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This episode begins with a parental advisory that the opening scene may be too intense for some younger viewers. That is because it shows two women struggling down a Capernaum village street in the dead of night, one of them in great pain. We are told this incident took place 2 weeks before the 12 apostles returned from their first missionary journey. The women bang desperately at the door of the town doctor. Soon the woman in agony is on his kitchen table, bleeding profusely from a miscarriage. The doctor’s wife strips the sheets from their bed because that’s all that’s left to stop the bleeding. Now we see that the woman who just lost her baby is Eden, wife of Simon, accompanied by her mother, Dasha, whom Jesus once healed from a deadly fever.
Moving forward to the present time 12-year-old Nili, daughter of Jairus, the synagogue administrator, is on her sickbed, growing worse from a deadly illness that came from Capernaum’s contaminated water. The doctor examining her tells her parents he doesn’t think he can do anything more to help her. Jairus’s wife, in a state of denial, kneels by their daughter, repeatedly urging her to breathe.
The doctor calls Jairus aside and tells him he thinks arrangements need to be made, which in that culture meant calling in a rabbi and professional funeral assistants on standby for imminent death. “You know the traditions,” he says, “for Rabbi Judah said even the poorest mourner must hire at least two flute players and one wailing woman. You simply tell me how many of each you can afford and I will make the arrangements.” Jairus grips the doctor’s shoulders and says, “No. Please don’t do anything unless she dies. I will be right back.”
At the same time, early in the morning, Simon finishes dressing as he silently watches Eden working in the kitchen. He packs himself a lunch and grabs his toolbox. Simon turns toward Eden by the front door and says, “Whatever it is, you are right. I’m sorry.” Eden barely looks up and scoffs, “Whatever it is?” Mildly shaking her head, she returns to chopping fruits and vegetables. Simon leaves.
At the Zebedee household, James enters the breakfast area refreshed. He, John, and Zebedee discuss John’s missionary partner, Thomas, on his way to Tel Dor to visit Ramah and ask for her hand in marriage. Her father, Kafni, is a vintner who currently rejects Jesus’s ministry, but Ramah is patiently ministering to him and others, continuing her Torah studies and eagerly anticipating Thomas’s visit. From that topic Zebedee makes the stunning announcement to his sons that he sold his fishing boat to go into the olive-oil business.
James and John feel guilty, wondering out loud if they’re leaving to follow Jesus had something to do with that big decision. In a way it does, Zebedee explains: “My father died waiting for the Messiah. I turned his boat into a fleet, raised you boys, fed a hundred families, went to synagogue, and waited for the Messiah. My legacy was waiting for the Messiah until you boys got your real jobs. All your lives led to this. He chose you,” Zebedee says proudly, patting his sons on their shoulders. “Now I’m free to try something new, right?” he adds. James and John agree. Zebedee embraces them, Salome looking on with pride and joy. He asks them to wish him luck as he leaves to buy an olive grove.
Nathanael and Thaddeus are walking through an unfamiliar desert ravine with empty water buckets tied to yokes across their shoulders. On their way to the desired steam Thaddeus spots bloodstains. He and Nathanael follow them cautiously to a tent, where they meet Veronica, the woman with a blood disorder who befriended Eden. When they learn of her 12-year affliction, Nathanael wonders if Jesus would help her. Thaddeus reminds him that Jesus has been discreet about making Himself available for public healings.
Veronica wants to know what they are talking about. They explain they are followers of a very special rabbi. She wonders if He is the same one who healed the lame man at the pool of Bethesda. “And so many more!” they respond. Veronica rises from her feet and follows them eagerly. She says humbly, “I won’t touch Him and make Him unclean. I won’t waste His time—if I could just touch His garment!” “That’s a superstition!” says Thaddeus. “Maybe for other holy men, but I’m not talking about other holy men. I’m talking about Him—and I heard His sermon!” says Veronica with urgency. “I understand,” replies Thaddeus with compassion.
Veronica hangs her head and says, “I’m unable to go to synagogue. My father has disowned me. I’ve got no one and I’ve come all this way. I’ve waited so long to meet Him!” “You could help us look for Him,” Nathanael offers kindly.
