 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Summer AD 28 |
|
|
| ����������� Summer passes.� Fall.� Winter.� Spring.� Jesus has been on the road preaching about the new kingdom of God for a year now, some down in Judea, but mostly around Galilee.� |
|
|
| ����������� Asher and Claudius continue to be friends and play together.� They have a lot in common except for one thing.� Claudius has no father.� But his mother does work for a centurion assigned to the palace of Herod.� When not in school he goes to work with his mother at the centurion's house. |
|
|
|
����������� When Claudius was smaller, he'd crawl up into the lap of the gruff centurion, snuggle down, and ask for a story.� The old soldier would clear this throat in a very manly way, then commence to begin. |
|
|
| ����������� "Well, son," he'd say, "a long time ago before you were even born, I was in a battle across the sea.� This battle...." |
|
|
| ����������� And away they'd go, together into story land.� It helped the centurion feel some significance in his life.� That little boy, Claudius, admired him and looked up to him.� Claudius has become kind of the son the centurion never had, though he couldn't yet admit it. |
|
|
| ����������� Strange though.� Claudius hasn't been coming around very much lately.� Claudius has been missing school lately.� Lately, Claudius's mother has been coming to work obviously under a great deal of strain. |
|
|
| ����������� "Where's Claudius these days?" asks Demetrius. |
|
| ����������� Miriam begins to cry.� "He started out having cramps and trouble breathing.� But it seems to be getting worse.� The physicians don't seem to be helping." |
|
|
| ����������� Demetrius hadn't realized how important that little boy had become to him.� It hit him like a brick now. |
|
|
| ����������� "Bring the boy to my house.� I have a wing for guests.� You and he will stay there.� I'll bring in my personal physician.� He'll have constant nursing care around the clock." |
|
|
| ����������� "My chariot will be out front in a couple of minutes.� The driver will take you home to pack and get Claudius.� We'll get that little soldier up and running around in no time." |
|
|
| ����������� Miriam thanks him for his concern, and runs to get her cloak. |
|
|
| ����������� Soon they are back.� The centurion himself goes out to the chariot to get Claudius.� The boy is not doing well.� He is lying in the bottom of the chariot on a mat whimpering.� The old soldier picks him up and carries him into the big house and down a great hall to his new room.� |
|
|
| ����������� "Are you hurting, Claudius?" he inquires on their way.� |
|
|
| ����������� "Yes, sir.� Kind of."� That's about all the bravery he can muster for now. |
|
|
| ����������� Demetrius lays the boy down on his bed, ruffles his hair, then instructs a nurse already on duty to call him whenever needed. |
|
|
| ����������� Miriam is now sitting on Claudius' bed taking his tunic off of him. |
|
|
| ����������� Demetrius turns to her.� "Pray to your God for Claudius." |
|
|
| ����������� "Yes, sir.� I am doing that." |
|
|
| ����������� "Good." |
|
|
| ����������� The next morning early, Demetrius looks in on the boy, hoping for a smile or something.� But Claudius isn't smiling.� Claudius' pain is worsening. |
|
|
| ����������� Spasms.� Muscle spasms.� Out of control.� Claudius cries out.� Then nothing.� No movement.� No feeling.� No nothing. |
|
|
| ����������� Breath.� Must get another breath.� Spasms there too.� Useless spasms that fight the air to keep it out.� Tears.� Claudius can hardly breathe. |
|
|
| ����������� The centurion walks in and takes hold of Claudius's hand.� "Buckle up.� Be a man.� Meet this thing head on.� Conquer it, Claudius!� Conquer it!" |
|
|
| ����������� It always sounded good on the battle field.� In the conference rooms.� At the palace.� The most he could say for it now is that those words are completely empty, completely inadequate, completely worthless.� It used to work though.... |
|
|
| ����������� Demetrius is doing the best he can.� It is hard for an old soldier like him to express sympathy.� |
|
|
| ����������� He goes to work, but sends a messenger home every few hours for a progress report.� No change.� Never any change.� He skips a dinner meeting that evening and hurries to the bedside of Claudius. |
|
|
| ����������� "Come on, Claudius!� You must fight this thing!� You can do it!� Come on, Claudius!" |
|
|
| ����������� How helpless he feels.� Claudius cannot fight it.� Claudius is retreating.� His whole system is fighting one last battle, a skirmish at a time, then bit by bit dying. |
|
|
| ����������� Agony from the pain shooting through Claudius's little body.� Agony shooting out of his room and into the ears of household members.� Hear Claudius call out for help?� Cannot someone do something?� Anyone? |
|
|
| ����������� Back to work the next day.� Home at noon.� Home again at mid-afternoon.� He does not go back.� He must stay by Claudius.� Must give him courage. |
|
|
