And We Thought We Knew You:
Soul Journey With the Real Jesus
Five Wealthy Women
THE BENEFACTRESSES
Early Summer AD 27
Capernaum, Galilee
����������� Jesus does not think like a power broker, a high priest, or a king.� No army.� No temple.� No palace.� No crown.� Where is his treasury?� He must look the part.� He's breaking all the rules.
����������� Yesterday Joanna's heart was breaking.� Today it is swelling with gratitude for a young man she does not know.� Only his name does she know for sure.� Jesus.� He has given back her life, for he has given back her son.
����������� How she and Chuza prayed for God to help their little Asher. The finest doctor could not figure out what was going on.� All anyone knew is that Asher was dying.� That was yesterday.�
����������� By long distance Jesus did it.� At exactly the same time of day Jesus told her husband their son was healed little Asher's fever left him.� He suddenly sat up in bed wanting to eat and then go outside to play!� Jesus cured Asher while he was in over in Cana.� A long-distance healing.� Who is this Jesus? [1]
����������� So far, not much is known about him.� He was born in Bethlehem, Judea, lived awhile in Egypt, then moved to Nazareth, Galilee. [2] �Husband Chuza, who is an official for Governor Herod, has ordered a search for Jesus to see if he still lives there.
����������� Chuza returns home from work in a good mood.� "Joanna, we have located Jesus' home.� He still lives in Nazareth."
����������� "Oh, Chuza.� We've got to go see him.� We've got to take Asher with us so Jesus can meet the boy he healed.� I know you've thanked him already.� But Asher and I need a chance to thank him too.� When can we go see him?"
Nazareth, Galilee
����������� Plans are made.� The three get into a chariot built especially for Chuza's family and head across the hills to Nazareth.� Upon arrival, they ask around for Jesus' home, but learn nothing.� They go to the synagogue and ask.� Yes, he goes to synagogue there.� His family lives on the other side of town.� Look around for a carpenter's shop.�
����������� Chuza, Joanna, and little Asher go to Jesus' parents' simple home.� The gilded chariot is parked out front.� Chuza in his imported robe suit and Joanna in her fine jewelry knock on the gate.� They are escorted to a small but comfortable room and wait for Jesus.� In a few moments, a lean but muscular young man appears wearing work clothes full of sawdust.
����������� "Jesus, we met while in Cana last week.� You healed my son.� I want to introduce you to my wife, Joanna, and the boy you healed, Asher."
����������� "How can we ever thank you for what you did for us?" Joanna adds.� "Asher, say hello to Jesus.� He made you well."
����������� Hello there, Asher.
����������� Jesus smiles and pulls the boy over to sit on his knee.� They talk a few minutes, and laugh.� Everyone laughs.� Well, except Joanna.� She intermingles her laughter with tears of joy..
����������� "Please, Jesus.� Tell us how we can thank you."� He pulls out his fine money pouch.
����������� Jesus explains that he never charges.� His best payback is for people to follow God's will more closely in their lives so they will be admitted as citizens in the new nation of God, the heavenly nation.
����������� In a while, Asher asks to be excused to go outside and play with one of Jesus'  younger brothers. [3]
����������� Chuza and Joanna ask Jesus many questions about the coming new kingdom.� He answers all their questions with a kind of clarity, backed up by scriptures, that they've never encountered before.�
����������� They were already convinced Jesus is from God.� He has done two miracles and both can be proven.� No one can do that unless they are from God.� All they need is more information on his new kingdom.
����������� Growing more excited, they ask his plans for setting up the new kingdom.� Will he depose the present government?� That would certainly affect Chuza's job with Herod.� Jesus explains that people can have dual citizenship in both, for his kingdom will be a spiritual one.� They do not quite understand, but they know he knows what he is doing.� They grow to admire him.�
����������� So how will he bring it all about?� Jesus plans to recruit a few promising followers to go with him on his next tour.� He will tour Galilee for three or four months.
����������� 'Well, that takes money, Jesus.� Are you financially set up for an expensive trip like that?"
����������� Jesus says the money will come from those who believe in his cause.� He will not ask for monetary help, but it will come.
