This season begins with Jesus and His
disciples at the Last Supper, their last Passover seder together. It starts by
depicting things said and done near the end of the meal and a little beyond.
From then on, each episode's beginning segment reveals more details of what
happened that monumental night in reverse chronological order, down to how the
Last Supper came to be where it was.
Jesus tells His apostles, minus Judas
Iscariot: "Listen very carefully, for I'm about to tell you what will
happen. In a little while, you will not see Me. And then after a little while,
you will see Me. Truly, truly I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the
world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.
"When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come.
But when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish. It is
replaced by joy that a human being has been brought into the world. So yes, you
have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no
one will take your joy from you."
Each apostle is listening intently
around the table. Jesus continues, "In that day you will ask nothing more
of Me. Truly, truly, whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He will give it
to you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name." He says with
emphasis, "Ask and you will receive that your joy may be full. I have said
so many things to you in figures of speech, and you have seen so many things
you haven't fully understood—some because you cannot fully grasp all this
until My time is complete. But you have remained faithful. The hour is coming
when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech, but will tell you
plainly about the Father. In that day you will ask Me in My name, and no longer
will you need Me to ask the Father on your behalf, for the Father Himself loves
you. You can ask Him directly because you have loved Me and have believed that
I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world. Now I am
leaving the world and going to the Father."
Matthew says, "Thank You."
Jesus asks, "For what?" "You said it plainly, " answers
Matthew, "no longer using figures of speech." Thaddaeus adds, "I
feel less anxious now." Peter speaks for the group: "Now we know that
You know all things and do not need anyone to question You." John, sitting
to the right of Jesus, tells Him, "This is why we truly believe You came
from God." Jesus turns to him and asks, "Do you now believe?"
John answers, "Always," a sentiment echoed by the other apostles
around the table. Jesus tells them, "Hold onto that belief, for I tell you
the hour is coming—indeed, it has come—when you will be scattered, each to
his own home, and will leave Me alone." They all quickly protest,
affirming they would never do such a thing, but Jesus responds, "This is
not the time for your declarations of loyalty. I have heard them, and I do not
doubt your earnest intentions. Time will reveal all things."
Jesus asks Andrew to lead the group in a closing hymn (Matthew 26:30), adding, "But before we do, be assured—all of you—that I am not alone, for the Father is with Me. I have said these things to you that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation, but take heart, for I have overcome the world." After a gesture from Jesus, Andrew begins and is soon joined by the others, singing: "O Lord, open the gates to me of righteousness I would enter. Through them that I will give thanks, all to You, my Lord. This is the gate of the Lord ... (Psalm 118:19-23)." As they sing around the table, Jesus looks up and prays, "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son that Your Son may glorify You since You have given Him authority over all flesh to give eternal life to all whom You have given Him. This is eternal life: That they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent. I glorified You on earth, having accomplished the work You gave Me to do." He pauses His prayer and smiles as He hears His apostles sing from Psalm 118, "This is what the Lord has done, marvelous before our eyes." (John 16:16-33; John 17)
Four days earlier, Jerusalem is packed with jostling crowds. Many of the people are carrying long palm branches. Rabbi Shmuel makes his way through them with a sad face but a determined stride toward the luxurious house of High Priest Caiaphas. When Shmuel faces him, he announces, "It's everything I feared."
Just outside the city, Jesus is seated on the colt of a donkey, advancing toward it with His disciples. As they approach one of the city gates, they see and hear throngs of people waving palm branches and singing repeatedly, "Hosanna in the highest!" Judas says excitedly, "Do you hear that? Sounds like multitudes." He cries out, "This is the moment!" Tamar asks Mary Magdalene what Hosanna means. She tells her it means "save us." Andrew, soon joined by the other apostles, starts singing, "Hosanna to the Son of David."
Just then they are intercepted by three religious leaders emerging from a bush before Jesus is in full view of the crowds by the gate. They are Rabbi Zebediah, Rabbi Gedera, and Rabbi Yussif of Arimathea. The first two tried to stone Jesus and His disciples to death a few months earlier in Jerusalem during the Feast of Dedication, but now they insist they mean no harm. They explain to Jesus, "No one wants a riot. If You turn back now, it could save Your life." Various apostles counter, "No, we're not going to do that. Do you hear that chanting? It sounds like the people are ready to crown Him king." Gedera warns, "By proclaiming Him a sovereign, Rome will descend on us all." Jesus reminds them, "I have said nothing about an earthly crown, ever." Zebediah points out, "You're riding a donkey. For those who know prophecy, Your meaning could not be any more clear." Jesus, with a bemused expression, implies that is exactly right.