| ����������� But Claudius's condition deteriorates.� The physician cannot stop it.� Paralysis sets in after each bout of muscle spasms and cramps.� |
|
|
| ����������� "Make it stop!" Claudius cries out in agony.� |
|
| ����������� "Mommy, please!� I can't stand it!" |
|
| ����������� Pain herbs are given to him sometimes.� But they do not work very well. |
|
|
| ����������� "Mommy, why can't I feel my legs.� Help me, Mommy!� Oh it hurts." |
|
|
| ����������� "Easy there, soldier," Demetrius comforts.� "Want to hear a story?"� No, of course not.� He needs a miracle. |
|
| ����������� Demetrius wants to pray.� But who to?� Although he is not from this country, he's always respected the God of the people who live here.� Maybe he should pray to him. |
|
|
| ����������� "What's their God's name here?" |
|
|
| ����������� "Jehovah." |
|
|
| ����������� "Yes.� I will pray to Jehovah." |
|
|
| Tiberius, Galilee [24] |
|
|
| ����������� Back to work the next day.� Making sure the troops remain in shape.� Receiving reports of minor incidents around the province.� Sending troops where needed.� And, in the midst of all this, making sure they maintain and build their battle skills. |
|
|
| ����������� "Hey, Demetrius old boy!� How are things?"� It is Chuza. |
|
| ����������� Suddenly things click.� Suddenly memories of the year gone by surface in hope.� Suddenly a possible rescue mission. |
|
|
| ����������� "Chuza!� Come in!� Come in!" |
|
| ����������� Somehow Chuza senses a problem. |
|
|
| ����������� "Something wrong, friend?" |
|
| ����������� "Yes.� It's Claudius.� He works for one of my maids.� I've got him over at my house and he's not doing very well." |
|
|
| ����������� "Have you tried Jesus?"�� |
|
| ����������� "Who's Jesus?" |
|
| ����������� "He's the one who saved Asher.� He's the reason Asher is alive today." |
|
| ����������� "Oh, the man you went to see in Cana?" |
|
| ����������� "Yes.� He's got power.� Unbelievable power.� He can help Claudius.� He was sent by Jehovah." |
|
|
| ����������� "Then it is settled.� I'll send for this Jesus.� Where does he live?" |
|
|
| ����������� "Right in Capernaum.� I'm surprised you haven't heard about him.� Moved there about a year ago.� But he's not always around.� He travels a lot." |
|
|
| ����������� "I'll have every one of my troops scout the town until he's found." |
|
|
| ����������� Within an hour, soldiers are deployed all over Capernaum looking for Jesus. |
|
|
| ����������� At first there is no word.� But about noon they spot him.� Jesus is just returning from another one of his preaching tours.� They report this to their commander. [25] |
|
|
|
����������� Immediately, Demetrius sends for one of his captains and a close friend.� He is just down the hall. |
|
|
|
����������� "Send word to the Jewish synagogue.� Tell the elders I need to see them immediately.� Hurry!� Go personally!� I am leaving now for my house.� I will see them there." |
|
|
| ����������� The captain, immediately understanding what his superior has in mind, rushes out the gate and toward Capernaum and its synagogue. |
|
|
| ����������� Demetrius passes him on the road. |
|
|
|
Capernaum, Galilee |
|
|
| ����������� The synagogue is fine.� It is new.� Demetrius personally financed the entire building.� Gruff on the outside, but full of love and concern on the inside.� Sometimes the love shows. |
|
|
| ����������� The Roman captain knocks on the front door of the synagogue, careful not to try to enter, knowing the Jews do not allow Gentiles in their buildings.� He maintains that integrity out of respect for their customs.� It is good diplomacy. [26] |
|
|
| ����������� The door opens, he requests to see the elders, and waits on the porch,� The door ajar, he can easily see the fine stone work and the majestic columns.� Although plain, he can see at the front a raised platform, an altar of some kind that holds scrolls which he takes to be the Hebrew scriptures, and seats which he understands the elders of the people sit in during their assemblies.� |
|
|
| ����������� Shortly, an elder arrive at the door.� |
|
|
| ����������� "There is a sick child who needs the help of your God.� He is the son of Demetrius' most trusted maid.� He's known him since birth.� He has heard that Jesus heals.� Jesus is back in town.� Can you bring him to Demetrius' home so he can be healed?" |
|
|
| ����������� He is hesitant.� So strange that this pagan foreigner would want the help of a local God.� They won't even let him in the synagogue. |
|
|
| �����������"Please come the centurion's home.� He will explain everything.� But please come now.� The boy is in great pain." |
|
|
| ���������"I'll get the others.� We'll be there as soon as possible." |
|
|
| ����������� They do not travel together for the sake of decorum.� The three elders arrive at Demetrius' house and knock on the gate.� Demetrius comes outside to talk with them. |
|
|
| ����������� "Thank you for coming, sirs," he old man begins.� His eyes show worry.� They are bloodshot and strained.� The furrows on his brow seem darker. � |
|
|
