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Sanhedrin, high priests and Pharisees

Page 19 of 21

Reading comfort

GRM 197.3-4 · Volume 3

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

Peter in the meantime is busy showing the boy the most noteworthy things in the Temple, but he asks the more learned ones, particularly Bartholomew and Simon, to help him, because in the fulfilment of his duty as a father he feels more at ease with the elder ones.
They are near the treasury to make their offering when Joseph of Arimathea calls them. «You are here? When did you arrive?» he asks after greeting them.
«Yesterday evening.»
«And the Master?»
«He is over there, with a new disciple. He is coming.»
Joseph looks at the boy and asks Peter: «One of your grandsons?»
«No… yes… well: nothing by blood, a great deal by faith, everything by love.»
«I do not understand…»
«He is a little orphan… so nothing by blood. A disciple, therefore a great deal by faith. A son… so everything by love. The Master took him… and I caress him. He will be coming of age in the next few days…»
«Already twelve years old? And so small?»
«Eh!… The Master will tell you… Joseph, you are good… one of the few good people in here… Tell me… would you help me in this matter? You know… I am presenting him as if he were my son. But I am a Galilean and I am a nasty leper…»
«A leper?!» exclaims Joseph inquisitively moving away in fright.
«Don’t be afraid! I am a leper because I belong to Jesus! The most loathesome form of leprosy for those of the Temple, with a few exceptions.»
«No! Don’t say that!»
«It’s the truth and we must admit it… So I am afraid they will be cruel to the boy because of me and because of Jesus. In any case I do not know how much he knows of the Law, of the Halascia, the Haggadha and of the Midrasciots. Jesus says that he knows quite a lot…»
«Well, if Jesus says so! Don’t be afraid!»
«Only to cause me trouble they would…»
«You are very fond of this little fellow! Do you keep him with you all the time?»
«I cannot!… I am always about… The boy is too young and delicate…»
«But I would willingly come with you…» says Jabez who has been reassured by Joseph’s caresses.
Peter is bright with joy… But he says: «The Master says that we must not do that and we will not do it… But we shall meet now and again just the same… Joseph… will you help me?»
«Of course, I will! I will come with you. They will not do him an injustice in front of me. When?
197.4
Oh! Master! Give me Your blessing!»
«Peace to you, Joseph. I am happy to see you and I am glad that you are in good health.»
«I am happy, too, Master, and also Your friends will be pleased to see You. Are You staying at Gethsemane?»
«I was there, but after the prayer I am going to Bethany.»
«To Lazarus’?»
«No, to Simon’s. My Mother, the mother of My brothers and the mother of John and James are also there. Will you come and see Me?»
«Are You asking me? I will come with great joy and it is a great honour, for which I thank You. I will come with some friends…»
«Be careful, Joseph, with friends!…» suggests Simon Zealot.
«Oh! You already know them. Prudence teaches: “Do not let the air know”. But when you see them you will understand that they are friends.»
«Well…»
«Master, Simon of Jonah was telling me about the ceremony for the little one. You arrived when I was asking when you intend having it. I want to be there, too.»
«On the Wednesday before Passover. I want him to keep Passover as a son of the Law.»
«Very good. That is settled. I will come and join you at Bethany. But I will come with my friends on Monday.»
«Agreed.»
«Master, I must leave You. Peace be with You. It is the hour of incense.»
«Goodbye, Joseph. Peace be with you.»

Annotation

I don't know how he knows the Law, the Halakha, the Haggadah and the Midrashim. Jesus says he knows enough... To safeguard the Law, the religious and legal basis of the Jewish community, the rabbis surrounded it, after the exile, with an exegesis called Midrash (Interpretation). Midrashim are commentaries on passages of Scripture. Renowned authors of these midrashic traditions include Hillel, Schammei and Gamaliel.

Midrash also refers to the branch of rabbinic knowledge that deals with the rules of traditional (written) law, as opposed to the Mishnah (oral tradition). This interpretation of the Mosaic Law gave rise to new prescriptions, rules of conduct to be followed in worship and law (the Halâkoth). The interpretation of the historical parts of the Pentateuch gave rise to stories and legends(the Haggadah). However, in deference to the Mosaic Law, these midrashim were only to be passed down from generation to generation orally, although their authority came to practically equal that of the Law.

