The rabbi stood on the hill by the well and, with a smile, watched them approach. As the group of men in the white garments of the Samarim approached, they heard Him cry out to His disciples, “Lift up your eyes and look upon the fields, for they are white and ready to harvest!”
One of the elders of Shechem, Zebulun, approached Him respectfully. “This woman testifies that You know all her life. Something has happened to her and we would hear more of Your words. Come. Stay in Shechem and teach us. We would hear what God has to say to us.” He spread his hands out toward the disciples who stood cautiously in the face of the larger group of Samaritans. “Come, all of you. You are welcome.”
The rabbi seemed hardly to be able to contain His pleasure and nodded to Zebulun and the other Samaritans.
“I will come.” He beckoned to His disciples.
Zebulun paused, “How are you called, Rabbi?”
“I am Jesus. Jesus of Nazareth.”
And they headed toward Shechem.
47
No one had ever spoken the words that this man spoke. His words held hope and life. Marah listened, and the heaviness that had bowed her spirit was gone. She felt cleansed of all that had passed before . . . as though God were giving her another chance.
He was indeed the Jesus whom Reuben had spoken of, and the people of Shechem marveled at the miracles as He healed the sick and crippled. They flocked to Him.
Jesus told them that if they turned from their sins and cried out for forgiveness, if they believed that He, Jesus, was the Messiah, they could ask forgiveness of their sins in His name and they would be forgiven. Hundreds came to hear Him speak as He stood on the steps of the synagogue. He shared their reverence for the Pentateuch. He opened the Holy Scriptures to them as they had never understood them.
Marah sat nearby, unconcerned about who was near her. The sin that bound her had been lifted. She was forgiven. He had given her hope when all hope appeared to be gone. For hours, she and the people of Shechem took in His words as He taught them. Litters with the crippled and sick were carried and placed before Him. The ears of the deaf were opened and the lame got up and walked. He healed them all and the people lifted their hands in praise to God.
As Marah listened, she longed for Ahmal and Caleb to be there with her to hear these wondrous words. If only her son could know what this Jesus, the Messiah, had done for her.
All of Shechem came to hear Jesus speak. Shiva the carpenter stood near her and spoke earnestly. “Now I believe, not because of what you told us, but because we have heard Him for ourselves. Now we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.”
Other townspeople standing nearby nodded their heads in agreement.
Hannah stood on the other side of Marah with Simon and little Jacob. Hannah had seen the change in Marah’s countenance at once and knew a miracle had happened. They had rejoiced with her and gladly listened to the wonderful teaching of Jesus. They had accepted Him as their Messiah also. Marah glanced down at Jacob’s twisted foot. It had been assumed that it would straighten out as he got older, yet as the boy grew, the foot seemed to turn in even more. Jacob had developed a rolling walk to compensate for the foot. Sometimes the other children teased him, and Marah knew it pained Hannah and Simon. She looked at the foot and lifted her eyes to meet Hannah’s. Then she turned and looked toward Jesus. Hannah nodded slowly. She gathered her son in her arms and, before Simon could speak, carried him to Jesus. She knelt down and gently placed her son in front of the Messiah. Her eyes beseeched Him to have mercy on her . . . and Jacob.
Jesus looked at Hannah with love in His eyes, knowing this gentle woman had always been ready to help anyone who was in need. Now she came to Him with a need she could not meet. He smiled at her as she waited expectantly before Him. Jesus smiled at Jacob, who met His gaze with the trust of a child. Jesus reached out and took hold of Jacob’s foot. He bowed His head for a brief moment, and then as the people watched, the foot began to turn slowly in His hands. The leg straightened out and the foot turned into its correct position.
Jacob stared at his foot and his eyes were alight with wonder. At Jesus’s urging, he stood slowly and began to take a few steps. Then he ran around his mother and jumped for joy. Tears streamed down the faces of all those who were near enough to see. Jesus laughed out loud as Jacob ran back and forth in front of Him, crying, “Look, look at my foot! It is fixed! Mama . . . Jesus fixed it!”