Tamar quietly asks what this means. Philip quickly explains, "Zechariah's prophecy of the Messiah: 'Behold, your King, righteous and having salvation, riding on a donkey'" (Zechariah 9:9-10). Zebediah points out the crowds haven't seen the donkey yet, but Judas asserts they all should be rejoicing since this is the moment of salvation. He lifts a defiant fist in the air, proclaiming, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" That motivates the other disciples to shout out the same thing.
Rabbi Yussif makes his way over for private conversation with Peter and John, telling them, "I don't stand with these men, but they are right. Raising Lazarus changed everything. Jesus will not be safe inside the city gates." Rabbi Gedera cries out to the chanting disciples, "You are calling for His killing, don't you see?" Rabbi Zebediah says to Jesus directly, "Teacher, if You value Your own life, tell Your students to stop." Jesus replies in a matter-of-fact manor, "I could tell them to stop, but I tell you, if they were to be silent, even these very stones around us would cry out in their place" (Luke 19:37-44). Such was the momentous nature of this fulfilled prophecy. Jesus gently nudges His donkey forward, the religious leaders move away, and His disciples follow Him enthusiastically.
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| Jesus: Even the stones would cry out. |
Zebedee, the last disciple following Jesus's group, puts friendly hands on Rabbi Gedera's shoulders, saying, "Come on, man: It's good news for you too!" Gedera angrily brushes them off while Zebediah gestures for Zebedee to leave and pointedly looks away from him. Zebedee shrugs and follows after Jesus. "What do we do now?" wonders Zebediah. "We can't walk in behind them. We'll look like followers." Gedera say, "We'll take one of the other gates. Come," moving him away. Tamar gestures to Rabbi Yussif, now standing alone, to come with Jesus and His followers. He once helped rescue her, which led Tamar to be a regular follower of Jesus. Yussif discretely shakes his head no and follows Zebediah and Gedera when they call to him. Tamar runs to rejoin the others.
By the time Jesus reaches the crowds, they have split into a long avenue, waving a forest of palm leaves and draping their cloaks across the path to honor the Lord's arrival to Jerusalem. When Jesus spots a rust-colored stone in the city wall, He and the donkey halt. In His mind the rust takes on the appearance of bleeding stone. After a gentle, inquiring touch by His mother, He returns to the present and moves forward. Inside the city the crowds continue the chant of "Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna to the Son of David."
Taking all this in amid the crowd is Atticus of the Roman secret police. He observes fellow Roman Joanna passing out palm branches and participating in the crowd's enthusiastic reception of Jesus. He also observes a well-dressed young man cloaked in tan and blue taking detailed notes on Jesus's triumphal entry. In addition Atticus observes High Priest Caiaphas surveying the scene from above with alarm.
Children are following Jesus and waving at Him as He rides toward the temple. He smiles and waves back, dismounting the donkey before approaching the first temple court, the Court of the Gentiles. The mysterious notetaker is watching Him carefully from a balcony. Peter says to Andrew, "Do you remember when Jesus said He would make us fishers of men? We used to fish to feed men, but now we're going to feed them spiritually. I think I'm going to learn to preach. What better time—all these people?" Thomas, overhearing, says, "Exactly why it's risky." He points out all the strangers, but John says, "Not all strangers: Some friends, even family," indicating Veronica, whom Jesus healed from a bleeding disorder, and Jesse, whom Jesus healed from paralysis and is just now embracing his brother, Simon the former Zealot. Thomas, however, reminds them of what Rabbi Shmuel said at the house of Lazarus: "Some are waiting here with open arms, other with daggers."
Peter, considering that sobering reminder, calls over Zebedee and asks him take the female disciples who are Jewish over to the Court of Women until things calm down, promising to meet them there later. The notetaker from his balcony location sees Rabbis Zebediah, Gedera, and Yussif enter the city, and observes Yussif separating himself from the other two and buying street clothes from a vendor, which he quickly changes into so he can listen to Jesus while blending in with the crowd.
