Temporarily fast-forwarding to near the end of their Last Supper together, Jesus tells 11 of His apostles, "I have only a few things left to say, so please listen carefully. Remember when I sent you out two by two? "How could we forget?" says Nathanael. "I told you to take no moneybag, knapsack, or sandals," Jesus reminds them. "Did you lack anything?" "Nothing," answers Peter. "But it was far easier then," warns Jesus. "You were serving your own people, and they wanted you there. They welcomed your message. Our ministry was growing and there was little resistance. From now on, it will be different. You will be going into a hostile world. The nation has rejected Me, and now they will reject you because you are not of the world. Because I chose you out of the world, the world now hates you. If you have a moneybag, bring it; likewise a knapsack. If you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one."
Simon "Zee," the former Zealot, at once stands up and says, "Master, we do have two swords." He soon returns to the table with two short, straight Roman blades in belted scabbards, commenting, "Certainly these are not enough to defend 12 men against violent attacks." Jesus reassures him, "It is enough." Zee counters, "We could sell our cloaks and buy more to protect ourselves properly." Jesus says with emphasis, "It's all you'll need for now. My point is that you should be prepared for hostility and persecution. But ultimately your protection will come from above."
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| Ultimately your protection will come from above. |
"I still don't understand," says Nathanael, weeping. "You talked about leaving us, telling us to be prepared, but that You'll give us a Helper. Why not stay, Rabbi, when we are all together?" Jesus responds, "You will all fall away because of Me tonight." Many of the apostles protest otherwise, but Jesus tells them, "Our Zechariah said, 'I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered'" (Zechariah 13:7). But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee."
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| "Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered" (Zechariah 13:7). |
Peter says with determination, "Even if they all fall away from You, I will never fall away." Jesus, looking on him with pity, calls him by his old name: "Simon, Simon, behold: Satan demanded to have all of you, that he might sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you specifically that your faith may not fail. And when you have returned, strengthen your brethren." Peter responds, "I don't know what You're talking about with Satan sifting us, but I swear to you on my eema's grave I'm ready to go with You to prison and to death." "Peter," says Jesus, "I am giving you all these warnings about what's coming tonight, and moving forward, so that when it all happens, you'll know it was part of God's plan and that I am who I say I am. And I am telling you: The rooster will not crow this day until you deny three times that you even know Me." "No," says Peter, shouting, "Even if I must die with You, I will not deny You."
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| When it all happens, you'll know it was part of God's plan. |
Zee thumps the table and repeats a Zealot mantra: "No Lord but God to the death!" Several of the others also proclaim their willingness to remain with Jesus and die with Him. Jesus listens patiently and then proclaims, "Greater love has no man than this: That someone lays down his life for his friends." Peter asks, "Then that's what we'll have to do?" Jesus says, "That's what I will do." (John 15-16, Matthew 26, Luke 22)
Going back in time about three years ago to the beginning of Jesus's ministry, we see Ramah in her room getting ready to serve as a vintner at the wedding in Cana, where Jesus turned water into fine table wine. Her mother, Naomi, presents her with a wrapped gift, which Ramah opens with delight: a fine necklace that Naomi fastens around her neck. Naomi explains, "It's to celebrate your first wedding job without your father and me." Ramah humbly wonders if it is premature to celebrate since she has no idea how the job will go, but Naomi reassures her, "We are proud of you no matter how it goes. Our love is not conditional. Some mothers might adorn their daughters before a trip like this, thinking that appearance might impress the client." Ramah says she supposes it couldn't hurt, but Naomi asserts, "You don't need mere appearance to sway a client's confidence in your capabilities. Your intuition, your knowledge, your way with people: It all speaks for itself. May Adonai bless and keep you, child." Ramah smiles gratefully.
