A Story of God and All of Us

PART EIGHT

BETRAYAL

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It is the week before Passover, that holy day that marks the time in Jewish history when its people were spared from death and led out of slavery from Egypt. Ironically, they celebrate their freedom from past oppressors, while suffering under the yoke of new pagan masters--the Romans. It seems to never end.

Right now, even as all of Israel prepares to celebrate this most important and sacred occasion, one very select group of pilgrims is making their way to Jerusalem. Jesus walks at the front of the single-file line, leading his disciples and Mary Magdalene.

They are not alone on the dusty road leading into the city. Thousands of people walk dutifully in from the countryside and desert--children on their parents' shoulders, the elderly. Men pushing handcarts, women leading the family donkeys. Now and again the crowd parts to let Roman soldiers through, knowing that to obstruct their path might lead to a sudden act of brutality.

One family's cart has a broken wheel, and the cart is blocking the road. The wife grasps their small children and the husband desperately rushes to get the cart off the road before it blocks the oncoming Romans, but the columns of legionnaires are forced to come to a halt. Their commander, a decisive man named Antonius, takes control. "Throw it down the bank," he barks.

Everything the family owns is loaded on that cart, but the Romans follow orders and shove it into a ditch. The wife cries softy. The children wail as their precious belongings are strewn over the hillside. Then the couple notices one of their children isn't moving. The cart has fallen on their youngest daughter, and she lies crushed by its weight. As the devastated 260

parents cradle their dead baby, the legionnaires move on. They don't even notice.

The pilgrims know this is no ordinary group of soldiers. There are too many of them, their shields and breastplates are highly polished, and they march with a precision and snap not usually seen in the Jerusalem garrison. They watch as Antonius gallops his horse down the line to a regal figure on riding a black stallion. It's Pontius Pilate. This impressive procession is made up of his handpicked soldiers. Their job is to protect him and serve him. They will



stop at nothing to ensure Pilate's safety.

"What's the delay this time?" Pilate impatiently asks Antonius.

"A broken cart, sir. We pushed it off the road."

"These filthy people and their wretched festival," Pilate responds. "Every year it's the same thing. I'd outlaw the thing if only Rome would allow me."

Pilate is returning to Jerusalem to take personal control of the city. As governor of this remote Roman province, it's his duty to maintain order during this potentially explosive period.

"How much longer?" asks Pilate's wife, Claudia. She rides alone in a horse-drawn sedan, fanning herself to keep cool in the midday heat.

"We'll soon be there," replies Pilate. The sedan jerks forward as the procession resumes its progress.

Claudia peeks out between the curtains. All she can see are horses' rumps and polished shields. She sighs and leans back, hating every minute of the journey to Jerusalem. Oh, that she could be back in Caesarea, lounging in her favorite chair. She hears wailing and sees the hysterical cart owner cradling his dead, bloodied child. Claudia, a believer in omens, recoils at the sight. Clearly it's a very bad omen to start to their time in Jerusalem by killing an innocent child. "Nothing good will come of this," she mumbles, trying to shut the image out of her head.

For Jesus, however, the week is off to a rousing start. The people of Jerusalem have heard about him for years, and they now celebrate his triumphal

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entry into their city. He rides a donkey, which is most unusual for a man who walks everywhere, but it is the traditional way a king would come to visit his subjects if he came in peace. Hundreds of people line his path, throwing palm branches onto the ground to carpet the road. They chant "Hosanna,"

which means "save us," for even more than a spiritual teacher, these people hope that Jesus is the new King of the Jews. They believe he has come to save them from the Romans. "Hosanna," they chant. "Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna, hosanna." The roar is deafening, and Jesus acknowledges them



all with a smile and a wave. The disciples walk on either side of him, somewhat dazzled by the excitement. This is their payoff for three years of sleeping on the ground and tramping through backwater fishing villages.

Tonight they will sleep in a nice bed, eat a hot meal, and wash. The welcome is overwhelming for the disciples. This first big test of Jesus'

popularity since he left Galilee is a success far beyond any expectation.

"Look at all the people," marvels Mary Magdalene.

"I never, in my wildest dreams, thought we would ever see something like this," John agrees.

Thomas can't believe what he's seeing, and even Peter, that most practical of al men, is dazzled. "This," he gasps, "is incredible."

It is also audacious. Jesus has chosen to make his entry into Jerusalem on the donkey because scripture foretells that the King of the Jews will enter Jerusalem as a humble man riding on a donkey. The symbolism is not lost on the crowd, who know their scripture well.

