11-Pilate-A

And We Thought We Knew You:
Soul Journey with the Real Jesus

Vol. II: Dream Maker

Pilate - I
WEAPONS OF DUST

AD 21
A Hideout in Galilee [1]

�� There's the kingdom of heaven ~ whatever that is ~ and the kingdom of earth.� Pilate represents the kingdom of earth.� The empire of earth.� The Roman empire.� More specifically, the empire that rules the Jews and anyone else they choose to conquer.

�� Can it survive?� Jesus says no, the kingdom of heaven is the only one that can.� The Zealots say no, the kingdom of the Jews IS the kingdom of heaven and therefore is the only one that can.

�� All fighting for dominance.� Fighting, in their own way.� Dominance in their own interpretation.� But can it ever be permanent?� The kingdom?

�� Weapons of steel.� Weapons of stratagy.� Weapons of money.� Weapons of dust which cannot touch that which is ethereal.

�� "All right, men, we're going through this again!� To defeat the enemy, you're going to have to do this right!"

�� The young terrorists shuffle from one foot to the other, sweat pouring off their faces and permeating their dirty clothes.

�� "Listen up!� My count to ten is all you get to go either under, over, or through those barricades.� Time is of the essence.� If you can't do it, you'll be a sitting duck for the enemy!"

�� Drilling, grilling.� Getting the maneuver right.�

�� Discipline.� That's what it takes.� Discipline and brash regimentation.� Never show them you're weak.� Defeat the enemy.� Defeat!�

�� Once more the men go through the routine.� A hundred times if that's what it takes.� Never, never give up.� Never, ever quit.�

�� Get the enemy!� Get the enemy!� Get the enemy! [2]

�� "Reuben, report to me at the end of maneuvers."

�� "Yes, sir!"

�� Disgusted with the day's military exercises, Reuben dismisses the men with his usual warnings.� Then he heads to the headquarters.� It's the largest cave on the compound.

�� "The past fifteen years have been bad.� Romans sending their own men to govern us and procure tax money from us.� It'll get worse," Commander Judas explains. [3]

�� "No, sir!� We're stronger, sir!" Reuben responds.

�� "Get off it, Reuben! Now sit down.� There's trouble stirring up out there, and when it strikes, we must be ready."

�� "Our new procurator, right?" [4]

�� "Right.� He's been appointed.� His name is Pontus Pilate.� He is stubborn.� We're going to have to break him." [5]

�� "What's the plan, sir?"

�� "The word is he's moving his army headquarters from Caesarea on the coast to Jerusalem, our holy city."

�� "You're right that spells trouble.� What are we going to do?"

�� "Be ready when he gets there, of course."

�� "We've got to recruit more men, sir."

�� "I know.� I want you to pick your most loyal men to go into all the towns within 50 miles where the tough guys hang out."

�� "Expose our tatoos?" [6]

�� "Yes, expose your secret tatoos.� We've got to be bold.� We've got to take more chances for the cause."

�� "What if our men are arrested?"

�� "We never heard of them."

�� Understanding the meaning of Commander Judas' last statement, Reuben stands to leave.� He comes to attention and salutes sharply.� The self-appointed general responds.

�� "Freedom or death!" Reuben shouts.

�� "Freedom or death," Commander Judas responds.

�� Jesus, you'll get trampled in a violent world like this.� Don't even think about leaving your carpenter's shop.��

AD 22
Canaanite Sector of Phoenicia [7]

�� "Father, the time has come for me to join the cause."

�� "Oh, no you don't,"Simon's mother responds. [8]

�� "I wasn't talking to you, Mother," he ejects rudely.� "I was talking to Father."

�� "Son, this isn't the way," his father replies.

�� "I've made up my mind and I'm joining."

�� "You're making a bad mistake, Son," his father continues.

�� "You're just too old to understand.� Force is all the foreign enemy understands.� We must fight swords with swords.� Besides, God is on our side." [9]

�� "It isn't even our fight.� We don't even live in Palestine," his mother stubbornly interjects.

�� "No, but it could happen here too.� They took over Syria, then Judea, and Canaan could be next.� It's got to stop somewhere."

�� "But, Son...."

