This episode, in a sense, begins as the last episode and season ended: with Jesus giving the Sermon on the Mount. He is surrounded by multitudes and walking among them, but we see His words making an impact in the minds and hearts of individuals, starting with Matthew.
The former tax collector recalls something painful from his past in A.D. 24: a Roman soldier knocking on his father's door to receive overdue tax money. When his father, Alphaeus, is unable to pay on the spot, the soldier roughly proceeds to bind the poor man's hands. Alphaeus breathes out the prayer, "Adonai in heaven!" but the soldier sneers, "He isn't here!" Matthew suddenly intervenes, saying, "I can settle this, Lucius." After the soldier leaves, Alphaeus is both embarrassed and outraged to discover that Matthew is his tax collector. Elisheva, Matthew's mother, comes to the door, wanting to know what Matthew is doing there. Matthew explains, "I didn't choose this district." Alphaeus responds, "You chose this job! The Romans never forced you into it. You chose to apply, you chose to betray—" Matthew interrupts, saying, "I chose a secure future." Elisheva says, "You are called to trust in Adonai with all your heart and not lean on your own understanding." Matthew answers back, "I have trusted! But can you name one thing Adonai has done for our people in a hundred years? Five hundred?" Alphaeus accuses Matthew of being a traitor and a blasphemer. He orders his wife to cover the windows and put on her veil to sit in shiva, in mourning for 7 days, saying, "I have no son." Then he shuts the door.
Matthew, in the present, hears Jesus saying, "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whomever murders will be liable to judgment.' But I say to you, everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment. So if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First, be reconciled to your brother and then come and offer your gift." Matthew softly weeps.
"Therefore I tell you," Jesus continues, "Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns yet your heavenly Father feeds them." Andrew is paying particular attention to this part of the sermon. "Are you not of more value than they?" asks Jesus. "And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat? What shall we drink? or What shall we wear? For the Gentiles seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Mary the mother of Jesus, knowing that Matthew recorded Jesus's words before the Sermon on the Mount was preached, asks Matthew how He is doing. As they listen to Him say, "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets," Matthew informs her that the words are much the same, but both are awed at the impact of hearing them preached out loud.
Jesus continues, "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. And if anyone should slap you on your right cheek, turn and give him the other one also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. You have heard that you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven." Simon, the former Zealot or terrorist nicknamed Zee, is visibly moved and trying to understand this counterintuitive teaching. So is the undercover Roman cohort Atticus, who previously tried to kill Simon.
Jesus concludes His Sermon on the Mount with this illustration: "Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house. It fell and great was the fall of it. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house. But it did not fall because it had been founded on the rock."
The Pharisee Yussif stands thoughtful as the crowds disperse following the sermon. He hears people saying things like, "Did you ever hear anything like that? He spoke with His own authority, not from someone else—almost above the Law! Consider the lilies: not even King Solomon was dressed as fine as them."
Judas and his business partner, Hadad, are reunited after the sermon. Hadad observes, "Did you look at people's faces? I've never seen a crowd so moved! That turn-the-other-cheek and lay-yourselves-up-treasure-in-heaven teaching was a little naïve, but this man has talent! Could you imagine if he sold for us? Why didn't they take up a collection? They could be living like kings!" Judas has been trying to interject, but then flatly states, "Hadad, I'm going with them. I quit." "Where?" asks Hadad with sarcasm. "To the ends of the earth. Everywhere this message needs to be heard," answers Judas. "I'll sue you," threatens Hadad. "Then I'll renounce my shares," says Judas. "I'll sue Him!" says Hadad. "There is nothing you could take from Him that would be of any value to you," counters Judas. "What does He have to give you then?" asks Hadad with a puzzled expression on his face. Judas hugs him, pats his back, and says, "Good luck, Hadad," briskly walking away.
Gaius has remained on horseback throughout the sermon. Atticus walks up to him, Roman to Roman, saying in a lighthearted manner, "Well?" Gaius stares ahead, barely acknowledging this senior official. Atticus says, "Hmm. My thoughts exactly. See you in the morning for our report to Quintus." He looks up again, notices that Gaius's stony stare continues unabated, and chuckles, saying, "Good chat!" before leaving.