"It is written!" they cry in the midst of their hosannas, clapping and chanting and waving palm fronds as a sign of fealty. Their faces are alight with hope as they imagine the day when they will throw off the Roman yoke. This is the One, the man who will bring a new peaceful age, free from poverty and suffering.

Peter acts as a human shield as the crowd grows more and more fanatic. He is fearful that someone will be trampled under the donkey's hooves.

"Hosanna! Hosanna!"

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"Save us! Save us!"

It is written.

"Hosanna."

"A donkey?" Caiaphas, leader of the Sanhedrin, fumes when a servant tells him of Jesus' mode of transportation.

The elders of the Temple stand with him, shaking their heads. Jesus' arrival represents a direct challenge to the Jewish authorities. Claims that Jesus is the Messiah have outraged and incensed the Sanhedrin, the Sadducees, and the Pharisees. Only they can anoint the new Messiah, and this carpenter from Nazareth is clearly not such a man.

" 'See your king comes to you,' " Caiaphas sarcastically quotes from scripture. " 'Triumphant and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey.' "

The elders say nothing.

"And where is he headed?" Caiaphas asks the servant.

The servant lowers his head. What he's about to say next will not be the words that Caiaphas or the elders want to hear.

"The Temple," he says.

"The Temple!"

One of the elders, a man named Nicodemus, quotes another verse: " 'To lead his people to victory and throw out the oppressors.' "

"The crowds," Caiaphas demands of the servant. "How are they responding?"

The servant's name is Malchus. He had hoped to impress the Sanhedrin by racing to tell them Jesus' whereabouts. Yet it seems that every word that comes from his mouth is just another variation of bad news. So he says nothing.

Caiaphas knows precisely what that means. He paces animatedly. "And the Romans," he says, worried now. "Have they made a move against this man yet?"

Malchus shakes his head.

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"Not yet," says a concerned Caiaphas, who remembers only too well the massacre of his people. "We don't need Pilate feeling threatened, or intervening in this situation, particularly during Passover. If we have a repeat of those executions there's no telling what kind of anarchy will erupt."

Nicodemus agrees. "Last time Pilate felt threatened, hundreds of Jews were



killed by the Romans," he says, stating what everyone in the room knows all too well.

Caiaphas nods to Nicodemus. "Go with Malchus. If he enters the Temple, you watch him. I want to know every move he makes."

Jesus urges his donkey on toward the Temple's outer wall. Peter, John, and the other disciples quicken their pace to keep up. The crowd continues chanting as they part to let Jesus through. The apostles grow tense as they realize that the people are expecting amazing things from Jesus. This time it's not miracles, but a complete revitalization of Israel. "It is written," voices cry out from the crowd. "He will be called 'Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.' "

Jesus would normally shy away from such profound benedictions. Instead, much to the apostle's shock, he is riding straight for the heart of his own people's national identity: the Temple of Jerusalem. This can mean just one thing: the situation is about to explode. John scans the crowd nervously and sees for the first time that their actions are being monitored. He sees the hard eyes of spies and messengers, their faces bereft of the joy possessed by so many others in the crowd. Peter's eyes dart from face to face. He sees Nicodemus in his priestly robes, strategically analyzing their progress. Then, as he glances down a side street, Peter's heart sinks at the sight of Roman soldiers following them on foot.

A manic thug bursts from the crowd. His name is Barabbas, and as he leaps directly in front of Jesus, he yells the word "Messiah." He does not speak with reverence. Rather, he taunts Jesus, forcing Peter to move

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quickly to protect Jesus. He grabs at Barabbas's robe, which falls back to reveal the hilt of a long knife.

But Barabbas is too strong for even the rugged Peter. He shakes him off and gets close to Jesus. "If you're the Messiah, then confront the Roman scum.

Prove it." All Jews want freedom from Roman rule, but anarchists like Barabbas believe that God wants them to use violence to attain this goal.

"Make us free," he challenges Jesus, even as Peter once again tries to intervene.

Peter, John, and Thomas work together to form a human shield. "We come



in peace," says Peter.

Barabbas looks directly at Jesus, whose serene eyes lock with his. Then Barabbas stops talking, as if mesmerized. He lowers his gaze and steps back into the crowd. He doesn't know what has affected him, but he feels Jesus' gentle power.

At last Jesus reaches the temple. He dismounts from the donkey and begins climbing the staircase to the Temple's outer gate. Not even his disciples know what he will do next.

