Chapter 13

Next morning, the questing eyes of Jesus brought forth a full confession from Simon of the interview he had had with John in prison. To his surprise and relief, the Master listened complacently. After a long silence between them, Jesus said:

‘You were talking with one of the most courageous men this world has ever produced. But John—for all his bravery—does not understand the workings of the Kingdom—my Kingdom. He would see all evil uprooted by the punishment of evil-doers. To set things right by violence has been tried again and again by earnest men, ever since the world began, but to no avail. My kingdom will overcome evil with good. It is not an easy way, my friend, but it is the only way!’

‘This saying is difficult to understand, Master,’ murmured Simon.

Jesus brightened, smiled reassuringly, and said: ‘Go and talk with John again. Tell him what you yourself have seen; how the blind receive their sight, the deaf hear, cripples walk, and the poor are comforted with good news…And tell him not to be disappointed in me.’

That afternoon the sun shone and the sky was blue. It seemed that the long season of the rains was ended. Jesus had completed his work at Ben-Sholem’s house. At his suggestion, Andrew loaded the borrowed tools on to a cart and returned them to Ebenezer, the Master walking alongside. At the old carpenter’s house, he tarried for a friendly word and gave Ebenezer half the wages he had received from the Rabbi.

On their way back to the cottage Andrew, who had been moved by Jesus’ generosity and Ebenezer’s tearful gratitude, found his voice and inquired:

‘Will you soon be speaking again to the people, Master?’

‘Tomorrow,’ said Jesus. ‘At Hammath. And then we are going on to Cana.’