�� "Taxation without representation.� That's what it is.� They want to send our tax money to Caesar way up there in Rome.� We give in to that, and we're slaves next." [10]

��"But their religion is different from ours."

�� "I believe in the God of the Jewish scriptures."

�� "When did this happen?"

�� "I've been studying with some guys.� The Jewish scriptures predicted the destiny of entire nations many years beforehand.� Jehovah is certainly the author."

�� "So you're talking a religious crusade."

�� "Yes, you could call it that."

�� "Killing in the name of God?"

�� "Yeah, so what?"

�� The parents become silent.� They've been through most of this before.� Except for Simon's conversion to Jehovah God.� That was a new one.� They do not know what else to say.

�� "I don't care what you say or do.� I'm joining them."

�� "When?"

�� "Tonight."

�� "Not tonight!� You can't!"

�� "So is tomorrow better?� Will you agree with me tomorrow?"

�� Simon leaves the room, his parents sitting on their mats staring uneasily into space.�

�� "He's really going to do it, Hulda.� He's going to do it this time."

�� A moment later Simon returns with a large pack.� He raises his tunic to his knees, straps on a dagger, slings the pack over his shoulder, and looks at his parents as if etching a memory of them.

�� "You'll be glad some day I took a stand.� You'll be proud of me some day.� I know you will."

�� The parents stand and embrace their son.� Mother cries.

�� He goes to the door.� He finally feels important.

�� "I'll get a message to you when I get settled in," he calls out over his shoulder.� He stops briefly in the street.� "Won't be able to tell you where I am, but at least you'll know I'm okay."

�� A month later they find a small scroll attached to their front gate by an unknown messenger.

�� "Everything as planned.� I'm over in Galilee, but can't tell you where."

�� That was it.� So far their son was safe.� But would they ever see him again?� Alive?

�� More months pass.

�� Jesus, you may think Simon will be one of your apostles some day, but you're wrong.� He's found Commander Judas instead.� Mess with Simon and he'll slide his danger right into your heart. [11]

Caesarea, Samaria [12]

�� "The troops are ready to be transferred, sir!"

�� "Good.� We need them closer to Jerusalem, their religious capital.� These people are stubborn.� They may need to learn some lessons."

�� "Yes, sir!� Understood, sir!"

��"Here are your orders, Commander.� How long will it take the troops to arrive?"

�� "Two days, sir!"

�� "That's fine.� When they do, I want them to converge on Jerusalem as soon as it is night.� That way, they will be in place when the local citizens wake up the next morning.� Use the element of surprise."

��"Yes, sir!"

�� "Good luck, Commander."

�� The commander salutes.� Procurator Pilot returns the salute in an awkward manner, never having been a career military man himself.

�� Jesus, this Pilate is ruling the land that you claim is yours.� He's even more powerful than the commander of those zealot commandos.

Jerusalem, Judea

�� "Open up, Samuel!� Open up!"

�� It is scarcely dawn, but Samuel is already up and ready to go to the market to restock his booth for the day.� A small loaf of bread in his hand, breaking off another bite as he goes, he opens the outer gate without demanding to know who it is.

�� "Brace yourself, Samuel!"

�� "You interrupted my breakfast just to say that guy who wants my spot in the market has moved in on me, haven't you?"

�� "That's peanuts!� Listen to me!� Troops arrived during the night!� They've taken over Jerusalem!"

�� He throws down the bread without taking his eyes off his closest friend.� "Oh, man!� Has there been killing?"

�� "No, not that bad.� But bad."

�� "Spill it, Daniel."

�� "They want us to worship Caesar.� They claim Caesar is a god and they've brought his image into the city."

�� "Set it up in our temple?"

�� "No, but he's pictured on their banners." [13]

�� "Those Roman dictators just don't know when to quit, do they?"

�� "Shoving it down our throats."��

�� "Anything going on in the streets?"

�� "Many merchants aren't getting their booths restocked and some of the farmers are staying in town ~ all standing around trying to figure out how to handle the situation."

�� "We'll pray about it."

�� "Pray?� That's not going to do any goo."

�� "I'm headed for the city square.� See you there."

�� Jesus, you claim to be captain of heavenly hosts, don't you? [14] �Now's your chance.� Can you do anything about all this?� Or do you even know what a weapon is? [15]

A Hideout in Galilee [16]

�� "All right, men!� Listen up!� Commander Judas has an important announcement to make!"

