And We Thought We Knew You:
Soul Journey With the Real Jesus
Salome
SISTER, AUNT, FOREVER FRIEND
BC 7
Nazareth, Galilee
Salome admires her big sister, Mary.  But there's a limit.  After awhile, patience can wear thin.  Mary shouldn't push it ~ this loyalty thing.  Some day even little sister could have enough of Mary.  Well, unless Mary offers her enough bribes. [1]
�Salome thinks Mary has been acting strange the last couple days.� Mother says it's just because she's a teenager and teens are expected to act odd sometimes.�
But Mary's really quiet.� The sisters were supposed to go to town with their girlfriends.� Mary backed out at the last minute.� She's not mad or anything.� Just strange.� Weird.� But sisters get that way sometimes.
One night, Mary asks if she can go see cousin Elizabeth at the opposite end of the country for awhile.� Their parents hesitantly agree.� They don't yet know about Elizabeth's pregnancy.� Neither does Salome.� The angel only told Mary. [2]
� Mary needs help knowing how to break the news that she's pregnant.� Her family doesn't know about that either.� She isn't supposed to be.� She's still a virgin. [3]
Then Mary's gone.� It's quiet.� Too quiet.� Sure, the two sisters had their quarreling times.� But it was all in fun.� Most of the time.�
Mostly Salome misses having someone to talk to.� Confide in.� Sometimes Mary writes home.� Everyone gets a chance to read her letter.� She seems like her usual bubbly self.� But not exactly.� She writes different.� Everyone says so.� But no one can put their finger on why.
Three months later Mary slides off the donkey she'd ridden home.� She's wearing a long cloak, too warm for the season.� She's acting as strangely as she seemed in her letters.� With the usual hugs and greetings out of the way, they head for home.
"So, how was cousin Elizabeth?� And the baby?"� By now, everyone knows about Elizabeth's miracle baby.
"Little John is just a bundle of joy, as they say!"
"Did she give you anything, Mary?" Salome prods.� "Like jewelry or something?� Money for your time and trouble taking care of her?"
"Salome, that's terrible.� We don't do things for people for money."
Despite the mild admonition, Salome isn't sorry she asked.� How else is she going to know?
The family walks up to their gate.� Mary's back home.� They all know things will be back to normal now.�
Father takes her luggage to her room.� "Well, come up to the roof and tell everyone all about it.� How did my little girl like staying with her old and sometimes crotchety cousin?"
"I'm kind of tired, Father.� I'd like to take a nap."
"Sure, sweetheart,"  he replies a little confused over his normally energetic teenage daughter.
"I'll help you unpack,"Salome volunteers.
"That would be great," Mary acknowledges.
They close their bedroom door.� Mary stands there and stares at her younger sister.� Salome is 13.� Will she understand?� Mary hopes so.� With all her heart she hopes so.� "Please God," she whispers under her breath.� "Make her understand."
"Salome?"
"Yeah, Mary," she replies halfheartedly while looking through Mary's luggage.
"Turn around.� I have something to show you."
Salome turns with a grin, expecting a home-coming gift.� After all, jewelry made down south is better than what's made in Galilee.� But Mary is somber.� Salome knows something is wrong.� They've been close all their lives.
She sits on the side of her bed and stares at Mary.� Mary's not sitting down next to her like they always did when they needed to confide.
"Something's happened."
Mary is reaching up to undo her cloak.� She continues to stare at her sister as she does.� What will her reaction be?
Salome is waiting.
Mary is taking a deep breath.� She is blinking back a tear.� A tear glistening with elements of confusion and awe.
Now Mary is pulling back her cloak.� Still she stares.� Salome is staring too.� Not a word.
Mary is holding her arms back and letting her cloak slowly fall off her shoulders.� It's slipping off her arms and down to the floor.� Still she stares.� Salome too.� Still no words.
Salome does not ask for nor demand an explanation.� She knows only two things at this point.� That Mary will always be her sister.� And Mary is an unwed mother-to-be.