Outside with the wagon securing wedding supplies are Ramah's father, Kafni, and his young assistant, Thomas. Kafni informs him about the client Thomas is being sent to serve with Ramah: "My comrade Rafi didn't fare quite as well as me financially after our time together in the wars. The wedding tier he paid for is the three-year vintage up top, and then as the evening wears on, the two year." Thomas recognizes that as the vineyard's cheapest arrangement, but Kafni tells him, "I want to surprise him with generosity. He's a good man. He deserves it. Actually, I don't know if he still is a good man. He was when I knew him. A lot better than me." Thomas says to him earnestly, "You are a good man, Kafni. You've been a mentor and a role model." Kafni thanks him and explains, "My wedding gift is to shock and amaze Rafi and Dinah with our 15-year Augustus vintage, at least for the first two barrels. You know the routine." "If I didn't," replies Thomas, "you wouldn't be sending us alone." "Don't embarrass me or the vineyard, Thomas," says Kafni. Thomas gives him his word.
Naomi and Ramah join them at the wagon. Naomi says with pleasure, "Oh, how very Thomas: Everything set up way ahead of schedule." "It's why we keep him on," says Kafni, adding, "Quite a bit obsessive that head of yours is." Thomas replies, "I didn't ask for it. It just is." Kafni says to Ramah, "Make us proud, my sweet." Naomi hugs Thomas and says, "I know he doesn't say it, but deep down, Kafni believes in you." Thomas thanks Ramah's parents for treating him like family before they leave him and Ramah to do their job.
As they walk together to meet a new vendor in town, Kafni says to Naomi, "Seems like yesterday he was an orphan boy showing up at our door, asking if the vineyard needed workers." Naomi smiles at him and asks, "Is that pride I hear?" Kafni answers, "Let's just say I've always been able to spot potential." Naomi tells him, "You can take credit for Thomas. I'll take credit for Ramah."
At the present time in Jerusalem, Peter is preaching to a crowd during Passover week, as Jesus encouraged His followers to do. Andrew is in the audience, giving his brother not-so-subtle hints on getting the details right regarding the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. Poor Peter says soon afterward, "That was humiliating. I thought I could tell that story in my sleep. The words just wouldn't come." He is, as Philip says, "beating himself up," but Andrew hugs his brother, telling him, "I've never been more proud of you. They were hanging on your every word." "Words you had to feed me when I faltered," countered Peter. "What's a brother for?" says Andrew. "They were hoping to see Jesus, not me," says Peter. Zee changes the subject: "Did anyone see the guy on the stairs with the hood taking notes?" He says he does not think he was a Pharisee.
A teenage girl listening to Peter preach walks into the house of High Priest Caiaphas. She reports to Malchus, "Just one of His followers, preaching to a crowd of about 100." Malchus asks this servant named Dorit if she heard any false prophecy. She answers, "Not that I could tell. Just a story about forgiveness." He directs her to give any other details to his servant, Yiftach, for his report before heading off to meet new oil vendors.
Andrew, Philip, Mary, and Tamar are pleasantly surprised in the marketplace by friends they made when Jesus multiplied bread and fish to feed multitudes: Leander the Greek, Fatiyah the Nabatean, and Dion the Syrophoenician. They were enemies Jesus made friends who now have come to Jerusalem to worship. Fatiyah is delighted to meet Tamar, who like her is a woman follower of Jesus and a Gentile. Her presence encourages them that it is permitted for these new believers to participate in this pilgrimage holiday of Passover. Andrew confirms, "There are Gentiles here. You are not alone." They make it clear they would like to see Jesus (John 12:20-21). Andrew assures them He will be around.
Fatiyah and the others have many questions. She asks Andrew what she humbly says is a stupid question: "What is Passover, and how do we celebrate it?" Philip offers a concise answer: "Passover is a celebration of the story of Exodus, where God freed the Israelites from bondage in Egypt." Andrew adds, "There's more to it, but you'll start with an offering to God in the temple. I'm guessing you didn't bring any animals without spot or blemish?" "Good guess," says Fatiyah. "No problem. Neither did we," says Andrew. Tamar points forward: "There is a market in the Court of Gentiles where we can buy one."