| ����������� "My maid's son is dying.� He's a trooper.� But...."� Demetrius's voice falters.� He clears his throat, turns his back a moment, then regains his composure.� "He cannot last much longer.� He's d...."� Demetrius can't finish that sentence either, so leaves it unspoken.� The elders understand. |
|
|
| ����������� "He needs a miracle.� Go to this Jesus for me.� Ask him to heal Claudius."� Simple and to-the-point words.� Dynamic and aggressive faith." |
|
|
| ����������� "I beg your pardon," one of them objects.� "Why don't you approach him yourself?" |
|
| ����������� "Because he was sent by your God.� Your God only accepts your people.� He isn't likely to listen to me.� He will listen to you." |
|
|
| ����������� The elders are more than happy to do whatever the centurion asks.� They have heard that Jesus speaks often over at the lake shore, so head in that direction.� They see him.� Crowds throng about him, all shouting something.� The elders fight to get through them to Jesus. |
|
|
| ����������� "Jesus!� We must see you!" |
|
| ����������� No one can hear them.� No one but Jesus.� Jesus hears and looks in their direction.� He stretches out his arm and works his way through the crowd toward them. [27] |
|
|
| ����������� "Please come to the home of Centurion Demetrius.� His maid's boy lies paralyzed and in great agony.� This boy is like a son to him.� He asks that you come and make him well.� He deserves to have this done for him, for he loves our nation and has even built the synagogue you yourself have preached in." [28] |
|
|
| ����������� In the mean time, Demetrius is pacing in Claudius' room.� The boy is still in body agony.� Claudius's mother is still in heart agony.� Demetrius is still in soul agony.� Their pain merges into symphonic chords of a dirge. |
|
|
| ����������� "What have I done?" Demetrius thinks to himself.� "This man Jesus could not really be a man.� If he is from God, perhaps he is God." |
|
|
| ����������� The centurion suddenly leaves the room and sends for a couple of his men.� |
|
|
| ����������� "Find Jesus!� Quickly!� Tell him not to come here!� Tell him to take no further trouble, for I am not fit to have him under my roof." |
|
|
| ����������� The men listen in awe as this man of power condescends to another man of power, a man he believes has the power of heaven itself.� The heaven of a God he never believed in before.� But now he must. |
|
|
| ����������� "That is why I did not consider myself worthy of approaching him in the first place.� I still am not worthy.� All he has to do is say the word and my boy will be cured.� I know that.� I am also a man under orders and I have soldiers under me and say to this one, 'Go' and he goes, and to that one, 'come' and he comes.� So I know whatever you command to be done by nature will be done." [29] |
|
|
| ����������� Demetrius' men deliver the message to Jesus as much word for word as they remember.� Jesus is amazed. |
|
|
| ����������� For a few moments he just stares at the messengers.� Is he angry that the important Roman wouldn't come in person?� Jesus turns to the crowd following him.� The religious crowd.� The noble devotees.� The mighty worshippers.� The descendants of the great nation of God through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. |
|
|
| ����������� "Did you hear that everyone!" Jesus announces, "I have not found that much faith in all of the Bible-believing people in Palestine." [30] |
|
|
| ����������� Jesus turns to the centurion's servants.�"Go home," he says calmly.� He smiles.�";As he has believed, so shall it be for him." |
|
|
| ����������� Claudius is suddenly sitting up in bed!� He's grinning!� He can feel his feet again!� And his legs!� Where's the pain?� Where did it go?� What's happening?� What has happened?� Claudius is excited.� Claudius is confused.� Claudius is healed! |
|
|
| ����������� "Mommy!� Demetrius!� Look!" |
|
| ����������� Claudius jumps out of bed and dances around the room.� "Yippie!" he shouts.� "Hey, what day is this?� I want to go see Asher.� Can I, Mother?� Can I?" |
|
|
| ����������� Miriam and Demetrius spring from their chairs.� They kneel at Claudius's feet to be eye level with him, and hug him. |
|
|
| ����������� "What's happened?" Miriam asks. |
|
| ����������� Demetrius knows.� The old soldier knows.� Soldiers know power when they meet up with it.� Soldiers know superiority when they see it.� Demetrius has met up with divinity.� And he knows it. [31] |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
LIFE APPLICATION |
|
|
| 1.�������� The Bible says that God is the author of all good things.� If that is so, then who creates sickness?� Do you think we tend to attribute to God what Satan does?� Could that be Satan trying to convince us he does not exist? |
|
|
|
2.�������� There are many people who think Christianity is only for "the good people." Actually everyone has sinned, according to Romans 6:23.� Therefore, no one is really good.� How do you think this point can be put forth to people who think Christians will look down on them?� What will you do to help this communication problem? |
|