The Romans are watching his every move. One wrong step will surely prove fatal for this Jesus. They saw Barabbas, a known revolutionary, approach Jesus. Ready as always to crush any sign of political dissent, the Romans wonder whether or not Jesus might be a coconspirator. But there are no Romans inside the Temple complex as Jesus enters. The great palace of worship is filled with Temple officials and money changers. The mood is tense, a stark contrast to the reception Jesus enjoyed just moments ago. The disciples are concerned that things could get out of hand. This is a time to remain completely calm, not upsetting anyone or otherwise inviting trouble.

Jesus reaches the outer court of the great Jerusalem Temple complex--the Court of the Gentiles, as it is known. He walks ahead of the disciples. There is purpose to his every footfall and a determination in his eyes.

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"Now what happens?" Peter asks.

"I don't know," answers John.

Judas is frightened. "I don't like the looks of this," he says in a hushed voice.

His fascination with being a disciple has been wearing thin lately, and he's not as eager as the others to lay down their lives for Jesus.

"Stay together and we'll be fine," Mary Magdalene adds firmly.

All around them, the great court is filled with human activity. Lambs, doves, and goats are for sale, and their sounds and smells add to the human cacophony. There is the familiar clink of coins being counted and changing hands. The climax of Passover is a ritual animal sacrifice. Poor pilgrims traveling into Jerusalem from all over Israel must part with their hard-earned money to buy the animals. But their coins bear images of Roman emperors or Greek gods, images that are thought to be idolatrous by the Temple priests. So pilgrims must change all coins into temple currency. A portion of the proceeds from the exchange goes to the Temple authorities, part goes in taxes to the Romans, and the rest is pocketed by the corrupt moneylenders, who prey on the pilgrims by charging more than the law allows for making the currency exchange.

The disciples stay close as Jesus stops walking and studies al that is going on around him. His face and eyes are the picture of sadness. He sees more than just animals and money changers: an old man being shooed away by an angry moneylender, a poor family trying to buy a lamb but having only enough for doves, a frail old woman being jostled, and a lost little girl crying.

The commotion makes it impossible for anyone to engage in devout prayer.

Jesus' face clouds with anger and resentment. He walks calmly toward the stall where the moneylenders have set up shop. Coins are piled on the tables. Their hands are dirty from counting money. They banter with one another. Jesus grabs the table edge with two hands and flips it over. Then he goes on to the next table and does the same. All heads in the Temple court turn to the sound of spilling coins, and onlookers immediately race to scoop up the fallen money. "What are you doing?" shrieks one money changer.

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"Rabbi!" Judas pleads, scooping up some coins in his palm. "No!"

But Jesus is not done. He cannot be stopped. On to the next table.

Jesus flips another table, which bounces against a birdcage and sets loose a flock of doves.

Judas sees a band of Roman soldiers lining up like riot police near the entrance to the Temple complex. "Jesus! Please!" Judas pleads. He doesn't have the stomach for Jesus' brand of revolution. Judas wants to be safe and protected. He fears he will be thrown into prison along with Jesus and all the disciples. Unlike the other disciples, he is an educated man who knows the way of the big city. "If only you would listen to me," laments Judas.

But Jesus doesn't listen to Judas. He isn't listening to anyone. Another table gets flipped.

"Why?" asks one vendor, disconsolate about all his earnings scattered about the Temple floor. "Why have you done this?"

"Is it not written?"

"What on earth could you possibly mean?"

"Is it not written?" Jesus repeats, but this time in a booming voice that echoes throughout the chamber. In an instant, the entire court is silent.

"My house... My house shall be called a house of prayer," Jesus continues.

"But you have turned it into a den of thieves."

Peter and John hold back the angry merchants as they attempt to punish Jesus, who has finished this task and is marching out of the court. In his wake are tipped tables, angry traders, and a scene of total chaos.

Nicodemus from the Sanhedrin steps forward. Judas is so impressed by his expensive robes that he almost trips over himself in his hurry to bow down to the temple elder.

"Who are you to tell us this? How dare you. It is we who interpret God's law--

not you."

"You're more like snakes than teachers of the law," Jesus replies in a heated tone.

Nicodemus is beyond shocked. "Wait. You can't say that! We uphold the law. We serve God."

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"No," Jesus replies. "You pray lofty prayers. You strut about the Temple, impressed by your own piety. But you are just hypocrites."

Nicodemus is stunned. Men of his rank are simply not spoken to in this manner.