As they all walk that way, Tamar comments that their arrival to Jerusalem was eventful. "I would imagine," says Dion. "His name is on everybody's lips," adds Fatiyah. Philip asks what coinage they have with them. Leander answers, "Greek drachmas." Philip asks to see one. He asks, "Whose face is on this?" "Artemis, goddess of the hunt, or supposed goddess, I should say," clarifies Leander. Andrew explains, "A sacrificial animal cannot be purchased with foreign currency bearing the image of a pagan deity." Philip says, "I'm sorry, but it must be exchanged for an acceptable form of Hebrew payment with the proper weight and purity." "Why are you apologizing?" asks Fatiyah. "Seems like a reasonable rule to me." "The exchange rate is exorbitant," explains Philip. "I see," says Dion. "What kind of animal are we talking about and how much?" Andrew answers, "Depends on your means and the extent of your sin. The bigger the sin, the bigger the animal." Tamar adds, "And more expensive: there are oxen, bulls, red heifers, rams, sheep goats, doves, and pigeons." Fatiyah says, "We are familiar with ceremony and sacrifice. I didn't bring enough for livestock. Do they take credit?" "Yes," answers Philip, "but I urge you not to take it. The interest is predatory."
Tamar says, "But all that truly matters is how repentant you are in your heart." Dion asks, "If all that matters is the heart, why would anyone buy an ox or bull?" Leander says it must be for the show of it, but Philip explains these sacrifices are actually an important and beautiful symbol of God's grace: "There has to be a penalty for our sins and He allows atonement through this, rather than any other means. But there are some who abuse the practice." Fatiyah asks, "Does Jesus approve of all this? It isn't in keeping with the spirit of what He taught us." Andrew says, "He says He didn't come to do away with the Law but to fulfill it" (Matthew 5:17). Fatiyah observes that he didn't answer her question.
They arrive at the temple market and are stunned to silence by the massive bustle of activity there. The first stop is to exchange their coins. A coin vendor informs them, "Two Greek drachma are equivalent to about one and a half temple coins. What are you looking to buy?" "A goat," answers Leander. The vendor brazenly says, "Judging by the guilty look in your eye, I'd say you'll need more of a sheep or a ram. Tell me, how many impure thoughts have you had this week?" Philip answers for Leander: "About half as many as you, and a third as many as me, okay? Let him alone." Leander says, "A goat is all I can afford at this time." "Very well," says the vendor. "That will be ten drachmas." Leander pays the vendor, but Andrew tells him, "Wait for it." The vendor adds, "And four and a half more for the exchange rate. Let's make it 14." Leander protests, "That's 45 percent on top of the price of the animal itself." The vendor tells him he gave him a half-shekel break, explaining that 15 percent pays sales tax to Rome, 15 percent to the Jewish authorities for transacting business on temple grounds, and that he gets only one shekel from this to feed his family.
"I don't do this for free," the vendor concludes. "Would you?" Fatiyah answers, "For such a holy celebration, I might." The vendor scoffs, "Well, you don't have to worry about it, lady. It's only for men. Do you hear that choir singing from beyond the wall? The orchestra. The incense filling the air. Do you see the smoke rising from burnt offerings? Over a million people are here. Do you think that the wood to fuel the fires to incinerate the remains just falls from the sky? Do you think the manpower to manage it all is just gratis? All adult males are required to pay a temple tax each year to finance this show." Andrew says indignantly, "It's not theater." Philip adds, "Brother, he just wants to worship Adonai. Don't be caustic. These are sacred grounds." "Yes," says the vendor. "And you're holding up the line." Leander gives him four more drachmas.
Leander and the other believers look sad but move on. Dion comments he has never seen more spices in his life: myrrh, saffron, and cinnamon. Andrew says, "It's to cover up the stench of blood." Leander and Philip respond simultaneously, "It's not working." Dion spots a sign in Greek. It's also in Latin. Leander reads it out loud: "No stranger will enter within the balustrade around the temple or enclosure. Whoever is caught will himself be responsible for his ensuing death." Fatiyah quips, "All right, message received: Keep out, Gentiles!" She announces, "Tamar and I are going to buy birds." Tamar says to the men, "You go get your goats and we'll meet you back here."