����������� Joanna looks at Chuza with a familiar expression.� The kind of expression that says, "We could make a donation to his cause, couldn't we?"� Chuza makes a facial expression that she, too, recognizes.� It is one of consent.� Then he waits for her to make the announcement.� She loves to be the one to break the good news to people. [4]
����������� "We'd like to donate 300 denari to help out with your next lecture tour.� It may not cover all the expenses of you and those who choose to accompany you, nut it should go a long way.� Chuza will go by the bank tomorrow and have it delivered to you." [5]
����������� Jesus is grateful.� But his smile is only slight.� He remains serious.� He asks that they take a moment to pray for his tour and the hearts of the people.� The longer they are around Jesus, the more they are drawn to him.� Somehow drawn.
����������� Chuza and Joanna rise to leave.� "Our prayers will be with you, Jesus."
����������� They go out to the front gate.� Asher says goodbye to his new friends, joins his parents, and they drive away.� Away from Jesus' house.� But into Jesus' life.� A life that is destined to change everyone who knows him.� Joanna is sure of that.
Bethsaida, Galilee
����������� It is a week later.� Salome is fixing breakfast.� Her husband arrives at the finely carved gate of his home.� Their home is located in the upper-middle class part of Bethsaida.� He owns a fish business that in the past has been very successful.�
����������� Besides his two sons as partners, he's recently taken in their two best friends as co-partners.� Their father, Jonah, was a friend, and Zebadee thought it was the least he could do after Jonah's death.� Zebadee also has several men working for him.� His business has had its ups and downs.� Lately it's been very down. [6]
����������� Salome hears the latch rattle and heads toward the gate in anticipation.� She is all ready to give him the comfort and encouragement he needs each morning after working all night.� Fishing has been so poor recently, Zebadee's been afraid he'll lose some of his contracts.� And if that happens, he may have to go into bankruptcy and retire early.� She's running out of things to say to him as encouragement.� It has been so long since things have gone well in their business.
����������� Before she can open the gate, Zebadee bursts through it with a surge of delighted animation.� He presents his wife with a beautiful lily and tells her to take off her work clothes, for he is taking her over to the inn for the best celebration breakfast they've ever had.
����������� "At the best inn in town!"
����������� "Zebadee, what has gotten into you?� And where are the boys?" she laughs.
����������� "Oh, you mean those grown sons of yours?"
����������� "You know what I mean."
����������� "Well, James and John won't be home for awhile.� They're going on a trip."
����������� Now Salome is drawn in two directions with her curiosity.� What has happened to her husband?� What has happened to her sons?
����������� "Zebadee, what in the world is going on?" she finally asks watching her normally reserved husband throw three figs up in the air at the same time and catch them.
����������� "Our business is back on track!� And we have that young man Jesus to thank!"
����������� "Jesus?� What does he know about fishing?� He's a carpenter."
����������� "Sit down, Salome.� You won't believe this.� But you've got to."
����������� Zebadee now grows serious.� They go over to finely carved chairs in the courtyard.�
����������� "This Jesus is not what we think he is.� He's not just a man.� He's, well, I'm not sure.� But he's not ordinary.� He has powers, Salome.� He has powers!" [7]
����������� "What powers?" she prods.
����������� "He, well, he can control nature."
����������� "No one can do that, Zebadee.� Well, he turned water to wine over in Cana.� But fish you can't see?� He controlled them too?� Talk plain to me." [8]
����������� "We fished all night.� Nothing.� As usual, nothing."
����������� "And?" she prods again impatiently.�
� ��������� "This morning, he told Peter and Andrew to go back out once more.� You know the fish don't bite in broad daylight.� But he insisted.� We were exhausted.� But Peter and John finally agreed.� Next thing we knew, they were motioning for us to come out and help.� When we arrived, their boat was about to sink with the weight of the fish.� We filled their boat and ours too until we couldn't take on any more.� Salome, I've never, ever, ever seen or heard of a catch of fish like that one!� We're back on track.� I know we are.� Our business lives!" [9]
����������� "That's wonderful, Zebadee.� I'm so happy for you.� For all of us."� She pauses.� "But what about James and John?� When are they coming home?"
