In the beginning there was potential. A thought that held all things that could become. The thought was Love. The

thought was The One. The One willed to Become. The instant of will brought the Birth of the Universe, the Birth started the Body of The One, growing from an infinitely small point of contact into limitless expansion. There was no witness to this beginning. There was only The One. The

thought became form, The Love that grew into all that could be. In the Will of The One the Universe expanded, filled with substance but no form. The Will of The One became the Focus.

This Focus condensed substance out of the lack of form. This focus of The One formed the beginnings of the First

galaxies, stars, and many other entities that were the Body of The One. The substance of The One was expressed in all manner of particles, energies, and rules of nature. These all obeyed the Will of The One. The rules gave structure to the new forming body of The One.

In the fires of the first galaxies were newborn stars. The stars were of all sizes and intensities. In the stars The One made the elements of more complexity. The complexity that in time would make life possible. These elements were the building blocks of life. The stars were born, burned, and died. Some star’s deaths were fiery conflagrations, sending forth the new elements into the seeming emptiness, to make new stars. It pleased The One when elements of life were ready.

The first solar systems that held the seeds of life were not commonly places where life could be started. Some were too hot some were too cold. Many planets were stillborn in their potential to be a birthplace of life. They may have been beautiful but they were sterile. The One waited with Infinite Love and Patience.

Finally that Infinite Love and Patience bore fruit in the form of solar systems that had the seeds of the right elements.

The One breathed encouragement on all and they were encouraged to become better, which is the difference between a rock and a living thing. A rock is part of the One but perfectly happy to remain just a rock. Life wants to be more. That is life’s true hallmark. In the breath of encouragement was the Love of The One, the desire, the attraction, and the order that could become life.

On earth, The One saw that life wanted to be based on proteins and fats. The One helped with rules to give this desire structure. This set of rules was based on RNA and DNA. And the path was cleared for life to have it’s order, to adapt, to strive, to grow more complex, to become more. Out of the soup was born the first life on earth.

There are many other worlds. On these worlds life wanted other forms. The One Loves them too. They may not be seen as life because their rules are different. Life on earth may never find them, let alone know them as fellow life of The One.

The first Angels for Earth were made by the One to watch, guard, and guide all that earth was, is, and can be. They are a set of Twins like all Angels. We call them Jesus and Holy Spirit. They are a part of everything and everyone in the solar system. We belong to them. And together we are all part of The One. Every world that produces life is given Guardians.

Life adapted, died, grew, expanded, and got better. The One was pleased. The One wants life to develop that can know. Many cycles of diversity, and extinctions proceeded. Each had potential, failed and died out. The One was patient in having known this would happen many times.

When there was an opening for mammals they took the opportunity and never looked back. As usual the open niches invited great diversity. Openings never go unfilled. This is the nature of life. The One waited.

In time some of the lines of mammals showed promise, one was Primates. When a kind of life shows it might have potential The One sends messengers to see if there is recognition. The Primates were tested. Many times messengers were sent and attacked as Other, until finally a group saw the Others with curiosity. A sign of intelligence is curiosity of Other. It is the sign that The One had hoped for. These first people were told of The One. The first Angels after Jesus and Holy Spirit were spirit only because there was still the possibility of being rejected by The People.

When rejection was less common another kind of messenger was sent. These were also Angels who were twins. These were different in that they were born into the bodies of people. They were sent to know the needs of people by knowing the hardships of the people. The first people were of the kind now known as ‘Lucy’s people’. These Angels by living and knowing The One became the bridge to show The One’s Love through actions. In the times of ‘Lucy’s people’ there was no language, but there were feelings and there was dance. These became the first ‘Words of The One’.

As The People became more there grew language. Out of Language grew Song. Song and Music were natural to Angels, growing into the memory aids that built the first rituals to talk to The One. These memory aids touched the part of The People that could ‘See The One’. Names were given to The One, and though The One has no name it was known that this was to show Love. The people did not know how to Love what could not be name.

Some of the names were fire, wind, trembling earth, and sunshine. With time more names were given to The One.

Many more names were forgotten. The One was pleased that there was recognition. The Angels kept coming to live. And by living be an example to follow to become more. As the souls of people grew through many lives it became easier to teach and guide the people. Steadily they grew in their knowledge of The One. Every lifetime some of the past memories remained in the souls of the people.

Knowing other life carries responsibility. This responsibility is to learn the rules and systems that all life relies on. The rules and systems that are in balance by knowing the other and The Love of The One for all life.

When a generation of the people came where there were no Angels born, some people started to interpret the songs of the Words and Teachings. Some times this worked. Some times it was to distance the people from The One. It was then that human bias and law came into the world. The One had always desired to talk directly to The People. Every layer of priest, shaman, or clergy muffled the voice of The One in the hearts of the people. There was a big exception to talking to individuals that The One loved. This exception was gatherings of People filled with songs. These songs were sending Love as one prayer.

The saddest effect of gatherings was using the names given The One to enforce human laws. The Ones’ Law never changes but human law was in constant flux. Love, respect, harmony, and balance are the cornerstones of the Law of The One. Love being the universal Law that is reflected in the other laws. Harmony is when beauty is harnessed to a desire to make things better. Balance is taking what is needed but always trying to give back as much or more than is taken.

Respect is living within the systems of The One not as a ‘chosen’ species. These laws should combine to work on a personal, community, country, world and someday, universal levels. Love is the essence of The One, from whose embrace all other Laws flow.

Around Mid-Summer the Holy Spirit came to Mary. She was a teenager betrothed to Joseph of the house of David. Her family felt it was a good solid match. Joseph was well on his way to a prosperous wood shop in town. It was his first marriage as well, because he had wanted to get a business and household established before he sought a marriage match. Mary’s family jumped at the suggestion when Joseph mentioned that he was open to a match.

Mary felt a bit over-whelmed by all the events converging on her. First, a betrothal, then the news about her third cousin, Elizabeth’s pregnancy, now this call to carry a child that was destined for greatness. It was just too much.

Mary had to see for herself. The Holy Spirit had told her that she had to accept this child willingly. She was told that she would not be stoned if she bore this child. The Marriage ceremony was only a couple of weeks away. She hoped that Elizabeth could shed some insight on this strange and dangerous offer. Elizabeth had always been a good listener as far as Mary was concerned. Mary felt that even being ancient at forty-five she seemed to understand what a young heart needed.

Mary asked a male cousin who went regularly to market in Jerusalem to escort her to Elizabeth’s home. Since coming of age Mary had made a couple of trips with him as an escort. He liked her singing so it was not so bad to have ‘a kid in tow’. He always told Mary that she was good at selling. Elizabeth lived near Bethlehem so it was not far out of the way.

The selling at the market would only mean that there would be a few days delay. Mary had offered to help crying out about the virtues of the vegetables. She would never have gone alone on the trip without a male relative as her escort because it would be unseemly.

When she arrived at Elizabeth’s home she was half hoping that the Angel’s visitation had been a dream. If Elizabeth’s pregnancy was maliciously false gossip it would be easier to explain away this Angelic offer. Calling to the door to warn Elizabeth of her arrival, she expected a slender form to greet her. Then that slender figure would help put the donkey and cart away for the night.

Like most homes there was a holding pen in the main room for large animals. These animals would cause severe mischief, more than just getting under foot. Only Temples and mansions like Herod’s had separate housing for animals. It would be a waste of space, time, and body heat to separate the animals from people, especially in town.

Mary’s momentary hope was dashed seeing a smiling, glowing, relative who was well along in a pregnancy, waving hello from the doorway. Mary did her best not to gape. Then the importance of her purpose in coming started sinking in.

She bought time by helping Elizabeth lay out the afternoon meal, but it does not take long putting a chunk of bread out with a bit of cheese. When the blessing was said Elizabeth broke the impasse. “So what is going on, come to see if it is really true about my new little one on the way?” From the chagrin on Mary’s face she knew that was part of it. But being very in tune with this young woman who could have been her granddaughter, Elizabeth felt there was more to it. There was a big question mark behind the smile.

Mary started with her favorite diversion tactic. She said, “I heard a story recently that I would like your opinion about.”

