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The Romans Atticus and Gaius stand on a Capernaum rooftop, surveying a growing tent village near the Sea of Galilee (which is actually a large freshwater lake). It is composed of pilgrims who are waiting to see what Jesus of Nazareth will do next after His Sermon on the Mount, observes Atticus. Gaius simply says, "That's understandable." Atticus wonders if this will pose a problem to the order of Roman law. He suggests to Gaius, whom he notices is silent and preoccupied: "You ought to be the first one to let Praetor Quintus know about his new shanty town, yeah?"
Simon the former Zealot (Zee) and Nathanael survey the growing tent city themselves at night. Zee feels concerned that these crowds will threaten the Romans and cause trouble for Jesus, but soon learns that crowd control is difficult. Nathanael comments, "Hard for us, yes, but Jesus can handle Himself. He wants the crowds." Zee complains, "But there's too many people!" "Too many people to tell them how to cook their dinners," Nathanael observes. "You have to pick your battles, my friend." As Zee walks off by himself, we notice a man with the sicarii dagger of a Zealot in his belt observing his movements.
Matthew sits awkwardly at the table with his parents in their home. They ask about his travels, including how he handled sleeping outside. Matthew answers, "I'm better at it now. I'm proficient at making a tent." He then ventures to say, "Yesterday my Rabbi said that every time we pray to God, we must ask Him to forgive our debts. I recognize that I owe quite a debt to you. The debt isn't material. I hurt you and I hurt our community. And my Rabbi also said if we know a brother has an offense against us, we should go be reconciled to our brother." He starts to ramble and pace nervously about. Alphaeus, his father, says, "We get it, Matthew. Move on." That prompts Matthew to say what has long been troubling him: "I never understood why I was so different from everyone else. I just wanted a comfortable life." Alphaeus says, "You wanted to be better than everyone else." Matthew confesses, "You are right. And I loved affluence because of it. I was comfortable behind bars in a booth with an armed escort, behind gold doors at home. All the while, you were scorned at synagogue. You lost your reputation and friends. I shamed our family. That was selfish, which was wrong. I didn't understand that then, but I do now and I'm sorry. I wish I could take back the harm I caused you. I will search for something I can do to atone."
Elisheva, Matthew's mother, is weeping by now. Alphaeus speaks up: "Matthew, you're not the only one who must atone." Matthew stops pacing and slowly sits down. Alphaeus continues, "I lost my business because of you. And you are right, we lost our reputation and friends, but I had no right to reject you as my son. God should strike me down for the things I said to you—I was shameful! Can you forgive me?" Now it is Matthew who is weeping. His mother adds that they both are sorry. Matthew asks, "But what has changed?" Alphaeus answers, "We saw Him, too, Matthew: we heard His Sermon!" Elisheva confirms, "He is the Teacher you are following?" "Yes!" answers Matthew, "He called me to follow Him." "Then you have already atoned," says Alphaeus. "They were the most true words I've ever heard, some of them shocking!" Matthew says, "I know, I wrote all of it down!" Elisheva marvels, "You are His scribe?!" "Yes!" answers Matthew. "Then you will redeem our family's name," affirms Alphaeus. "Matthew, He chose you," says Elisheva. "To this day I don't know why," responds Matthew. Elisheva rises to hug him and he, maybe for the first time ever, finds himself hugging her back. She now looks him in the eye and says, "You say you always felt different from other people, and you are. You were set aside for something special." He thanks her, but she encourages him to say, "Thank you, Eema" and Alphaeus to say, "I forgive you, Son." Then she prompts Matthew to say, "Thank you, Abba."
They want to know how long Matthew will be in Capernaum, but he doesn't know. That reminds Alphaeus to return to Matthew the key to his big house. Matthew says, "I'll never live in that house again." Alphaeus replies, "You'll figure out something good to do with it."