Tamar and Fatiyah have decided to get two pigeons from a bird vendor. They cost less than doves and are the least-expensive animal sacrifice. The vendor notices Tamar's jewelry and begins speaking to her in a dialect from her native Ethiopia, saying, "The Aksumite emerald: You don't see that this far north very often." She replies in the same dialect, "Oh, no? I though it was one of Ethiopia's most common exports." Switching to the common tongue, Tamar gets down to business: "Two pigeons, please." The friendly vendor prefers to keep on his original subject, saying, "Emerald is very common, yes, but I do believe that the Da'amat ivory commodities will rise above it." She says she does not keep up with news from the old country. To be polite, she asks what he is doing all the way up in Jerusalem. He answers, "Trying to make a living with my sons. What are you doing up here?" She says she is celebrating Passover and again asks for two pigeons. The man smiles and produces two cages of not pigeons, but doves, saying, "You and your emerald revive the memory of my sister, and for that wonderful gift, it gives me pleasure to offer you these for free: one set for you and one for your friend." Tamar blushes and says, "But doves? At least take our money for the cost of the pigeons." The vendor insists, "I couldn't. It would dishonor the memory of my sister, which you have brought rushing back to me like an angel."
After the women exchange Passover greetings with the bird vendor, they make their way back to where they were. Tamar quips, "We must remain in the Court of Gentiles on pain of death." Seeing people standing there with sacrificial animals, they fall in line. Fatiyah asks, "What do we do when we get to the priest?" "Hand them our doves and tell them our names?" Tamar wonders. "Is he keeping a list?" asks Fatiyah. Tamar chuckles and says, "It wouldn't surprise me."
John stands with his father, Zebedee, who is nervously checking his cart filled with jars of his prize olive oil as they wait for the temple representative. That person soon arrives: Malchus, who introduces himself as chief servant of operations to the office of the high priest. Malchus leads them toward the Chamber of Oils in the temple, saying on the way that their synagogue administrator in Capernaum, Jairus, spoke of them in glowing terms. "Your business is a welcome change," he explains. "Our contract with a Gethsemane vendor was entangled in bureaucracy and old family ties. Jairus's recommendation gave us a way out." As a matter of temple business, Malchus states, "Since you entered through the Beautiful Gate, I assume you have immersed in a mikvah and are ritually clean?" Both Zebedee and John affirm they did. But then he is obliged to inform them, "The Chamber of Oils has a higher standard of ritual purity due to the sacred uses of the oils for the chief priest, and the eventual anointing of the Messiah, the King of the Jews, when he finally arrives." John says he is glad to hear that last part.
Malchus goes on: "The master of oils requires a verbal confirmation of purity beyond simple mikvah immersion before entering to have your oils evaluated by the board." That master now comes out to join them. It is their old nemesis Rabbi Zebediah, who after the introductions, merely states, "Oh yes, we've met." Malchus says he will wait with the cart to make sure it isn't stolen after Zebediah reads the purity confirmation, which is, "In accordance with the laws of the Third Book of Moses, do you solemnly swear on pain of death that regardless of mikvah immersion that you have not in the past seven days touched a corpse; touched a mole, mouse, or lizard; come into contact with a menstruating woman or a chair on which she has sat; had a seminal discharge in your sleep; been diagnosed with leprosy; or eaten unclean foods?" Zebedee promptly answers, "I have not." John asks Malchus, "Even with the mikvah purification?" After an awkward silence, Malchus tells him, "You know what? You should wait outside with me."
