Chapter 16

The sweat was beading the Carpenter’s pale forehead. It was evident that he was utterly spent. The gigantic Galilean who stood beside him had halted the approaching procession of suppliants with the announcement that the Master must rest. With this, the Master and his small coterie filed out toward the highway. Joseph followed close behind them.

Reaching the road, the Carpenter turned about and—to Joseph’s surprise—waited for him to approach. His fatigue was such that his hands were trembling, but he greeted the Prince with a cordial smile.

‘Master,’ said Joseph, in an unsteady voice, ‘what shall _I_ do—to have this eternal life?’

Peter frowned. He had instantly recognized the Prince of Arimathaea. Ah, so? The Prince would be wanting eternal life on special terms; terms provided for Princes.

‘You have been brought up to know the laws, my friend,’ said Jesus kindly.

‘True, Master,’ said Joseph, ‘and I have kept the laws since childhood, loving God with all my heart, mind, and strength.’

‘Proceed, friend,’ urged Jesus; not smiling now. ‘There is another law; to love your neighbours as you love yourself…You have glimpsed the Kingdom today, and you would share it. That will be more difficult for you than for these poor. It is not easy for the rich to inherit the Kingdom. Their lives are too crowded with Things!’

Joseph bowed his head, reluctantly nodded agreement, and remained silent.

‘If you would be of my Kingdom, friend, unburden yourself of your great possessions. Dispose of them! Distribute them among the poor!…And then come—and follow me!’

They all stood for a long moment waiting for the Prince to speak, but he had nothing to say. With his head still bowed, he walked slowly up the road. Jesus took a couple of steps, as if he might follow him; but halted and watched the departing Prince with wistful, regretful eyes. No one in the little group needed to be told that their Master was disappointed.

After a while, Jesus turned with a sigh and signed that they would proceed now to Cana. Peter walked beside him. He was not disappointed, but he was hurt.

‘Master,’ he said pensively, ‘we have given up all to follow you.’

‘Yes, Peter,’ replied Jesus wearily. ‘I know. And you will be rewarded.’

Old Bartholomew, trudging along behind with Andrew, muttered, ‘Andy—that’s the first thing the Prince ever wanted that he couldn’t afford; a place in the Master’s Kingdom!’

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