Gaius and Atticus arrive in the morning at Praetor Quintus's headquarters, finding him in a foul and dangerous temper because Capernaum's water supply shows signs of contamination. Gaius nevertheless tells Quintus straightforwardly about the camp that has sprung up. Quintus says testily, "So send them on their way!" Gaius tells him they are pilgrims following Jesus of Nazareth, who delivered a sermon on the Korazim Plateau. Quintus wants to know what was said. Gaius answers vaguely, "It sounded like any other sermon, Dominus." Quintus asks Atticus, "Is that what you heard, Cohortes? Just any old sermon?" Atticus replies, "Well, I haven't heard that many," and then lists a few inaccurate details to mislead Quintus, who says suspiciously, "If it was so boring, why didn't the pilgrims stay on the plateau—did Jesus ask them to come here?" Gaius answers no
Quintus asks if their former tax collector, Matthew, was at the sermon. "Yes," answers Gaius truthfully. Quintus, finding that a painful reminder of desertion from Rome, compensates by telling Gaius to exert Roman authority by removing the pilgrims from Capernaum. "Or you can turn them into revenue," states Atticus, intriguing Quintus. He suggests redrawing the city boundaries to encompass the squatters. Gaius adds, "The pilgrims have been peaceful so far. I cannot say how they will respond to being taxed." Quintus tells him to get some rest because he is going to redraw the city lines quickly since tax revenues are down. "It's a good plan, Quintus," says Atticus, "but you may want to consider your future. As you well know, the empire is always concerned with order. The governors are under increasing pressure not to overuse force on the citizenry." Quintus takes the hint and orders Gaius to do his job without leaving marks. Gaius says he will inform his men at once and leaves. Atticus remains. Quintus asks if he will be leaving Capernaum soon. Atticus says he plans to visit Jerusalem since he owes the governor, Pontius Pilate, a visit. Quintus looks nervous. Without knowing exactly why, both Atticus and Gaius are shielding Jesus and His followers from Roman brutality.
John, James, and Thomas are enjoying the hospitality of Salome and Zebedee, John's and James's parents. John already is thinking about food for the road in future ministry travels. Salome promises to load them up like pack mules. Zebedee has them sample his new side project: high-quality olive oil he enjoys making with the press he traded for with some of his fishing gear. This kind of industry will surely be helpful in providing for the needs of Jesus and His disciples.
Zee and Nathanael share a bedroom in Simon and Eden's house. Simon has trained them that if they want to eat, they need to stay quietly in their room until called. His guests are very polite. Eden is concerned they will get bored in there, but Simon tells her they have much to study, as does he. Then he suggests that she can help him study since he has so much to learn.
Gaius and fellow soldier Julius are working on redrawing the city limits. Julius wonders how they can do that when more people keep showing up. He attempts to enforce a beverage law, but Gaius tells him to let the matter slide in this situation since the law wasn't made for it. He says to Julius, "My time will be better spent elsewhere. You will finish the evening rounds. Enforce protocol patiently and give me a full report in the morning."
Zee walks to the city well to fetch water, but senses someone is following him. Casting his leather bucket bag aside, he takes evasive action to seek a vantage point from a rooftop. On that rooftop he is confronted by Atticus with the bucket bag, saying, "Lose something?" Zee demands to know what he wants. "I'm just hunting" is the chilling response. Atticus explains, "You were behind a plot to murder the Roman magistrate in Jerusalem." Zee reveals he knows about Atticus's movements as well and asks why Atticus let him get into Jerusalem in the first place. Atticus says, "Oh, I think you know." "You thought you were good enough to stop me," states Zee. Atticus admits, "I liked my chances, but we'll never know. Something unexpected happened." "A miracle," says Zee with quiet confidence. "Yeah, if you say so," quips Atticus, but belies his breezy persona by suddenly asking with dead earnestness, "What is He, Simon?"
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| "What is He, Simon?!" |
Simon tenses. Atticus notices, saying, "Relax, Zealot or whatever it is you are now. I'm just interested to see what happens next." Zee asks, "So if I turn and walk away right now, you won't put a knife in my back?" Atticus says, "I could have done that anywhere." Zee wonders, "How do you know I won't kill you?" "Because your dagger is at the bottom of the Jordan River, right where He threw it," answers Atticus, adding that Zee's being defenseless is a problem since his former Zealot colleagues are after him. "I didn't chase you up here, Simon," Atticus confesses. "You left some very dangerous men in the lurch." "They won't quit," admits Zee. "Then one of us has to make them," says Atticus. "I am leaving Capernaum for awhile," says Zee. "They had better follow," states Atticus. "If they stay in Capernaum, I'll be forced to clean up your mess. Can't have Zealots in a Roman town. Who knows? Maybe they'll believe in your Messiah." Zee laughs, saying that he and his fellow disciples are all zealots (in the sense of being zealous for their Lord and His Kingdom). Atticus leaves. He is a hard and dangerous man, but Zee knows this Roman has done him a favor and probably senses he genuinely wants to know more about Jesus.