Time for incense. The incense burned in the Temple in the morning and evening, as prescribed in Exodus 30:7-8.

Book of Exodus 30, 7-8

Ex 30, 7-8 : Every morning, when Aaron comes to tend the lamps, he shall burn incense on them. And at sunset, when he lights the lamps, he will burn incense again. From generation to generation, incense will go up perpetually before the Lord.

Keywords

GRM 198.5 · Volume 3

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

«I saw Joseph of Arimathea, Lazarus. He is coming here on Monday with some friends.»
«Oh! Well, You are my guest on that day!»
«Yes. He is coming to spend the day with us, but also to arrange a ceremony concerning Jabez. John: take the boy up to the terrace. He will enjoy himself there.»
John of Zebedee, who is always obedient, gets up at once and shortly afterwards the boy can be heard chattering and running about on the terrace that surrounds the house.

Keywords

Joseph of Arimathea

GRM 198.5 · Volume 3

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

«I saw Joseph of Arimathea, Lazarus. He is coming here on Monday with some friends.»
«Oh! Well, You are my guest on that day!»
«Yes. He is coming to spend the day with us, but also to arrange a ceremony concerning Jabez. John: take the boy up to the terrace. He will enjoy himself there.»
John of Zebedee, who is always obedient, gets up at once and shortly afterwards the boy can be heard chattering and running about on the terrace that surrounds the house.
«The child» Jesus explains to His Mother, His friends, the women among whom there is also Martha, who has rushed back so that she would not miss one moment of joy near the Master, «is the grandson of one of Doras’ peasants. I passed through Esdraelon…»
«Is it true that the fields are a complete ruin and that he wants to sell them?»
«They are a ruin. Whether he wants to sell them, I do not know. One of Johanan’s men mentioned it to me. But I do not know whether it is certain.»
«If he should sell them… I would willingly buy them to have a refuge for You also in the middle of that nest of snakes.»
«I do not think that you will be successful. Johanan is ready to buy them.»
«We shall see… But go on. Who are the peasants? He scattered all the former servants.»
«Yes, he did. The present ones come from his land in Judaea, at least the old man, the boy’s relative, does. The boy was kept in a wood, like a wild animal, so that Doras could not see him… and he had been there since last winter…»
«Oh! poor boy! But why?» The women are all moved.
«Because his father and mother were buried under the landslide near Emmaus. The whole family: father, mother and his little brothers. He survived because he was not at home. They took him to the old father. But what could a peasant of Doras do? Isaac, also in this case, you spoke of Me as a saviour.»
«Was that wrong?» asks Isaac humbly.
«You did the right thing. God wanted it. The old man gave me the boy, who is to come of age in the next few days.»
«Oh! poor little thing! So tiny at twelve years of age?! My Judas was twice his size at that age… And Jesus? What a beautiful flower!» says Mary of Alphaeus.
And Salome: «Also my children were much stronger!»
Martha whispers: «He is really tiny! I thought he was not ten yet.»
«Eh! Hunger is a nasty thing. And he must have suffered from starvation since he was born. And now… What could the old man give him, if they are all dying of starvation there?» says Peter.
«Yes, he suffered a great deal. But he is good and intelligent. I took him to comfort both the old man and the boy.»

Keywords

GRM 198.11 · Volume 3

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

…It is late in the night when Jesus can speak to His Mother in peace. They have gone up to the terrace, and sitting one beside the other, hand in hand, they speak and listen to each other.
Jesus is the first to tell the story of the things that happened. Then Mary says: «Son, after Your departure, immediately after, a woman came to Me… She was looking for You. A great misery. And a great redemption. But the poor creature needs to be forgiven by You so that she may persevere in her decision. I entrusted her to Susanna saying that she had been cured by You. That is true. I could have kept her with Me if our house were not like a sea-port, where all the boats come in… and many with evil intentions. And the woman is disgusted with the world by now. Do You want to know who she is?»
«She is a soul. But tell Me her name that I may receive her without any mistake.»
«She is Aglae. The Roman mime and sinner whom You began to save at Hebron, who looked for You and found You at the Clear Water and she has already suffered because of her revived honesty. How much she has suffered!… She told Me everything… How horrible!…»
«Her sin?»
«That… and I would say how much more: how horrible the world is. Oh! My Son! Do not trust the Pharisees in Capernaum! They wanted to use the unhappy creature to harm You. They would have used even her…»
«I know, Mother… Where is Aglae?»
«She will be coming with Susanna before Passover.»
«Very well. I will speak to her. I will be here every evening and with the exception of Passover evening, which I am reserving for the family, I will wait for her. All You need do is tell her to wait, if she comes. It is a great redemption, as You said. And such a spontaneous one! I solemnly tell You that in few hearts My seed took root with the same strength as it did in this unhappy soil. And later Andrew helped it to grow until it was fully formed.»
«She told Me.»
«Mother, what did You feel when that ruin approached You?»
«Disgust and joy. I seemed to be on the brink of a hellish abyss, and at the same time I felt as if I were being carried into the blue sky. You are God indeed, My Son, when You work such miracles!»
They remain silent, under the very bright stars and the pale light of the first quarter of the moon, which is tending to become full. Silent, loving each other and resting in each other’s love.

