He simplified the words for his audience of unlearned townsfolk, but the way he taught captivated Nathan. Here was a man in simple garments, not in the fine clothing of a Jewish leader, speaking from great knowledge and with authority. Nathan urged Daniel forward and they made their way through the crowd to hear Jesus better. Who was this man?

  The people hung on the Teacher’s words and time seemed to be of little importance. When Jesus had finished teaching, the people were restless and hungry. Nathan heard one of the teacher’s followers say, “Master, send the crowds away that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy themselves bread; for they have nothing to eat.”

  Jesus smiled at him and said, “You give them something to eat.”

  Nathan raised his eyebrows. How could his disciples feed this vast crowd? There must have been over 5,000 men, not counting women and children.