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| "Maybe they'll believe in your Messiah!" |
Simon and Eden are very happy together and talk as if it will go on for a while, but Simon knows it will not. Eden confesses she sometimes felt lost and alone when he was gone. What got her through each day was remembering that Jesus said He sees and recognizes her contributions to His ministry by allowing her husband to serve. Simon suggests it is time to start a family.
Ramah, Tamar, and Mary, inside Mary’s house, discuss their dwindling resources. They have all made sacrifices to follow Christ, but since Tamar seems especially concerned about their lack of money, the suggestion is raised that she could sell some of her jewelry. Tamar quickly dismisses the idea, saying that her jewelry is precious to her. “All of it?” inquiries Ramah. “All” affirms Tamar, who changes the subject to Thomas’s obvious interest in Ramah. She wants to know if Ramah loves Thomas. That leads to a discussion of Jewish courtship traditions, in which the bride’s father has a prominent role. Tamar is a Gentile, which means she is not Jewish. The others want to know about the traditions where she is from, Ethiopia, but Tamar says in a hushed voice, “I’d rather not talk about where I’m from.” Although the women have been repeatedly stepping on one another’s toes throughout this and other conversations, both Ramah and Mary sensitively respect Tamar’s wishes. Ramah ends up with the impression that Thomas will soon be asking her father for her hand in marriage. 
Jesus, gathered with His disciples at Simon and Eden’s house, begins, “I’m sure most of you are aware of the tent village that is growing east of Capernaum. Those are people who followed us from the Mount and now waiting to hear more. Their numbers grow by the day, as do the suspicions of Rome. In fact, Zee informed Me this morning that even members of his former order have journeyed here. There are people like this all over. They are in need of rescue, and you are going to help Me rescue them. It is not sustainable for Me to do all the preaching, healing, and ministering. This ministry will only grow—and we want it to grow—until the end of the age. There will be more many followers, and all will have roles and responsibilities. Most will be disciples, students, but I have chosen you twelve as My apostles.” An apostle means one who is sent. That thought stuns the group. 
The Lord explains further, “You are My leaders, and for the mission I have for you it’s best that you spread out and not be concentrated. I’m going home to Nazareth for a time, and while I’m gone I’m sending you out, two by two, in every direction, specifically to our people only.” He does not want them to go to the Gentiles yet, explaining that will come later. He wants them to go to the lost sheep of Israel, leading them into the Promised Land in a spiritual sense, like Joshua did with the 12 tribes of Israel in history. Pointing His right index finger heavenward, Jesus says, “You will proclaim that the Kingdom of heaven is at hand. And while you are on this mission you will heal the sick and lame by anointing them with oil. You will cast out demons—”
Jesus stops speaking when the tension in the room becomes obvious. He chuckles when asked to repeat what He just said. As He does we see Little James, who has a pronounced limp, shaking his head as if in disbelief at the thought of healing anyone. Eden, whose hospitality Jesus commended before the group, stops her serving and steadies herself, looking distraught. Simon, noticing his wife reaction, asks Jesus how soon this mission is to take place.
Philip asks, “Heal the sick? Cast out demons?” “Yes,” answers Jesus. “While you are on this mission, I grant you this authority. Someday you will have it all the time.” Nathanael wonders out loud if there was some kind of ceremony they missed. Jesus, amused, says, “This is it!” Nathanael mutters, “I don’t feel any different.” Jesus, grasping a teachable moment, says, “I don’t need you to feel anything to do great things.” John ventures to say, “With all due respect, Rabbi, we’re not nearly qualified enough. Why would you need us for this mission?” Zee, remembering a previous lesson on this topic, answers, “He doesn’t need us; He wants us.” Jesus thanks Zee for that response and reminds John that if He needed students with religious training, He would not have picked them. That elicits a laugh from the group.