Jesus reaches out and gently lifts the fine material of Nicodemus' robe, rubbing the fine threads between his fingers. "It is much harder for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God than it is for a camel to go through the eye of a needle," Jesus tells him, letting go of the robe.

Everyone in the temple has heard Jesus' words. The Jewish pilgrims who have traveled so far to be here for Passover are inspired by such a



courageous stance against the rich and powerful men of the religious establishment, who have oppressed their own people as much as the Romans have. Only they've used threats and God's law to control the people instead of brute force.

Nicodemus looks about uneasily. He feels trapped. The crowd is definitely on Jesus' side. At the far end of the chamber, he sees the Roman soldiers prepared to move in if the situation gets out of hand. Such an intervention would further discredit the Temple elders and Sanhedrin, so Nicodemus says nothing as Jesus strolls away. He will deal with Jesus another day.

Nicodemus notices that one of the disciples, Judas, seems more impressed by the ways of the Temple than by Jesus. He calmly eyes the man, and is rewarded with a deferential gaze.

"Messiah," the crowd chants spontaneously, as Jesus continues on his way out of the Temple. "Messiah!"

Jesus shows no fear as he walks past the line of Roman soldiers at the entrance, their shields braced for signs of trouble.

Jesus' actions in the Temple have confirmed Caiaphas's worst fears. He and a handful of elders have been watching the action from a balcony high above the Temple floor. The chant of the crowd still vibrates

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throughout the great chamber long after Jesus has left. The people have been energized by Jesus. That makes the elders very nervous.

"This is outrageous," fumes Caiaphas. He normally prides himself on his stoic behavior, preferring to come across as unruffled and untroubled at all times. So for his peers to see Caiaphas looking upset is extremely troubling.

A slightly breathless Nicodemus comes up the steps and joins them.

"You weren't much help," says Caiaphas.

"He's clever," Nicodemus counters. "The crowd worships him. There's something unusual about him that is easy for people to draw near."

"There's absolutely nothing unusual about him," Caiaphas snaps. "Except



for his ability to create havoc."

Caiaphas turns back to view the scene. Just in time to see one of the disciples approach his favorite servant, Malchus. There is an exchange between them. At first Caiaphas fears that their words will be angry, but whatever this particular disciple is saying surprises Malchus. The two clearly reach an agreement and then part ways. As the disciple hurries to catch up with Jesus, Malchus cranes his head upward to where Caiaphas stands.

The look on his face is all Caiaphas needs to see. Judas will betray Jesus.

Caiaphas turns to the elders. "We may have found a way to deal with this Jesus."

As he leaves the temple, Jesus is followed by the disciples, a crowd of excited new followers, and a few Jewish elders who want to know more about Jesus' teachings. Malchus trails far behind, working as Caiaphas's spy.

Jesus leads this unlikely procession of old friends, new friends, elders, and a spy down the Temple steps, then suddenly stops, turns, and faces them.

Malchus does his best to appear as if he's there accidentally, but his purpose is now clear.

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Jesus ignores him. Instead, despite the huge crowd, he speaks to his disciples as if no one else is there. "Do you see this great building?" he tells them. "I tell you that not one stone of this place will be left standing."

Peter and John look at one another. Did Jesus really say what they thought he said? Is he really threatening to destroy the Temple?

A Jewish elder has heard Jesus' words and questions him. "Who are you to say these things?"

Jesus continues talking to his disciples: "Destroy this Temple and I will build it again in three days."

"But it took forty-six years to build," replies the shocked elder. "How is this possible?"



Jesus doesn't answer him. He abruptly turns and continues on his way, leaving his disciples scratching their heads about what Jesus means by his comments.

"What does he mean?" asks the one they call Thomas, the one who is constantly so doubtful. "Destroy the Temple? I don't get it."

John has a gift for vision and insight that is unparalleled among the disciples. "He's saying that we don't need a stone temple to worship in. He will be our access to God."

"Really?" Thomas questions him, once again showing his unerring ability to question every little fact.

With that, John and Thomas hurry to catch up with Jesus.

Pontius Pilate's Jerusalem residence is far more sumptuous than his home in Caesarea, which is a good thing, because he rarely feels comfortable venturing outside when he's in Jerusalem. The city is totally Jewish, which is in stark contrast to the Roman design and Roman population of Caesarea.

He feels like a complete foreigner when in Jerusalem, living in a smal world with a completely different set of rules and way of life.

As Pilate and his wife Claudia take lunch on the veranda, Antonius, his 270

top military commander, enters and salutes. News of Jesus' confrontation with the money changers spread through Jerusalem in a matter of minutes, but it's only now that Pilate is about to hear of Jesus for the first time.