����������� "They're not.� They've gone with Jesus.� He's leaving on a tour of Galilee and needs them to help him.� They're all gone to a house Jesus has rented so they can make plans for the tour."
����������� "Zebadee, you're out of your mind to let them go like this.� All four of them?"
����������� "Yup.� All four.� I knew Jesus was telling me this morning that things would be all right with my business.� I can just hire more help."
����������� "But how are they going to eat?� And who's going to pay their food and hostel bills as they travel?� They can't live on nothing."
����������� "We made a pretty big haul this morning.� Enough to put us ahead."� Zebadee is holding out bait for his wife.� She takes it.
����������� She thinks a moment.� "Well, if this taking off with Jesus is okay with you, um, well, we'll need to give James and John enough for their keep on the trip.� And, maybe Peter and Andrew too."
����������� "You're right!" Zebadee replies with a grin.� "They're going to stick around town long enough for me to get paid for these fish.� Then they'll be on their way."
����������� The next week in synagogue, the whole congregation is floored by what Jesus does.� Zebadee and Salome see it with their own eyes.� Jesus casts out a demon from one of their friends.� A demon!� They didn't know there were such things as demons.� Jesus explained everything.� Jesus' power is unbelievable.� He controls nature.� Now he controls things in the netherworld.� He's scary.� Maybe these guys shouldn't go with him.
����������� The following week Salome receives a message.� It is from her friend's daughter, Patrice.� Esther is sick with a high fever of unknown origin.� The doctor has not been able to help.� Salome goes to see Esther at Peter's house and tries a formula known to help break fevers.� It does not work either.
����������� Two days later there is a light knock on Salome's gate.
����������� "Esther?� Esther?� What are you doing here?� You're supposed to be at death's door."
����������� "Salome, you won't believe this.� But Jesus healed me.� He healed me, Salome!� I became well instantly.� One minute I thought my family had gathered around me to say their farewells.� The next minute Jesus walks in, and just tells me to get up because I'm well.� He was right!� I was able to get up!� I feel fantastic, Salome!� Jesus healed me!" [10]
����������� Salome has received the final reassurance that her sons will be okay.
����������� She gives the servants their assignments for the day, has a donkey prepared, and heads over to Capernaum where Mary, Jesus and his brothers have recently moved. [11]
Capernaum, Galilee
����������� "His time has come, hasn't it?� Jesus?� It's starting."
����������� "Yes.� He's performed several miracles to prove he's from God.� More will follow.� Our lives will never be the same, Salome."
Bethsaida, Galilee
����������� A few days later Salome's two sons come by the house to say good-bye.� They're leaving in the morning for a lecture tour of Galilee.� Salome goes to her bedroom and gets a jar.� She returns with its full contents.
����������� "Here are 200 denari.� It should cover both boys' expenses." [12]
����������� The two young men hug their mother.� "I'll be praying for you every day, Sons.� God go with you."
����������� "He will, Mom.� More than you know."
Autumn AD 27
Galilee
����������� So they begin.� They will go down to Magdala, Tiberias, and Gamala.� Over to Endor, Shunem, Sepphoris.� Up to Zebulon, Adamah, Cabut, Kenah.�� Over to Kedesh.� Down to Hazor, Bethshemesh, and Ramah.� And finally back home to Capernaum.
����������� Synagogues, city squares, market places, hostels, caravan stops.
����������� Repent and be more God like.�
����������� Miracles.� Performing miracles.� Healing to prove Jesus is really God's chosen one.� Then lecturing some more.�
����������� Up and down the highways.� Back roads.� City streets.�
Sepphoris, Galilee [13]
����������� He meets her in Sepphoris.� He has just arrived at a forum near Herod's palace. [14]
����������� The people in each city need proof.� "Please, heal me, Jesus!� Heal me!" [15]
����������� Standing there in the crowd is a refined lady.� Her name is Suzanna.� She lives in a fine home and wears fine clothes.� She goes to theater, and tours Greece, Rome, Egypt, and Persia.� But, with all her wealth, she cannot buy back the hand she lost in the accident.� She often wears extra long sleeves to hide her maiming.�
����������� But she cannot cover up the abilities she lost in the accident, the things she can never do again.� Like play the lyre.� She had become an accomplished lyrist.� How she misses it.�
����������� As Jesus speaks, she pulls up her long, bejeweled sleeve and stares at the stump.�
����������� But something Jesus says takes her aback.� Suzanna is startled.� "If your right hand is causing you to sin against God, you're better off to amputate it." [16]
����������� Is she hearing him right?� He goes on with other thoughts, but this one sticks in her mind like a gruesome reminder of that scene when the doctor came to her home six years ago.� Remember the words, Suzanna?� Remember?� She will never forget them.� She can never forget them.