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| "I don't feel any different." |
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| “I don’t need you to feel anything to do great things.” |
“You will take nothing for your journey, except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money—not even Salome’s food,” Jesus instructs, pointing toward John. “Wear sandals and do not bring an extra tunic.” Matthew asks, “Why can’t we bring a change of clothes? Even the Cynic philosophers carry an extra cloak.” “Yes, they do,” agrees Jesus, “but I would like to distinguish you from the Cynics. They also carry beggars’ bags for people to put gold and silver coins into, but you will not do that,” He says emphatically. “You received without paying; now give without pay.” Judas looks disappointed. “Whenever you enter a town, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart,” Jesus adds. “If anyone should not receive you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet as you leave that house or town. Do not waste your time.”
The group stirs at the uncomfortable thought of persecution. Big James asks what they should teach. Jesus answers, “Anything you ever heard from Me.” Judas says nervously, “I’ve only heard one sermon.” Nathanael tells him confidently that he heard the best one so far, but then quickly adds that they all are good. Jesus tells them that the Sermon on the Mount was not only for the people who were there, but for all people from now until the end of the age. How will they hear it? “You will tell them,” says Jesus, “and to the places you go, I will soon come. You are preparing hearts for the Good News and the way for My arrival. The miracles you’ll perform on God’s authority will prove My ministry.”
The question is raised about what to do if several towns in a row reject them and their message. Andrew reminds them what it is like now for John the Baptizer in jail. Jesus says, “Listen carefully, all of you. Do not fear those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul.” John says what they’re all thinking: “You mean we could die?” Jesus answers, “There will come a time when this becomes far more difficult, when persecution becomes an ever-present part of your ministry. When that time comes, you will follow in My footsteps and you will know what it actually means to give up your life. I have more to teach you about that. In the meantime, this journey will not come to that.”
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| "You mean we could die?" |
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| "There will come a time when this becomes far more difficult." |
Thomas asks, “You are sending us out two by two?” Jesus explains, “Yes, the women will stay here in Capernaum. They will help support the ministry financially. They also will minister to the tent city, and Zebedee will be responsible for their safety. Matthew has also selflessly donated the use of his previous home, which will serve as the new place for them to stay.” Nathanael says, “I still can’t understand this: You want us to go out there with no defenses, no food, no shelter!” Others echo similar fears. Simon stops them, saying, “Everyone calm down! If you have any real questions, ask them one at a time.”
Judas raises the issue of depending on others for their support, asserting, “We cannot rely on everyone equally. I’ve developed some ideas on how we can generate income to sustain our ministry in a reliable way.” Jesus says, “I appreciate that, Judas, but for this journey at least I want you to know what it means to rely fully on your Father in heaven,” gesturing upwards. He also explains that will benefit those whom they serve. While on this topic, Simon asks Jesus if it would be a good idea to appoint one of them as a treasurer to manage the few resources they have and anything they bring back. Jesus asks, “Do you have anyone in mind?” Matthew’s name is suggested as the obvious choice, but Matthew declines, saying he is not comfortable working with money anymore. He nominates Judas to be the treasurer. Judas promptly accepts, with Christ's approval.
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"Rely fully on your Father in heaven."
Matthew says no to being treasurer. Judas says yes.
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For pairing up Simon and Judas are sent north to Caesarea Philippi, Andrew and Philip east to Naveh, Nathanael and Thaddaeus south to Perea, John and Thomas southwest to Joppa. When Jesus pairs up Big James and Little James, the group laughs at the comical sound of that. Jesus responds, “Come on, they can make it a thing—humor disarms people! West to the plains of Sharon.” When He pairs Matthew with Zee, the others express misgivings. Zee, the former Roman-hating Zealot, now learns that Matthew formerly worked for the Romans as a tax collector. They are to go down to Jericho near Samaria. Jesus states that Matthew now is no more a tax collector than Zee is a Zealot. He adds, “None of you is what he was. Remember that,” expressing confidence that Matthew and Zee, experiencing that truth more than the rest, will do and say great things together. The Former Zealot and the Former Tax Collector
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| "None of you is what he was. Remember that." |
Jesus concludes, “You all have a lot to take in. Take a day to handle what you need to. Simon will reach out to you with final details.” As the group disperses, Simon walks over to his wife. He says this doesn’t change their family plans and that he can talk to Jesus about shortening his trip. Eden cuts him off, saying, “Not now! Do not talk to Him. I’ll be fine; I just need a minute.” She turns and walks away.