Governor Pilate is making observations from a balcony in the Antonia Fortress. When Atticus joins him inside, he scoffs, "All that fuss and He rides in on an ass. It's pathetic! I'll admit the fervor of the crowds had me nervous for a minute." Atticus states, "Really? A whole minute?" Pilate parries that sarcasm with, "Oh, come now. Did you see His grubby little followers? Not a soldier in the lot." Atticus reminds him, "That's what Antiochus said about the Maccabees.
Two platters of non-Kosher food are set on a table in the room, along with an ornate wardrobe box containing High Priest Caiaphas's sacred garments, which the Romans took control over to keep the Jewish people in check. Pilate says to Atticus regarding Caiaphas, "He needs me." Atticus counters, "You need him and his temple. What do you get, a quarter of your annual revenue from this Passover week?" Pilate admits he does, sometimes more. "He keeps the peace and the exchange rates high, so play nicely," advises Atticus.
Pilate's wife, Claudia, marches into the room angrily, complaining about the smell, explaining, "Shellfish. You offend these people by bringing that kind of meat into the city." Pilate quips, "There is braised pork from the shoulder cut, my love." He deliberately selected forbidden meats to tweak Caiaphas, who is on his way to pick up the garments. Claudia leaves. Pilate tells Atticus, "Shut up. She's fine." Atticus, observing otherwise, remarks, "No, she seems great." He leaves just as Caiaphas arrives.
Pilate smiles broadly and says with mock joviality, "Joseph Ben Caiaphas! Do you mind if I call you Joe?" Caiaphas brushes past him, saying evenly, "You ask that every time." Pilate lightly invites him to partake of the forbidden meat fresh from the Mediterranean rushed overnight in cold-water vessels. Caiaphas merely stares at him with comically raised eyebrows. Pilate therefore drops that subject and walks toward the priestly vestments Caiaphas has come for, saying, "We have this lovely appointment three times a year," corresponding with the three pilgrimage festivals, "yet your disposition never strikes me as grateful." Caiaphas responds, "Pardon me, Governor, but you should be washing my feet for ensuring an orderly festival."
The governor opens the locked garment box and blathers that Rome tolerates various religions in the empire because they see them as variations of the same thing, deliberately moving his hand too close. Caiaphas shrieks, "Don't!" Knowing full well that the garments would be considered unclean for days if he, as a Gentile, touched them, Pilate quips, "So many lambs would thank me!" Caiaphas says, "I'll take the garments and be out of your way." Pilate corrects him: "Not take, receive. The 12 gemstones on your breastplate correspond to our zodiac in the heavens, first put forth by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy." "Enough," says Caiaphas, "I get it," handing the garments to his assistant.
"To the victor belong the spoils," says Pilate, now speaking sternly. "Because these are ours, you may borrow them only if you keep your people under control. No riots. I noticed that there are nearly double the number of pilgrims this year." Caiaphas tells him, "I do not recall a greater turnout in my lifetime." "Is it unreasonable to assume double the revenue?" asks Pilate. Caiaphas reassures him, "Between the currency exchange and the temple tax, the coffers are already beginning to overflow." "Be sure they do," says Pilate in a lighter tone. "Is there anything else." "No, thank you, Governor," says Caiaphas as he quickly turns to leave. Pilate tells him one quick thing more: "We have three executions scheduled for Friday, one including a Zealot murderer. Please make sure your people are there to see. I want to send a clear message." Caiaphas scoffs, but manages to say it will be done before hurrying away. Pilate calls out to him in light mockery, "You know, we're going to be friends one day."
Jesus, preaching to a large crowd from the temple steps, says, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. What does this mean? Whoever loves his life will lose it. Whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternity. If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me, for where I am, there is My servant also" (John 12:24-26). As Jesus continues preaching, Joanna quietly greets Mary Magdalene and Tamar, who are listening. She asks where they are staying and offers them and the 13 others use of a large home owned by her absent friend Phoebe, which she can have ceremonially cleansed.