Mother Mary brings something to eat and drink for Jesus, motioning Him to sit down. He thanks her warmly. Matthew walks up abruptly and says to Him in a businesslike manner, "I was able to write down some of the new things You said, but not all of them." Jesus says wearily, "That's fine. I will say them again and we can discuss them then." Matthew, not taking a gentle hint, continues, "I recognized some of them from the Rabbi Hillel." "That's very good, Matthew," says Jesus. "When You said to be reconciled to your brother, can You elaborate on—" continues Matthew before Jesus says, "Matthew, perhaps we can talk about this some other time? I'm very hungry and I would love to chat with our new friend about a few things." He points to Judas, who has been slowly approaching. Judas says, "I'm sorry, I can come back later." Jesus says, "No, I would love to speak with you." He asks Matthew if he can help gather the other disciples. "Now?" asks Matthew. "Yes," answers Jesus so Matthew turns quickly to obey. Jesus calls out to him and says, "Thank you for helping Me." Matthew smiles and says, "Yes, Rabbi."
Judas introduces himself as Judas of Kerioth. Jesus says, "Shalom, Judas. I saw you before I stepped out to talk to the people and then I noticed you listening very intently during My sermon." "It was wonderful," says Judas. Jesus thanks him and tells him He learned from Nathanael how Judas helped secure the location for the sermon and how he might be interested in joining His disciples. Judas says, "Ah!" as if prompted to give his credentials to a potential future employer, "I attended beit midrash, but my father passed away before I could pursue being a rabbi so I stayed home to work. I would like to follow You." "You would?" asks Jesus. "Very much! I may not be a soldier in battle, but I have business and financial skills that I would like to use to spread this ministry far and wide as fast as possible," says Judas, nervous to the point of repeating himself about attending the beit midrash. Jesus chuckles disarmingly, saying, "I do not require that. You would be one of the few. I only require what other rabbis do, that you seek to be like Me." Judas says, "Of course." But Jesus cautions him, "That will be much more difficult with Me than with other rabbis, I can assure you. Are you ready to do hard things?" Judas answers, "I believe You are going to change the world, and I want to be a part of that. I'm willing to make sacrifices—and I have. I am accustomed to loss so yes, I'm ready to do hard things." Jesus responds, "We will see." He brings up the meaning of Judas's name, which is the same as Judah, "God be praised." Jesus asks, "Will you praise God?" "Every day," answers Judas. "Well, in that case, Judas, follow Me," says the Lord Jesus. Judas thanks Him.
All the disciples approach Jesus by this point, and when they see they have His attention, they spontaneously applaud out of appreciation for His sermon. Jesus looks down humbly and manages a smile, saying, "All right. That's good. That's enough," prompting a few laughs. Jesus continues, "I just want to thank you all for a wonderful day today. You all did your part in spreading the word, which is vital to our ministry. And I know you'll all do your part in cleaning up before you go. I also have a quick announcement to make. This is Judas of Kerioth. Judas has just asked Me to be his rabbi and to contribute some of his talents to our ministry, a request I was happy to grant. So let's please welcome Judas to the group." Everyone applauds. Jesus concludes, "It's been quite a journey these last several weeks. A lot of good work has been done and a lot more remains to be done, but for now let's all get some rest, hmm? Especially you, Simon. You need to get home. Eden has missed you so you two take a break. Come in," He says, drawing them all near in a circle. "Now you'll all be able to figure out amongst yourselves how to stay in touch so we can get together soon, but for now, let Me pray over you." He recites the Aaronic blessing from the Book of Numbers in the Bible: "The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn His face to you and give you peace. Amen." Jesus tells them He will see them all again soon.
A wealthy woman who came to the sermon in a fancy horse-drawn carriage led by her servants walks timidly but with determination towards Jesus's disciples as she sees them disperse. She says to three of the women, "Excuse me, you are followers of the Teacher, yes?" Mary Magdalene says warmly, "Yes, Shalom!" Although the woman looks nervous, that greeting encourages her to express her desire to meet Jesus. Tamar sighs and says, "He's about to leave; we all are. It has been a very long day." The woman says, "I want to give you this," holding out an exquisite piece of fabric. Mary expresses hesitation and then asks, "What for?" The woman says, "It's an offering. There was no collection taken." Ramah states curtly, "He didn't ask for that. This isn't a way to get to speak to Him." Tamar gasps and asks, "Is that shahtoosh?" The woman answers, "Yes, from Nepal." Tamar takes the small shawl from Joanna's hand and says breathlessly, "You're donating this to His ministry?" The woman says, "Yes, and there will be more." Ramah abruptly asks, "Who are you?" "My name is Joanna, and I bring greetings for Jesus from someone, so if I could only have just a moment?" responds the lady hopefully. "From who?" inquires Ramah in suspicious manner. Joanna answers, "I come from Machaerus. I've spoken with John the Baptizer."
Mary immediately calls over Andrew, a previous disciple of John's. Joanna explains that her husband works in King Herod Agrippa's palace there so she has had the opportunity to speak with John since Herod had John arrested. She was intrigued by John's words. "It's not a great place for him to be," confesses Joanna, "but he wanted you especially, Andrew, to know that he is in good spirits."