At Elizabeth’s nod Mary started. “I heard a woman whispering to herself that an Angel had come to talk to her.” Elizabeth nodded, saying that it was not unheard of. “Then that woman said to herself that the Angel told her she would get pregnant in an unusual manner.” At this Elizabeth just smiled and looked at her own swelling belly. Mary got the point, smiling back. Then the woman said, “But I’m not married or a loose woman.” Elizabeth’s smile faded, this was dangerous ground. Then she nodded for Mary to go on. “The Angel said I would not carry the child to the stoning grounds, that I would be protected.” Elizabeth being very wise asked, “Has this woman gotten pregnant yet?” Elizabeth did know herbal lore that might help this woman.

Mary understood the possible implication and shook her head. She had come to the right person in her life for advice.

Then Mary broke down, saying, “No I’m not pregnant, I’m still untouched by a man. This child is supposed to be great in The One with No Names’ eyes someday. I’m supposed to choose if this will happen. What am I supposed to do? My wedding is only a couple of weeks from now. Joseph has been kind to me. He brought me a nice serving bowl the other day. How can I hurt him?” On the verge of tears Mary stopped and looked up.

Elizabeth had a strange look on her face. It was not upset, or anger, or pity. The next question came with a totally lack of expression. Elizabeth asked, “The Angel did not promise anything besides protection? Did The Angel try to talk you into this? Or offer power or money? Just protection?” Mary did not understand, “No the Angel only offered protection, why?”

Elizabeth started to smile, and as she did she gathered Mary into her arms. Elizabeth laughed saying, “It was not from Evil that this came. If protection was offered with this child it will be given. You still need to make up your mind, but I would say that this was a visit from an Angel. But remember, protection does not mean this path will be smooth, pain free, or without hardships.”

Elizabeth continued, “Of course, a woman’s life is seldom without pain. I was married when my miracle came so on the rest I cannot advise you. To be asked to do this for The One with No Name is a great honour, though I’m not sure what I would do. If you do agree to carry this child I will help if I can to defuse the gossips. I have grown tired of their wagging tongues about my blessed child, anyway. Joseph is the only real problem I see here. I’d let The Angel figure that out. If your wedding bed is considered normal a couple of weeks variation in a birth is not remarkable. Trust in the messenger if you decide that this is a burden you can take on. Now eat your cheese.”

The rest of the visit went well. Mary at least felt that she had an idea of the problems now. A smiling and thoughtful Elizabeth waved goodbye. Elizabeth went directly to pray, Mary was going to need it.

On the way back home, Mary never could figure out when, her devotion to The One triumphed over her trepidation.

That night The Angel came saying that she would be carrying her first fruit, a Sacred Child, named Jesus. The Angel came knowing that her decision had been made without asking her, because The One knew her heart and her acceptance. The Holy Spirit gave her the promised child and a human twin to be Jesus’ companion.

Mary found out later that a dream was sent to instruct Joseph in his duty to The One. The marriage bed was as expected, and no comment was made. Later the Liar started a rumour that Mary had relations with someone on her trip to see Elizabeth. It planted the seed for the people prone to mean talk, and slander. It did not matter that Joseph and Mary never responded to the baiting.

Mary was pregnant and in her early sixth month. The trip to Bethlehem was much more arduous now that she was so far along. It was nothing like the smooth travel of the previous summer, when she had wanted to see for herself the pregnancy of Elizabeth. It had been good June weather, clear and dry. She was a bouncy teenager then and though concerned about her call to mother a special child, the travel was very easy, in comparison.

There was no time to arrange a place to stay on such short notice. Everyone had sons and daughters to put up. First cousins, aunts and uncles had the first choice. Only then the more distant relations had a chance to ask for a place to stay. Joseph was an orphan, having waited to start his family. They stretched many distant relative’s patience on their arrival to Bethlehem.

Having run out of closer relatives, Mary suggested that they try Elizabeth’s home. That turned out to be the perfect solution. It was the last option for the couple, but it was providence that sent them there. Elizabeth was feeling a little left out of the mayhem of the Census. Both of them had out lived their relatives like Joseph. Except for John they had no children. John was a little young to bring a family of his own home to his parent’s at six months old.

Zechariah was not on his annual call to seasonal duty as a minor support priest. They were both overjoyed to take in the bedraggled and frazzled couple. Though the space was not huge it had a homey feel of welcome that Mary needed. Some warmed wine with honey was pressed into her trembling hands. Many hugs and kisses later everyone settled in to talking the night away.

A week later the Census taker showed up. That done Mary and Joseph prepared to leave, not wanting to impose. Elizabeth scolded and cajoled the couple to stay. What was Joseph thinking dragging Mary back out into bad winter travel. Mary wanted to stay near Elizabeth and watch her with John. Mary was the youngest of her parent’s children.

As a result she had not really ever cared for an infant. Mary told Joseph, “I could get some good tips helping Elizabeth. I’m really not feeling great either. Didn’t you bring your tools with you, Joseph?”

When mention of the tools came up, Zechariah chimed in that they had plenty of repair work in their home. Zechariah knew that people had avoided Elizabeth when she gave birth so late in life. There were rumours that something strange was involved. No one had the nerve to openly say anything, but it still isolated her. There was such joy on Elizabeth’s face at her young relatives visit he hated to see the visit end. It was hard for a woman with no support system of Elizabeth’s age to care for a new born. She had finally gotten some sleep after Mary and Joseph arrived.

Joseph smiled and gave in to Mary’s persuasion. He enjoyed the company as well. He had brought his tools because they did not know how long the Census would take. Unlike the Roman obsession with doing things on schedule, Herod was not even born a Jew. Who knew when he would get around to getting the Census completed?

They settled in for a comfortable winter together.

Work came in for Joseph. Mary grew bigger every day. John was learning to crawl everywhere. In the third Roman month of March at the mid point, Mary delivered her babies.

First came Jesus, calm as an ancient soul that saw this as a continuing journey. Then came Judas who did the normal yelling and crying. Both were healthy and sweet. John was curious about both of them.

The babies grew. Jesus was alert to every movement and watched John crawling everywhere. John often came to the babies and patted Jesus on the cheek smiling. They often just sat smiling at each other. Judas was much different in his interaction with John. They roughhoused and played more. Judas caught a cold or two with John, but Jesus never got sick. They all played with the animals around and in the house. One day Jesus did the first shoving of his life. Judas was trying to pull the tail off of a newborn animal. Jesus shoved him away from the baby animal. He petted the baby animal until it calmed. No one remarked on the kindness thinking it was just a desire to pet the baby animal instead of Judas. Judas never pulled another tail though.

About a year and nine months later the Magi arrived. The town of Bethlehem had been identified by both their calculations and the research from Herod’s priest’s records.

It was a surprise when the Magi showed up at the door. Mary had heard around town that there were some strange men asking questions. The Magi thanked people but would not spend the night at anyone’s home. They stayed in their own tents outside of town. After the conversations they asked to meet any male children under two years old.

They would also ask who else had small boys. They refused to explain what they wanted, saying only that they would know when they found it.

It was mid winter two years after the census that the Magi arrived at the right home. It was the home of Elizabeth and Zechariah, now home to Mary and Joseph. Offered hospitality they had the evening meal. They asked to come back to play with the boys. Mystified the family said OK. This pattern of visiting continued for a week. On the following day, which was the beginning of the week, on a Roman month of January, the sixth day, they arrived later in the afternoon.

This time they wore finery that no locals had ever seen, being of a foreign design. They asked again to play with the boys. They sat on the floor with four boxes. The first box was opened. It held various toys, bells, balls, and shiny things. Judas and John dove in. Each took a favourite toy from the pile. The pile that remained was moved to the side.

The Magi then pulled out three medium sized ornate chests. Jesus sat quietly watching. The three gifts were meant as a test to identify what kind of King they were coming to welcome.

The gold was meant to call attention to an earthly king. Frankincense was worth its weight in gold was meant to draw the attention of a sacred or Heavenly kingship. Myrrh was worth seven times its weight in gold, represented death because of its use in embalming the dead and a King who would be a Healer. Each box held approximately a pound each of the gold or spice. What the child chose would tell the Magi what they wanted to find out about his future.

Jesus took a small piece from all three boxes. This amazed the Magi but they accepted that this was truly a ruler of all realms, earthly, heavenly, and over the dead, being a healer as well. Jesus just smiled. He gently replaced the small pieces into the appropriate boxes.

The adults in the home were very shocked at this display. They were even more shocked when the Magi gave the boxes to Jesus’ parents. To Zechariah and Elizabeth they gave a small bag of coins. They said that the hospitality was endless in their home. The coins would help thank them in small measure for all the food the Magi had eaten. They would not accept the bag back when Elizabeth tried to return it.