����������� "Suzanna, ma'am, I am very sorry.� I am going to have to take your hand.� I cannot control the infection.� We must take your hand or you could die.� Take your hand or die....� Take your hand or die....� Or die....� Or die...."
����������� The words echo over and over in her mind.
����������� Tears, always so close, return to her eyes.� Mixed tears.� Mixed with anger and gratitude.� Anger that she had to pay such a price.� Gratitude that it was only her hand that died. [17]
����������� Suddenly, Suzanna realizes Jesus has stopped speaking.� People are moving about in the crowd.� Some of the people.� Not all of them.� Jesus has been speaking from a platform on the square so everyone can see and hear.� Now people are rushing up to him.�
����������� "Heal me, Jesus.� Please heal me."
����������� Jesus looks at the desperate crowd and speaks quietly to each one.� He does not shout.� He does not have a great orchestra in the background to add a theatrical touch.� He just quietly looks at each one, finds out what their problem is, touches that area of their body, and almost unassumingly says, "You're healed now."
����������� And that is all.� Such a humble man.� He does not take up a collection for the sake of the work.� He does not ask people to sign up for a free scroll with favorite scriptures on it as long as they make some sort of donation, "any amount your heart tells you to give."� He does not shout and beg and make promises.� He just calmly and quietly heals.� Sometimes even in a whisper.
����������� Oh Jesus.� That's not the way it's supposed to be done.� Haven't you seen enough other self-appointed kings to know that's not the way it's done.� You'll be broke before your first tour is over.� How about a tabernacle tent?� A traveling tabernacle would be a good draw.
����������� Still Jesus heals.� Quietly.� Patiently.� People shout with joy and run off to tell everyone what Jesus healed them of.� But that is about all the noise that is made.�
����������� Suzanna stands and watches.� People.� All sorts of people.� Diseased.� Disfigured.� Maimed.� Some similar to her.� All sorts of people.� Young.� Old.� Poor and middle class.� A thought comes to her mind, but she is a little embarrassed by it.� But the thought clamps on to her like that hook some of her friends keep trying to get her to wear.�
����������� The din dies down.� But Jesus does not resume speaking.� He seems to be waiting.� He sits down on the platform and bows his head.� Perhaps he's praying.� Everyone stands and waits.� Nothing's happening.� People are beginning to wander away.� The speech is over.� The show is over.� Nothing more for today.
����������� Still Jesus sits there.� The crowd gets thinner and thinner.� Suzanna knows this, because she's one of the few who is left.� Presently, Jesus lifts up his head and looks in her direction.�
����������� He's looking right at you, Suzanna.� Right in your eyes.� He sees your well-hidden stump.� He seems to see your soul.�
����������� Her tears return.� He stands up, steps off the platform, and walks over to her.
����������� "Hello, Suzanna."
����������� "How do you know me, Jesus?"
����������� Jesus knows everyone.� He made everyone.
����������� He says no more.� He just waits quietly.�
����������� "I appreciated your talk.� You said a lot of wise things.� Things I know to be true first hand.� You helped me.� Helped me a lot."
����������� Jesus smiles in acknowledgement.� Still he waits.
����������� "I'll probably come hear you again.� You are a good man.� I need to hear about how God loves me and will never forsake me."
����������� Then, as though about to leave, Jesus holds out his hand to shake hers.� They've had a nice chat.
����������� As is her usual, she is prepared to show unaware people like him her stub just briefly, and then offer them her left hand.� She does so, but....
����������� She does so, but....