Judas is with Zebedee, Mary Magdalene, and Tamar, inspecting Zebedee’s new olive grove. It’s a new experience for Judas. who explains he was involved in many land transactions but only to turn them around quickly for a profit and never to own and take care of. Tamar notices that the trees look sick. Judas says, “We need answers.” Salome calls over to a man she sees, abruptly asking why the trees are sick. He explains that his father got sick and did not tend to the orchard. Judas asks why he didn’t help. The man says he was away. Judas shrewdly negotiates with that son to retain his experienced service to help these trees produce an abundant harvest.
Gaius and Simon are working together on the cistern by the synagogue, carefully coordinating their movements as they lower a heavy rectangular block of stone into place. Instinctively they high five each other at their success, but Simon recalls his upbringing and looks over at his hand with concern. Gaius, noticing, asks, “Were you not supposed to touch me?” Simon answers, “That may be true.” “Don’t you call us dogs or something?” responds Gaius. “You call us dogs and other things!” says Simon. “I offered you my flask last night and you acted like I tried to kiss you!” counters Gaius. Returning to the matter at hand, Simon sensibly observes that working together to solve a public-health crisis is different, so they clink their canteens together before taking a long drink.
Simon recites a prayer of thanksgiving for the fruit of the vine while Gaius listens silently. Simon breaks the silence by saying, “It didn’t work, by the way,” meaning that his wife is still angry with him. Gaius asks, “Did you mean it or did you just say it to placate her? There is an art to this sort of thing.” Simon explains that he tried to sound sincere, but how could he mean it if he didn't even know what he did wrong? Gaius responds, “Simon, it doesn’t work if you don’t know what you are conceding, no matter how sincere. Is there another woman?” Simon truthfully answers no. Gaius asks if the kids are alright. Simon tells him they don’t have any yet. “Well, you shouldn’t be taking marriage advice from me,” says Gaius. “You offered it!” points out Simon. “I just meant that line has worked often for me,” explains Gaius. Simon suggests they get back to work.
As they shovel dirt into the work area, Simon ventures to ask, “What about you? Do you have any kids?” “Two,” answers Gaius immediately, clarifying that two children are in the house: his son and a servant boy the same age. “Child slavery!” protests Simon. Gaius tells him heatedly that the boy was born to a servant who died giving birth, adding, “She worked for us and we raised him as our own. Is that so barbaric? His other options were far worse, I assure you!” Simon sarcastically remarks, “Oh, your merciful kindness is dazzling. You deserve a medal!” Gaius angrily shovels dirt onto Simon’s foot. “It was just a joke!” says Simon. “It’s not funny,” states Gaius. “Do not make light of my situation!” “Situation?” questions Simon. Gaius tells him just to keep on shoveling. “Fine, I went too far,” says Simon humbly. Gaius responds, “I don’t want a medal; I just—” “What?” asks Simon gently, realizing he has hurt this man and wanting to help him feel better somehow. But Gaius tells him to keep on working so they can have their work done by lunch and get it inspected by a stone mason. Gaius asks Simon if he knows of one in town. Simon replies that he might, probably thinking of fellow apostle Thaddeus.
Inside the synagogue Rabbi Yussif sees Jairus in a distraught state. Jairus blurts out, “I don’t have time for your pity!” Confused, Yussif soon learns Nili is dying. Jairus is frantically looking through scrolls for information on healing but seeing Yussif, he turns his back on them and says decisively, “Take me to Him! I need Him now!” “I don’t know where He is,” answers Yussif. “But you have an idea?” says Jairus hopefully. Yussif tells him, “His own men often don’t know where is, but I will take you to them.”
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| Yussif looks with compassion on Jairus. |
They first try Andrew’s house. Judas answers the door and at first tries to brush them off but Jairus persists and Judas finally suggests they try Andrew’s brother’s house. We soon learn that Jesus is back and now eating a meal there with some of the apostles. He compliments Eden on her pickled cucumbers, but the compliment is lost on her. He and they can see that something is troubling her, but they do not pry.
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| Spreading the news that Jesus is back! |
Philip tells Jesus he has been meaning to ask a question about fasting. “That’s something I’m very happy not to be doing now!” says Jesus. Philip enjoys the humor, but wonders why John the Baptizer and his disciples, including Philip earlier, often fasted but Jesus and His disciples do not. Jesus responds, “Can the wedding guests mourn while the bridegroom is still among them?” His disciples give him a quizzical look. “The days are coming when the bridegroom will be taken from them. Then they will fast.” “Taken away?” asks Matthew. “Hold that thought,” says Jesus. “When you fasted before, what did you pray for?” “Your arrival,” answers one. “So what would be the point now?” replies Andrew. “Exactly!” says Jesus.