That night the Magi asked to stay near the babies. No special treatment was required; they brought their own fine blankets and bedrolls. They lay down near the manger where the babies still slept.

The spies of Herod did not know if they were just staying at another home or had really left the area. Before leaving they warned the household to leave soon as well. They advised them to pay attention to any dreams that came the next night.

Joseph had a horrible dream of murdered babies. Both families departed the next morning, supposedly to go to market in Jerusalem. Taking John, the bag of gold coins, Elizabeth and Zechariah went to stay in Jerusalem to live, supposedly to be closer to Temple. A couple of miles outside of town Joseph and Mary carried Jesus and Judas. The tools of Joseph’s trade and last and most helpful the three chests of treasure to set them up in Egypt rode on the second donkey. They went to Egypt because an Angel came to point the way.

Judas was later called Thomas or Didymos which both translate to mean twin. He was the fraternal twin of Jesus.

His nickname as a kid was Jesus’ shadow. He went everywhere Jesus went. He was not a shy boy but next to Jesus he seemed downright reserved.

When Jesus went to debate with the Rabbi’s in town Judas listened a lot, though he was confused where all this extra knowledge came from. They both took their studies from Joseph at home in the evening.

For some reason Jesus could still discuss advanced ideas at the temple with great conviction and authority. Judas admired his twin’s gregarious nature. All Judas really cared about was that Jesus loved to play and joke around with him. For Judas this lighter side of his twin that made them close not all that intellectual stuff.

Unlike their younger brothers Judas and Jesus had shared and observed some very exotic places. Their first four years were spent in places like Egypt. They remembered strangely dressed people who came to drop off work for Joseph. Half naked people brought broken chairs and tables in for Joseph to repair. It made an impact on their young senses because it was so different from their parent’s conservative long robes and shawls.

They saw strange animals too. A circus brought a giraffe through one time. No circus that later came to Nazareth ever had one of those. All the other boys in town thought they were making it up when Jesus told them about it.

They said they must have just dreamed it up to joke with them.

Mary had been pregnant a few times in Egypt but the babies did not make it. Some local midwives had told Mary that having twins first had made it hard for her to carry other children to term. They did tell her that in time her body would recover. She would probably have more kids later they tried to reassure her.

They were right in their own way. After the stress of moving to Nazareth to avoid Herod’s son, Mary did become pregnant again. The next child was carried to term and named after Joseph, Joses. Jesus and Judas were five then.

They were fascinated until Mary started crying out. Judas fled in tears. Jesus could tell that she was hurting. His first thought was to bring her fruit to nibble on and watered wine to drink. After all that is what she did for him when he had a tummy ache. She loved that he did this kind gesture and special treatment of her.

At first the mid-wife was scandalized, but it calmed Mary so she quit protesting. Joseph was in his shop trying to work. This pregnancy Joseph prayed for a healthy child. He was a little unsure what to think of Judas being born from the same pregnancy as Jesus. The Angel had only named Jesus. The second boy was a surprise to both Mary and Joseph. He did not know what to think of the boy. Judas worked hard and seemed normal enough, so Joseph left well enough alone. This new pregnancy was his and his alone. He already wanted to name the new baby if it was a boy after himself. The natural fear Joseph had was from so many little ones in lost Egypt. Joseph feared that this one would die as well.

After a couple of years and two pregnancies Simon was born. Joseph was overjoyed and rejoiced again. Jesus and Judas were seven years old then.

The last son of Joseph was James. He was later called ’The Just’. After his birth Mary and Joseph decided to sleep in separate beds and have no more children. They were content in their family.

Joseph wanted the Bar Mitzvah to be an extra special event. A doubly special occasion for the two boys. That they were coming to manhood at the same ceremony just multiplied his joy. Mary was excited with Joseph. She was engrossed in preparing the feast for the celebration dinner that would follow the rites of passage. Joseph was splurging.

Both a lamb and a goatling were to be served. A great variety of sweets had been ordered or were being made. No one would doubt the pride Joseph had in his two hard working boys.

The smell of roasting meat and baking bread filled the whole neighborhood. Big bowls of dates and other fruit sat ready to be served.

At the temple Joseph paid the fees and made the sacrifices. The boys were supposed to be rehearsing their readings, but Jesus already knew what he would say. Judas was just antsy because of the meat smell that made his stomach grumble loudly.

Jesus was told by his Dad to go second, though it was his role to go first as the first-born. He would let Judas have the honor. He was told not to tell anyone what he was going to do ahead of time. It was strictly against tradition and the protocol for Bar Mitzvah.

When the temple was filled with male relatives and male neighbors and friends the priests did their parts of the ceremony. The Cantor then sang the coming of age announcement of one Jesus first-born son of Joseph of the house of David and of one Judas second born son of Joseph of the house of David and local carpenter.

Jesus and Judas stood on the platform waiting. Jesus leaned over and told Judas to follow his lead even if it seemed strange, just before they walked up the steps. Judas could not get an explanation from Jesus and gave up. He was used to Jesus doing odd things.

The priest asked Joseph, “Are these your sons?” And then, “Are they of the age to become men?” Joseph answered yes to both, as was the formula response.

So having been vouched for by their father, the boys stood side by side. They recited their descent lineage from Adam to Abraham to David to their father Joseph.

Then it was Jesus’ cue to step forward to do his recitation. Instead he took two steps backward. This left poor Judas at the forefront. Judas took a deep breath and proceeded before anyone could protest the irregularity and start an uproar.

Judas prayed thanks to The One With No Name that he had been pre-warned, sort of.

Everyone held their breath. The priests were just too scandalized to speak out; the transition had been too smooth.

They already did not like the skinny boy who was too big for his age. He had been debating them for years at this point.

The money had been paid and the sacrifices offered. They held their tongues to see what other unexpected thing that the boy Jesus did. Maybe then they could indulge their pent-up outrage.

Jesus recited from the prophet Isaiah 42: 1-7. When he finished he praised The One With No Name and with Judas following close on his heels left for home. He had not stopped to get hugs or kisses from his kinsmen, or neighbors.

Judas stopped briefly to apologize and hug a few people before running to catch up to Jesus. Everyone but the priests shrugged leaving the matter alone. They all knew ‘Jesus was a little touched in the head.’

In private Joseph was warned that he was too lenient. A few preventative beatings were in order. They predicted that the man would be as spoiled as the boy had been if this was not done. They wanted Joseph to do this because Jesus was always lecturing them on the law, constantly embarrassing them in public.

Compared to the Rite of Manhood, the feast was uneventful. All at the feast had a great time. Judas strutted around like a little bantam rooster saying he was ready to start the search for a possible marriage match now that he was a man.

Jesus just rolled on the ground laughing so hard he had a time trying to catch his breath.

It was a joke of course; it was silly for a man to want a wife before his first face hair had sprouted. Everyone was playing along shouting out the names of good prospects. When Jesus caught his breath he just ate quietly while Judas had his fun. Judas stopped when he realized Jesus had a head start on a second serving of goatling. Meat was rare, so it was a special treat on the dining table. Jesus winked a thanks at Mary for her great cooking skills.

Later in the year that Jesus and Thomas had their Bar Mitzvah, the family went on pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

Jesus and Judas were now of age and did not have to stay at their Aunt’s home with the younger brothers. The aunt stayed home because of her own three little ones and a new pregnancy. That and the lack of money would have caused a great hardship for the aunt. Her husband traveled with kinsmen including Joseph, Jesus and Thomas.

All the relatives who were pious and could afford to go went to Jerusalem every year. Though Joseph and Mary had little by way of money they were pious. Joseph had gone alone until his shop’s business had become established.

When all the boys were out of diapers, Mary started traveling with Joseph.

Now Jesus and Judas could go to the big city too. Judas of course had big plans to enjoy the sights and look around. Jesus already had his own plans. He was bored with the debates with local Rabbis and Priests. He wanted new challenges.

The jumble of relatives, neighbors and total strangers mixed and blended on the road. Families found their members in the evening to cook dinner and sleep under canopies or wagons if they were rich.

When the group Jesus traveled with got to Jerusalem all the youngsters and people who had not seen the Temple before were in awe. Jesus had already seen it in a dream from his Father. It had been a pile of rubble and was not impressive. All man-made Temples were transient. This was a lesson that Jesus’ Dad conveyed. So that great Temple was doomed to fall as all things of man fall.

Judas became engrossed with the jugglers, fire-breathers and all the huge buildings. Jesus slipped away to the Temple soon after Joseph and Mary gave both boys three coppers to buy treats while they explored.