"We are eating," barks Pilate.

"So sorry to bother you, sir. But a Jew has been causing trouble in the Temple."

"You interrupt our meal for that?"

"Sir, he attacked the money changers and said he will destroy the Temple."

Pilate laughs. It is the first time Antonius has ever seen Pilate laugh, and the sight makes him uncomfortable. "He has a very large number of supporters,"





Antonius hastens to add.

Pilate's smile disappears. "What's his name?" he asks.

"They call him Jesus of Nazareth."

This catches Claudia's attention. "My servants talk about him," she says.

Pilate looks at her quizzically and then back to Antonius. He has made up his mind. "This Jesus is Caiaphas's business, not mine. But keep your eye on these crowds following him. If they get out of hand, I will shut down the Temple, festival or no festival.

"I mean it."

Caiaphas and the high priests are gathered, discussing the situation with Nicodemus, his servant Malchus, and his handpicked group of elders.

"He said what?" asks an incredulous Caiaphas.

Malchus is the first to reply: "That he would destroy the Temple."

"I am shocked. He claims to be a man of God, and then says he plans to destroy the House of our Lord?"

Caiaphas remains silent, steadying himself against the shock waves pounding his body. This is far worse than he thought. Finally, he speaks.

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"We must act fast. Very fast. But with care. We cannot arrest him openly. His supporters will riot, and then Pontius Pilate will crack down." Caiaphas pauses, thinking through a new plan. "We must arrest him quietly at night.

Before Passover. Malchus, what was the name of that friend of his, the one who approached you?"

"Judas, High Priest?"

"Yes, Judas. Bring him here. Discreetly."

Malchus nods and makes a hasty exit.

Jesus and his disciples camp on the hillside of the Mount of Olives, surrounded by pilgrims who have made their way to Jerusalem for the Holy Day. Smoke from the many campfires rises into the evening sky, and row upon row of tents cover the hill. Jesus drinks water from a small stream, as Peter tries in vain to gather the disciples to have a discussion.

"Has anyone seen Judas?" Peter asks aloud.

They all shake their heads. Jesus looks to Peter but doesn't offer an answer.

A figure steps out of the coming darkness and cautiously approaches Jesus.

"Judas," Peter calls, seeing a shadow by the olive trees, "is that you?"

A man whose face is covered by a hood steps into the light of the campfire.

He wears a discreet cloak covering his temple robes. When he pulls back his hood, the face of Nicodemus is revealed. Nicodemus is a member of the Sanhedrin and a Pharisee, but he has come down under the cover of night to see for himself what Jesus is about.

"What are you doing here?" Thomas demands.

"I think you're lost, sir," adds John. A man of Nicodemus' position would never normally associate with ordinary people.

Nicodemus appears tense, but then Jesus steps forward. "Welcome," he says warmly.

The Temple elder is clearly troubled. He turns over thoughts and well-prepared speeches in his mind, unsure of where to begin explaining 272

why he has come. But Jesus' kind welcome disarms him, and he joins Jesus by the fire.

A full moon shines down through the olive grove. Nicodemus starts: "Rabbi, they say you can perform miracles. That you have seen the Kingdom of God."

"You, too, can see the Kingdom of God," Jesus tells him. "But you must be born again."

"Born again. Whatever do you mean? How is that possible? Surely we



cannot enter our mother's womb a second time."

"You must be reborn--though not in the flesh, but of water and spirit. That which is born of flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the spirit is spirit."

A sudden wind blow Jesus' hair across his face and rustles the tree branches. Nicodemus looks up into the branches. When he looks back he sees that Jesus is staring at him intently.

"The wind blows where it wishes," he tells Nicodemus. "You hear its sound but don't know where it comes from, or where it goes. So it is when the spirit enters you. Believe in me, Nicodemus, and you will have eternal life."

"Believe in you?"

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life."

Nicodemus is torn. Could this be the Messiah? Or is this just another false messiah, a deluded individual claiming to be God?

Jesus knows his thoughts. "Everyone who does evil hates the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But those who live by the truth come into the light."

Nicodemus feels a great peace wash over him. The moonlight shines brightly, and the breeze blows gently.

Judas skulks in the shadows, his head and face covered with a hood. He is on his way to meet Caiaphas, and he knows it would be disastrous

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if he were seen. At the entrance to Caiaphas's palace Judas removes the hood so that the Temple guards will allow him to enter. Judas is led into Caiaphas's inner sanctum, where he immediately feels ill at ease.