Keywords

GRM 201.1 · Volume 3

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

It must be Wednesday morning because the group of apostles and women, preceded by Jesus and Mary with the boy between them, is approaching the Gate of the Fish. Joseph of Arimathea, who went to meet them as he had promised, is also there. Jesus looks for Alexander, the soldier, but does not see him.
«He is not here today either… I wonder why…»
The crowd is so large that it is quite impossible to inquire of the soldiers, and in any case it might not be wise to do so, as the Jews are more intolerant than ever before festivities; they are also upset because of the capture of the Baptist and they accuse Pilate and his satellites of being accomplices. I realise that the situation is such because of the epithets that are exchanged during squabbles between soldiers and citizens at the Gate, where picturesque… rude insults crack every moment like fireworks.
The women from Galilee are scandalised and they wrap themselves closer in their mantles and veils. Mary blushes, but proceeds without hesitation, as straight as a palm tree, looking at Her Son, Who does not even attempt to make the over-excited Jews see reason or induce the soldiers to be merciful towards the Israelites. And as some rather unpleasant epithet is addressed to the Galilean group, Joseph of Arimathea moves forward towards Jesus and is recognised by the crowd who become silent out of respect for him.
At last the Gate of the Fish is behind them, and the great crowd of people, pouring into the town in waves, rushes along the streets, along with donkeys and herds…

Keywords

GRM 201.2-3 · Volume 3

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

«Master, we are here!» shouts Thomas, who is on the other side of the Gate with Philip and Bartholomew.
«Is Judas not here?», «Why are you here?» ask many.
«No. We came here at daybreak, because we were afraid that You might come earlier. But we have not seen him. I met him yesterday, he was with Sadoc, the scribe, you know, Joseph? The old, very lean man, with a wart under his eye. And there were other people with him… young people. I shouted to him: “Hallo, Judas”. But he did not reply, pretending he did not know me. I said: “But what’s the matter with him?” and I followed him for a few yards. He left Sadoc, in whose company he looked like a Levite, and went with the other men of his own age… who were certainly not Levites… And now he is not here… And he knew that we had decided to come here!»
Philip does not say anything. Bartholomew tightens his lips so much that they can no longer be seen, in an effort to stifle his opinion, which is rising from his heart.
«Very well! Let us go just the same! I will certainly not weep because of his absence» says Peter.
«Let us wait for a little while. He may have been held up» says Jesus seriously.
They lean against the wall, on its shady side, the women in one group, the men in another.
They are all wearing their best clothes. Peter, especially, is really magnificent. He is showing off brand new snow-white headgear, adorned with a galloon embroidered in red and gold. He is wearing his best tunic, a very dark garnet-red, adorned with a new belt identical in style with the decoration of his headgear. A knife, like a dagger, with an engraved hilt and an open-work brass sheath, through which the blade shines, hangs from his belt. The others are also armed more or less in the same fashion. Only Jesus is without a weapon. He is wearing a pure white linen tunic and a fleur-de-lis blue mantle, which Mary has certainly woven for Him during the winter months. Marjiam’s dress is pale red with a festoon in a darker shade around the neck, cuffs and hem. A similar galloon is embroidered around the waist and the hem of the mantle, which the boy is carrying on his arm and caresses happily. Now and again he raises his head and his little face looks half smiling and half worried… Also Peter has a little parcel in his hand and he holds it very carefully.
201.3
Some time goes by… but there is no sign of Judas.
«He did not deign…» grumbles Peter, and perhaps he would say something else, but John, the apostle, says: «Perhaps he is waiting for us at the Golden Gate…»
They go to the Temple. But Judas is not there.
Joseph of Arimathea loses patience. He says: «Let us go.»