By the time Judas figured out that Jesus was gone, Jesus was already questioning the Temple teachers. It was normal for ‘new men’ to seek clarification of the Law. The Law was discussed constantly most of the day. Judas enjoyed his sight seeing. He knew he probably would not be able to pry Jesus loose anyway. Near evening Judas caught up with Jesus to talk him into coming back to camp to eat and have a rest. Judas only succeeded because the teachers took advantage of the discussion to call it a day. Jesus had fun.

To everyone Jesus appeared thoughtful and quiet at the feast. Jesus was silently discussing the Law with his Dad.

His family did not pay attention. They knew that Jesus just got quiet sometimes. They were just happy that he was not arguing with everybody.

The boys went out again the next day with a couple more coppers for snacks. Every other night that followed was much the same for the family until the seven days of unleavened bread were fulfilled. The sight seeing got old needed to pick up Jesus. Judas would sit under a shade tree in the courtyard. He just watched from a distance Jesus’ old patterns of challenging authority reassert itself. Jesus was having fun. Judas was happy for him.

The second day that Judas sat under the tree. Judas was joined under the tree by the young acolytes who wanted to become priests. It was their break times for lunch and they had great games to pass the time. One was called ’Knuckles’, which is sort of like dice. They liked Judas. He did not argue and was personable unlike his brother. They nodded in sympathy at his ’burden’ of such a feisty brother. These were the acolytes who would become low level priests. The low level priests that allowed Judas in to the Temple to witness Jesus’ trial. They saw Judas as harmless when it most mattered. As the long suffering brother he was allowed to bear witness to Jesus’ beatings and trials.

The last evening Jesus would not leave. Meanwhile the family was packing to get home to work, planning on leaving before first light. Jesus was still engaging one teacher after another in debate. They tried to tag team him.

Judas brought food to Jesus to snack on. The next morning Judas went to explain their absence only to find the family had left. He went back to watching Jesus. Judas did not know what else to do.

Finally the whole discussion group ate communally from loaves brought by the priests. Judas lost track of time. No family members came to collect them so he just stayed by Jesus’ side. Joseph and Mary were busy traveling that first full day. They did not realize that Judas and Jesus were missing.

They had thought the boys were hanging out with new friends and would look for the family at evening meal time. They started to get a little concerned but not much when they did not show up. There were lots of cousins and tables where they could be eating and socializing. On the second evening they were ready to give a beating or two for not having the courtesy to at least check-in, ’New Men’ or not. The next morning the questioning began of first relatives then neighbors then everyone in the group. No one had seen them for many days. Some people even volunteered that the last the boys had been seen was the day before everyone’s departure to head home.

Mary was frantic and Joseph had to dissuade her of the idea of leaving without telling anyone in the group. They left as soon as they were packed that morning. Concern gave their feet extra speed. They checked with the city guard, who of course wanted a bribe to tell the worried parents any information.

All they could say was there were no dead bodies of young men had been found. Well least no bodies fitting those descriptions. This snide comment did nothing to calm Mary. After checking the Fair Grounds, open Town areas, Joseph finally suggested the Temple. It may not have been the first choice of Judas, but it would have been just the attraction that would draw Jesus.

When they arrived Mary spotted Jesus sitting in a big group of mixed ages arguing with the group. Mary could not help scolding Jesus in front of the group. She said, “You two have had us worried sick. Don’t you have any respect for your Parents?’ Joseph was irritated, but glad to have this over with or so he thought.

Jesus was in teaching mode. Jesus said, “I am where I belong, didn’t you know that I would be in my Father’s House?” Mary insisted that Jesus and Judas leave the Temple immediately. Judas was apologizing as they collected their robes. Jesus regretted leaving, but he knew he would teach in the Temple again.

After the family got home the whole incident blew over and real life reasserted itself. Chairs to fix, skinned knees, chores, and gardens to tend. Jesus never forgot that trip to Jerusalem. He continued his studies politely with Joseph and more importantly with his Dad.

Jesus was an average boy when it came to growing up with a few notable exceptions. From the time of his birth until age twelve he tried out his abilities. With his Dad’s hand on his shoulder he was guided in his non-earthly lessons. At the same time Joseph taught Jesus the ways of wood, tools, and their beauty.

As any student or apprentice he got to do all the dull repetitive chores around Joseph’s shop. He was taught how to haggle for wood at the best price from the local woodcutters. The chisels always seemed to need sharpening. It was in times like these his mind would wander. He often wondered about his feelings of not quite belonging. Joseph was kind if distant. Joseph preferred Jose, his younger brother who was named after his father. Jose was the one Joseph preferred.

Jesus and Judas his fraternal twin got up at sunrise to sweep up the wood shavings in the shop to sell to the black smith. The smith liked to use the shavings to help the kindling start in the morning in his forge.

After sweeping up they would test for sharpness all the copper saws that Joseph was so proud to own. Joseph had discovered and purchased the saws in Egypt when the family was in exile. He also had the newest iron Roman push saws. Every tooth on the saws was canted just right. Each tool in the shop had a favorite use when Joseph planned a project. After they checked everything they lay out the chisels, saws and scribes.

They dipped water from the roof barrel to fill the working tanks. Some projects required that the wood be softened by soaking it in water. This soaking was to make the wood more pliable.

By this time Joseph would be getting back from deliveries and getting new orders, if any. Judas would have to nudge Jesus sometimes when sharpening projects started to go wrong. What Judas never realized was that Jesus was not day dreaming, he was talking to his Dad. It just felt so good and right that the sharpening just did not seem important. His Dad chided him to do honor to his work for Joseph as well. Jesus was reminded that there were lessons in works of his hands as well. That someday doing multiple things at once would come as naturally as breathing.

Jesus always wondered why he never got a switching like Judas got. He just thought it was because he was older by twenty minutes than Judas. Judas never seemed to mind. Judas thought it was great that Jesus would argue for leniency with Joseph on Judas’s behalf. That and his love for his twin were why he nudged Jesus when his focus drifted.

When all the chores were done they would be allowed breaks to go play. They wrestled, threw rocks, climbed trees, skinned knees, etc. Jesus was fascinated by the story of David and the battle with Goliath. Being of the tribe of David was a source of pride for both Jesus and Judas.

They took turns using a homemade slingshot. There was a dead tree just out of town. This tree had lots of twigs and small limbs that were perfect for trying to hit with the rocks they slung. Jesus was better than Judas but both could hit and knock off some of the smaller limbs.

One day they were practicing their aim when a small bird landed just as Jesus missile hit the high side of the limb. The bird was struck dead and fell to the ground. Immediately Jesus felt horrible remorse.

He was eight years old. Judas could not understand why Jesus was crying. Then he saw Jesus pick up the small still form from the ground. Jesus was crying because his Dad had just told him that it was not time for this little one to die. But its body was already cooling.

As Jesus held the small bird he visualized how it had looked. How it had looked so pretty when it had been alive.

His Dad cautioned him not to tell anyone what had just been done. Judas just thought the bird had just been stunned and thought nothing more about it. People usually see what they expect to see. But Jesus knew and it made him very happy.

There were other times he healed. Sometimes this healing took the form of taking away pain. When James the youngest of Jesus ’s brothers was ready to be born Mary lay in bed. Jesus was her favorite son. He often brought water and fruit for her when she was in labor. He had been in attendance at all of her deliveries.

Jesus was ten years old then. Mary was in pain. It was a kind of pain that was not familiar. The mid-wife arrived to assess the situation. Her verdict was that it was bad. She scolded that she should have been called earlier. James was a breach birth. It was very dangerous to both mother and child because the labor was advanced and the contractions coming so hard it would be very difficult to turn him. Mary could not stop pushing as the contractions hit her like a vise. Her throat was raw from panting. Her throat ache was scarcely eased by the water and squeezed fruit juice.

Jesus was afraid that he would lose his mother. He had heard about other women who had died trying to deliver their babies. Everyone was so busy that they did not notice Jesus had approached Mary and taken her hand. Mary noticed that the pain was almost gone. She just felt a great deal of pressure. The mid-wife seized the opportunity to push just so and was able to re-align James so that he could come out the right way. In a few moments after the realignment Mary’s renewed contractions quickly yielded a bruised and battered James. He was screaming at the top of his healthy lungs.