"One cannot deny that he has followers," Caiaphas begins. "Especially among the less-educated elements of our society. But you, Judas... why, you intrigue me. You don't seem to be one of them. Why follow this man?"

"I can't explain Jesus to you. He has power. It's hard to put into words."



"Power to stir things up? Or, perhaps, to cause trouble?"

Judas looks embarrassed. "He says things... things that other people don't even think, let alone speak."

"Things like destroying the Temple?" Caiaphas reasons.

Judas is extremely uneasy. "Well, I suppose that if he was the Son of God-- if

--then he could truly destroy the Temple. But why would he abuse the House of God? Surely the true Messiah would seek to unify Israel, not divide it?"

"Maybe we should just talk, he and I? Straighten things out."

"Jesus won't come here."

"Judas, your friend Jesus doesn't know--he can't possibly know--where all this will lead. If the Romans step in, the slaughter will be beyond belief. They have done it before, and they can do it again. It will be the end of our Temple--and possibly even our faith. Do you want that?"

Judas remains silent as the high priest continues his argument.

"It's important that you help," says Caiaphas. "A friend like you could lead him here--discreetly, of course."

And now the high priest gazes straight into Judas's eyes as he delivers his summation. "Help him, Judas. Help your friend. Save him from himself while you still can."

"And if I do? What's in it for me?"

If Caiaphas had any doubts that Judas's initial approach was one of 274

betrayal, those doubts have immediately vanished. Caiaphas reaches over to a table, on which rests a small purse. He holds up the purse.

Judas swallows hard. This is a moment of choice. "I'll do it," he says. He grabs the bag, and the silver coins clink inside.

Jesus returns to the Temple the next day, performing miracles and preaching to the crowds. The Jerusalem crowds swell. The people are liberated and energized by his words, and use the term Messiah almost casually, as if it is an acknowledged fact that Jesus is Lord. The groundswell of popular support, particularly during Passover, terrifies the high priests and the Temple guards. At all costs, they must avoid a riot. They know what Pilate would do, for this would be viewed as a revolution. But the religious authorities cannot stop Jesus. He's too beloved, too charismatic, and too authentic for them to make a move against him.

The same cannot be said for Pontius Pilate. The fervor of the crowds at the Temple are unlike anything he's ever seen, and he's sure that the situation is about to explode into full-scale rebellion against Rome. He calls High Priest Caiaphas to his palace and makes it all quite clear: "Stop the disturbances or the Temple will be shut down. There will be no Passover." The rage with which Pilate speaks the words is a reminder that he is more than just a random administrator, sent by Rome to govern the Jews. He is a soldier, a physical man of action who thinks nothing of spil ing blood. His disdain for the Jews is complete, so giving the order to slaughter and crucify those guilty of dissent will be an easy decision for him to make. Pilate is the law in Israel.

Caiaphas and the priests owe their power to him, and him alone.

Caiaphas heads straight to his priests, then addresses the subject that is on all their minds. "We can't wait any longer. It's almost Passover. We must arrest this troublemaker--this false messiah--tonight."

"And how do we know he is a false messiah?" asks Nicodemus.

The room grows stone silent.

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Caiaphas resists the urge to berate Nicodemus in front of the others. "Has he fulfilled any of the signs of a true messiah, as it is written in our laws?" he asks coolly.

Nicodemus remains quiet. There is no sense arguing with Caiaphas.

"Well, Nicodemus," Caiaphas sputters. "Has he?"

Nicodemus holds his tongue. There's so much that he wants to say, and so many points he would like to debate, but not in front of the Temple authorities.

"He must be tried by our laws," Caiaphas demands. "Either we eliminate this



one man, or the Romans will step in and destroy everything we have worked our entire lives for."

Nicodemus can't believe his ears. "Eliminate? Are you talking about executing this man?"

"What is the life of one deluded peasant when our people's lives are at stake?" Caiaphas asks, as he walks off leaving a stunned Nicodemus alone in the huge chamber.

On the other side of Jerusalem, the streets are calm and the night air cool, as Peter and Judas approach a small home and knock on the door.

"What does he want us for?" asks Judas.

"He wants us to take supper," Peter tells him.

"To eat together? Before Passover? That's strange."

The door opens. Mary Magdalene answers. She warmly welcomes them

inside. "Everyone's upstairs," she tells them, motioning up with one arm.