�� "Men!� Today our entire country is counting on us.� Most men are weak like women and children.� They won't stand up for themselves.� Well, we're going to do it for them."

�� The young terrorists stiffen in readiness.� This is what they've been training for.�

�� "We received word that the Roman troops have moved their headquarters from Caesarea to Jerusalem.� Further, they have taken with them their image of Caesar-god on their banners."

�� Commander Judas stops and steps back.� With that signal, young Simon steps forward.� He has gained some status.� He has been given a special honor.

�� "Hail to Jehovah!" Simon bellows.

�� The militia responds in kind.� "Hail to Jehovah!"

�� "Jehovah or die!" Simon proclaims.

�� "Jehovah or die!" the men respond in unison.

�� Commander Judas steps forward again.� "Now, men!� We're going to give them a fair chance first.� We're going to the procurator personally.� He's still back in Caesarea.� If he refuses to take those images of Caesar god out of Jerusalem, we fight back.� Get a move on it!"

�� The general steps back again, and once more Simon calls out to the guerrillas.

�� "Freedom or death!"

�� "Freedom or death!" the army replies in unison.

�� "Freedom or death!"

�� The meeting is over.� One hour later the militia is on the highway headed west toward the coast.� Their presence will be powerful.� Procurator Pilate will have no choice but to listen to them.� After all, Palestine is his new assignment by Caesar.� If the country goes into rebellion, he loses his new post as procurator.� He dare not resist them.

�� Jesus, they're willing to give their lives for the cause.� Are you?

Caesarea, Samaria

�� "And so, for the order of the day...."

�� One of the presiding tribunals is interrupted.

�� "Procurator Pilate!" [17]

�� It's coming from a raised platform in the city square, but not nearly as high as the official city forum.

�� "Procurator Pilate!� I have a message from the people of Judea!" The voice booms.

�� Pilate stands up, and shouts back.

�� "Who are you?"

�� "This isn't all of us.� If you'll look behind you, you'll get another surprise.� Go ahead!� Look!"

�� Commander Judas waits while all the government officials on the forum work their way around to the back of their expansive marble platform. �Terorists appear from every side street file into the city square, swords in hand, bows and arrows hanging over their shoulders.� Young Simon marches with them, tall and proud.� He is afraid of nothing.

�� "Now, are you ready to listen, Procurator Pilate?"� The voice is smug.

�� "What do you want?"

"We want the images of Caesar taken out of our nation's capitol."

�� "Where the troops go, Caesar goes!"

�� "I'm warning you, procurator.� Things could get messy."

"Never!" [18]

�� Pilate orders reinforcement guards, dismisses his tribunals and disappears into a small building adjoining the forum.� The other watch.� No arrows have found their way into his back.� So they, too, turn and scurry to still another adjoining building where they will make their ways to safety.�

�� Now, all that are left are the commandos in the square, the emerging Roman soldiers, and Procurator Pilate who has now walked out onto an upper balcony.�� He can tell the commandos are waiting for a command.� But to do what?

�� Commander Judas steps up onto a grand pink marble statue of Caesarea in the middle of the square and calls out.

�� "All right, men!� This is where we stay until he decides to come to terms with us."

�� "Freedom or death!" he shouts.

�� "Freedom or death!" the commandos respond.

�� "Freedom or death!"

�� Young Simon is proud to be part of this historic moment.� The country will thank him for it some day.

�� "Freedom or death!"� For two hours.

�� Procurator Pilate reappears.� The chanting stop.

�� "What are your terms to leave peacefully?"

�� Commander Judas stands on the statue again and calls back.� "We get confirmation from our men in Jerusalem you have removed Caesar's images, and we won't set fire to the city."

�� "Burn down the city?� That's insane!"

�� "Watch us!"

�� Young Simon has an opportunity to give his life for his country.� If only Commander Judas would give him the honor of lighting the fire himself.� He is one of the few with a torch.

�� Two more hours pass.� The eerie quiet in the square and the agitation inside of young Simon grows to the point of erupting.��

�� "We're coming out!" Procurator Pilate's commander declares from his balcony.� He waits for a response.