Hannah watched her son and turned to Jesus. She tried to speak, but no words came. His eyes told her no words were necessary. He had heard her heart.
All that day, the people scarcely moved, even to get food. Mothers tended to small children, yet even the children were silent and attentive in the presence of this man of God. He had gathered them around Him and one even sat on His lap as He spoke to the people. He taught the Scriptures, opening their understanding, and even the high priest and the shammash nodded their heads. He spoke the truth. They had listened reluctantly at first, their faces betraying skepticism. Then, as He spoke with that voice of authority, as one learned in the Law, they nodded their heads to the elders standing by. This man was a gifted teacher. They marveled that one who had not had years of learning spoke with such knowledge. They watched the miracles He performed and agreed aloud that indeed this man was the Christ, the Messiah. Only the Messiah could do the things this man had done. Such power radiated from Jesus that those in Shechem who were known to be involved in sorcery hung back on the fringes of the crowd. One man finally came boldly before Jesus and laid the tools of his sorcery at the Master’s feet. He got down on his knees and bowed his head. He was set free that very hour, and he went from the presence of Jesus, rejoicing. The articles of his past occupation were burned.
Marah now walked through Shechem with her head held high. Those who had avoided her spoke kindly, for they too had found hope and change in the words of Jesus.
“Marah, please, forgive me for my unkindness . . .” Leah looked beseechingly at Marah with tears running down her cheeks. “I have learned that in the eyes of God we have all committed sin. I have asked forgiveness of God . . . now I ask yours.” Leah bowed her head humbly. “I did not step forth to help you when you needed help. I have been a selfish woman.”
Embracing the woman whose sharp tongue had caused so much pain, Marah said softly, “As He has forgiven me, I also forgive you, Leah. We will serve Him together.”
Leah looked at her, her face radiant. “Yes, we shall serve Him together.” They embraced again and Leah went her way. She was only one of the neighboring women who came to share their love and acceptance. It was as if they suddenly saw her in a new light.
When evening came, the people reluctantly went to their homes. Jesus and His disciples were offered places to stay for the night for the people recognized that they were weary and needed to rest. With the promise of more teaching the next day, they departed, each to their own place.
Marah considered all that had happened to her. She knew she wanted to stay in Shechem, no matter what the consequences. The God Who Sees had shown her His mercy. She would know what His will was in time. Kneeling by her bed, she prayed with all her might for Ahmal’s return and the return of her son. She prayed fervently for Reuben to stay away, for she feared his return. She would face whatever needed to be faced with Ahmal . . . should God bring him back to her.
Surely if God had forgiven her, would He not help her still? Peace and strength flowed through her. The God Who Sees had brought her this far. He would protect her from Reuben.
48
With a start, Marah awoke and realized that someone was knocking on her door. Who could it be? Had Reuben returned? He would not just knock on the door. With her hand on her heart, she approached the door cautiously.
“Who is there?”
“I seek the home of the merchant Ahmal. It is a matter of grave importance.”
It was not Reuben. She breathed a sigh of relief.
“He is not here . . . at thi
s time.”
“Are you his wife? Please, I would speak with you. It will only take a moment.”
She hesitated and breathed a quick prayer. An inner voice told her to open the door. She opened it a short way and peered out. An older man, well dressed, stood before her. She looked at his face and realized he was no threat to her person.
“I am Shamir, a merchant like your husband.”
She bade him enter and offered him a small cup of wine and some fruit. He partook out of courtesy, noting the shabby surroundings with a glance. Then he began a strange tale, and she listened with rapt attention.