Jesus took that cue to retreat quickly. Mary vaguely remembered Jesus being there but nothing more. In the joy of the new live baby boy and surviving mother the healing went unnoticed. Jesus just smiled from the doorway as James was wiped off and put to Mary’s engorged breast.

The mid-wife went to announce the birth. She took him to the side later to warn Joseph that this was a very close call. That maybe it was time to show a little self control. She suggested that five boys would be the pride of most men. She suggested it was blessing enough that they were all strapping healthy youngsters.

When Mary was “Clean” again Joseph talked to Mary. He shared what the mid-wife had shared with him. She agreed that this was very scary delivery. Mary said that she could deal with abstinence if it was Joseph’s choice as well.

She wanted Joseph to be happy too. She had grown to love him for the gentle and good man that he was. He was a patient father and had never let them go hungry. She laughed that five was plenty for her to keep up with as it was.

For the next six years he slept in a different bed. Both Joseph and Mary were faithful to the day of his death. Joseph was proud and satisfied with five sons.

Jesus always seemed to know when a storm was coming. No one noticed that he always seemed to get inside from play bare minutes before a downpour. After a few years everyone followed Jesus’ lead unconsciously they watched him instead of the sky.

Jesus never said anything directly to Joseph. Instead he would make a broad comment about moving lumber inside to finish curing or “My, don’t those clouds look dark”. After a series of drenched projects, only adding to the work or re-varnishing, that Joseph started to heed the warnings.

Jesus was nine when this weather ability saved lives. When the time came he just knew what to do. He knew because it was the right thing to do.

The winter that Jesus was nine there was a bad storm and the town started to flood. The streams just could not hold anymore water. The ground was saturated by other winter storms and could not absorb another drop. The streets were running with muddy water.

The fields lost half an inch of soil that winter from erosion. Some people lived in low-lying areas. They were the poor of the town. It was the only place that they could afford the rent. The rain had been steady for five days. The low areas had water that came up to people’s knees. The old, sick and weak could not walk out. The current was already very swift, sweeping grown strong men off their feet.

Jesus and Judas had tagged along with Joseph to the main street to help sand bag the synagogue. Jesus heard a conversation about people in the low areas just having to fend for themselves. He asked his Dad to stop the rain so the poor could get out.

That hour the rain stopped in town. Every stream that led to town stopped swelling. They did not get another drop. The low areas flood water receded because there was no new rain in the stream. In nearby areas it continued to rain for three more days. The storm was expended by then. The town was too busy saving household goods and food stocks to notice. A single hour of more rain would have drowned the poor as they tried to struggle out to higher ground.

His Dad was pleased at Jesus compassion. Jesus was told that this ability was his to use wisely. The only rule was the rain had to go somewhere. He was told to carefully consider who and where the rain would go instead. Jesus had to be considerate and if possible do good with the re-directed storms.

When Jesus was eleven he used his ability for personal reasons, but with compassion. There was a festival in town every summer. Mary looked forward to the event every year. It was a high spot in her year. This year Jesus could feel a big storm forming. The festival might be canceled or worse start only to be rained out. This would ruin many people’s hard work in their crafts. He asked his Dad where the rain was needed near by. Maybe some area that farmed that had not had enough rain lately. His Dad told him where it would be an answered prayer. Jesus deflected the storm, and no one was the wiser. Mary as usual had a great time. Jesus’ Dad and Holy Spirit were very proud.

When Jesus was eleven he was actively building wood working projects. When Joseph left him alone in the shop to work, he would spend too much time talking to his Dad. His lack of completed projects just made Joseph double his work load to show him that the work did not just go away but backed up until he was caught up. It was a good lesson in completing what you start. Jesus did not agree.

The increased workload frustrated Jesus. It basically removed any chance to learn from his Dad. His Dad was quiet on the subject. Jesus decided to think outside of the box so to speak. His Dad had told Jesus that he could achieve anything that he willed to be. He felt that he had nothing to learn but maybe quite a bit to gain.

There were slats for a chair that would take hours to soften enough to work. There were also the barrel’s staves that had to be worked. Then the staves had to be hauled down to the smithy. The smithy could then put on the iron bands that held the staves tightly in place.

Jesus tried something he had never thought of doing. In his irritation he told the wood to soften and bend. They bent to his will with no cracking as though they had been in warm water for six or seven hours. He was very encouraged. The chair was all he got completed that day. Joseph commended Jesus on his good work.

The next day Jesus waited for Joseph to leave with Judas on deliveries. When he was certain there were no prying eyes Jesus did the final shaping of the barrel staves. When the last wood piece was shaped they stood in the template form. Jesus decided to try to avoid the hauling job as well. Jesus told the bands of iron to heat to glowing orange. He oriented the staves one last time. He slipped the iron band that was softened with the heat down over the staves. As the metal cooled it shrunk to snug the fitted staves into a finished barrel.

Jesus was overjoyed. It worked. He checked for alignment then flipped the partly assembled barrel over. He wanted to get the second band finished before someone came back. The second band heated more quickly with his confidence stoked, like the fire that normally would have been used to laboriously soften the band. Quickly fitting the second band he stood back. Jesus was ecstatic to then see the metal cool to gray then black with oxidation.

His chore done he got to talk to his Dad, who chuckled along with Jesus over his private accomplishment. Lessons went well that day having honoured both Joseph and his Dad in the same day.

Joseph was a little surprised at this completion because he had not left any coins to pay the smithy. He guessed wrongly that maybe Jesus’ persuasion had gained some measure of credit for the family. Joseph knew first hand how the boy could talk adults into things they did not know they wanted to do until it was gently pointed out by Jesus.

Joseph just reserved the money for when the smithy came to collect. After a sideways look at Jesus he then let it go. Jesus just smiled sweetly. He had gotten what he needed without hurting his foster father.

Judas missed working with Jesus. They did not play any more because they were almost men. Joseph was not as vital and strong as he used to be. Judas helped with another set of hands loading and unloading furniture. Joseph preferred the company of Judas who had a good down to earth sense of humour and easy manner. He was easy to joke with and did not analyze everything or moralize constantly like Jesus had started to do lately. Judas enjoyed the new found closeness with his father. Judas was too busy working to notice the sidelong looks that Joseph gave Jesus.

Jesus was laying in bed with his brothers Judas and Joses. He was about seven when he had his first vision. This was his time to talk to his Dad. He knew that he was different. Jesus did not know how different until this vision. He saw himself in a mirror of polished bronze. It was an image that looked just like him. The image brightened to the light of a noonday Sun in the summer. He was surprised on some level that the brightness did not hurt his eyes. He saw himself becoming the light, as it grew brighter. Then he felt another brightness next to him. This brightness put it’s hand on his shoulder and love washed over him.

He had felt this love before. It was so much like the sleeping dreams he had every night of his Dad when they talked. This image looked almost exactly like him, more like him than the brother that lay snoring next to him now.

As the vision faded he realized some of the light and love still radiated in him. He knew then that he would never truly be alone. He remembered that face in his nightmares as a little kid. It stood next to him cheering Jesus on but not intervening. He remembered that the presence was a comfort at the time.

One nightmare that he remembered was of falling. It was very scary. In the dream there had been vicious laughter as if the horror of falling was not enough to deal with. Someone wanted him to die. Someone wanted him to fall on to sharp rocks and be broken body and spirit. This was in the form of feelings, but he was certain that it was true.

In the nightmare a glowing Angel scooped Jesus out of mid air. He was always crying with fear and relief by this point. The tears filling his eyes blurred the face of the Angel. He just had a feeling that everything would be put right, no matter what happened. He was stiff and sore when he woke up from one of these dreams. He always felt filled with a beautiful love that eased every pain.

He now realized that the face in the nightmare looked like an adult version of himself. In addition it did not feel like his Dad but closer some how. The vision he had revealed that same face. He laughed to himself; he had another Twin, besides his fraternal twin Judas.

Each time he had this dream he woke up just before getting caught. The bed was always soaked in sweat. It had to be dragged out in the yard to air and dry.

Finally in a repeat of this nightmare, he heard his Dad’s voice while he tried to get away. His Dad said, “Open your hands. I will help you. You are my sword from the tribe of Judah. Once you bear your sword no one can harm you.”

Jesus threw open his hands and a glowing sword fell into his grasp. He grasped the pommel with a two handed grasp. The pommel burned like fire, but did not hurt him. In his flight he turned and flew at the unnatural lion, his horrible attacker. The lion tried to veer away but Jesus followed. Cornered, the lion, attempted to hide under a big rock. Jesus kicked it. When it roared and turned Jesus saw pure hatred in the lion’s eyes. With one blow he impaled the lion. Then instead of bleeding it burst into flame, burning to ash as a sacrificial ram’s body was consumed. It burned brightly with no wood around the body. The nightmare never returned.