Turning His head toward Eden, the Lord asks her if she has any wine fermenting. “Yes,” she answers. “In the back.” He asks Little James to take down a wineskin hanging on a peg. Philip grins and says gleefully, “Ooh, I feel a lesson coming!” Jesus asks Eden how the wine was doing the last time she checked. “What it always does at this stage, bubbling and letting out puffs of air,” she answers. Now Jesus asks Little James to describe how the wineskin feels. “Stiff and not very flexible,” says James. “So if Eden were to pour her wine into that wineskin, what would happen?” asks Jesus. The others answer that since the old leather cannot expand to handle the expanding wine, the skin would burst. “Yes,” says Jesus: “New wine must be poured into fresh wineskins.”
Jesus gestures with His hands in a way to suggest that the point has been made, but the apostles look confused. Andrew says, “I’m not afraid to be the first one to admit I don’t get it.” Jesus smiles and explains, "The ways of the Kingdom I am bringing into this world will not fit into old containers or frameworks." Philip grins broadly and says, “Being revolutionary is fun!”
Jesus Makes Things Clear
Yussif, with Jairus, sees Simon the former Zealot, Mary, and Tamar heading towards the same house they are. He encourages Jairus by pointing out that they are Jesus’s disciples. Jesus inside concludes His conversation with His other disciples by saying, “So John made you fast as he preached a baptism of repentance and you will again when I’m gone, but as I am here preaching a message of salvation—"
The apostles still want to know what He means about gone, and Mary inquires about what she and the others missed, but right then Yussif and Jairus follow them in. The apostles stand, alarmed, knowing that men dressed as religious officials are usually enemies, but Rabbi Yussif points and gently says, “That’s Him.” Jesus says, “Shalom, Yussif.” Jairus walks toward Him with an awed grin on his face and sinks to his knees before the Lord. “I know You,” he says. “Do you?” says Jesus, who stretches out His hand and says, “Stand with Me.” Jesus and Yussif helps Jairus to his feet and Jairus explains, eyes wide with wonder, “I have heard of You and I have read accounts from someone I trust,” instinctively gesturing his head toward Yussif, who smiles modestly. Jesus looks at Yussif with gladness and nods toward him in appreciation.
Jairus finds his voice again: “You do miracles? You are a healer?” Jesus answers, “Of more than just physical maladies, yes.” Jairus chokes up, but manages to say, “Please, my daughter is dying.” “I’m so sorry,” says Jesus with compassion. Jairus quickly adds, “But come and lay Your hands on her and she will live.” Jesus looks on Jairus with visible emotion, turns toward His disciples, and again faces Jairus, saying, “You’ve never met Me yet you have this faith that I can heal your daughter?” With Yussif beaming, Jairus places his hand over his own heart saying with conviction, “I know You.” Jesus smiles. Jairus says, “Please.” Jesus says, “Take Me to her.” Jairus eagerly leads the way with everyone in the room following, except Eden, who looks upset.
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| Jairus says to Jesus, "I know You." |
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| Jesus is blessed by Jairus's faith in Him. |
Back at the cistern, Simon and Gaius are doing repetitive work with trowels and mortar. Simon asks, “Do you have a religion?” meaning the Romans in general. Gaius tells him they have festival gods, but nothing like the Jews, just mainly parties and auguries for good luck. “We have parties too,” says Simon. “But they don’t look as much fun as ours,” says Gaius. “Depends on the definition of fun,” responds Simon. “Another thing we have is prophesies,” he adds. “So I’ve heard,” says Gaius. “I’m beginning to think I’m living in one,” says Simon. “With the Preacher?” inquires Gaius. “No, with this,” pointing at the cistern, explaining, “Our prophet Jeremiah said, ‘My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.’” Gaius chuckles and says, “You know, that sounds like a riddle.” Now Simon chuckles and says, “You know, you’d make a good Jew: We love riddles. We call those ones metaphors.”