They and the crowd notice Jesus suddenly clutch at His chest, explaining in obvious agony, "Now My soul is troubled. What shall I say, 'Father, save Me from this hour?'" "No," He says decisively. "For this purpose I have come to this hour." Then Jesus shouts toward heaven: "Father, glorify Your name!" Thunder and lightning flash as a Voice from heaven answers: "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again." Many heads in the crowd look up. Andrew says with awe to Peter, "Was that an angel's voice? I'm sure I heard the word glorify." "Strange thunder" say others. Jesus explains, "To those of you who heard a voice, it was for your benefit, not Mine. There will be many signs this week as now is the judgment of this world. Now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself." "What do you mean?" asks Nathanael. "The light is among you for a little while longer," responds Jesus. "Walk while you have the light so that darkness doesn't overtake you. The one who walks in darkness doesn't know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light so that you may become sons and daughters of light" (John 12:27-36).
Just then thunder sounds in the cloudy sky, and Jesus affirms with a smile that this time it is just thunder, eliciting laughter. He gently encourages the crowd to seek shelter and wishes them peace after reassuring them that He will speak with them again soon. Mary Magdalene is lost in what looks like troubled thought. John notices and says to her, "Father, save Me from this hour? Save Him from what?" Mary answers, "He said it before. I just think we all haven't wanted to hear it, or it's not sinking in, or—" "But sometimes He speaks in parables," interrupts John. "Then why did He seem so unsettled?" counters Mary. "The Pharisee and Sadducee said turning back could save His life," remembers John. "They don't care about Him," says Mary. "Does He care?" asks John with concern. "He's acting more and more like someone with no regard—" Mary interrupts with a quotation from Jesus: "A grain of wheat falls into the earth and must die before it bears fruit." "But die in what sense?" wonders John. Just then they are called to join Jesus and the other disciples.
Jesus informs them by a wall in the city, "Joanna has graciously provided a place for us to stay." "Thank you, sister," says Andrew. Jesus then encourages them as they move throughout the city to share whatever teaching or parable they have heard from Him to anyone with ears to hear because time is running out. When questioned about that last statement, He merely tells them to take their bags and get settled, walking away but promising to join them soon.
Peter gives his bag to Andrew, telling him to take it to Phoebe's house for him while he starts preaching. "Alone?" asks Andrew. Peter asks Matthew to join him so he can write down what Peter says this first time, explaining humbly, "I need to know what crazy things come out of my mouth. Come on."
An alarming group of men entering Jerusalem sternly chant, "The Lord tests the righteous. But His soul hates the wicked, and the one who loves violence. Let Him rain coals on false prophets. Fire and sulfur and scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup," adding words to Psalm 11. It is led by Kafni, who cursed Jesus after unjustly accusing Him of his daughter, Ramah's, murder. The young notetaker in tan and blue bravely steps out in a peacemaking gesture before them, saying, "Greetings, pilgrims. From what part of Israel does the Holy City greet you?" "Tel Dor, Joppa, others from Jezreel and Shechem," are the answers he receives. "All in the north," he observes, inquiring, "Are you traveling as a family clan?" When he further inquires about house and tribe, one responds ominously, "The house of justice." "Justice for whom?" asks the notetaker. "For Israel? Brothers, please, this is no time for violence. The Passover is a sacred—" Kafni walks up and confronts him, saying, "What's going on here? I heard you say something about violence. There is a false prophet scorching the land, luring young minds, deceiving them into heresy, and in some cases, even into death. Has Jesus of Nazareth made His way into the city yet?" The notetaker informs him, "He more than made His way in. It was something of a scene. I must warn you, if you've come in to oppose Him, you will find yourself in the minority. There is a fervor around that man that no one alive has seen before." "No one alive," repeats Kafni bitterly, resuming his chant and leading his followers past the young notetaker, some rudely bumping into him.
Entering one of Phoebe's lavish bedrooms, Andrew and other disciples express wonder and appreciation. Philip kindly points Little James to a bed raised higher than the others that will be easier for him to get in and out of with his limp. Nathanael, smiling, says, "This is going to be the nicest Passover I've ever had." Simon "Zee," the former Zealot, says, "We'll see," thinking of the two religious leaders they met outside the city who tried to stone them a few months ago. "Two people against a thousand," counters Andrew. "Yes, singing of victory for a king," replies Zee. "I can think of at least two powerful institutions who might feel threatened by that." Little James reminds him that Jesus rejects an earthly crown for Himself. Zee asks, "You trust Rome to hear nuance? Regardless of what He may or may not say, people have clearly made up their own minds." Big James says, "Nothing happens outside His intentions, Zee. You know that." But Zee recalls, "On the temple steps, Jesus did not seem to relish the enthusiasm of the crowds. In fact, He literally said, 'My soul is troubled.' He wondered aloud if He should ask God to save Him from this hour." Big James counters, "But immediately after, He resolved, 'For this purpose, I have come to this hour.'" Zee wonders, "What is it about this hour that troubles Him?" Thomas answers, "He has told us at least twice He would suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes." Andrew asserts that Rome is the real threat.