Then simultaneously, without a signal, but always knowing when it's time, the two teenage girls move toward each other and embrace.� They cling to each other in full acceptance.� For, no matter what, they will always be sisters.�
Salome waits.� She knows Mary will begin to talk when she is ready.� In a few moments, the two pull back tenderly from each other.� It's time.
Mary blurts out everything.� Never an effort to defend herself.� Just everything as she remembers it.� Salome waits.� She gives Mary time to explain in her own way.
Then Mary is through with her story.
"I don't understand all this,� Mary.� But if you say so, I believe you."
"Thank you, Salome.� I needed to hear that."
"But what about our parentsr?"
"That's why I wanted to tell you first.� How do you think they'll take it?"
"Well, Cousin Elizabeth sent us a message before you left and told us you had something to tell us, and we were to believe you.� I guess this is it."
"Yeah, this is it."
"I'll bet our parents are sitting up on the roof right now waiting for you to come out and tell them."
"Will you go with me?"
"You bet!� Come on."
"Wait, I've got to get my cloak."
"No.� We'll walk out together.� Come on, big sister.� We'll do it together."
So the sisters walk out holding hands.� They face their parents.� They believe in each other.� Their parents always taught them to.�
The epic begins.� For years to come, the two sisters will stand by each other.� Will believe the unbelievable.� Will walk together to face others.� Some will scoff at them.� Some will accept them.� But always they will stand by each other.� After all, they are sisters.
BC 6-4
Bethlehem, Judea, and Egypt
But things do not work out exactly as planned.� The special census comes and the whole family goes to the other end of the country to their ancestral province in Judea. Mary stays behind because she is due to deliver.� Then, at the last minute, while the family is on its way back home, Mary and new husband, Joseph, go south to Judea themselves.� They probably pass each other on the road, not realizing it. [4]
So when the baby comes, Mary's mother is not there to help.� Mary's grandmother is not there.� Mary's sister is not there.� As she holds her new baby, she imagines her family gathered around her in celebration. [5]
Eventually, it is obvious to everyone up north in Galilee that Mary and Joseph have decided to stay in Judea.� Then one day a message is sent to them from way down in Beersheba on the southern tip of the country.� The small scroll is delivered by a merchant headed north to Galilee and beyond eventually to Rome.� It reads, "Must go to Egypt.� Will explain later." [6]
Letters pass back and forth, but very slowly.� Mary explains the dangers.� Why would anyone want to kill a baby?� But, of course, everyone knows King Herod has become insane with power. [7]
Eventually all is safe, and Mary returns home.� With her baby.� Baby Jesus.� The miracle baby.� This will be the first time anyone in the family gets to see him.� Will he resemble his grandfather?
BC 3 - AD 10
Nazareth, Galilee
"Oh, Mary.� He's beautiful!� And he's got teeth!"
"What did you expect?� He's nearly three years old!"
The family is reunited.� Everyone gathers around the dinner table and laughs once again.
Mary and Joseph get settled in a house down the street.
Sometimes Salome babysits with Jesus.�
"Come on now, Jesus, you have to eat your bread before you get any grapes."
Sometimes she helps him with his synagogue school reading.� She and Mary were taught by their grandfather.�
Aunt Salome, could you read when you were my age? [8]
Once, when it is her birthday, Jesus surprises Aunt Salome with a beaded necklace he made from scraps in his father's carpenter shop.�
"You made them just for me?� Thank you, Jesus.� You're turning into quite a carpenter.� Just like your father."
In later years, Salome will treasure the times she had with her nephew.
"Hey, Mary," Salome announces, entering Mary and Joseph's courtyard one afternoon.� "You'll never guess what."
"Well, tell me!"
"I think I'm in love."
"Who is he?� Tell me all about him."
"Well, his name is Zebadee.� And he's a dream."
"How did you meet?"
"Actually he's from Bethsaida.� Everyone knows all the boys in Bethsaida are handsome.� He's been visiting his relatives here in town.� He's from a fairly wealthy family.� They have their own commercial fishing business." [9]
"Salome, that's a terrible reason to be attracted to him!"
"But I like him a whole lot.� And it doesn't hurt if he can give me a good home."