�� Commander Judas stands again.� He sees Roman troops on the roofs of nearby buildings.� He sees swords, spears, bows with poison arrows.� He sees war.�

�� God must be proud of Simon for standing up for him like this.

�� "Procurator Pilot, you may come forward!� No one else!� Or we set fire to the city!"

�� Moments later Procurator Pilate walks toward his judgment seat and sits.� "I'm coming out.� I'm unarmed and alone."

�� The procurator walks forward.� The militia commander climbs some steps and approaches the Roman intruder.

�� "Well?" the commander inquires.

�� "Let's go inside and talk."

�� The two men withdraw to the small building nearby.� Surprisingly, none of the terrorists has tried to enter it up until now.� The two men sit down and begin the talks.

�� Suddenly, from inside buildings surrounding the forum, Roman soldiers appear in full armor.� Sounds of invasion.� It was a trap.� While the spider toyed with the fly, the ants rushed in for the kill.

�� Warning arrows whizzing over heads.� The militia has been caught off guard.� Procurator Pilot has not kept his promise.� The militia is forced to give up their weapons.

�� "What's the meaning of this?" Commander Judas demands, rushing back out to the forum platform.

�� "You can't set fire to the city," the procurator gloats.� "Cut them into pieces!" he shouts, and the Roman soldiers draw their swords.

�� At once, the entire militia falls to the ground in surrender position, their necks exposed to Roman blades.� Young Simon has no choice but to follow suit.� He hadn't wanted to.� He had wanted to see some blood.� The enemy's blood.� God would like that. [19]

�� The Roman troops wait for their commander's signal to behead them all.� It does not come.�

�� Pilate walks back to the adjoining building and momentarily appears back out on the balcony.� He says nothing.� Everyone waits.� Silence.

�� More silence.

�� The Roman commander calls to the procurator from his position on the forum platform.

�� "Well, do we cut them up and get rid of them, sir?" he growls almost inaudibly.

�� The procurator stares ahead.� He says nothing.

�� "Sir, do we kill them now?"

�� Finally, "No."

�� "No?"

�� "Let's just see if they'll try to make a run for it.� That'll be better for our reputation.� Can't shoot men while they're down.� That's not honorable."

�� Confused, the commander complies.�

�� The stand off begins.�

�� Night comes.� The Roman troops cannot maintain the same standing position all night.� The militia maintains their's.� The malitia is in control really.�

�� "Sir, let's kill them."

�� "What kind of procurator will that make me?� I just got to this country!"

�� "Permission to bring in reserves to take over."

�� "Permission granted."� And Procurator Pilate leaves.

�� All night troops stand over the militia.� Young Simon does not move.� He is a trained commando.� He alternatively sleeps, prays, and imagines himself giving his life for his country and his God.� �� All the next day.� �Pilate's troops stand over Judas' troops.� Young Simon is stiff.� But he does not move, other than to flex his muscles to try to keep circulation going.��

�� Day three.� No movement by the militia.� Young Simon stays true to the cause.� It's a standoff.

�� Day four.� Everyone knows who is winning.� The militia is.� Commander Judas knows it.� Pilate knows it.� Caesar will know it.

�� Day five.� Pilate returns to the forum.

�� He sits.� He stares.� How can these men do it?� Just lie there with their necks exposed?� They will never leave until he gives in.� He knows it is inevitable.

�� He calls out.� "Gentlemen!� You are brave.� Insanely brave.� And cunning.� I don't think I have ever come upon a more cunning enemy.� Commander Judas, I am withdrawing my men.� After they have left, you may leave peacefully and go back to whatever God-forsaken place you crept out of." [20]

�� "You have taken Caesar's images out of Jerusalem?"

�� "Yes, you have my word.� They'll all be taken out by this time tomorrow."

�� Within the hour rough, motly terrorists return to the streets of glorious Caesarea.� They turn and head east back toward their secret camp.

�� Winners, but losers.� No blood shed to prove how much they love Jehovah God.� Maybe another time, another day.�

�� Jesus, everyone knows blood must be spilled.� How about yours?