"What about the thunder?" Zee asks. Little James answers, "It sounded like a voice." Big James responds more cautiously: "It sounded almost like a voice." Thomas states cynically, "When people want to believe something, they can make the skies talk." That prompts Nathanael to ask him bluntly, "Do you want to believe?"
In another room, Tamar is admiring the silk hangings and fine vases, saying to Joanna, "Your friend has high tastes. What is this image?" It is a dramatic image of Hercules slaying Leomedon of Troy. Joanna explains, "Phoebe says she prefers her drama on stage or on pots, not in her streets, which is why she is gone for Passover week." Mary Magdalene comments that is probably for the best. Joanna says, "Yes, my husband and I have been accompanying the royal courts here for years but have never seen anything like this." Tamar asks if her husband knows she is staying with them here. Joanna answers, "No, but even if he did, Chuza's not dangerous. He's a fool." Mary says grimly, "Fools can be dangerous." Noticing how quiet Joanna and Tamar now are, she apologizes and exits the room to settle herself.
Mary wanders into the interior courtyard, where she sees John on a bench, looking up thoughtfully. He invites her to sit with him. She looks up herself and says, "This woman's home is filled with strange scenes." John explains to her the painted wall they are viewing: "It's the ghost of Clytemnestra trying to awaken the sleeping furies." Mary is impressed with John's knowledge, but John says not to tell his parents since they, like most pious Jews of that time, did not value learning about Greek mythology. John tells Mary, "The furies are winged spirits driven by blood vengeance. They chase people and torment them until they are driven mad. Mary says that sounds familiar, remembering she had once been inhabited by seven demons. Talking now about Jesus, John and Mary both sense that blood and death await Him. John says, "I hate the feeling of powerlessness."
It is now night and Jesus is walking through the city streets incognito. He is encouraged as He listens to a reverent recital of Psalm 136, beginning with the reader's declaring, "To Him who made the great lights ... the sun to rule over the day ... the moon and the stars to rule over the night .... To Him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt ... and brought Israel out from among them ... with a strong hand and an outstretched hand.... To Him who divided the Red Sea in two ... and made Israel to pass through the midst of it...." After each statement, the men and women gathered declare responsively, "For His steadfast love endures forever." Jesus stops and repeats that refrain Himself.
Moving on, Jesus swiftly passes by a group of men nearby sitting and talking. It is Kafni and his angry followers. His chief sycophant, Amnon, says, "King Herod can't have been pleased by the entry today. Maybe he'll do to the Nazarene what he did to the cousin." Kafni says, "I don't believe Herod wanted to kill the Baptizer." Another adds, "Jesus doesn't seem preoccupied with the tetrarch's family the way John was." Amnon brazenly asserts, "He's a coward, which further proves He's not the real Messiah. The true Christ would have gotten that traitor out of the way by now." Kafni asks, "Don't you wonder why Jesus doesn't condemn the Roman empire? Tiberius Caesar throws his rivals off cliffs in Capri. Not a word from Jesus on that. He's insulting our own people more than our oppressors." Amnon replies, "No one seems willing to hold Him accountable." Another sycophant adds, "Present company excluded." Kafni says he can think of others in the temple who obviously want to hold Jesus accountable, but asserts: "They are less concerned about the death of one girl in the Galilee than their own positions." Amnon states, "We'll just have to make this as personal for them as it is for us." Kafni nods in approval.
Jesus, as He walks, is drawn toward the sound of joyful clapping and children running His direction, proclaiming, "Mazel tov to Reuben and Ruthie!" That leads Him into a large, lantern-lit room with many people singing and dancing. He says to a man there, "I love a good party, but I'm curious: It's a bit more mirth than usual for the Passover, no? Not that I mind." The man happily informs Him, "Reuben and Ruthie's parents just announced their betrothal." "Ah, wonderful!" replies Jesus, chuckling. This joyful man takes Jesus by the arm and leads him to a dancing circle of men, where they link arms and join in. As they dance Jesus asks, "Are you always this friendly with strangers?" The man laughs and tells Him, "You're not a stranger now. You're family." As they hoof along, Jesus jokes, "I have to say, I thought the dancing would be better." The man agrees, saying, "Somehow, I think we're getting worse!" That elicits a belly laugh from Jesus, whose hood falls as His head rocks back.