����������� Her hand!� Suzanna's hand is back!� This cannot be!� This is impossible!� It is illogical!� It is inconceivable! [18]
����������� She holds out her other hand to make sure she hasn't forgotten which one was amputated.� But, she now has two hands!� Suzanna has two hands, everyone!� Two hands!
����������� The tears burst out in torrents of rapture!� She cries out loud uncontrollably!� She tries to laugh.� But the emotion is incorrigibly uncooperative!�
����������� Six of Jesus' aides are there watching.� "Look!" she constrains them.� She shows both hands at once.� "I've got both hands again.� Jesus brought my hand back to me!"
����������� Everyone is excited and laughing.� They've, of course, seen this kind of thing before, but they never get used to it.� It is always amazing and flabbergasting to them.�
����������� She turns back to Jesus and clasps both of his hands with both of her hands.� Then she pauses and becomes serious.� Extremely serious.� Awesomely serious.
����������� "Where are you from, Jesus?� I mean really.� Where did you come from?� Who are you really?"
����������� Peter walks over to Jesus.� "We have to leave now.� We're attracting too much undue attention.� Ma'am, would you like to walk down to that inn over there?� We're about to have dinner."
����������� Suzanna accepts.� They walk in and sit down.� She can hardly wait for food to be brought so she can pick it up in her right hand.� Then she idly picks up a knife in one hand and a fork in the other.� "Look at this, guys.� I'm all set to eat!� A nice serving of lamb will do nicely!"
����������� Everyone orders bread and water.� She decides to order what they did.� She grows concerned when she realizes how sparsely these men are eating.� They do not order seconds or desert or anything else.� Just bread and water.� That's not right.
����������� They get up from the table to leave and Suzanna pulls Philip aside.� You've been touring for awhile.� How much longer do you have to go?
����������� "Well, we still have most of our tour ahead of us.� This is only our third city."
����������� "You need money."
����������� "Ma'am, we don't do things for people's money."
����������� "I want you to have this," she insists.� She calls the hostel owner over and requests a quill and scroll.� Her dress and demeanor indicate she can well pay for it.� I'm requesting that my banker take a certain amount for you to use for your expenses. [19]
�          As she waits, she talks to Philip and the other five men.
����������� "I hope you know what kind of man this Jesus is you are traveling with.� He's not really a man.� He's got God in him.� I'm not sure how.� But he's definitely God in the flesh.� Somehow." [20]
����������� Jesus and his six friends go into the bank to take the note.� The banker excuses himself for awhile.� Finally he returns with several money pouches.� Suzanna's new friends stand there in amazement as the banker counts it out for them.�
����������� "Fifty, one hundred....five hundred....eight hundred....eleven hundred....fifteen hundred....two thousand denari." [21]
����������� The small group leaves the bank with large grins, leave the city and head to their next target.� Once out of town, Jesus motions for them to stop along side a part of the road that is currently deserted.� There they pray.� Pray in thanksgiving.� They hadn't had enough for such an ambitious trip as this.� But God knew.�
Winter AD 28
Capernaum, Galilee
����������� The tour is over.� They've covered thousands of miles.� It is nearly winter.� Jesus will speak in places only close to home now.� They will rest.� And they do rest.�
����������� Peter and Andrew, James and John go back to helping in Zebadee's fishing business.�
����������� Synagogue is tomorrow.� Jesus walks over to the shore where Zebadee's business is.� They've moved to Capernaum.� So has he.� He tells them that he is going to Magdala.� There is someone there he must to see.
Magdala, Galilee [22]
����������� They arrive in town late in the afternoon and rent a room.� The next morning they walk over to the synagogue.� They're a little early, so wait outside a few minutes.
����������� "Who is it this time, Jesus?"
����������� They're used to him mysteriously knowing ahead of time who he's about to meet up with.� Sometimes it's the enemy.� Sometimes a friend.� Sometimes both.� Today it will be both.
�����������A very strong woman, comes their reply.
� ��������� They watch as people drive up, get out of their cars, and enter the church building.� Who will it be?
����������� The doors to the synagogue are opened and people file in a few at a time.� But Jesus has not budged.� What is he up to?
����������� Watching.� Waiting.� Wondering.