“So have you?” asks Gaius perceptively, meaning have the Jews forsaken their God of living water, the broken cisterns being a sign of that. Simon answers somewhat evasively, “We have only one God of water, fire, wind, and everything.” “That is efficient, but maybe a little boring,” replies Gaius. “It’s a lot easier than a pantheon,” says Simon. “It’s not hard to keep track of,” explains Gaius. “Jupiter, Juno, Mars, Venus, Apollo, Diana—“ “Alright stop—I’m tired already!” quips Simon. “Do you make sacrifices to all of them?” “It depends on what you want,” answers Gaius. “Safe travel? Mercury. “Victory in war?” Mars. “Fertility?” Juno. Simon asks, “A big catch of fish?” “Neptune,” says Gaius. “Peace in a relationship?” “Vesta, goddess of hearth and home.”
They hear a commotion in town and see people hurrying in one direction excitedly. Soon they learn it’s because Jesus has been seen walking with His apostles on the street. Barnaby, a lame man and longtime friend of Jesus and His disciples, hobbles along as he tells Simon and Gaius that word is, the Teacher has promised to do a miracle. Simon stops working and encourages Gaius to come and see. Zee is walking just ahead of Jesus, urging people to make way so Jesus can pass through. Philip promises they will come back, but the crowd is becoming thicker as people converge from different directions upon them. Rabbi Yussif also tries to aid Jesus’s passage; Jairus looks concerned. Eden also is now following but the scene is becoming chaotic. Little James stumbles and falls, in danger of being trampled, but Matthew quickly helps him up.
Arriving into this press are Nathanael and Thaddeus, followed by Veronica, not knowing what is going on. Suddenly Veronica points and says, “It’s your Rabbi!” Thad and Nathanael wade in, saying to Veronica, “Wait here.” Zee looks concerned when he observes a member of his former Zealot order eying him and then disappearing. Veronica calls out with a look of desperation, “Teacher, Teacher!” She panics when she realizes she is bleeding again, thinking out loud in prayer, “No, no, not now, please!” Veronica then stares ahead with determination, saying, “One thread, just the fringe, one touch!”
Simon and Gaius now arrive where Jesus is. They pass Roman guards gripping their swords, tense and ready to strike to prevent this situation from turning riotous. Gaius quickly motions for them to stand down. Veronica is now a slow-moving part of the crowd, expressing her heart’s desire to touch the fringe of the Teacher’s garment to receive healing, yet to avoid touching and contaminating Him personally. Overhearing her is the laundry customer who was angry at her for making him unclean the night before. He shouts out at Rabbi Yussif to keep her away. Yussif says, “Woman, we can help you, but not now.” Nathanael, noticing her, says in the press, “Sorry—we’ll try tomorrow.” Veronica, looking heartbroken, says, “Just a moment, just a touch, just His garment.” She dives into the crowd and lurches toward Jesus, an outstretched arm touching the fringe on one side of His tunic.
The Lord suddenly stops and reels back, as if struck by a blow. He breathes heavily and steadies Himself, His apostles supporting Him momentarily. Veronica is on her knees, also breathing heavily but looking relieved. She rubs her abdomen, which was aching but not anymore. Simon speaks up: “What’s wrong, Master?” “Who touched Me?” asks Jesus. He looks around the crowd and says, “I asked a question.” People look away awkwardly and Simon states the obvious: “People are crowded all around You and You ask who touched Me?” Jesus states, “Someone touched Me. I felt that power went out of Me.” Veronica is still seated on the ground. Jesus looks at her and says, “Whoever touched Me move forward.”
Veronica says, “It was me. I touched only the fringe of Your garment. You are not unclean.” Jesus smiles at her and asks gently, “Why My garment?” Veronica answers, “I’m sorry. I know I should have asked You, but if You touched me it would have made You ritually unclean according to the Law. I was sick for 12 years. I bled, but no one could stop it. But I believed that if I just touched a piece of Your garment—I was right, I was right!” she says, smiling and weeping tears of joy. “Thank You!” Jesus smiles back, as do Nathanael, Zee, and others. “Who told you I could heal?” asks Jesus. “A man from the Pool [of Bethesda] and he was right!” Jesus and Zee share knowing glances. Veronica states clearly, “ The blood has ceased.”
Jesus kneels toward her and says, “My daughter.” Looking stunned, she shakes her head and says, “I’m no one’s daughter anymore.” Jesus looks on her with compassion and says, “Look up.” She does and He says, “Yes, you are. Daughter, it wasn’t My piece of clothing that healed you.” Veronica smiles yet is confused, saying, But it was instant. I felt it right away.” “I know,” says Jesus, “but it wasn’t this. It was your faith.” Now Jairus, looking on, smiles as well. Rabbi Yussif feels obliged to say, “Teacher, she was bleeding for so long; she can be taken—,” but Jesus stops him from speaking further with a simple hand gesture. He quietly states with authority, “She is clean.” Veronica looks radiant. Yussif humbly submits to the Savior's authority.