Keywords

GRM 201.3-7 · Volume 3

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

«Let us go.»
«Marjiam turns rather pale and kisses Mary saying: «Pray… pray for me!»
«Yes, My dear. Do not be afraid. You are so clever…»
Marjiam then clings to Peter. He presses Peter’s hand nervously and as he still does not feel safe, he would like to take Jesus’ hand.
«I am not coming, Marjiam. I am going to pray for you. I will see you later.»
«You are not coming? Why, Master?» asks Peter who is greatly surprised.
«Because it is better thus…» Jesus is very serious, I would say that He looks sad. And He concludes: «Joseph, who is a just man, can but approve of My decision.»
In fact Joseph does not utter one word and his silence, with an eloquent sigh, confirms his agreement.
«Well, then… let us go… » Peter is somewhat distressed.
Marjiam then clings to John. And they set out, preceded by Joseph to whom people bow deeply showing their respect. Also Simon and Thomas go with them. The others remain with Jesus.
201.4
They enter the hall which Jesus also entered once. A young man, who is writing in a corner, springs to his feet on seeing Joseph and he bows so profoundly as almost to touch the floor.
«God be with you, Zacharias. Please call Asrael and Jacob at once.»
The young man goes out and comes back almost at once with two men who are rabbis, or members of the synagogue, or scribes, I do not know. Two sullen personages whose haughtiness subsides only in Joseph’s presence. Eight other less imposing men follow them. They sit down leaving the postulants, Joseph of Arimathea included, standing.
«What do you want, Joseph?» asks the senior examiner.
«I wish to present to your wisdom this son of Abraham who has reached the age prescribed to come under the Law and comply with it by himself.»
«Is he a relative of yours?» and they look at one another amazed.
«We are all relatives in God. But the boy is an orphan, and this man, whose honesty I guarantee, has adopted him as he does not wish to be without descendants.»
«Who is the man? Let him reply himself.»
«Simon of Jonas, from Bethsaida in Galilee, married with no children, a fisherman for the world, a son of the Law for the Most High.»
«And you, a Galilean, are taking this paternity upon yourself? Why?»
«It is written in the Law that we must take care of orphans and widows. That is what I am doing.»
«Can he possibly know the Law so well as to deserve to… But, boy, tell me. Who are you?»
«Jabez Marjiam of John, from the country near Emmaus, I was born twelve years ago.»
«So you are a Judaean. Is it lawful for a Galilean to take care of him? Let us look up the laws.»
«But what am I? A leper or am I cursed?» Peter begins to boil with anger.
«Be quiet, Simon, I will speak for him. I told you that I am standing surety for this man. I know him as if he were of my own household. Joseph the Elder would never propose anything against the Law or the laws. Please examine this child with justice and dispatch. The yard is full of children waiting to be examined. Please make haste, for everybody’s sake.»
«But who can prove that the child is twelve years old and was redeemed from the Temple?»
«You can prove it looking up the documents. It is a piece of boring research, but can be done. Boy, did you tell me that you were the first-born?»
«Yes, sir. You will be able to see that, because I was consecrated to the Lord and redeemed with the prescribed offerings.»
«Let us look for these details then…» says Joseph.
«It is not necessary» reply coldly the two captious examiners.
201.5
«Come here, child. Say the Decalogue» and the boy replies without any hesitation. «Give me that roll, Jacob. Read, if you can.»
«Where, rabbi?»
«Wherever you wish. What comes first under your eyes» says Asrael.
«No. Here. Give it to me» says Jacob. He then unfolds the roll and says: «Here.»
« “He then said to them secretly: ‘Bless the Lord of Heaven, utter His praise before all the living, because He has been merciful with you. It is right to keep the secret of a king, but it is also right to reveal… ‘ “.»
«That is enough, quite enough! What are these?» asks Jacob, showing the fringes of his mantle.
«The sacred fringes, sir: we wear them to remember the precepts of the Most High Lord.»