"Well, I'm happy for you, Salome, if you do really love him.� I hope he's your dream come true."
Indeed he is.� The fathers on both sides come to an agreement, and arrange a wedding.
Bittersweet.� That's what it is.� For Salome must move to Bethsaida where her new husband has his business.
"Oh, Mary, I'll miss you.� And Joseph.� And my favorite nephew in all the world, Jesus."
"Write to me as often as possible.� Promise?"
"I promise"
Once more the sisters embrace.�
"I'll miss you so much.� Who will I have to talk to?"
Once more the sisters part.� They will be separated this time for fifteen long years.
AD 10-24
Bethsaida, Galilee
Letters pass back and forth through courier.�
"Dear Joseph and Mary.� We had a boy."  Zebadee explains in his note.� "We've named him James after one of your boys."
"Dear Joseph and Mary.� We had another boy!� We're naming him John after Cousin Elizabeth's boy." 10
Zebadee's business grows and Salome moves into a nicer house in a better neighborhood, with an impressive front gate and an extra large courtyard.� Joseph does well with his business too. 11
Sometimes the two families go see each other for vacations.� Two weeks in Bethsaida one year.� Two weeks in Nazareth the next year.� The kids play together outside.�
"Now, Jesus, make sure everyone gets a turn."
Okay, Aunt Salome.
The parents sit around on the large roof talking old times and telling of plans for the future while watching their children down in the courtyard.
"James is going to be a politician when he grows up, you know, Mary, and run the Romans out of our country.� Romans are never anything but trouble," Salome explains with a mother's pride.� "And John will probably take over our company and go international with it."
As the years progress, Zebadee continues to build up his business.� He's good at it.� Things are going well.� Very well.� 12
"Salome, would you serve on the curtain repair committee of the synagogue school this year?"
"Salome, there's a merchant in town with fabric from Tyre.� Let's go"
"Salome, would you be chairwoman of the scroll repair auxiliary for the synagogue this year?� We really need you."
AD 25
Mother!� It's for you!" James announces one evening from their outside gate.
A peddler from Nazareth hands the small scroll to Salome.
"How would you like a new neighbor?"; Mary has written.� She always writes more details than the men do.� "We won't be in Bethsaida, but we'll be a lot closer than we are now.� We're moving Capernaum just down the road from you. 13
Salome pauses and mutters under her breath, "Okay, Mary.� What's really going on?"� She continues reading.
"It's Jesus.� He's made the announcement.� He's finally done it.� He's told some people about his coming from God and restoring our nation to God." 14
"You know they can count on us to help back him up.� We have always known this day would come,"Salome says to her husband after he has read the letter.
"Yes, we have," Zebadee replies.� "That's probably one of the reasons they wanted to move closer to us.� They may need us as sounding boards, and just to be their friend.� I'm afraid all our lives are going to get very complicated."
The move is made.
Joseph and Mary and their family stop over in Bethsaida to spend the night and rest.� They will begin unloading furniture in the morning.� It is special furniture - specially made by Joseph.� After dinner, the sisters retreat to Salome's bedroom.
Salome closes the door, then turns with a grin.� But Mary is somber.� Salome knows something has happened.
"What is it, Mary?"
She sits on the side of her bed and stares at Mary.� Mary's not sitting down next to her like they always did when they needed to confide.
"Something's happened," Mary finally says.
Mary is taking a deep breath.� She is blinking back a tear.� A tear glistening with elements of confusion and awe.
"He performed a miracle." 15
Salome waits in acceptance.� Mary continues.
"He made wine out of water.� Instantly.� And he's told people he was sent by God to be their Deliverer.� He's saying he will be our next priest-king." 16
Salome does not ask for nor demand an explanation.� She knows only two things at this point.� That Mary will always be her sister.� And Mary's son indeed will be what Mary said.
Then simultaneously, without a signal, but always knowing when it's time, the mature women move toward each other and embrace.� They cling to each other in full acceptance.� For they will always be sisters.