“Over two years ago I was traveling on the way to Jericho when I and my servants were set upon by thieves. They took my servants and my goods, robbing me of all we carried, and beat me, leaving me for dead beside the road. I lay there wounded, fearing that death would soon overcome me. There were those who passed me, but thinking me dead, they did not stop. Then, a man stopped and looked at me. When he saw that I was still alive, he helped me onto his own camel and took me to the nearest inn. There he poured oil on my wounds and dressed them. He watched over me through the night, and when at last he had to go on his way, he gave the innkeeper coins to pay for my care. He told the innkeeper that if more was needed, he would repay him when he came again that way. I was too ill to think to ask his name; only the innkeeper told me that by his garments he was a Samaritan. It is only recently that I learned his name, having described him to another merchant. I wish to leave a gift and my gratitude for the love of God that he showed me in my distress.” Having finished his long speech, he pulled a box from his sash. As he opened it, a great luminous pearl gleamed in the light of the sunshine streaming in the window.
She stared at the beautiful jewel and bowed her head.
“How can I accept such a gift in the absence of my husband?” Then she realized he had spoken of seeing Ahmal. “My husband has been gone a long time. I fear for his life. Do you have any news at all?”
Shamir shook his head slowly. “I regret that I do not know where he is nor do I have news that would comfort you. I can only tell you when he helped me. He was also traveling alone. Let me at least leave my gift and my thanks with you. When you see him, tell him of my gratitude.” He put the small box in her hand and waited.
“I will tell him,” she said softly and pressed the small box to her heart.
The man beamed at her and then bowed and took his leave. She stood looking after him for a long moment. Was this a sign? Hope rose again in her heart. First, Jesus coming to their city, bringing a change in her life, and now this man who spoke of Ahmal. Surely he lived. And if he lived, he would return. She lifted her face toward the heavens. The God who sees her had surely heard her prayers. Then she thought of Tema. In the hidden place where Ahmal had kept his box of coins, she concealed the small box with the pearl. Not even Reuben knew of this hiding place and would never suspect that she had anything of value.
Washing her face quickly, she put on her shawl and hurried to the synagogue. People were already gathering and Jesus was seated on the steps where everyone could see and hear Him. He spoke to them again of the commandment to love one another.
“Upon this commandment hangs all the Law and the Prophets,” He told them. “For love is the fulfillment of the Law.”
Everyone marveled at His words. People who had carried on a quarrel for years with another asked forgiveness and friendships were mended. Merchants who had been known to weigh their scales in their own favor scrupulously weighed their goods in favor of their customers. There was openness in Shechem among the townspeople and visitors alike. Some who came to Shechem and scoffed at the words of Jesus had an unexplained urging to move on to another town. Those who stayed were added to the growing number of believers.
On the third day, Jesus and His disciples bade the people of Shechem goodbye. They had all urged Him to stay longer, but He had other villages to visit and others who needed to hear the words He had spoken to them. Reluctantly they bade Him farewell, and the people watched at the gate of Shechem until He and His band of followers were but specks in the distance. They had sent the group on their way with all the provisions they could carry. Shechem would never be the same again.
49
Aman stood in the gateway. He was gaunt and his clothes hung loosely on his sparse frame. At first Marah was tempted to dismiss him as a beggar. Yet compassion stirred her heart. Were they not all beggars in the sight of God? She would give him what she could spare and send him on his way. As she approached to tell him to rest himself while she prepared some food, she gave a cry and the jar of water in her hand crashed to the ground. Her hand flew to her mouth as she stared at him. He reached out his arms and she fell against him, tears of happiness streaming down her cheeks.
“Your tears and glad welcome have made my long journey worth it all, dear wife,” Ahmal said gently.
“Oh Ahmal,” she wept, “My prayers have been answered, for God has brought you home to me. It has been so long. Where have you been for all these years? I had almost given up until . . . oh, I will tell you of that later. Come, refresh yourself.” They entered the house together and Ahmal looked sadly around his once beautiful home.
She hung her head. “There were creditors to pay. I did what I could. Please do not be angry with me.”