Just then Mary walks up with Jesus, introducing Him to Joanna. She explains, "John has been telling me that I need to see Your teachings. When word reached Machaerus about this gathering, they didn't think much of it, but John thought it would be a good opportunity." Andrew tells Jesus he would like to see John, but Jesus asks him to wait and He turns His attention back to Joanna, asking what she will report back to His cousin. "That I want to support Your ministry. This has been a healing day for me, as John said it would be. Thank You," Joanna answers with tearful dignity. Jesus smiles and says gently, "I'm glad to hear it." Joanna also tells Jesus that John wants Him to make a strong visit to Machaerus soon so they learn to take Him seriously, but adds that John was careful to state he is relying on Jesus's timing regarding "soon." Jesus chuckles and says, "Of course. Thank you for sharing that." He mentions that He will be taking time alone now, but asks Joanna if she can make arrangements for Andrew to visit with John safely. She invites Andrew to come with her and her men in their carriage. Andrew clasps the Lord's hands and thanks them both fervently. Jesus tells him, "You need to rest and to trust, Andrew. But perhaps after spending time with John, you will be able to do both."
Simon checks on his brother, but Andrew assures him, "Don't worry about me. You have to go home. Listen, I'm going to be fine, but thank you for watching out for me and everyone. You're a great leader, and I don't say it often enough." Simon, realizing that Andrew is maturing spiritually, says simply, "Say Shalom to John from me." That surprises Andrew, recalling that Simon thought John was creepy, but Simon explains, "He started all this, introducing you to Jesus, and you introduced me to Him. I thank John and I thank you. I love you. Shalom, man!"
Thomas watches Ramah turning to leave with Mary and Tamar. He calls to her and they engage in the kind of awkward conversation that says much about two reserved people who are obviously attracted to one another.
Rabbi Yussif enters his synagogue and is surprised to meet a new administrator there named Jairus. They speak warmly to one another about each other's families, Jairus with a wife, 12-year-old daughter, and baby on the way, and Yussif with his family far away in Jerusalem. They quickly sense the basis of a friendship so Yussif volunteers quietly that he is writing a report on a matter fellow rabbis would probably find too hot to handle. Jairus responds with interest, saying, "I enjoy a challenge, Rabbi Yussif. I have a propensity for bringing order amidst upheaval. Word has spread of unusual things happening in Capernaum." "That's an apt description," says Yussif, moving closer and whispering, "Yesterday I saw a sermon by a rogue preacher. I haven't slept since. He was brilliant!" "Intriguing," responds Jairus, wanting to know if Yussif is intending to write an historical document or a letter. Yussif tells him he is uncertain what he will write to whom, but that he is certain he must document what he is seeing. Jairus tells Rabbi Yussif, "I have a safe that I use. I call it 'the cellar.' It's where documents go to cool off. It's locked and entirely confidential. Does this sound like a place where you might want to store your document?" Yussif smiles appreciatively, recognizing this new administrator's wisdom and discretion, saying, "I bet the goodbyes were very hard for those you've served with, Jairus. Thank you."
Simon enters his home, happy to be back and alone with his wife. He is annoyed to hear a knock at the door and wants to ignore it, but Eden gestures for him to do the hospitable thing and open the door. It is Nathanael, looking for a place to stay. Eden smiles kindly, but Simon does not even try to hide his frustration. Nathanael is not oblivious, knowing and bluntly stating they surely want to be alone as a couple, but since he is not from Capernaum and heard they had space, he needs to ask. Eden says with forced cheer that she is sure it will work out. Simon opens the door for Nathanael to go up on the roof when up walks Simon Zee, saying, "So this is the place!" These disciples of Jesus are continuing to learn to work and live with one another.
James and John, walking toward their parents' house, are soon joined by Thomas. James is surprised to see him, but John is not since he invited Thomas to stay at their home. James seems mildly annoyed that he was not informed. His annoyance grows when Zebedee, his father, greets them from a distance, shouting, "Three disciples of Jesus of Nazareth coming to stay under my roof! A triple blessing—I must be the most envied father in Capernaum!" "Abba knew?" says James. "Yes, Thomas and I talked to him; come on," answers John. Thomas says there's something important he wants to discuss with them all. Zebedee says he thinks he knows what it is and John says he definitely knows. James has no idea, feeling left out and clueless about some of the social and spiritual dynamics taking place around him.