Mary remains downstairs as the disciples climb the stairs and enter a small room. A single long, low dining table fills the space. There is a place for each of the twelve disciples to sit.

"Rabbi," Judas asks Jesus, who seems to have something weighing heavy on his mind. "Why do you want to share a meal today?"

Jesus looks at him, and then looks around the room at the other disciples, but does not reply.

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The group prays together, asking that God bless their meal and their fellowship. The unleavened bread in front of them is hot from the oven, and its fresh-baked smell fills the room. After the prayer, the disciples relax, reclining on cushions, tearing off pieces of bread. But before they can eat, Jesus stuns them with devastating news.

"This will be our last meal together," he says calmly.

They all look at Jesus, thick pieces of bread clutched in their fingers.

"What about Passover?" Judas asks a little too quickly.

"I will be dead before Passover," Jesus replies.

Stunned silence.

"What do you mean?" demands Peter.

Jesus doesn't answer, but John leans forward and whispers in Peter's ear.

"Do you remember that discussion on the road to Jerusalem, where he prophesied that he would be betrayed, arrested, and condemned to death?"

John doesn't need to continue. Peter remembers. The thought fills him with dread.

Peter has given up everything to follow Jesus, and he has been as loyal as any man can be. The thought that Jesus might die crushes Peter's spirit and pierces his heart.

"Don't worry," Jesus commands them. "Trust in God. Trust in me, also. You already know the way to where I am going."

Thomas is close to tears. "We don't know where you are going. How can we know the way?"

"But Thomas, I am the way. I am the way, the truth, and the life."

The disciples are not all educated men. Like Peter, most of them made their living with their hands, and attended school only long enough to learn the basics. So this concept that Jesus is introducing is hard for them to comprehend.

Then Jesus makes it even more confusing. He tears off a piece of bread and hands it to John. "This is my body," he tells them all. "Take of it and eat."

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John has tears streaming own his cheeks, but he understands. He opens his mouth and Jesus places a morsel of the bread on his tongue.

Then Jesus raises a cup of wine. "This is my blood. I will shed my blood so that your sins may be forgiven."

Bread and wine pass from hand to hand around the room. "Remember me by doing this. Soon I will go to be with the Father, but when you eat my bread and drink from my cup, you proclaim my Glory, and I am with you always."

Judas tears off a piece of bread. Thoughts of his thirty pieces of silver dance through his mind. He is torn when he vaguely hears Jesus tell the disciples to "love one another, as I have loved you." Judas snaps back to attention when Jesus shares a new morsel of information.

"But now I must tell you," Jesus says, as the disciples pay close attention,

"one of you here in this room will betray me."

The wine is passed to Judas. He struggles to keep his composure, his eyes now riveted on Jesus.

"Who is it?" asks John. "Which one of us would do such a thing?"

Jesus tears off a piece of bread and passes it. "Whoever eats this will betray me."

All the disciples stare, transfixed, as the piece of bread is passed to Judas.

"It's not me," Judas protests, holding the bread in his hand, but not eating.

"Surely, I would never betray you, Lord."

Jesus' eyes stay fixed on Judas. Looking straight back at him, Judas takes the bread. He eats it and shudders.

The disciples are all staring at him with a look of pure horror.

"Do it quickly," Jesus commands Judas.

Terrified, Judas scrambles to his feet and makes for the door. A disgusted Peter chases after him, not sure whether he will beat Judas to within an inch of his life or merely follow to make sure that Judas does not carry out this betrayal.

But Jesus calls Peter back. "Peter, leave him. You will all fall away. Even you, Peter."

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"Never, Lord. I am loyal. I would never betray you."

"Peter," Jesus tells him, "before the cock crows at dawn you will have denied knowing me three times."

Before Peter can protest, Jesus rises to his feet. "Come. Let us all leave."

Caiaphas stands tall in his palace with anxious Nicodemus. The high priest is in a calm and deliberate mood, while Nicodemus is deeply troubled by what is about to happen. The law says that a man must be tried in the light of day, yet Caiaphas clearly wants to condemn Jesus this very night.

"Judas is bringing him to us before dawn," says Caiaphas.

"But the law does not allow it," insists Nicodemus. "A trial must be held in daylight!"

"And does our law allow riots? Does our law invite Romans to spill Jewish blood? You were there. You heard what Pilate said."

Judas bursts into the room.

"Where is he?" Caiaphas asks.

"I don't know." Caiaphas fixes a stare on him, and he admits, "But I do know where he is going."

Caiaphas points to Malchus. "Lead my servant to him."