«Is it lawful for an Israelite to eat any meat?..» asks Asrael.
«No, sir. Only the ones which are declared clean.»
«Tell me the precepts…»
And the docile child begins the string of: «You shall not…»
«That is enough! As a Galilean, he knows even too much. Man, it is for you now to swear that the boy is of age.»
Peter, with the best grace of which he is still capable after so much rudeness, delivers his paternal speech: «As you have ascertained, my son, at the prescribed age, knows how to conduct himself, as he knows the Law, the precepts, habits, traditions, ceremonies, blessings, prayers. Therefore, as you have verified, both he and I can ask you to declare him of age. In actual fact, I should have stated that before; but the custom has been infringed here, and not by us Galileans, and the child was questioned before the father. But I say this to you: since you have judged him competent, from this moment I am no longer responsible for his actions, neither in the eyes of God nor of men.»
«Pass into the synagogue.»
The little procession passes into the synagogue, followed by the sullen looks of the rabbis, whom Peter has put in their place. While Marjiam is standing in front of the lecterns and lamps, they cut his hair, shortening it so that it covers his ears, whereas before it reached down to his shoulders. Peter then opens his little parcel and takes out of it a beautiful red woollen belt embroidered in gold-yellow and ties it around the boy’s waist, and while the priests are tying little leather strips on his forehead and arm, Peter is busy fixing the sacred fringes on to the mantle which Marjiam has handed over to him. And Peter is deeply moved when he intones the hymn praising the Lord!…
201.6
The ceremony is over. They slip out quickly and Peter says: «Thank goodness! I could not stand it any longer! What do you think, Joseph? They did not even fulfil the rite. It does not matter. You, my son, have Who will consecrate you… Let us go and get the lamb for the sacrifice of praise to the Lord. A little lamb, as dear as you are. And I thank you, Joseph! Say “thanks” to this great friend. If you had not been there, they would have thoroughly abused us.»
«Simon, I am glad I have been useful to a just man like you, and I beg you to come to my house in Bezetha for dinner. Of course, you will bring all the others.»
«Let us go and tell the Master. For me… it is too great an honour!» says Peter humbly, but he is beaming with joy.
They go through the yards and the halls once again to the yard of the women, where Marjiam’s friends congratulate him. The men then go into the hall of the Israelites where Jesus is present with His disciples. They all join together in a dignified happy union, and while Peter goes to sacrifice the lamb, they all proceed through porches and yards to the first enclosure.
201.7
How happy is Peter with his boy, who is now a perfect Israelite! He is so happy that he does not notice the wrinkle that furrows Jesus’ forehead. So happy that he does not notice the rather oppressive silence of his companions. It is only in the hall of Joseph’s house – when the boy, who is asked the ritual question as to what he wants to do in future, replies: «I will be a fisherman like my father» – that Peter, weeping, remembers and understands…
«But… Judas has spoiled our feast with a drop of poison… And You are upset, Master… and that is why the others are sad. Forgive me if I did not notice it before… Ah! Judas!…»
I think that everybody’s heart is sighing like Peter’s. But Jesus, to remove the poison, strives to smile and says: «Do not worry, Simon. We miss only your wife… I was also thinking of her; she is so good and is always sacrificed. But she will soon have her joy, unexpected but so welcome. Let us think of the good that is in the world. Come. So Marjiam answered all the questions correctly? I knew he would…»
Joseph comes back into the hall after giving instructions to his servants. «I thank you all» he says «for making me feel young again with this ceremony and for the honour of having in my house the Master, His Mother, His relatives and you all, my dear fellow disciples. Come into the garden. It is cool and the flowers…» and it all ends.