����������� Only a few stragglers left.� Services have surely started.�
����������� Then they hear it.� Neighing.� A donkey bucking.� A woman trying to maintain control.� More bucking from the nervous animal.� A woman falling to the ground.� Getting back up.� Grabbing her head.� Screaming.� Running toward the nearest wall and ramming into it.� Down on the ground.� Back up.� Running in circles and screaming uncontrollably.
����������� "That's it!"
����������� Jesus runs over to the woman.� His aides follow.� But both hands are up to her ears as though she is trying desperately to not hear something inside her head.�
����������� "You're not going to stop me!" they hear her shout.� "You're not going to stop me!"
����������� She kneels, and bends over, still with her hands to her ears.� She shakes her head, then lowers it to the cold pavement.�
����������� "Oh, my God.� Help me.� Just help me get into synagogue.� Give me the strength to get inside.� Oh, my God...."
����������� Mary feels a firm hand on her shoulder.� Someone walks around and stoops down next to her.� He places both hands on her shoulders.� She looks up, tears running down her cheeks, hair in her eyes, a bleeding scrape on her forehead.�
����������� The man's look is stern.� But she is not afraid.� She does not try to run away.
����������� Jesus helps her to her feet, his hands still on her shoulders.� Then he backs up and looks very stern at her.� But not at her.� Inside of her.� He grows angrier.�
����������� "Come out of her!" he shouts.� "All of you!� I command you!� Come out now!"
����������� Mary looks at Jesus with eyes of doom and desperation.� Horror and hope.� Futility and faith.
����������� He looks quickly at his aides with the expression that says, "Help her.'
����������� A couple of them rush over and stand on each side, holding on to her firmly but gently.� She shakes almost violently.� She slows to a shudder.� Then faint trembles.� Finally she is still.
����������� �Mary takes her hands down from her ears slowly as though testing to see if the tumult is gone.� It is safe.� She catches her breath.� Then she refocuses from what is going on inside her to what is going on outside her.
����������� "They heard you?" she asks the stranger in front of her.
����������� "Yes."
����������� "And they obeyed you?" she goes on in a sort of half confusion, for she knows the answer.
����������� "Yes."
����������� "Who are you?� Haven't I seen you somewhere?� Who are you?"
����������� The two stand still apart from each other.�
����������� "I am Jesus."
����������� "How many were there?"� Somehow, Mary knows there was more than one in her.�
����������� "Seven.� You had seven demons trying to stop you from worshipping God."
����������� Andrew walks over and helps Mary back to her feet.� We need to take you somewhere to fix your wounds.� And your donkey.� We'll retrieve him for you.
����������� Jesus and the others fan out to look for the donkey.� He will not be far away.� He is found and returned.� What a fine bridle.� What a fine animal. [23]
����������� "Please go home with me for awhile."
����������� They consent.� She gets on her donkey and the men follow her.� They go past the lower-middle class homes, then the middle-middle class homes, and the upper-middle class ones.� They turn onto a street with opulence everywhere.� Mansions.� They stop in front of a house three stories high with a gate covered with of gold, silver and ivory.
����������� A man comes rushing out of the front gate.� "Mary!"� He has seen her like this before.� "It happened again.� Poor lady.� How badly were you hurt this time?"
����������� "I am fine and they are gone.� Gone for good.� I'm cured."� She pauses in front of her head servant.� Her eyes glisten.� "I'm healed!" [24]
����������� "Meet Jesus.� He ordered the demons gone," she explains.�
����������� Lunch over, they explain they must get back home.� As soon as winter is over, Jesus plans a trip to Jerusalem.
����������� "And after that?"
����������� Another tour of Galilee.
����������� She disappears while they get their coats on, then slips a small scroll into Judas' hand.� Out in the street they look to see what the scroll is.� It's a note to the bank for two thousand denari.� They return home and put in a safe jar.� Spring is just a couple months away now. [25]
Winter AD 28
Capernaum, Galilee
����������� The snows are nearly gone.� Jesus has been to Jerusalem and back for the winter feast.� Matthew, one of the apostles Jesus has selected, comes to him one day.� He has some introductions to make.