Jesus was five then. He got into a lot of trouble because of the dream battle with the lion. He thought he was invincible. This resulted in multiple sprained ankles and skinned knees. He wanted to fly while he was awake.

Joseph’s patience was sorely tested. It caused few real problems, because Jesus just healed faster than the other kids. Jesus stopped when his Dad told him to stop scaring his earth parents.

When Jesus was ten he had another vision. This one was disturbing. There was a Torah in his hands. It was old, stained, cracked and dirty from poor care. This made him very sad. As he unrolled it, to read it crumbled to dust in his hands. He wept over the destruction.

In the nightmare it seemed days that he mourned the lost words of wisdom. On the morning of the third day, the Sun came up in the nightmare like it was the first morning of the world that people had ever seen. It was so bright that Jesus laughed with joy, while everyone else around him who mourned the Torah shielded their eyes.

As the first Sun’s rays struck the dead dirty pile that had been the Torah, it became fresh parchment and burnished wood again. The writing on it was changed and different but it felt right. The parchment was supple and bright white.

The ink was fresh and crisp without a run or stain to any words. It was workmanship that was better than any Torah that Jesus had ever seen. Even the new Torah that had been dedicated at the town’s Temple did not look anywhere near this pure.

Jesus picked it up. In picking it up he knew that someday he would utter these new words with his own mouth.

He would be the first to give them voice, and his breath. He felt humbled before his Dad at this awesome task lying ahead of him.

After that he listened to Joseph’s lessons with half an ear. His other ear wide open and dedicated to hearing his Dad’s meaning behind the words Joseph was teaching. It was second nature to be able to listen to his Dad and at least one other person at the same time.

He knew a person’s potentials and their motivations just by thinking about them or looking at them. Some times this got to be more than he could bear. His Dad gave him a shield that no one could see. It made the pain, emotions, and the motivations easier to endure. By the age of twelve he had built his own under the tutelage of his Dad. His Dad told him that it was important to build his own because when Jesus came to Jerusalem there would be many more people to keep out of his head.

Jesus had been easing pain and sorrow of other people most of his life. They never knew why they just felt better when they were near him. Joseph’s bad joints felt better. They usually ached with every sunrise and worse with every weather change.

Jesus would rub his foster father’s joints while secretly easing the pain. During one of these times of caring for Joseph, Joseph told both Jesus and Judas where the family savings were buried. Joseph knew that he was getting old and was concerned he might die without being able to share that information if he waited.

When Jesus was 16 Joseph got sick. All he could manage to do was lie in bed and cough. He also ran a fever off and on. Jesus took up the slack in the shop. Everyday Jesus would go to sit by Joseph’s bed. He filled in Joseph about the customers and the work. He asked for advice about finishes or special orders. This helped Joseph continue to feel involved and integral to the business he had built with his sweat and blood.

As he talked to Joseph he steadied the spoon of broth that got to Joseph’s mouth between coughing fits. Joseph’s hands were once steady as rocks and as flexible as fresh willow. They were now shaky and gnarled as old oak roots.

Joseph did not like Mary to feed him because he did not want her to see his loss of strength. She sat singing to him between chores. She told him that being tired sitting with him was a great excuse to sit and let the boys learn what sweeping was all about. Joseph was well loved by his family.

Jesus was sad for Joseph’s suffering. He asked if it would be OK to be healed. His Father’s answer was no.

Joseph’s appointed time was nearing. He would soon be home where he could rest from his suffering. Jesus often cried because Joseph had always been fair with him. Though Joseph never understood Jesus he did have a Fatherly pride in Jesus.

As the Eldest Joseph blessed Jesus to succeed him. Jesus heart was torn. He did not know what to do. He already knew that he could not stay. He was destined to not marry, or settle down with a family. The World was his family. He would die in the service of The One Who Has No Name. He was trained as a carpenter to shape living wood. But he knew it was the hearts of people that he was destined to shape, at the ending a short life. He knew that he would teach a new way to look at the world and living life.

Jesus was also aware that it would hurt Joseph if he rejected this final gift of love. He was a dutiful son and would honor Joseph’s memory by staying awhile.

When Joseph finished the blessing he handed Jesus a sack of coins from under the bed. Most were copper but a few were silver. All bore the likeness and markings of Caesar. The doctor would get one of the silvers as payment for the long death Joseph endured. The sack of coins seemed such a small hedge against the shop’s obligations but saidnothing that would embarrass Joseph.

Later Jesus discovered that many customers had excuses or real hardship that made the payments short. Joseph had a kind heart and extended credit with no interest. Joseph on occasion refused money for broken chairs and a bowl or two when it was a widow’s purse that would be impoverished. This charity had added up over the years. This and getting a late start building the business had taken its toll. The flight to Egypt and later return had really delayed the successful set up of the shop. They had never gone hungry, but they were not well off either, except spiritually of course.

Jesus eased Joseph’s breathing at the end when it started to sound like a child’s rattle toy. Only Jesus was in attendance when the Holy Spirit came to be Joseph’s escort. Joseph had a good life. Joseph was an honorable, charitable man, who did his duty gladly for his God and his family.

Upon Joseph’s death the debtors descended. The Smithy, the Glue man, the Weaver and the Grocer all wanted their accounts settled. They knew that Jesus was a hard worker, but he was otherworldly and a dreamer too. Judas was almost as ’bad’. The younger brothers were not responsible, even Joses had not been to Bar Mitzvah yet, being only eleven. They wanted payment before the Pharisees got word of Joseph’s death. The Pharisees loved the sport of divesting widows of their property.

When collectors first started showing up Jesus took it with good graces. They kept showing, and then the customers started paying short. They thought, ’why pay full if it was going to go to the Pharisees anyway.’ They might as well keep some of what they had agreed to pay for the work Joseph’s boys had done.

Jesus was near the end of his rope. He prayed to find an honorable solution that would not destroy his family. His Dad instructed him to leave the bag alone until he was told to open it. When his Dad told Jesus to pay all the bills out of the sack Jesus did as he was told. The two coins that had been silver were now gold. The full coppers were now silver and the pieces of copper were now full rounds.

The two gold coins and half the silver went to creditors. Jesus breathed a jagged sigh of relief after a horrible day.

The banging of sword pommels on the door woke the family the next day with dread. Mary, Judas and the boys huddled in the big room. They were petrified. The Pharisees had come to seize the shop and their home.

The spies had told them about the meager sack that Jesus had inherited. They waited for the debtors to deplete the sack to an amount that could not possibly pay the multiple fees for the death tax and Temple offerings. “After all God must be paid.”

Jesus was fed up. He was doing his best. Then his Father’s voice in his head asked, “Would you like to see how to fix this problem?” Jesus cried in relief, he hated to keep asking for help. Jesus did as he was shown. When it was done he thought to himself, “Well of course how could I not have seen how, do this, then that.” It was not hard once he understood what was to be done. Quickly the ransom was accomplished. “After all God must be paid.”

The Pharisees always draw a crowd out of sympathy, entertainment, and morbid curiosity. They felt cheated and very angry when the full amount of money was handed over by Jesus. In addition to the required amount Jesus paid the fee to do a proper sacrifice in Joseph’s memory. They could not recalculate their fees in front of the watching crowd. They had to retreat without evicting Jesus’ family. The property would have ’earned’ much more of a reward had it been seized. This was Jesus’ first personal taste of the Pharisees greed and the fickle loyalty of neighbors.

There was nothing left when the vultures departed, but an intact family, home, and valuable lesson from Jesus’ Dad.

Mary exposed a chink in the family’s armor the next morning. She had not wanted to complain after the miracle of the previous days ordeal. After six months of illness of Joseph and short payment for work the cupboard was very short. It was winter and cold outside. The six mouths to feed would be very hard to glean enough from the fields.

She also rightly saw that the money sack was empty. There were no more roots in the cellar or resting in the garden

beds. She had already gathered and used those resources. Mary was rightly worried about starvation.

Jesus reminded her that they still had shelter. They were healthy. They had hands to work the wood. She was less upset but not calmed. Jesus stayed at the shop as she took the boys and Judas out to gather firewood.

Jesus sat at the dining table with the last meal the family would see for a while. He had taken the pitcher of wine, the small chunk of cheese, and the last of the bread out to divide it for the family. At least they would eat that night.