A child looking on above the heads of the grown ups recognizes Him and cries out, "Hosanna! Hosanna to the Son of David! Hosanna in the highest!" The dancing and singing stop as everyone looks the same direction the boy is looking. Jesus's new friend next to Him says softly, "Hosanna." He takes off his hat and bows, as do the others in the room. Jesus says in a mildly embarrassed voice, "Oh, thank you. Please rise. There's no need to draw attention, please." Reuben ventures to ask, "What are You doing here?" Jesus humbly explains, "Well, I was just out for a walk, and I suppose I got swept up in your joy." He says to Reuben and Ruthie, "Congratulations on your betrothal. I will leave you to your celebration. This night is not about Me. Shalom, shalom."
Jesus turns to leave. As He does Ruthie asks, "Rabbi, will You bless us before You go?" He smiles and says, "Come here, My children," placing one hand gently on Reuben's head and the other on Ruthie's. Looking to heaven He prays, "Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who created joy and gladness, groom and bride, mirth, song, delight, and rejoicing, love and harmony, peace and companionship. May God bless you, Reuben and Ruthie. May your daughters be like Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, and Leah, and your sons like Ephraim and Manasseh." Reuben smiles and says to Ruthie, "Our union was just blessed by the Son of David!" Jesus then turns and says, "To all here present tonight, may the light of the paschal feast burn within you, that with heavenly desires and pure minds, you may attain the festival of everlasting light: the Kingdom I am bringing into this world. Chag Pesach Sameach, my friends." The bride and groom return the Hebrew greeting. Jesus says a warm thank you to the kind man who welcomed Him. As He leaves, the boy shouts a quick Hosanna in farewell, as do the guests.
Smiling, Jesus dons His deep hood again so He will not be recognized. Climbing up stairs, He stands by Himself surveying the nighttime goings on in the large temple courtyard. A small choir is singing a song based on Psalm 113, but it can barely be heard. Drowning it out are people leading noisy animals through the temple, handling massive amounts of coins at many booths, weighing and selling a plethora of merchandise, clinking cups filled to the brim, and laughing in a rough and coarse sort of way. Religious officials look on or participate as if nothing is amiss. Jesus begins weeping.
The Lord says quietly to Himself with sad intensity, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the days will come upon you when your enemies will set up barricades around you and surround you, hemming you in on all sides. They will tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you because you did not know the time of your visitation" (Luke 19:43-44). Before His eyes and ours are grim scenes of the destruction of the temple by the Romans in A.D. 70 after the Jewish revolt that began in A.D. 66: explosions, fire, a huge menorah crashing down from a great height, priests and every other trapped person being slaughtered by merciless Roman soldiers finishing their long, cruel siege and bent on final destruction.
Returning in His mind to the present, Jesus looks again at the commerce taking place in what used to be a holy temple. Next we see Him entering Phoebe's spacious house in the city. Looking at His sleeping disciples in their beds, He locates Zebedee and gently wakes him, saying softly, "Listen, I need you to do something for Me. Tomorrow morning, will you take My eema back to the house of Lazarus, along with his two sisters?" "I can," says Zeb willingly, "but the Passover—" Jesus assures him He has a plan that will include them in a special way, but does not want His mother in the city for the next few days. Zeb agrees to leave at dawn and to tell Mary that Jesus will visit soon.
Jesus thanks him and leaves the room. Zeb's son John overhears and becomes curious about where Jesus is going. He decides to follow Him discretely. Jesus quietly goes into the women's large room, kisses His sleeping mother, and takes the special box under her bed that came to Him from the men of Judah in His stepfather's family since the days of the first Passover. Jesus brings that box into a utility room with a work surface, tools, and other practical items for man and beast. He removes the donkey's bridle from the box and cuts off from it a large strip of leather, which He scores and cuts into three tough, slender strips. Finding a large rope whip for driving animals, He uses an awl to drive a hole through one of those strips, and skillfully secures it to the whip's end to greatly amplify the effect of each lash that whip will soon make.
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