The women disciples have their own challenges to deal with. They stare at the tiny, bare, one-room interior of Mary Magdalene's house and try to make the best of the situation, but cannot help laughing at their forced optimism. Mary catches sight of Matthew out her window, so she goes outside to talk to him and learns that he does not know where or who to go to since he gave away his beautiful house to his parents. Mary asks, "Have you stopped by their house?" Matthew says, "My father will not allow it." "But you're his son," responds Mary. "He says I am not," Matthew barely is able to say without tears. "I'm sorry," says Mary with sympathy. Matthew smiles, looks up at her, and says, "Thank you for listening. I think perhaps I'll make camp. I know how to do it now." Ramah also comes outside and asks, "Are you okay, Matthew?" He says, "I feel confused. Thank you for asking, Ramah." Mary comments, "You're doing really good, Matthew. Everything's new. It's okay to make a mistake." Ramah nods and smiles along with Mary. Matthew thanks Mary, obviously feeling encouraged, and wishes the ladies a good night.
As the women go back inside, Mary says, "He's wonderful! He's a good man." She has renewed confidence that she, Ramah, and Tamar will manage with their meager resources, but Tamar wonders out loud if it is too early to use the luxurious shawl given to them by Joanna of Machaerus. Ramah heatedly says no, saying they never should have taken it and accusing Joanna of being presumptuous. We discover that Ramah has grown accustomed to assuming the worst motives of wealthy people because of her past employment. Mary thinks Joanna was genuinely interested in what Jesus taught. Tamar says, "She was trying to help us, Ramah."
Joanna proves to be a woman of her word, for we see her and Andrew following a Roman soldier down stairs in a long, dark prison. The soldier says to Joanna, "I cannot blame you for coming back. Every day it is something new with him, either demanding we pass a message to Herod or preaching about a new kingdom. His insults are very creative!" When they arrive at John the Baptizer's cell, Joanna informs the soldier, "It will be embarrassing if you tell anyone about my visit or my friend being with me. But to you and your family it will be devastating! Do you understand?" She hands him a bag of coins. He takes it, smiles nervously, and says, "You were never here" before leaving.
Andrew says to John, "Are you okay?" John says, "I'll be fine. Think of it this way: I've never slept in a palace before." They both chuckle. Andrew blurts out, "I've been so worried, praying for you every day!" John says, "You've got a new rabbi now, The Rabbi. Focus on Him, and hopefully I'll be able to as well soon enough." John points toward Joanna, explaining, "She came to me in distress after Herod arrested me, not for my sake, but because she was angry I did not call out her husband's adultery when I accused Herod. But she is proving an apt pupil." John asks Joanna if she talked to Jesus. "Yes, I told Him everything you told me," Joanna answers. "Thank you, but that's not as important. What do you think of Him?" She smiles, shakes her head, and says, "I don't know how to describe it!" "Like you are grateful for food and didn't realize you'd been starving?" suggests John. "That works," agrees Joanna with a laugh. "Anything new?" asks John. "So much!" says Andrew. John wants to know what Jesus said. Joanna blurts out, "Nothing that made sense; everything backwards: the poor, the grieving, the meek all elevated." "Blessed?" asks John. "Yes!" says Joanna, "and other things reversed: love your enemies. Who can love their enemy?" "He can," answers John. "What else?" Joanna tells him, "Bizarre imagery, like something about pearls before pigs and logs in eyes!" Andrew adds, "Salt, murder, rain, God feeding the birds, houses on sand." "He's almost as strange as you, John," says Joanna in fun. "Oh, I wish I were so strange!" responds John. He is thrilled to learn that thousands were there to hear Jesus's sermon and wants to learn more, but Andrew says they're now there to help him. John says, "Help? You're helping me by what you're sharing."
He calls Andrew over to the prison bars, touches his shoulder, and says firmly, "Don't be afraid. The prophecies of Isaiah: He has been sent to proclaim liberty to the captives and what?" Andrew answers softly, "The opening of the prison to those who are bound." "Yes!" says John. "This prison is nothing now that He is here! Do you believe that?" Andrew shakes his head, saying, "I'm trying." "Andrew, in all that He said to those thousands of people, there was something just for you, what you are going through. There always is. What was it? Something that stuck with you." Andrew answers tearfully, "Don't be anxious. Can you add a single hour to your life by being anxious?" "That sounds like Him," says John. "What else?" "But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness," answers Andrew. "Even more like Him," says John. "If you want to help me, Andrew, listen to Him. Go home and do what He says. That's what I want. Got it?" Andrew shakes his head yes, tears almost dried. Joanna looks on and smiles, ready to help Andrew get back safely.
We see Judas in a richly appointed bedroom, packing essentials, including a scroll. He heads into the morning air, kissing the mezuzah as he walks out the door.
