Stephanus - Chapter 11 - The Couple Now a Family

The last encounter with Y’shua was a dramatic and tearful event for both women as he disappeared into the crowd of people lining both sides of the byway leading out of the city to the “Place of the Skull”: Golgotha.

Y’shua’s abuse did not subside as he struggled to shoulder the heavy wooden beam. The mob greeted him along the way with fruit and vegetables hurled from the marketplace. Others approached to spit on the ground or shake clenched fists at him, while some parents urged their toddling children into the street to throw rocks at the condemned man- all entertained by his helplessness. Many in the crowd ridiculed, cursed, heaped accusations, and mocked him as “the King of the Jews”.

Other people treated the spectacle like any ordinary day, indifferently going about business. They crossed the street directly in front of Y’shua’s staggering progress, barely raising an eye.

It became too much for Katherine and Naomi.

“Where can the children be? And where do we go next?” They pressed each other for ideas.

“They probably sought a place of safety.” Katherine suggested. “Let’s try the synagogue,—or perhaps the Temple Mount”

“Alright.” Naomi agreed. “I don’t know what else to suggest?” They headed northeast away from the Palace courtyard and the riotous mob. As they exited, they spotted the two soldiers that terrorized their neighborhood.

“Let’s go a different way!” Katherine recommended, then surprising herself, she prayed aloud "Yahweh have mercy on their souls."

“What?” Naomi said in shock “How can you say that about those two scoundrels?”

“Believe me, it is not at all easy," Katherine replied "But as a mother I know that once they were innocent children in their parents' care. Life came along and molded them into who they are today. As they continue to live, life will keep molding them. Let us hope they will receive good counsel and mend their wicked ways!”

“Oh, Katherine!" Naomi laughed out loud. "You sound so naive, if you believe that!”

“Naomi, how does Yahweh judge man? Will he condemn an immortal soul even if it holds a single cell of goodness? Do you recall the story of our father Abraham, when he bargained with Yahweh for Sodom and Gomorrah? In his infinite mercy, Yahweh told Abraham He would not destroy the cities if one person lacked corruption.”

“And here’s another thing," Katherine continued. "Does a man have a defining moment where they choose between good or evil? If he chooses good—putting another before him—will Yahweh reward him? Does that one moment define the man? Is this why Yahweh created hyim? For this partcular moment where he is given a choice? He may have countless sins,, but Yahweh does not judge as man judges. I hope and pray He gives these men—and all of us—a chance to redeem ourselves, despite poor choices made earlier in our lives! Be compassionate, O Lord, on all of Your people!”

“Oh, Katherine!” Naomi cried as the pain returned, “Can I still have hope as I pray for Menemah?”

“Pray often for the repose of his soul." Katherine assured her. "I have no doubts”

The two women reached the Temple Mount only to find it virtually empty.

“What kind of mischief have my children gotten into? And where are they?” Katherine complained. “Please tell me they are not in danger!”

“We won’t give up until we find them!” Naomi vowed.

At the marketplace, Katherine’s fears were becoming a reality.

As Ro’i concluded his stories about his knowledge of Y'shua's life through the years, Stephanus watched as a young couple entered the marketplace from the street. The father carried a child— perhaps eighteen moons old, but no older than two full seasons—while the mother cradled a much younger one no more than two or three moons. A third child trailed behind, surely three to four seasons old.

The parents were arguing loudly with a street vendor over the costs of goods.

Suddenly, Stephanus realized the toddler at their side had wandered off, lost in the crowds.

“All loving Yahweh! Be merciful to this lost child!” Stephanus prayed silently as he leaped from his seat. Ro’i calmed him, grabbing his forearm.

He had seen it too. With a sharp, short whistle, Ro'i sent his faithful companion Strider into action. The dog located the child, preventing him from entering the street, and herded the little lamb back to his preoccupied parents. The mother spun around—suddenly aware her boy may have wandered—only to breath a sigh of relief when she saw him safe beside the dog.

“Oh, Adam! How nice! You found yourself a friend!” Stephanus laughed aloud, finding the scene both remarkable and amusing. Ro’i winked in approval as Strider returned to his side.

“He does it for a living!” He said with a smile.

Stephanus shuttered to think what danger the child might have faced with the busy streets. With the Feast of Unleavened Bread underway, the city teamed with people lingering after news about Y’shua’s arrest. Human traffickers, deviants, kidnappers, and slave traders made the world a perilous place for a lone toddler in the city of Jerusalem.

The couple—still flushed from their dispute with the merchant—approached the three of them seated in the market.

“Your dog is such a friendly companion!” the mother stated, unaware of the near tragedy.

Ro’i avoided praising Strider’s instincts. He addressed Akakios and Stephanus, “Our Father in heaven saw what happened, I do not need man's approval.”

Akakios and Stephanus followed his lead and let it go.

Ro'i invited the couple and their children to join them. Akakios and Stephanus stood respectfully so the family could sit on the mat with their three young boys.

The father introduced himself as Ariel, his wife Mirium, and our children, Adam (the oldest) Benjamin (the middle), and Katriel (the youngest, held by his mother).

“Have you heard any news about Y’shua?” They asked?

“Pontius Pilate will hold a trial in the Praetorium courtyard, between the forth and fifth hour." Ro'i informed them. "Then we'll know more.”

Mirium expressed her worry for Y’shua, “I am so afraid for Him!” Ariel shared her worry.

Mirium continued, “It is hard to believe that it has already been three years!”

“Three years?” Akakios inquired.

“Yes—three years since our marriage covenant at Cana, in the church of Kefr’ Kenna, when Y’shua, His mother, and the apostles were our guests.” Martha eyes filled with memory. “It was miraculous! I was in tears when so many arrived to celebrate our union—tears of joy, and at the same time, tears of worry and embarrassment. I couldn’t tell which ruled me.

We were unprepared for the crowd! Both Ariel and I are from humble families, so our wine ran out quickly, and we had no money to buy more. But Y’shua’s mother, Maryam, saw my distress, and said she would speak with Him.

I asked her what she meant, but she either didn’t hear me, or chose not to answer. The next thing I knew six large water jugs in the hall held over 180 gallons of wine! Then, the head steward came, thanking us for saving the "good" wine for "later" in the celebration! It is still unimaginable—we became the recipients of such a holy miracle! Instead of disaster, we had a blessed celebration!”

“We knew Y’shua from Nazareth, growing up together." Ariel added. "He always led our village outings and demanded fairness in games. But as soon as Mirium and I were betrothed, we became His first two disciples, and devoted followers. We've heard Him speak often, His message of love has touched our lives and family. Our hearts break at his arrest! We fear greatly, knowing how the High Priest and Sanhedrin oppose Him.”

Ariel explained, “We're a common sight wherever Y'shua travels and teaches. Because of that, the authorities watch us closely. They want to silence Him—and now they seek his apostles. It's rumored that one of the apostles was captured, but miraculously escaped. He's injured and in hiding, needing some care. We have bargained for the supplies, but need a way to get them to him? Any ideas?"

"You mean argued for, don't you?" Akakios teased.

"All in a day's work!" Ariel smiled. "So, what do you say?"

"Perhaps, Shepherd, you could help?" Mirium pleaded. "Or do you know of anyone who could?”

Ro’i shrugged, unsure.  "I am like you." Ro'i ventured to say. "and have followed Y'shua having met with him several times through the years. No, what we need is someone who would not arouse suspicion. Someone invisible, so to speak."

Funny how all heads turned and looked at us! Stephanus thought with a surprised expression.