As Malchus leads Judas from the room, Nicodemus confronts Caiaphas.

"Why would he come here?"

"Oh, he will come, Nicodemus. One way or another, he will stand before me tonight and account for his lies and acts of rebellion."

Torchlight flickers on Judas's face as Malchus, Caiaphas's servant, and ten men armed with clubs and swords walk with Judas. Judas is in way over his head, but even if he had doubts, it's far too late for that. The rogue disciple has no choice but to lead them to Jesus. He is on his way to Gethsemane.

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"Where are we going?" asks Malchus.

"The garden," Judas says glumly. "We're going to the garden."

The Garden of Gethsemane is deserted, save for Jesus and his disciples, who knows the time to leave his disciples, and this world, is fast approaching. He has spent the last hour in fervent prayer, but if the disciples are anxious about Jesus, they have an odd way of showing it--curled up on the ground, fast asleep.

"The spirit is willing, but the body is weak. Wake up," Jesus demands after observing them for a moment. He needs them to bear witness. "Stay awake.

The hour is at hand."

Peter has tucked a long dagger into his belt. He double-checks to make sure it is there, making quiet plans to put it to good use should anyone attack Jesus.

Jesus leaves them, walking slowly back up the hill, once again to be alone with his Father. He knows Judas is almost here, leading a group of men who will arrest him by force. To endure what is about to take place, Jesus needs strength. As he arrives atop the hill, he immediately falls to his knees in prayer, presses his forehead into the dusty ground, clasps his hands together, and prays: "Father, if You are willing, take this cup from me. Yet not my will, but Yours be done." He is beset by confusion because he is both human and divine. Sweat falls from his brow as if it were great drops of blood pooling in the dirt. He is wracked with human fear of the horrific beatings and great pain he will soon experience. He will die a human death and after three days, his body--the Temple--will be raised from the dead, so that all humankind can be saved from the penalty of death. The divine Jesus knows, but the human Jesus questions and fears. Those three days seem so far away. The earthly Jesus pleads for God to spare him the suffering and death, a form of temptation, similar to when Satan tempted him in the desert three years ago. Indeed, Satan now lurks in the garden, watching Jesus cling to the hope that his life might be spared.

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Jesus hears the sound of an approaching mob. Their torches light the base of the hill, and their manic voices cut through the night. Jesus' head is still bowed, as he now prays for the strength to carry out God's plan. Sweat continues to fall. Now that God's will is confirmed, resolve washes over him.

Not peace, for what he is about to endure cannot bring the gentle calm of peace, just resolve. "Your will, Father, is mine."

Jesus rises from his knees and stands alone in the grove of olive trees. His disciples suddenly burst over the rise and surround him protectively. A line of torches looms in the darkness, marching steadily toward Jesus.

"The time has come," Jesus says to everyone and no one.

Judas steps forth and kneels down behind Jesus, as if in prayer. Then he leans in and kisses Jesus on the cheek.

Jesus does not feel anger or contempt. He tells Judas, "Judas, you betray the son of man with a kiss?" Jesus understands that Judas's role is necessary for God's plan to be fulfilled.

A furious Peter draws his dagger and races toward Judas, who tries in vain to escape. Peter stabs at him, but misses. Malchus arrives with the Temple guard, and Peter swipes the knife, severing Malchus' ear. "Run, Jesus,"

Peter yells. "Run while you can!"

Malchus spins away in pain, blood flowing down the side of his face. His severed ear falls to the ground, as a circle of torches surrounds Jesus and the disciples. Jesus calmly lifts Malchus' severed ear from the ground and reaches for his bloody head. Malchus flinches, as if Jesus means to hit him.

He is caught off guard when Jesus defies his defensive stance and gently touches his wound. When Jesus pulls his hand away, Malchus is stunned and confused that the few moments of indescribable pain are like a momentary dream. His ear is healed.

"Take him away!" a guard shouts, as Malchus stands stunned, fingering his ear.

"Jesus," moans Peter.

"It is my Father's will, Peter. It must happen this way."

A horrified Peter watches as Jesus is shoved forward, grasped on both 281

arms by strong men and surrounded by a half-dozen others, hooded, and



dragged off.

The terrified disciples run off into the night, knowing their lives are on the line, fearing they will soon be arrested. Only Peter ignores John's pleas to come with him, and instead of running, he surreptitiously follows the line of torches down the hillside, desperate to see where Jesus is being taken.

Judas trails behind, as if in a trance, on the long walk in from the olive groves.

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