He got the bucket that Mary used to bring water home when their cistern was low. Jesus was jeered at and got strange looks as he carried the bucket through the town to the well. Jesus was strengthened by the words of wisdom dispensed by his Dad. He was immune to the hatred behind the ’teasing’ jeers from the men and boys. The averted looks of the women spoke mostly of pity. They had often wished for a strong son who would be so brave, to help with this heavy and never ending labor.

When Jesus fumbled with the unfamiliar counter weight arm, one woman stepped forward. She showed him how to work the arm. She showed him how to dip and pour the water with the least amount of water spilled. She was an old widow woman named Miriam. She had gone through a very hard time after her husband died. She did not care what any onlooker thought. The town had already shown their true colors and done their worst. She smelled of excrement. To feed herself she cleaned latrines, selling the result to local farmers as fertilizer, for a few coppers to buy bread.

Jesus touched her hand in thanks before trudging home with the bucket. He would always remember her in his prayers. This experience was a turning point for Jesus. He realized that all women were special not just his Mother Mary. He was seeing for the first time the flip-side of their work in his world.

Getting home he placed the bucket on the table. His Dad chuckled saying, “Why don’t you do what I taught you with the coins?” Jesus had his second turning point of the day. Jesus realized that all elements would answer his call and do as he asked. When he found he had a nice fruity new wine in the bucket he smiled. Emboldened he turned to the bread then the cheese.

When Jesus was done he was joyous. There was a full round of cheese, a small barrel of sweet and fruity unwatered wine and a dozen loaves that still smelled of the oven’s heat. Then Jesus got concerned. He knew that this was a secret. He knew that he could not share what he knew with anyone, even his Mother. His nature made it very hard and uncomfortable to lie. He knew that every lie counts. Mary knew the contents of her own cupboard and pantry. This was not like the coins that had been his inheritance. For all she knew there had been multiple stashes of coins, that Jesus as head of household was alone privy.

His Dad laid a calming hand on Jesus head. Jesus sat down with a thump and asked what was he to do to preserve honor. His Dad said that’s easy. Say, “It was a gift because you are greatly loved.” Just say that and no more. Mary will create her own story of a neighbor who wishes to remain anonymous. Jesus just smiled.

When Mary and the boys opened the door they were in shock. The aroma of fresh bread and heady cheese brought tears from Mary. She hurried to the kitchen. She had her hungry family close on her heels. The firewood lay in dropped piles in the entry.

The questions all spilled out at once. Finally Mary and the boys realized that Jesus could not get a word in edgewise and quieted. Jesus repeated what his Dad suggested and nothing more.

Jesus told his Mother to sit with the boys at the table. Mary protested but Jesus refused to budge in his desire to serve his family their first God given meal. Mary was sitting in shock and confusion as Jesus got out the cups, plates and the kitchen’s knife. He served everyone then sat down. He led the blessing as the new provider for his family. It was the first real meal that had been served since Joseph’s death. He thanked God for providing for his family. If Mary saw the smile flit like a butterfly across Jesus’ face she never mentioned it.

In time the family settled into a routine. Periodically Jesus would fill up the pantry. He brought loaves and cheese to Miriam when he delivered to his customers. She wished she had children. If she had she imagined them to be like Jesus. A year later Miriam died of exposure. The town elders had her shack removed from the edge of a fallow field while she was out working. It was winter and it was raining. She had not been warned so her blanket was wet, having been tossed out of the shack when it was smashed. She was too tired to look for other shelter.

They found her huddled under the wet blanket under a nearby tree. The Pharisees did not like Miriam’s free association with Jesus. They did not actively seek her death, but they might as well have. They suggested to the farmer that it was a waste to let that field lie fallow in a year that was not a ‘Year of Freedom’. The year was not the seventh year so the farmer was easily persuaded. He had been irritated by her presence all along, but was concerned about how it would look.

Miriam was the first person to die for loving Jesus. Jesus told Mary that because Miriam was a friend he was going to pay for her burial and her small unpaid debt at the grocer. Mary was concerned about family finances and their tight budget. Jesus said, “I do this out of love and to preserve honor. I will not be deterred.” Mary was silent after that. Jesus’ Dad had a special hug for Miriam when she was welcomed home.

That night after dinner Jesus taught his first official lesson as the Son Of The One Who Has No Name. Jesus spoke of God’s love for all people, but especially for those in need. He spoke of how the First will be the last. About how the lowly will be raised above all. Then he scandalized his Mother Mary by saying pointedly that Miriam had been the richest person he had ever known, in what really mattered, love. Mary had been scandalized when she had heard about Jesus drawing water from the well. It just made it worse that it was a filthy old hag that had touched and helped her son do this unseemly act. After all he might not have ’disgraced’ the family by drawing water if he could not figure out the way to do it. Mary suffered for months at the comments of her neighbors because he did this woman’s work.

What Mary refused to see was that her own family had escaped the very same dire straits only by the Grace of God. She of course did not know that the very first meal of their new household held the fruits of that filthy old hag’s ‘Dishonorable Labor’. Her piousness blinded her to the true meaning of God’s love, compassion.

Jesus had tried to leave his mother’s home many times. The trips to Jerusalem were limited to once a year so that there would be enough to maintain his younger brothers. Mary was proud of Jesus assuming what she felt were his family duties. Jesus trained Joses (Joseph), Simon, and James in all facets of woodworking. He also taught them about the money end of the shop.

All the boys loved working in the shop, except James. James had to have his hands in the soil. The small family garden plot out side of town was lovingly tended, but it was too small for James. His youthful energy begged for more.

A gift from The One in the form of a windfall would soon arrive to ease James’ tension and restlessness.

The farmer whose greed had led to Miriam’s death took sick and never totally recovered. To avoid the Justice of dieing of the weather extremes of farming, like Miriam, the farmer put the farm up for sale. He knew The One was punishing him for his lack of charity. He priced it for quick sale. It was not just a fair price, but also a little below its true value.

No one seemed interested in buying the farm. It was on the market for many months. The farmer was in dire hardship from this lack of offers, he expended most of his savings just trying to feed himself.

Joseph had designed the shop for family growth. Joseph was also practical. He knew that there were just so many broken chairs to mend. There were just so many commission projects to be had in the area as well. In addition he was ethical, unlike some craftsmen in the area. When Joseph’s shop fixed a broken project it stayed fixed. Of course there are always a different leg to break. Joseph did not think all of the boys would find joy in working wood in the shop. As a result the shop was crowded now with too many grown men.

James felt nervous about the conversation he knew he had to have with Jesus about the farm. He knew that there was not a large surplus of money after the shop was debt-free. The family could ill afford to invest in an additional project. He loved and respected Jesus immensely. He hated to put Jesus in such a terrible position. He went to talk to

Jesus when they could be alone. James brought Jesus a bowl of fresh figs to get the conversation off to a good start. Jesus loved fresh figs. They were second only to the honeyed figs that Mary made with the surplus. Those figs were consumed long ago. Jesus did have a craving for the fresh figs.

Jesus knew that the farm was for sale. He also knew that James longed to work that farm. Jesus just wanted James to show his commitment to the project by coming to ask for it. Jesus wanted James to think about the choice he was making by starting a new business and its responsibilities. Jesus had prayed for justice for the death of Miriam.

He knew that The One worked on a different time scale, but that justice would come. Jesus saw the hand of The One in this farm going for sale.

When James showed up with a bowl of treats the time had come. James also worked on a different time scale.

Slow and conscientious, methodical and careful, all of which are great traits for a farmer. Jesus was glad that the tension of this fervent youngest brother could be eased now. James inheritance would be the farm. This might not sound like a problem in modern times, but as the youngest he might have been left totally out of inheriting except as a family helper. They might never have a true say in the business he was helping to build.

Jesus sat on the bench with James. The bowl of figs rested between them. The silence was deafening. The sun was warming their faces. It would have been more pleasant if the tension had not been so thick. Jesus finally took pity on James. Jesus draped an arm over the stiffened back of his massive young brother. Chuckling, Jesus said, “It will be all right. We have enough money to buy the farm. I think it will be a good investment for the family. I know that your heart is truly drawn to this kind of work. We all have work that we are called to.”