����������� "Jesus, I'd like you to meet my parents.� This is my father, Alphaeus.� My mother, Mary.� And my younger brother, James.� They've heard you speak a few times.� They want to know more." [26]
����������� Jesus escorts them to the kitchen area.
����������� "Nectar, anyone?"
����������� For the next three hours they ask Jesus questions, and he gives the answers.� Not simple answers, but meaty answers.� Answers that must be digested.
����������� Alphaeus and Mary are intelligent people with a good knowledge of the scriptures.� They know what Jesus is telling them makes sense.�
����������� "Mother.� Father.� Jesus has asked me to go with him on his next tour of Galilee.� I have some good investments, and can live on the interest if I'm careful, so I quit my job.� I'm going with him."
����������� They are taken aback at first.
����������� "Hey, why not?" younger brother James remarks with just a hint of excitement in his tone.� "If Jesus is going to be the king of the kingdom of God, well, I think this is the chance of a life time."
����������� "I'm not asking your permission," Matthew continues.� "I just want your sanction.� I know what Jesus is doing is right."
����������� "Well," inquires Alphaeus, "how are your general funds, Jesus?"
����������� Before he has a chance to reply, Mary interrupts.� "We can give them three hundred denari to start with, can't we?� I believe Jesus is on the right track.� I'm beginning to believe he really is from God.� What do you think, sweetheart?" [27]
����������� "Mary, as usual, you are right.� I'm with you, James.� Why not!"
����������� Mary goes to an upstairs room, returns with a coin pouch, and hands it to Jesus.� He, in turn, hands it over to Matthew.
����������� "God bless you," she whispers with a smile.
����������� "Good for you, Matthew!" James adds.� "I kind of envy you."
����������� "Who knows.� Maybe you can be of assistance to the cause some day too, little brother."
����������� They rise to leave.� "When are you leaving?"
����������� "In the spring."
May AD 28
����������� Soon thereafter Jesus makes his final choices of those who will be his special apostles, his ambassadors.� There are twelve of them in all.� Both Matthew and James are among them.
����������� In the months that follow all of these women ~ Joanna, Mary,� Suzanna and Salome ~ find their way into each other's lives.� For they have faith in the same person.� In the same cause.� The person of Jesus, the deliverer.� The cause is God's presence among citizens of a spiritual kingdom on earth.
����������� At first Mary and Suzanna write to each other at Jesus' urging.� He knows they will become good friends.� Then the two decide to meet at Capernaum.� There the two meet Salome and Joanna, Matthew and James' Mary, and of course Jesus' Mary.� They talk of all Jesus has done for them.� They talk of wanting to be of more help to him than just money.
����������� "I know!" Suzanna announces one evening.� "We'll catch up with them, and go along to help!"
����������� "Great idea, Suzanne!" responds Salome with enthusiasm.�
����������� "We can help with the women in the crowds if they need a special friend and counseling!"
����������� "That's right!� And we can help watch the children who are distracting their mothers during sermons!"
����������� "And make arrangements ahead for their lodging and meals!"
����������� "And make them write home more often!"
Summer AD 28
Galilee
����������� So they do.� There are now two groups of people heading along the highway.� One group of thirteen men.� One group of five women, sometimes even six or seven. [28]
����������� The men are grateful for all their help, especially with the women and children.� There are just some situations they cannot handle.� The women know this. [29]
����������� Jesus still is not wealthy.� Still no palace.� Not even a mansion so he can hold meetings and conferences.� Or middle-class house so he can invite people over for dinners.� Or a shack.� Jesus still does not own anything. [30]
����������� It's all wrong.� He'll never get any respect.
LIFE APPLICATION
1.�������� Some of the mothers of the apostles accompanied Jesus and helped financially.� In what way did your mother or some other woman help you to attain a goal in some material way?� Was it an insignificant contribution to your life?� How will you turn around this week and give some kind of material ~ any size and of anything ~ help to someone else?
2.�������� These same mothers of apostles encouraged their sons' work by their presence.� In what way did your mother or some other woman encourage you just with their presence?� How will you begin to encourage someone in your life right now with your presence?
3.�������� These parents did not make fun of their young sons' decisions.� Think of someone younger than you with a dream that people are making fun of.� Call or write that person this week and encourage them.
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