Afterwards they go into the courtyard where Zebadee and Joseph are.� Aunt Salome looks over at her now 30-year-old nephew, Jesus.� 17 He's sitting quietly in the corner.� He looks at his aunt.� He knows that she knows.� He smiles at her.� Salome walks over to him.� He stands up, and she gives him a big hug.
"We'll always stand behind you, Jesus.� We're family.� Families do that."
Thank you, Aunt Salome.� I know I can count on you and Uncle Zebadee.
Salome and Mary's frequent letters by whichever peddler is traveling between their two cities are replaced with frequent notes delivered by neighbors traveling the six short miles between the two fishing towns.� More and more Jesus makes trips into Bethsaida to visit with his cousins and talk about the cause.� Also with their three friends, Andrew, Peter, and Philip.� They've become tight.� Very tight.� All they talk about any more is the cause.� It's getting serious.
Mary's notes become more frequent too.
You know, Zebadee, you could expand the business over in Capernaum.� Two locations.� That would be good.� What do you think, Zebadee?"
"Now Salome.� You know we can't do that."
But the fishing is much better over there.� During the next few weeks Zebadee thinks that might be a good idea after all.� He can leave the business open here, and set up another one in Capernaum.� So, before they know it, Salome and Zebadee have rented ox carts and their furniture and precious belongings are being loaded up and hauled away.
Capernaum, Galilee 18
The frequent notes between Salome and Mary are now exchanged by frequent visits.� Sewing projects together.� Shopping together.� Synagogue church together.� Things are just perfect now.�
"I'm so glad you moved here, Salome," Mary says so often these days.� The two squeeze each other's hands, then go on with their animated conversation about recipes and children and the last sermon at the synagogue.
"Jesus has been planning a campaign tour this winter."
"Yes, I've heard about it."
"He needs help, you know."
Knowing what her sister is leading up to, Salome objects.� "Well, I don't see how James and John can break away."
Indeed, things are not going as well as expected.� Fishing has not been good lately.�
For the first time Zebadee is scared.� Scared of losing his business.� Scared of losing his sons.� He keeps it to himself, but Salome knows.� She tries to encourage him.
Then one afternoon Zebadee comes home from work.� He's grinning.� He hasn't grinned like that in years.
"Where are James and John?" she asks.
"Gone."
"Gone?"� She fishes for an explanation.� "Gone as in back to Bethsaida?� Gone as in drowned?� Gone as in to a race?"
"Gone with Jesus.� Gone for the next few months."
"The next few months?� What's going on here?� What are you so happy about?� You're business will go broke without them.� And besides, they didn't even come to say good-bye."
"Jesus changed all that."
"Jesus?"
Zebadee becomes serious.� "Sit down, Salome."
She knows something's happened.� After all these years, she can read him like a scroll.
There's something different about Jesus.� I can't put my finger on it.� But, Salome, you won't believe what he did this morning.
Well, he's always been like that"
"Within two minutes, we caught two weeks worth of fish.� Salome, I believe he caused it to happen.� I believe he caused those fish to enter our nets." 19
Salome stares a moment.� Then she takes a lamp and wends her way through the darkened street to her sister's house.
Mary was expecting her and had a light hanging in her street-side window.
"It has started, hasn't it?"
"Yes, Salome.� It has started.� He's heading out next week on his first campaign." 20
Salome goes shopping.� "They'll need more tunics than they have.� And a new pair of sandals each..."
AD 26
Province of Galilee
Times goes by.� The first campaign takes place and Salome's sons tour with Jesus all over the northern province of Galilee.� She and Mary now get together more and more with Peter's wife and mother-in-law.  They share each other's notes from sons and grandsons.  They share courage.  They share hope that all will go well. 21
Salome sends money to them periodically.� They need financial support.� She and several women help with money. �Occasionally she and her friends even travel with the men and help out.� After all, if Jesus is going to be the next king, her sons will be right there with him. 22
Touring.� Teaching.� Performing miracle after miracle proving God is on their side.�
Then Jesus gives Salome's sons and Jonah's sons the power.� Now they, too, can perform those miracles.� Salome is more convinced than ever that her sons will become high national religion and government officials.� And with the blessing of God.� 23
Who would have ever guessed?� She's so proud of them.� Now let all those people who looked down their noses at the fishing business try to top that.