Thomas approaches Jesus, saying, “Rabbi, I thank You for believing in me. I want to ask Your blessing to ask for Ramah’s hand.” Jesus nods gravely, saying, “Aah, did you notice what direction I’m sending you?” Thomas recalls it is in the southwest near Joppa, which he now realizes is near where Ramah’s father, Kafni, lives. Jesus smiles and says, “You will complete your mission with John and then you may visit Kafni. Last I heard, Kafni was not a believer so maybe when you’re making a pitch for yourself, you can put in a good word for Me.” Jesus winks at Thomas, who laughs with relief and joy as they embrace.
Thomas is surprised to see Ramah and the other women as he walks out of Simon’s house. Ramah approaches him and confesses she has some idea that he is planning to speak with her father, which leads to honest discussion of their feelings for one another. They plan to meet in Joppa after Thomas completes his mission with John so Ramah’s presence may help Kafni decide to agree on the match.
Jesus walks out of Simon’s house. Little James has been waiting for Him. He says, “Master, may I have a moment?” Jesus says, “Of course!” James continues haltingly, “I, uh—forgive me, I’m not always confident to speak.” “Slow to speak; that’s a very good quality,” responds Jesus in a warm manner. James has an important issue on his mind: “You are sending us out with the ability to heal the sick and the lame, but—forgive me—I find that difficult to imagine with my condition, which You have not healed.” Jesus steps closer to Little James and asks, “Do you want to be healed?” “Yes, of course,” answers James at once, adding, “if that’s possible.” The Lord points out that James has seen enough by now to know it is possible. “Then why haven’t You?” asks James. Jesus says, “Because I trust you.” James is bewildered by that response.
The Lord explains, “Little James, precious Little James, I need you to listen to Me very closely because what I’m going to say defines your whole life to this point, and will define the rest of your life. In the Father’s will I could heal you right now, and you’d have a good story to tell, yes?” “Yes,” says James excitedly, “that You do miracles!” Jesus reminds him that is a story dozens can tell now and hundreds later, even thousands. Then He says, “But think of the story you can tell if I don’t heal you now. To know how to still praise God in spite of this, to know how to focus on all that matters so much more than the body. To show people that you can be patient with your suffering here on earth because you know you will spend eternity with no suffering. Not everyone can understand that. How many people do you think the Father and I trust this with, hmm? Not many."  |
| "Think of the story you can tell if I don't heal you now." |
Little James gently interrupts with tears, saying, "But the others, they're so much more—" As his voice catches, Jesus tenderly asks, "More what?" James answers, "I don't know, stronger, better at this?" Jesus, looking grave, says, "James, I love you, but I don't want to hear that ever again." James blurts out, "I know how easy it is to say the Psalm of David that I am 'fearfully and wonderfully made,' but it doesn't make this any easier. And in this group, it doesn't make me feel any less of a burden." "A burden!" Jesus repeats in wonder. "First of all, it is far easier to deal with you and your slow walking than it is to deal with Simon's temper!" That makes James laugh a little. "Are you fast?" continues Jesus. "Do you look impressive when you walk? Maybe not, but these are things that the Father doesn't care about! You are going to do more for Me than most people even dream. So many people need healing in order to believe in Me, or they need healing because their hearts are so sick." Jesus places His hand right on James's heart for a moment and says, "That doesn't apply to you. And many are healed or not healed because the Father in heaven has a plan for them, which may be a mystery. And we remember what Job said, 'The Lord gives and the Lord takes away.'" James joins Jesus in finishing the rest of Job's affirmation of faith: "Blessed be the name of the Lord."