He turned and pulled her gently against him. “I am only glad to find you still here. Possessions can be replaced, but you, my wife, are all the treasure my heart has longed for.”
She could not do enough for him. She hovered over him as he ate, waiting until he was rested, and ready to tell her what was on his heart. For a long moment he sat quietly, his eyes looking off into a distance to things she could not see. At last he took her hand and, looking into her face, began to speak.
“What I have to tell you, Marah, is a strange story. You must believe that it indeed happened, or I would not be here at all.”
She nodded, urging him to continue.
“I was only a couple of weeks into my journey. One evening, as I bathed myself, I noticed a strange spot on my arm. I looked over my person, and behold, there were two other areas. I realized when I touched them that the skin appeared to be numb. At first I did not want to think about what it might be, and I concealed my arms with my garments. When we entered the next village for provisions, I quietly went to see the priest. When he examined me, he told me the most terrible news. My worst fears were confirmed, for he told me I had . . . leprosy.”
At the word, Marah instinctively drew back in alarm. He patted her arm. “Do not fear. It is gone now. But let me finish my story.
“For the sake of my men, who have been with me many years, I left the caravan. I only told them that I was gravely ill and must leave and that they were to go on without me. No one was to tell anyone where I had gone. They were puzzled, but obeyed and joined another caravan. They did as I asked, for I could not return to Shechem. I felt it was better that you think I was dead than watch my body begin to rot before your eyes.”
She looked at him wide-eyed. “But you show no symptoms. I see no sign of the disease upon you.”
Ahmal smiled. “That is the most amazing part of my story. Wife, I have met the Messiah, the Christ. But then I am getting ahead of myself. Let me see, where was I? Oh yes, I had turned back toward Samaria, joining a small colony of lepers near the village of En-gannim. There I had resolved to live out the days remaining to me. One day, as some of us begged for food along the side of the road near the entrance to the village, we heard that Jesus of Nazareth was coming with His disciples. We had heard of Him. He worked miracles and those that He touched were instantly healed. We resolved among ourselves to approach Him as He passed by us. He was our only hope. When we saw Jesus and His disciples walking along the road toward the village, we made our way toward Him and cried out, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy upon us.’”
When Marah heard that Ahmal, covered with leprosy, had been reduced to begging for his food by the side
of the road, she wept again. Ahmal’s face seemed to shine with an inner light as he continued. The afternoon shadows had begun to form, but she did not even think of getting the lamp, so wrapped up was she in Ahmal’s story.
“Yes, yes. What did he do?” she asked anxiously.
“As I said, we approached Him crying out for God’s mercy. He stopped in the road and looked at us. His gaze was almost tender, as if we were but children. He said, ‘Go, show yourselves to the priests,’ and then continued on the road. We stood there for a moment, not sure what to do, but my faith was kindled and I resolved at that moment to do as He had asked. I started toward the village and the others followed. As we walked, I heard gasps of amazement from the other lepers. Their lesions were healed. I looked down at my hands. The skin was as if it had never been touched by leprosy. I felt my face and the skin was whole and healthy. My heart leaped within me in gratitude, and as the others rushed on, I turned back and fell on my face at Jesus’s feet. With all my heart I gave God glory and thanked Him for healing my body of the cursed disease. I realized that now, finally, I could return to my home . . . and my family.” He paused, remembering, and wiped the tears that flowed freely down his cheeks.
“Jesus said almost sadly, ‘Were there not ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Have none returned to give glory to God save this stranger?’ Then He lifted me to my feet, gave me the most radiant smile, and said, ‘Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you whole.’”
“You are healed? Jesus touched you and took away your leprosy? Oh my husband, this is too wonderful.”
Then, her countenance fell and she felt a prompting within. She must tell Ahmal before he heard from someone else in Shechem. She’d had this moment of glorious reunion, and no matter what happened, she could rejoice that he had returned healed.
Journey to the Well: A Novel Page 26