Judas enters a prosperous and industrious household, where he is welcomed by his sister, Dvorah, and her daughters. We soon learn that Dvorah has a bad feeling about Judas's ministry plans. He dismissively says, "That's what you said when I joined the mining company." "And now you're leaving it!" says Dvorah. "My life can't just be about money," says Judas defiantly. "It's never not about money with you," states Dvorah matter-of-factly. Judas says, "Look, I know you would have spent Abba's inheritance better than I have." Dvorah quickly agrees, adding, "That house you invested in has not gone up in value." Judas tells her that is why he is there, asking her to hold onto the deed of his house since he does not know when, or if, he will be back. "Everyone's been talking about your rabbi, too many things to be true," says Dvorah. "I heard hundreds gathered to hear Him." "Thousands!" corrects Judas excitedly. "I didn't know it at the time, but the day before I helped His disciples secure the site. God worked through me, Dvorah. That has never happened before!" Dvorah asks, "How will you make money? It's the only work you've ever known." Judas answers, "I will help with what little they do have. Help find benefactors, supporters. Most ministries and rabbis are inefficient, and this is the most important ministry of our people's history. To spread His message and to build something to match the Romans—they'll need my skills!"
Dvorah warns him, "Judas, this is dangerous. Rome does not like popular preachers with big followings. They put them away." But Judas says, "I think He's the Messiah. I'm almost sure of it." "Many have claimed to be the Messiah. You know what happens to them?" asks Dvorah. Judas protests, "Always the worst-case scenario with you! You know, their followers aren't ... always killed." He clasps her hands, saying, "If He is the Anointed One, sister, then He will not be killed. He will defeat the Romans and set us all free." In a softer voice Dvorah says, "I don't want to lose you, Judas. You're all I have left in this world." He protests that she has her husband and her beautiful daughters, but tells him she means this: "You are the last of our name. If something was to happen to you, our family name will be forgotten." Judas says, "Whatever happens, I know Adonai has set me apart for a reason I do not yet know. I have to follow it." They embrace. Dvorah tells Judas, "Abba and Eema loved you so much! Make us proud." "I will," promises Judas. He leaves their mother's potted mint plant with her, saying, "It requires a gentler touch, which I do not possess." She says, "Now go follow your rabbi. I really hope you're right about all this." He says, "I am. You'll see." But Dvorah again expresses misgivings about his upending his whole life to go on this dangerous journey. Judas simply wishes her peace and walks away as she weeps.
Rabbi Yussif approaches Jairus in the synagogue with a scroll to "cool off" in the cellar. It is addressed, "Rabbi Nicodemus of the Jerusalem Sanhedrin. IMPORTANT." Jairus promises, "You and I are the only souls who will ever know about this." Then he makes an important observation, saying, "Rabbi, it is unsealed." Yussif looks him in the eye, smiles, and says, "Yes, it is, Jairus," walking away with a nod and kissing the mezuzah as he exits the room. Jairus watches him, looks down at the scroll in his hand, and walks away with it.
Andrew is back safely in Capernaum. He takes a deep breath and knocks at Mary Magdalene's door. She opens it and gives him a greeting of peace. Andrew stammers, "I won't take much time. I have to—I want to—say something. In Rabbi's sermon He said to reconcile with someone first before worshiping, and I need to apologize to you." Mary says, "You don't owe me—" but he insists, "Yes, I do. I said awful things to you because I was scared, which Rabbi also talked about. He talked about many things. I've a lot to work on—" Mary adds, "Me too." Andrew continues, "I said awful things you didn't deserve and I'm very sorry." Mary smiles, but then looks perplexed. She confesses, "I'm sorry, I'm not sure what to say." Then she wipes away a few tears and says she thinks this is the first time anyone has ever said sorry to her. Andrew says, "Mary, you don't deserve that either." She wipes away more tears and smiles. "Things are better now, huh?" adds Andrew with a smile. "Yes," agrees Mary. "A lot. Thank you for this." They each say Shalom in farewell.
Matthew also is standing in front of a door. He sighs. He thinks of knocking but moves away. A big black dog barks a friendly bark. It is Matthew's own dog, the one he asked his former Roman bodyguard, Gaius, to give to his parents. Matthew is alarmed and tries to quiet the dog, but the dog makes several determined barks. Hearing a bolt being drawn to open the door. Matthew turns away nervously and in a fluster. Then he slowly turns to face whomever just opened the door. It is his father, who steps out into the light with a slight smile. "Alphaeus," says Matthew. "Son," responds Alphaeus to an astonished Matthew.