AD 26
Hills of Judea

�� The militia has met all Simon's expectations and more.� Sniping Roman soldiers along highways.� Burning strategic bridges.� Harassing the enemy.� All in the name of God, of course.� It has now been two years since Procurator Pilate's arrival.� Some think his power is weakening.

�� Simon's militia unit has been transferred closer to the capital city.� To be closer to Jerusalem where Procurator Pilate spends most of his time now in Herod's palace. [21]

�� Simon is sharpening his sword.

�� "John the Baptist is no man's fool, Joseph" he says to a friend in the small tent with him. �He's telling all our national leaders to repent because the new Kingdom of God is about to take over.� He even says God is going to burn up everyone who doesn't." [22]

�� "Sounds like my kind of man," Joseph responds.

�� "Me too.� Does Commander Judas know about this guy?"

�� "You better believe he does.� He's taking a wait-and-see stance for now."

�� "Well, I think I want to go hear him in person.� I'm taking some leave time."

�� "Do you know where he is?"

�� "He's a baptizer, isn't he?� He must be somewhere along the Jordan River.� I'll find him."

�� Jesus, if you want Simon on your team, this is your chance.

�� 

Jordan River

�� Simon makes his way north along the Jordan River road.� Eventually he sees up ahead a couple men diverting travelers off the road and closer to the river.� It's John's aides directing people to the spot where John has set up camp. [23]

�� He follows the crowd and works his way toward the river until he is as close as he can get to where he thinks the speaker, John the Baptist, will be.� His guess is right.

�� "Repent!" he hears.� It must be John.� John's famous for saying that.� Says God isn't content unless people at least try to do better.

�� "Repent because the new Kingdom of God is right around the corner.� Get closer to God.� Get on God's side."

�� "Hey, John!� What should I do?" a man in the crowd interrupts.

�� John recognizes him. "Don't collect more taxes than is required." [24]

�� "Atta boy, John!� Sock it to 'em!" Simon shouts.� "They're traitors anyway" he mutters to himself.

�� "What about us?� What should we do?"

�� "You're soldiers.� Don't embezzle people.� Be content with your pay."

�� "Man, he's got guts, ordering those guys around like that," Simon tells a stranger next to him. [25]

�� Jesus, can you match that?� Can you confront those foreigners any more powerfully than John does?� You'll get lost in his dust.

Hills of Judea

�� "Hey, Joseph!� I'm back."

�� "So, did you see John?"

�� "Yeah!� He's got some good ideas.� And guts.� You shoulda seen him tell people what to do and not do."

�� "I don't think Commander Judas likes him."

�� "Why's that?"

�� "Too much of a pacifist. He's just talk.� Always threatening.� Never backing up his story.� He's got a good line.� But he's soft.� Too soft."

�� Simon says no more.� But he continues to seek out reports of John.� Will he try to take over the country from the Roman commanders?� He decides to keep his mouth shut in case Commander Judas has a jealous streak in him, which he does.

�� After several months of restless nothingness, Simon's unit is once again put on alert.� Commander Judas, himself, will address the men.

�� "Gentlemen," the commander announces on the wilderness parade grounds the next morning, "Our services are needed once again."

�� Simon unconsciously flexes his muscles.� He envisions blood.� He envisions acts of heroism.� He envisions one more step closer to kicking the foreign rulers out of his country.

�� "Procurator Pilate is at it again.� He has tried to get on the Jews' good side improving Jerusalem's water system.� Now the word is out where he got the money."

�� His militia stands at attention waiting for the evidence.�

�� "The Temple treasury.� This atheist apparently bought off some of priesthood with part of it." [26]

�� That's all any of the commandos need to hear.

�� "We will infiltrate Jerusalem.� The taverns.� The synagogues. Athletic games.� Anywhere that people are assembled."

�� Simon has done this before.� Gives him a real high.� When he can motivate dull and scared citizens to stand up for their rights, he feels a real sense of power.

�� "Our target date is one moon from today.�� Each of you will bring your people to the city square.� From there we will begin the march."

�� The following day, Simon and the others in the militia disburse to various parts of nearby cities and rent rooms at their inns.�

�� Day after day they spend their time hanging out in their assigned spots.� They stir up people.� They argue with people.�

�� Evening after evening they get people to thinking how oppressed they are.�

�� Gradually they stir up the patriotism and religious zeal within each person.� How dare these foreign atheists use temple money for city improvements!� Pilate, you're history.� And Jesus, just stay out of this.� You don't understand the running of kingdoms.� That's for real men.