Jesus steps forward, holds James gently by the shoulders, and says, "When you pass from this earth and you meet your Father in heaven, where Isaiah promises you will leap like a deer, your reward will be great. So hold on a little longer, and when you discover yourself finding true strength because of your weakness, and when you do great things in My name in spite of this, the impact will last for generations. Do you understand?" James, through a few tears, answers yes and thanks Him. Jesus lets him go and says, "Whew, a man like you healing healing others!" James laughs. Jesus continues, "Oh, the sight! I can't wait to hear your stories when you return. Shalom, My son." James smiles hopefully and returns the wish of peace. "And James," adds Jesus, "remember: you will be healed. It's only a matter of time." James smiles, looks up to heaven, and says his own whew as Jesus walks away.  |
| "Your reward will be great." |
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| "You will be healed. It is only a matter of time." |
At night in Capernaum, Matthew toward his beautiful former residence with its golden doors. Standing on watch nearby is Gaius, the Roman official who served as Matthew's bodyguard when Matthew was a tax collector. They say hello as they notice one another, but Gaius pleasantly surprises Matthew by also attempting to say Shalom. Gaius is not at all the same man he was in the early parts of Season 1, when he treated Matthew and all Jewish people with haughty Roman contempt! He asks if Matthew is moving back in. Matthew says no, but tells him the house will be used for the ministry. "By friends of yours?" Gaius inquires. Once-friendless Matthew smiles and says, "Yes, I suppose you could say they are friends of mine. I doubt the neighbors will like it." Gaius says, "As long as order is kept. And as long as their friends of yours, I'll make sure—" and then, almost as if embarrassed by seeming too familiar or partial, downplays his kindness by saying public safety is his job. Matthew, obviously touched, smiles humbly and inquires, "Are you well?" "Never better," answers Gaius, perhaps too quickly. "Yourself?"
Matthew starts to answer, but stops when he notices his fellow apostles approaching behind Gaius, who turns. Matthew assures him everything is okay: they're there merely to eat before being sent away from Capernaum for missionary work. Gaius inquires how long. Matthew starts to say, "We don't know," but then stops, looks up at Gaius, and says, "It will be dangerous. I must go now." Gaius looks him in the eye and says calmly before leaving, "Trust your wits, Matthew. I will see you around."
The apostles are by now standing in a circle. Matthew says, "Welcome to my home that I no longer live in." He hands the key to Simon, who steps forward to address the group: "Can I say the hard part first? This may be the last time we're all together for awhile." Big James asks, "What's the easy part?" Simon responds, "Who said there was an easy part? I just held my wife as she tried to accept the idea that I will be the one making Pharisees and Romans upset the way Jesus does! It scares her." "But not you?" asks Andrew, his brother. "Of course it does," answers Simon. "The unknowns are overwhelming," volunteers Philip. "Are we ready?" asks Thaddaeus. "I'm terrified," volunteers another. "I'm not afraid," says Zee, which prompts Simon to state that Zee isn't afraid of anything, eliciting a few laughs that ease the tension somewhat.
Simon asks Philip, who has done missionary work with John the Baptizer, if he has anything to say. Philip says, "Well, I've done a little preaching, but I've never done anything like this. All I can say is it's scary when you upset powerful people, but it's worth it." Heads are nodding. John, feeling encouraged, says, "This is what we signed up for. We may not have known it at the time, but we go where He sends us." Simon adds, "Look, Master has told us what to do. We've seen how He does it so we have what we need. Whoever you go with, let's stay strong together. I'm sure He put us together with our partners for a reason. Let's make the most of it."
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| "It's scary when you upset powerful people, but it's worth it." |
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| "We go where He sends us." |
He asks them to gather around closer, each standing next to his partner, all arm in arm. The he says, "When I was with Eden, a Psalm of David came to mind, the one when he fled from Absalom. I shared it with Eden as a reminder because she was fearful. I think we need it too: 'O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul, "There is no salvation for him in God!'" The rest of the apostles join in unison: "But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head! I cried aloud to the Lord and He answered me from His holy hill. I laid down and slept. I will not be afraid of the many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. But arise, O Lord, and save me, O my God, for You strike all my enemies on the cheek! You break the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongs to the Lord! Your blessing be on Your people."  |
Psalm 3: "O Lord, how many are my foes!"
The Apostles with Their Two-by-Two Partners |
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