Sitting together Malchus says to John, "I'm sure I have no idea which one of those disqualified you. Touched a corpse?" John deadpans, "Leprosy." Malchus volunteers, "I also couldn't go in—also for leprosy." John quips, "Your offer to bravely stand guard over the cart in one of the safest parts of Israel wasn't a giveaway at all." Malchus laughs, shakes his head, and says, "These old men, punishing us for having bodies." John shrugs, "The law is the law, I guess." Malchus informs him, "It's not in the Law of Moses. They added the seven-day stipulation so they could relish turning people away." John says, "Surely it's not that sinister." "Oh, I work for Caiaphas," says Malchus. "In the high priest's sphere, everyone must define their place in the order, demonstrating whom they are higher than and purer than." "Older than?" queries John, eliciting a laugh from Malchus, who says, "What's a man to do with his youth in these troubled times?"
"Troubled?" asks John. Malchus confides, "Caiaphas obsesses over one rabbi. His irritation permeates the entire household, the temple, the Sanhedrin—every office and committee." John nonchalantly asks him what Caiaphas wants to do about that rabbi. Malchus answers, "In every proposed scenario, he risks either breaking the law, losing his power, inflaming the ire of Rome, inciting riots, losing his position." John says, "But he has to do something, right?" "Yes," says Malchus, "but he's running out of time and options. The Passover is in three days: No trial can be held during the Passover. Jesus of Nazareth needs to be tried and held accountable for Sabbath breaking, false prophecy, and a whole litany of other offenses. But the people are ready to crown Him king. So what's a high priest to do?"
John wants to continue their conversation, but Malchus immediately rises because he hears Zebediah coming out with Zebedee, giving his new oil vendor a curt dismissal. Malchus offers to lead the men to the office to finalize the paperwork.
Herod Antipas and Caiaphas are sharing a meal together in Herod's palace. Caiaphas speaks of trying to protect the nation "when the people's hysteria over a man they want to be king could provoke Rome to wipe us off the face of the earth." Antipas responds, "Oh Jesus, yes? The one they say raised the man at Bethany from the dead." Caiaphas tells him, "Don't insult me by pretending you don't know." "On the contrary," says Antipas, "That's why I summoned you here today. Pilate wanted me to relay a message: He suggested we consider killing Lazarus and putting rumors of Jesus's supposed powers to rest, delegitimizing His following." "Not that simple," states Caiaphas. "For one thing, only Rome has the authority to enact capital punishment." Antipas agrees they don't want to be associated with such a crime, but hints it could be carried out secretly, as Caiaphas's ruthless father-in-law, Annas, was known to do. He twists the knife in further by adding, "And your people have already tried to stone Jesus to death."
"Your people?" explodes Caiaphas. "Our people, Antipas. You act like you're not one of us. You're obsessed with Roman culture—their music, chariot races, condiments. You're wearing a toga." "Quite comfortable, actually," says Antipas mildly. "I don't know how you survive in this heat under all those layers and layers—" Caiaphas cuts him off, saying with intensity, "I have received a prophecy from God." Antipas says lightly, "I'd forgotten the two of you speak regularly, yes?" "The prophesy," Caiaphas continues, "is that one man will die for the people so that our nation will not perish." The king asks, "Are you sure this prophecy came from God, and not your wife's father?" That gets to Caiaphas, who says, "How dare you?" Antipas, unfazed, continues, "I do have sympathy for you marrying into his family, by the way, but I remember Annas had such a penchant for killing his adversaries that Pilate's predecessor, Gratus, had him removed from the office of high priest. I know he's still exerting enormous influence on you through your wife."
Caiaphas counters, "I've never had someone killed via the influence of my wife." Antipas tells him it was not his wife but his stepdaughter, Salome, who asked for the head of John the Baptizer. "We all know who put her up to it," says Caiaphas. Antipas warns, "The case against Jesus is thinner than a silk strand as far as Rome is concerned. They have no regard for Torah and what you regard as false prophesy, only for the rule of imperial law. From what I've heard, He's only preached peace, forgiveness, love, humility, and a bunch of other boring stuff—and performed harmless magic tricks, which honestly I would love to see. He spooked me at first. Between you and me, I thought He might be John the Baptizer raised from the dead to avenge me, but now He just seems amusing." Caiaphas reminds him, "The people herald him as King, the son of David." "But has He identified Himself as King publicly, in those exact words?" inquires Antipas. "Not that we have on record," admits Caiaphas.