AD 27
Capernaum, Galilee
Then one evening at dusk, there is a loud and rapid knock on their gate.� Joseph and Mary look at each other, sensing trouble, then head to the gate together.
"I have ridden for three days to get to you.� I am one of John the Baptizer's friends.� He sent me to you, just before...." but he cannot finish.
The aging couple lets in the young man and offer him a seat.� His expression is somber.� They know for sure now that the news is bad.
The messenger blurts it out.� "He was executed.� Beheaded by King Herod as a threat to the government." 24
Joseph is stunned.� He calls Joseph, Jr. out to the courtyard.� "Run get your aunt and uncle.� Quickly.� But don't tell them anything." 25
Half an hour later Zebadee and Salome arrive looking alarmed.
"I want to tell Salome myself," she tells Zebadee, and leads her sister into her bedroom.�
Mary closes the door.� Mary is somber.� Salome knows something has happened.� They've been close all their lives.
"What is it?"
She sits on the bed and stares at Mary.� Mary's not sitting down next to her like they always did when they needed to confide.
"Something's happened,"Mary finally says.� They've been close all their lives.
Mary is taking a deep breath.� She is blinking back a tear.� A tear glistening with elements of confusion and awe.
"They killed our cousin, John." 26
Salome waits in confusion.� Mary continues.
"Our sons are going to have to get out of here quickly.� If they're here when King Herod returns, he'll arrest them and execute them next.� Oh, Salome, it's getting so dangerous.� It wasn't supposed to turn out like this."
Salome does not ask for nor demand any other explanation.� She knows only two things at this point.� That Mary will always be her sister.� And their sons are in danger of losing their lives.
Then simultaneously, without a signal, but always knowing when it's time, the older women move toward each other and embrace.� They cling to each other in full acceptance.�
Occasionally the sisters hear from their sons.� First from Phoenicia. Then up and around to Syria.� Always just out of reach of King Herod.� Finally they return home.�� But they arrive at night. 27
The mothers embrace their sons.� The young men are somber now.� They don't laugh easily any more.� It's taking its toll on them.
Salome listens patiently as she prepares dinner.� James and John take turns explaining their strategy.�
"But they're after you. �The current high priest and some of the tetrarchs," their mother objects.� "Can Jesus protect you all from harm?"
"I'm not sure, Mother," John replies.� "He keeps talking about going to Jerusalem and being executed there.� 28 But the people will never allow it to happen.� He's become a folk hero.� The politicians won't have a chance once we arrive." 29
"Well, I'm going with you.� I want to be there for his crowning.� And, of course, you will be his most important advisors."
"We'll see, Mother.� We'll see."
A couple weeks later Jesus gathers together enough food for the trip south to Judea with his twelve apostles.� They're headed for Jerusalem and the takeover.
Following behind is a group of the women.� Mary, Mary Margaret, Joanna, Suzanna, Mary the mother of Matthew and James, and of course Salome.
They arrive in Jerusalem, but things aren't quite right for Jesus' takeover yet.� They don't understand what he is waiting for.� Nevertheless, they trust him.� He leaves and spends the winter touring Perea and Samaria.�
Salome is frustrated.� Jesus will not fit into her pigeon hole.� He is not acting like a king.� It is just as well.� There are some things she needs to get straight about the takeover.�
February AD 30
Outside Jericho, Judea
"You must ask him."
"Ask him what, Mother?"
"What we talked about.� He won't know unless you tell him you're interested."
"They all would like those offices."
"But they're not as qualified as you.� Who else has known him all their lives?� Who else is related to him?� Who else can represent him better and more powerfully than anyone else?� You've got to ask him.� You're family.� Keep the dynasty in the family.� Besides, I have donated a great deal of money to the cause.� He needs to take that into consideration too.� Where would you be without my contributions?"
"All right, Mother.� We'll ask." 30
Salome and her two sons get Jesus aside while they're stopped for lunch beside the road.