Jesus looks tenderly at Veronica and says, “You have blessed Me today. My daughter, I know it has been a fight for you for so long. You must be—exhausted.” Veronica echoes that last word, tears trickling down her cheeks. “Go now in peace,” Jesus tells her. “Your faith has made you well.” He smiles and adds, “I wish I could stay longer, but I have business to attend to. Someone else has faith like yours.” He nods up toward Jairus, who smiles back at them. “But I’m so glad we found each other,” Jesus adds as He smooths the tears from her cheeks in a fatherly manner before standing.
Jesus turns as He faces the people patiently waiting and says, “Please, I promise I will return and speak to all of you soon, and My students and I will care for your needs, but right now there is something very important I must do so I kindly ask you to let Me go so I can attend to this urgent business. I promise I will see you, but right now that is not possible. Thank you for understanding.”
The crowd respectfully begins to disperse so Jesus can move forward freely. As He resumes walking with Jairus and Yussif, He directs His disciples to disperse themselves and minister to needy groups of people, but Simon, John, and Big James He asks to accompany Him. The women minister to Veronica, who asks to borrow a knife, whispering her reason to Mary Magdalene. Mary nods and gets a knife from Philip.
Jairus walks swiftly with Jesus, who says this is a great day vindicating faith. The others closely follow. They hear flute players and wailing as they approach Jairus’s home. Rabbi Akiva stands outside. Jairus approaches him. saying, “No! What is this? I said not to do this!” Rabbi Akiva tells Jairus, “While you were gone, your daughter passed away. We had to make arrangements quickly." "No!" protests Jairus in anguish. "I was going to get the Teacher. He was going to heal her!" Akiva stares at Jesus in an unfriendly way and states, "I know who you are." Jesus eyes him evenly. Akiva steps toward Jesus, but addresses Jairus: "Let's not trouble him anymore. Michal is with Nili's body." Jairus again cries no, saying he went as fast as he could. Jesus lays a reassuring hand on his shoulder and says gently, "Do not be afraid. Only believe. She will be well."
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| Jesus is personally blessed by faith and trust in Him. |
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| This man is quick to assume the worst about Jesus. |
Rabbi Akiva, shocked to hear those words, composes himself and says, "Jairus, let's go in." To Jesus he says, "Please stay here; we will—" The Lord Jesus, talking over him, says again to Jairus, "She will be well." He walks past Akiva into the home, Jairus, Simon, John, and Big James following. They encounter mournful flute players and women dressed in black wailing, "Nili!" Despite the tragedy of the situation, they have the look and sound of paid professionals rather than sincere mourners. Jesus, looking shocked, says, "All of you, stop it!" They ignore him. Jesus puts His hand over the sounding end of a flute, gently moving it down, and says authoritatively, "I said stop. What are you doing?" One of the black-clad women gestures up and says, "There's a girl upstairs. She's dead!" Jesus tells them, "Go away, for she isn't dead, but sleeping."
They laugh at Him as if He were crazy. Rabbi Akiva rushes in, wanting to know, "What is all this laughing?" The flutist says with disdain, "He says she's only asleep." One of the women adds, "What a cruel thing to say!" The apostle John tells her, "Do you know Who you are talking to?" Rabbi Akiva tells Jesus angrily, "If you were a member of the family, I would invite you in to see just how dead she is. What are you—a necromancer? Shame on you for saying such a ridiculous thing!" Jesus simply looks around and orders, "Everyone out." Jairus immediately backs Him up: "You heard Him!" Jesus asks His disciples to escort everyone outside, which they do. A flutist protests, "But we were paid to play!" Rabbi Akiva loses his temper and is about to try to overrule the situation, but at that moment Rabbi Yussif steps in and takes Akiva by the shoulder, leading him out while saying, "Come, let's give them a moment."