"Then how will you defend your actions, Caiaphas? When Pilate comes to depose you for breaking the law, and executing someone outside the Roman justice system?" Caiaphas roars back at Antipas, "You killed the Baptizer!" Antipas fiercely upholds his office: "I am the tetrarch of Galilee! I have special dispensation. And you want to know something? I regret it. People hate me now. I'm the one saddled with the onerous task of mediating the balance of power between the temple and Rome, a job I was born into. You? You're a craven social climber who married your way into an aristocratic family and happened to become high priest only because Governor Gratus had to depose Annas for doing the very thing you're trying to do. And if you succeed, I'll be the one left to pick up the pieces."
Caiaphas tells him calmly, "Your paranoia is clouding your understanding of my intentions. I'm under no delusion that my position as high priest could survive an illegal and unpopular execution that would probably prompt rioting in the streets." "Then what are you doing?" inquires Antipas. "This may sound crazy," says Caiaphas, "but I actually believe in our God, Adonai, and He told me that one man will die so that our nation will not perish, which means it will happen. Jesus is tearing the populace apart. I plan to wait for Jesus to misspeak and incite the ire of Rome. Then they can take care of Him before they feel the need to take care of us. Hence, one man will die." Antipas observes, "Jesus hasn't exhibited a pattern of misspeaking about Rome." Caiaphas says he will prompt Him. "I'm listening," says Antipas. Caiaphas responds, "There is one thing the people hate more than they love Jesus."
Thomas is examining the vegetables at a street-vendor's booth. After he puts back a cucumber, a familiar voice says in back of him, "Obsessive, that head of yours: No cucumber good enough." He turns and faces Kafni, his enemy since Ramah's tragic death. Thomas, not knowing what to say, simply tells him the truth: His cucumber selections are for the Passover seder, so he will wait to get the best. Kafni replies, "The Passover is three days away. Always ahead of schedule—except when it came to protecting my daughter." Thomas tells the vendor he will come back later and tries to walk away, but Kafni grab him by the cloak with both hands. The vendor protests, but Kafni ignores him and says with malice: "Buy your ingredients now. It's for your last supper with the Nazarene—any meal you share with Him is almost certain to be the last. You led her to her death!" "I did not," asserts Thomas. The vendor threatens to call a Roman guard against Kafni and tells him to leave now. Kafni's comrade Amnon pulls Kafni away before the vendor makes a move, but not before Kafni issues another threat: "The last supper. I vow it!"
Thomas is badly shaken. He rushes over to nearby steps and sits down, breathing heavily. As he begins composing himself and looking forward, he hears a woman call out his name. Before his eyes he sees Ramah walking toward him and calls out her name. Confused and amazed he looks again, but sees Ramah's mother, Naomi, instead. Naomi was at another vendor's booth nearby when she heard and then saw Kafni's disruptive behavior. Hearing Thomas call out her daughter's name, Naomi instantly understands and tells him, "I have those moments too." He says to her, weeping, "I'm sorry, Naomi. I'm so sorry! I miss her so much." She tells him honestly, "I prayed to God that I would not see you here this week. I want to hate you, Thomas, but I know she loved you. She was a smart young woman and she made her own choices, including you. She chose you, Thomas." Naomi breaks down in tears, saying, "She was supposed to bury me, not the other way around." Thomas tells her, "I'd give anything to take her place." "So would I. So would Kafni," says Naomi.
Thomas affirms, "Ramah loved the life that we were making." "I know," says Naomi. "She loved Jesus," Thomas ventures to say. Naomi looks away and then faces him, confessing, "That name: I have not allowed myself to speak it." Now Thomas confesses: "I have been critical, resentful, and deeply troubled ever since. These are things born in my own heart, from my own guilt. Jesus did not kill her. This may shock you, but I don't always understand unless it's spelled out for me. Ramah was the intuitive one. She believed everything Jesus did."