Jerusalem, Judea

�� Finally, the day arrives.� Simon is good at what he does.� He has probably a hundred people ready to join the demonstration.� �� Simon assures them it will be a peaceful demonstration.� He does not tell them the militia is ready to retaliate if it backfires.� He sees no reason for that to happen.� But he's a good soldier and does what he is told.

�� A trumpet blast is heard ~ the signal to assemble.� Then the singing starts.� "Oh God our help...."� Then the prayer.

�� "Oh God.� We march for you.� It is your money these atheists are spending!"

�� The prayer over, cheers echo through the arena.� Commander Judas then gets into his chariot and begins the procession.

�� Onto the street leading to Herod's palace and forum.� They walk in front of camels, donkeys, peddlers until traffic is at a standstill.

�� Some carry banners declaring the blasphemy of the Roman rulers.� They shout taunts.� "Pilate will kill next!� Down with Pilate!� Pilate will kill next!� Down with Pilate!� Pilate will kill next!� Down with Pilate!"

�� People stand on the sides of the streets cheering them on.� Simon knows they're doing the right thing. [27]

�� They are at the edge of the forum.� Suddenly a man from the crowd pulls out a hidden dagger and men around him begin to fall in their tracks.� Three men in front of Simon fall.� Simon runs for cover.� Others appear with daggers.� Seemingly everyone on the sidewalk has one.� They're the procurator's army disguised in civilian clothes.� The crowd runs in every direction trying to escape the bloody blades.� Many do not make it. [28]

�� Simon manages to get to a building and work his way around to the back.� Quickly he throws off the head band that declared he was a zealot.� In disgust he works his way through the streets until, an hour later, he comes to an unassuming orchard.� It is on the Mount of Olives.� He stops there and rests.� No one suspects.

�� This isn't the way to do it.� How could Commander Judas have gone along with such a plan?� Those atheists don't understand anything but blood.�

�� Simon sees a small caravan rushing north out of the city.� He runs up to them and merges with the group.� He doesn't care where they're going.� It gets him farther away from Jerusalem.�

�� Eventually he makes it back to the militia camp.� Time to retreat.� A few at a time all the others return.� So does Commander Judas.� They must go back up north to Galilee where they were more successful.� Recruit more men.� Collect more weapons.

Hills of Samaria

�� A month later, Simon's unit is back into hiding, this time in Samaria.� Away from Procurator Pilate.� Away from John the Baptist.� Away from all the confusion.

�� Now, Jesus!� Now!

�� Indeed, a new potential national leader seems to be making himself known up north.� His name is Jesus.� Simon and the others will be on hand to destroy him if need be.� Or to stand by him if Commander Judas likes him.� Simon doubts the commander will.�

�� Don't trust anyone. [29]

�� Watch out, Simon.� That Jesus will change your destiny.� And you will let him.

�� And Procurator Pilate?� He is proud that he has an infiltrator in Commander Judas' ranks.� He knows their every move.� No one will outsmart the Roman occupation government.� After all, the Kingdom of Rome rules the world.

�� Pilate is amused by some vague rumors of some obscure carpenter up north who actually claims to be starting a new Kingdom of God that will overcome the Roman kingdom of earth.� Of course, that Jesus will get no where.� Just like all the others.� Pilate will send a few spies in his direction.� Just routine, though.� He doesn't even have weapons.

�� Beware, Pilate.� Get ready for him, Pilate.� You will personally interrogate him and even execute him.� But he won't turn to dust and disintegrate.� He will be impossible to kill.� Watch out for him.� Watch out for his kingdom ~ his eternal kingdom. [30]

����LIFE APPLICATION

1.�� Name something your local government is doing you disapprove of.� What will you as an individual do to try to get them to change its policy?

2.�� Think of someone you know who always seems to be getting into trouble.� Without dwelling on their problems, how will you reassure them they can use their temperament and inclinations for good?

3.�� Tell about a time when you were militant and forceful, but using love as your weapon instead of hate.� How will you use such tough love toward a problem in your community?

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