Michal is weeping over Nili's body, stretched out and covered on her bed. Jairus calls her name as he enters first. She faces him angrily, demanding, "Where were you?" He answers, "I was finding this Man," gesturing toward Jesus, who stands with His disciples in the hallway. "Why would you leave us?" continues Michal, but Jairus looks her in the eyes and says, "Please trust me and trust Him!" He puts his arm around her as Jesus approaches Nili's bed. Michal wants to know what she should trust them for. Jesus kneels by Nili's head. Despite Michal's protestations, He removes the veil covering Nili's face. Jesus looks up towards heaven and smiles at our Heavenly Father. He then looks at Nili's face, gently takes hold of her right hand, and says, "Little Lamb, arise." Nili's eyes instantly flutter open and she begins to sit up like one arising from sleep. Michal sits down next to her, saying, "Nili, my love!" Big James, John, and Simon stare in amazement. Jesus smiles at His Father first and then at everyone else in the bedroom. Nili stands and is hugged by both of her parents.
Jesus says, "Everyone in this room, please listen to Me carefully. None of you are to say a word about this to anyone under any circumstances. Do I make Myself clear? No one, not even to the others." Simon speaks first, "Yes, Rabbi." Jesus continues, "It is not yet time for the commotion that will result, and none of you need the attention. Not all of it will be good." Jairus speaks for his family, "Whatever You command, we shall do." Michal smiles. Jesus says, "Nili, you must be hungry." She nods yes. Michal steps forward and says, "How can I thank You? I don't understand what You did, but—" "You're welcome," responds Jesus warmly, "but let's just get Nili something to eat first." Michal laughs at her forgetfulness and embraces her daughter as she leads her downstairs to the kitchen. Jairus looks at Jesus and chokes up, but manages to say, "There are no other words but thank You." Jesus smiles at him and says, "Thank you for your faith. I pray that more in the synagogue will share it." Jairus grasps His right hand and kisses it. Jesus puts His other hand across his shoulder as they all begin walking downstairs.
Veronica, seated on the ground and leaning against a wall on the street, catches her breath and takes out the knife Philip lent her, cutting away the intricate array of ropes she had tied around her body through the years to hold pads to absorb blood. Now that she is healed, she can be free of them! She gathers the whole mess into a big bundle and tosses it onto a fire. Veronica smiles and walks to the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Setting aside extra garments, she walks into the sea about waist high with her tunic, plunging joyfully into the water and then floating peacefully.
As Jesus and His disciples walk out of Jairus's house, they are confronted by the pointing finger of Rabbi Akiva, who wants to know, "Did you touch a corpse?" Jesus gestures and says, "Go see for yourself." Akiva adds, "I also hear you touched a woman who is bleeding." "She wasn't bleeding anymore," Jesus tells him. "How could you know for sure?" demands Akiva. Simon protests, "Are we really having this conversation?" John adds, "You have no right to question Him!" Rabbi Akiva pronounces, "You and anyone you touched are ceremonially unclean until sundown, and must carry out the rituals of purification." Jesus mildly shakes His head, asking, "What are your intentions if that doesn't happen?" Akiva answers, "I will write a letter to the Sanhedrin reporting you." Jesus clicks His teeth, saying, "A letter. Hmm. Who among you touched either Me or the woman who was formerly bleeding? Raise your hands." Simon, James, and John raise theirs. Jesus looks at them and says, "Come with Me, and let's get the others." They walk away from Rabbis Akiva and Yussif.
Jesus and His disciples approach the Sea of Galilee. He spots Veronica standing happily in the water and calls out, "You there!" Veronica grabs her dangling head scarf, quickly covers her hair and says, "Oh, no! Did I make You unclean? Did the priest send you?" Jesus answers, "He thinks he did. We just wanted to go for a swim!" The apostles bound like boys into the water, Simon going last as he says, "Joke's on him!" Mary Magdalene smiles and says to Veronica, "We were looking for you." "Yes," adds Jesus, "to see how you're doing." "Thank you," says Veronica. "I know I disturbed You." Jesus quickly says, "Ah, it was a welcome disturbance—My favorite kind!" He gleefully casts off His bag and says, "If you'll excuse Me, I can't miss this," and bounds into the water as gleefully as the others. Tamar and Mary smile at the happy men, but Tamar turns her attention to Veronica and says, "Twelve years! That's a long time. How did you survive?" Veronica answers, "It's a long story." Mary says engagingly, "Good stories usually are!" As the women talk, the men play in the water, splashing each other with two on the shoulders of others, wrestling like children on a holiday. Judas is proclaimed winner of the water wrestling; Jesus embraces him, both laughing heartily with the rest of the apostles. Last we see Eden watching all this, hearing a hint in the background music of the discord that remains in her soul.