Interrupting this heart-to-heart conversation is the panicked sound of Big James's voice calling, "Rabbi!" Thomas and even Naomi turn around to look. James looks distressed and begins running through a crowd. John now appears running behind him. Thomas realizes something must be wrong and says, "I must go." Naomi, looking alarmed, asks what is happening. Thomas answers, "As usual, I don't know, but I'm going to find out." She says with concern, "I hope Kafni hasn't done something." Thomas warmly tells her, "Thank you, Naomi. Love you," before running off. A gentle smile on her lips reveals her appreciation for this tender, healing time they had together.
In the temple courtyard business is booming. Jesus walks in with His backpack, looking troubled. He laments quietly, "Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem," lost in thought. Someone bumps into Him without apologizing. A woman in back of Him says, "Let's keep it moving." He looks at her and says, "What are you doing? Why are you bringing food through here?" She says, "I'm taking it to the market. This is a shortcut." He replies, "This is a place to worship the Father, not a shortcut." She insists, "Let me through!" Jesus tells her no. When she insists again, He tells her firmly, "Turn around and go back." Stepping toward her He says, "Now" in a tone she has the good sense to obey.
Jesus walks over to the same exchange vendor who spoke crassly to Philip, Andrew, Tamar, Leander, Dion, and Fatiyah. He asks sharply, "What are you paying with today?" Jesus responds, "This place used to be filled with the sounds of prayer and worship to My Father. Now I can't hear worship because of animal sounds and all of you arguing over prices, which sound about the same." The vendor merely repeats his question. Jesus steps forward and tells him, "You will see." The man, ignoring Him, says, "Next."
Jesus steps back and removes His pack, taking out the whip He fashioned. Striding toward the exchange-vendor's coin table, He grabs it and flips it over, coins flying everywhere. The vendor shouts, "What are You doing?" Jesus yells, "Get out, all of you!" With His whip He lashes the end around a table leg and pulls it firmly, which brings the table down, along with all the spices piled on top of it. Someone screams, "He's gone mad." Jesus orders, "All of you, move!" As He strides from booth to booth He says, "Stop profaning My Father's house!" He kicks over a large vessel and removes the flimsy wooden door to a pen, driving out the animals with His voice. Then He marches over to the bird vendor, demanding, "You, take these away. Stop making My Father's house a place of business." The vendor shouts no. Jesus releases birds from cages on the table, and then flips it. He uses His whip to clear His way through the crowd, telling them, "Look what you've done to My Father's house. Den of thieves! Out of the way!"
Rabbis Shmuel and Yanni come running to the Beautiful Gate to see what is going on in the Court of Gentiles. Jesus strides over to a sheep vendor, saying, "You are part of the problem" before releasing all his sheep." The vendor says, "Please, I have a family," but Jesus says, "You should not be here." Shmuel tells Yanni to summon the temple guards. "Get them out," orders Jesus regarding the animals. "They do not belong here." The high priest, Zebediah, Gedara, and other rabbis come to see what is happening. Crowds of people are now running out of the Court of Gentiles. Wading his way through them is Atticus to discover the source of this disruption. Pontius Pilate and his wife hear sounds of screaming while they dine inside Fort Antonia so they rise to go onto the balcony.
Andrew approaches Phoebe's house and calls for Peter to come quickly. When Peter asks what's wrong as Zee and Judas come out of the door to listen, Andrew says, "I don't know—He's gone mad!" They all run to the Court of the Gentiles, where they see booths in disarray, some on fire, and animals running pell-mell. Jesus points to the religious leaders huddled by the Gate and says, "This desecration is on your shoulders." Fatiyah, watching Him, now knows what Jesus thinks about this crass temple merchandizing. He flips over more merchandise, cracks His whip, and marches straight toward the religious authorities. His anger is palpable to everyone looking on. Jesus is now still, staring at the leaders, and breathing hard. Judas, staring across at Him, says under his breath, "What have You done?"
Illustrated Summaries of All The Chosen TV Series Episodes (Quotes, Links, and Photos)
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