Keywords

GRM 202.1-2 · Volume 3

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

It is the eve of Passover. Jesus is alone with His apostles, because the women have not joined the group, and He is waiting for Peter, who has taken the lamb of Passover to be sacrificed. While they are waiting and Jesus is speaking to Marjiam of Solomon, Judas crosses the large yard. He is with a group of young men speaking, gesticulating ostentatiously and assuming an inspired attitude. He shakes his mantle continuously, then drapes it round himself posing skilfully. I do not think that Cicero looked so stately when delivering his orations…
«Look, Judas is over there!» says Thaddeus.
«He is with a group of saforim» remarks Philip.
And Thomas says: «I am going to hear what he is saying» and he runs away before Jesus may express a foreseeable «don’t».
Oh! Jesus’ countenance! A countenance of suffering and of severe judgement. Marjiam, who was looking at Him while He was speaking kindly and somewhat sadly of the great king of Israel, notices, the sudden change, is almost frightened by it and shakes Jesus’ hand to call Him back to His senses exclaiming: «Don’t look! Don’t look! Look at me, for I love You.»…
202.2
Thomas is successful in reaching Judas without being seen by him and follows him for a few steps. I do not know what he hears, but I know that he bursts into a sudden thundering exclamation. which causes many people to turn around, and in particular Judas, who becomes livid with rage: «How many rabbis there are in Israel! I congratulate you, new light of wisdom!»
«I am not a flint-stone. I am a sponge. And I absorb. And when the desire of those starving for wisdom demands it, I squeeze out all my juices of life to give them…» Judas is pompous and contemptuous.
«You sound like a perfect echo. But an echo can only exist, if it is near the Voice. Otherwise it fades away, my friend. You seem to be going away from it. He is over there. Are you not coming?»
Judas changes colour, with the rancorous disgusting countenance of his worst moments. But he controls himself. He says: «Goodbye, my friends. Here I am with you, Thomas, my dear friend. Let us go to the Master at once. I did not know that He was here in the Temple. If I had known, I would have looked for Him» and he clasps Thomas’ shoulders with his arm, as if he were very fond of him.

Annotation

He is with a group of saforim. Saforim (sopherîms): scribes. They are not named.

Keywords

GRM 203.1 · Volume 3

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

Jesus comes out with His apostles from a house near the walls and I think that they are still in the Bezetha district, because to go outside the walls, one must pass again by Joseph’s house, near the Gate, which I hear people call Herod’s Gate. The town is semi-deserted in the placid moonlit evening. I understand that they have celebrated Passover in one of Lazarus’ houses, which, however, is not the one of the Last Supper. They are, in fact, poles apart. One in the north, the other in the south of Jerusalem.
On the doorstep Jesus takes leave, with His usual kindness, of John of Endor, who is to take care of the women and whom He thanks for accepting that task. He kisses Marjiam, who has also come to the door and then sets out for Herod’s Gate.

Annotation

To leave the walls, we still have to pass Joseph's house, which is near the gate I've heard called Herod's Gate. Joseph of Arimathea, who had invited them the evening before.

Keywords

GRM 204.1-2 · Volume 3

The Gospel as revealed to me

Quotation

«What do You want, Mother?»
«My Son, some Gentiles have come with some ladies. They say that they heard from Johanna that You were here. They also said that they have been waiting for You all these past days near the Antonia…»
«Ah! I know! I will come at once. Where are they?»
«At Lazarus’ house, in his garden. He is loved by the Romans and does not feel the repugnance towards them that we do. He let them go into the large garden with their carts, so that no one would be scandalised…»
«All right, Mother.
204.2
They are Roman soldiers and ladies. I know.»
«And what do they want from You?»
«What many in Israel do not want: light.»
«But how and what do they believe You are? God perhaps?»
«Yes, in their way of thinking. It is easier for them to accept the idea of the incarnation of a god in mortal flesh, than it is for us.»
«So they believe in Your faith…»
«Not yet, Mother. I must destroy theirs, first. For the time being they consider Me a wise man, a philosopher, as they say. But both their desire to become acquainted with philosophical doctrines and their inclination to believe the incarnation of a god as possible, are of great help to Me in leading them to the true Faith. Believe Me, they are more ingenuous in their way of thinking, than many Israelites.»
«But are they sincere? It is rumoured that the Baptist…»
«No. Had it been for them, John would be free and safe. Non-rebellious people are left in peace. On the contrary I can assure You that for them to be a prophet – they say a philosopher because the loftiness of supernatural wisdom is still philosophy to them – is a guarantee of respect. Do not worry, Mother. No harm will come to Me from that end…»
«But the Pharisees… if they find out, what will they say also about Lazarus? You are You… and You are to bring the Word to the world. But Lazarus!… They already offend him so much…»
«But they cannot touch him. They know that he is protected by Rome.»
«I leave You, Son. Here is Maximinus, he will take You to the Gentiles» and Mary, Who had walked beside Jesus all the time, withdraws quickly, and goes towards the Zealot’s house. Jesus on the other hand, goes through a little iron door in the garden wall, into a distant part of the garden, where it actually becomes an orchard and precisely near the place where Lazarus will be buried later.