"Uh, Jesus.� Well, there's something we would like to bring to your attention."
�Yes?
"As you know, we've been your greatest supporters all your life.  We know you better than anyone.  Therefore, we believe James and John should be your second and third in command when you come into office as preist-king.  We ask this humbly, of course." 31
Jesus just stares at them in shock.� For a moment speechless. 32
Uh-oh.� They said the wrong thing.� Now what?
Jesus shakes his head, then puts his hands on his hips.� He turns around with his back to them and looks up into the sky.� He turns back toward them.� He walks a few paces from them, then back again.� He puts his palm up to his forehead and stares at them.� Finally, he speaks.� But it's almost shrill.
"You have no idea what you're asking!" 33
Well, they thought they did.� It shouldn't be that hard being first and second officers.� Or maybe one of them could be first officer and the other high priest over the Sanhedrin.� Other people have done it.� Why not them?
"Can you swallow the mockery, indignities and ridicule that I must swallow?"
"Well, politics is rough.� But surely it's not going to be all that bad.� After all, you can do miracles.� You even lit up once."
"Can you be immersed in the murky, dreadful and evil waters I must be immersed in?"
"Oh, by all means.� After all, you can control even the wind and waters.� Together we could call fire down on anyone who opposed you."
"Well, you will indeed drink those terrible ordeals and be buried in those horrid trials."
"And????"
"But it's not up to me to give you the positions you wish to have" 34
Jesus walks away leaving James, John, and their mother standing there wishing they had never brought the whole thing up.� Salome is confused again.� She wasn't expecting this kind of reaction from her own nephew.
Jerusalem, Judea
The day of triumph at last.� Victory Day! 35
But something goes wrong.�
Salome rushes over to Mary's room in the inn.� Mary opens the door with a grin.� But Salome is somber.� Mary knows something has happened.� They've been close all their lives.
"What is it, Salome?"
She sits on the side of the bed and stares at Mary.� Salome's not sitting down next to her like they always did when they needed to confide.
"Something's happened,"Salome finally says.� They've been close all their lives.
Salome is taking a deep breath.� She is blinking back a tear.� A tear glistening with elements of confusion and awe.
"They are executing Jesus today." 36
Then simultaneously, without a signal, but always knowing when it's time, the two aging women move toward each other and embrace.� They cling to each other in full acceptance.� For they will always be sisters.
Together they make their way to the place of execution.� Dreading to go, but having to go.� Together they stand.� Holding each other up as they watch their nephew and son be executed like a criminal. 37
Then the burial.� No funeral.� Just a hurry-up burial.
Two days later, Salome returns to the cemetery for a small funeral.� Drained of energy.� Drained of heart.
This can't be!� It's impossible!� The tomb is empty! 38
Salome cannot wait to get back to Mary and tell her.� Mary stares in wonder.� She turns to her sister and her eyes brighten up with glistening tears washing away her grief.
�He did it, Salome!� He did it!� God has brought him back to life!� Our Jesus is alive again!"
Jesus?� Salome's nephew?� Oh, he's not just her nephew.� He's much more than that.� Much more than Aunt Salome ever dreamed of when he was a little boy.� For all this time,
Salome's nephew, Jesus,
�������������������������������� was
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The elderly sisters turn now, and walk together into their future.� Always together.� Always sisters.� Forever friends. 39
���������������������������������������������������������� LIFE APPLICATION
1.�������� Have you ever failed to stand by a brother or sister when they needed someone to be on their side, right or wrong?� If not, contact that person and tell them you're sorry you didn't.
2.�������� Have you ever felt deserted by your family when your actions were questionable?� What will you do to help others in your same situation right now?
3.�������� Mary could have stayed in town and let people believe her baby belonged to Joseph.� Instead, for the sake of her faith, she subjected her son to being called illegitimate.� What in your life right now, will you stand up for, even if people badger you for it?
4.�������� Is there anyone you knew as a child who has surprisingly become very successful?� Write or phone that person and tell them how proud you are of them (yes, even though you may not have become successful yourself).
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