James was so relieved he started laughing. He was not good with words. He had been afraid that he would not be able to make a good case for the purchase. James swept up his much more slender brother in his arms. He danced around with Jesus hanging in a big bear hug. James promised not to let the family or Jesus down. James was so happy that he did not have to tell Jesus how limited and useless he felt in the shop. He did not have to say that the smell of well-managed soil quickened his heart like no wood shavings ever would. To have to beg for the elbowroom he needed for his soul to sing. Jesus danced with him after James put his feet back on the ground.

With James hopping from one foot to the other on the way, Jesus took James to negotiate the purchase. The farmer was surprised that there was finally an offer. This really was the first real offer he had received. The farmer was eager to have cash in hand as soon as possible. Everyone who had come out of curiosity had offered almost nothing for the land, far less than the asking price.

Jesus was firm but fair. The farm implements and equipment were included. The matched oxen with their harnesses, with one donkey were included. They did the ploughing and hauling. There were even a few sheep and goats. No additional work, supplies, animals, or tools would need to be purchased to run this new farm of James’. No more money would have to be earned to make the farm produce. With James’ labour this had just become a family asset. Jesus, James and the former owner registered the change of ownership that very day.

By the next spring the family had grown by more than a farm. When the tension was broken with the purchase of the farm Joseph, Simon and James had all been married. Word had spread quickly of the farms purchase. Families of nearby farms who had marriageable daughters all sought out matches with James and Simon. James and Simon were eager and asked for permission from Jesus. Because it would make his brothers happy he agreed readily. They had been waiting for

Jesus to wed, out of respect. Jesus knew that he would not marry. It was not his path. Judas did not marry, or show any inclination to do anything differently than Jesus.

Joseph brought a young woman to visit with her parents one evening soon afterwards. Jesus knew that it was a matchmaking visit. He laughed. All his brothers were now settled into their new lives. Joseph and his new bride lived with Jesus, Judas and Mary now that there was room in the house. The farmhouse was expanded to accommodate the new family additions. Being eager young people set free to be fruitful they did as would be expected. Soon Mary was bouncing grand babies on her knees. These children and the swelling bellies around her made Mary very happy. The family, shop, and the farm with its crops grew greatly. Mary never had an empty room to mourn her lost husband.

Jesus saw this as a good time to plan his ministry in earnest. Mary did not want Jesus to leave. She persuaded him that the time was not right for him to leave. Mary would always come up with a reason that next year would be better.

She tried to say that there was still family work left to do. Mary hoped that Jesus would forget this nonsense about leaving.

Jesus had heard about his cousin John’s ministry. Jesus longed to talk with John. John was now called the Baptist for his water baptizing. John had been to visit several times in the years after he was orphaned. John was orphaned at twenty-five. He started his ministry immediately afterwards. He was fiery and passionate. This was in sharp contrast to Jesus who was as calm as a forest pool. Jesus used his self-assurance to be persuasive. They had great discussions despite their varied styles. They both talked to The One, just on different levels.

Both men enjoyed the visits. Judas talked to John about the Zealot movement hopes and plans. Jesus left them to their discussions when this subject came up. When teased about it Jesus just said that he would not be a part of that movement. Jesus said that he had better things to do than talk about killing people, even Romans. Saying that he would go pray.

At first, John’s visits were welcomed by Mary. Later Mary thought that John was egging Jesus on to leave. Each visit would leave Jesus more restless. John at first reminded Mary of the miracle of John’s conception with Elizabeth. Later it just reminded Mary of Jesus’ conception. She thought of losing her firstborn to his ‘Greatness’, which had never been spelled out. She wanted to keep him safe. This Zealot movement was going to steal her baby.

It did not sink in that Jesus spoke only of Love. Mary never seemed to notice that Jesus never stayed up half the night with Judas and John. Jesus did not stay up to talk about freedom and vengeance and military might.

Jesus’ restlessness came to a pinnacle when he was thirty years old. It was mid-summer in the Roman month of June. He was in the garden praying when The One told him to just walk away. No note was left to explain; He had no food, no coins, and no backpack in his possession. Jesus did not tell anyone he was leaving.

The people in town did not look at him. It was as if they could not see him at all. He felt as if a mighty weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He was free.

By mid-morning he was in a town he did not recognize. The One told him to knock on a certain door. The old couple that answered the door ushered him in like a long lost son. The hospitality was sincere and heartfelt. They talked about The One all night. The next morning Jesus left amid many hugs.

A day or two later Jesus came to the desert called the Eastern Desert. He had been going towards the rising sun that morning. He took great joy in the bright new sun. It filled his soul. Once he was in the desert he was told to balance the light and the dark. He was told to walk south, so he headed off in the morning with the sun shining only on his left arm.

Jesus was told to stop in the shade and pray when the sun beamed down from above his head. Somehow there was always a ledge of rock or desert tree when the appointed time came. He would pray until he fell asleep. While he slept honeydew and condensation from the tree or rock dripped to his partly open lips. During the day he did not feel hunger or thirst.

The travelling was greatly slowed because of the instructions to stop. When he neared Amman, the Vision of The Liar came. The lies and promises dripped like milk and honey from those lips. There was even a promise of a long life on the list. After all was that not the reward for faithful service to The One.

Jesus was victorious and faithful to his mission. He did not Dishonour himself. His twin, The Holy Spirit came to Jesus. Jesus was filled in both the needs of the body and of the spirit. The remnants of the Vision were banished by Jesus to the level of nightmare.

Amman has had two other names Rabbah and Philadelphia. Jesus passed just to the South of it without entering town. He was now going towards Jerusalem. He followed a river that meets and empties into the river Jordan. Jesus talked to no one. He now drank from the river but ate nothing. He had been told to walk as long as he wanted during the day. He made good time now.

On the second day, late in the afternoon, Jesus walked into the midst of a baptismal in the Jordan River. In the middle of the river stood John, his cousin. John was happy but a little taken aback by Jesus’ appearance. John greeted Jesus with an embrace.

John held Jesus at arms length looking at the strange tan, versus sun burned pattern on Jesus. The left side was very dark and the right side newly burned. Jesus was at peace. He told John that he was to be baptized. John dunked Jesus below the water. As Jesus reemerged from the water Jesus raised his arms. Much to everyone’s surprise he blessed everyone present. The last ray of sunlight struck Jesus full on his raised face. This was very dramatic. The afternoon had been overcast off and on. The combination of blessing, tanning pattern and ray of light appeared as an aura all around Jesus.

Jesus told John that they needed to talk alone. John was very curious. John was very eager to get Jesus away from the surrounding eyes. John knew that many present were spies for the Priesthood.

When they got some privacy, Jesus shared what he had learned about himself. He told John about his mission, his ordeal, and the Vision that he had seen. He explained that his mission would end in his death. However he explained that this death would be to teach about Love not violence. Jesus explained that the reason he did not join the Zealot Movement was he was sent as a messenger of a totally different kind of freedom.

John saw that Jesus was sincere but he did not agree. They, out of love and respect agreed to disagree. They shared with each other their respective experiences in their desert ventures. They shared their Dreams and Visions.

They both sensed that the timing of both of their ministries was no accident. Both agreed that The One was served by each of them in their own ways.

John ended the evening by patting Jesus on the cheek. It was the same kind of brotherly pat that John had done when Jesus was a baby. They both knew that they would die young.

John saw a Vision when he baptized Jesus. The water was tinged with Jesus’ blood. The blood was flowing from his wrists and his ankles. There were holes that were plain to see. When the Vision ended the wounds healed. Jesus admitted that there had been pain at the time. It was only when John told him the Vision did he understand how he would die.

There was a Vision that John had in the desert that he told Jesus. John discounted it as a fever dream because of its content. It was about a child that would be born in the future. This child would be a reconciler and healer of nations. This new child was not named in the Vision. The child would be heralded, by being born under a star. The star’s name was friendship. The World would know her by her fruit. That it was a female child was the reason John shrugged it off. John only told Jesus as a joke. Jesus was not so sure. This made John tease Jesus about how he had gone soft. John said that this is what happened when you pandered to the women in his life.

Later this was one of the three things told to his brother Judas who would be called Thomas. It was one of the three prophecies told Thomas that would have gotten him stoned for blasphemy.

The next morning Jesus started his ministry, amidst John’s newly baptized. John had not identified Jesus as his cousin. John did not try to dissuade any one from Jesus’ teaching. John saw it as apples and oranges. Anyone who followed Jesus would be shown to have non-violent tendencies. John did not want people who were not committed to the possibility of dieing fighting as a Zealot. John felt that it was better to separate the pacifists out early. He wished Jesus well. Jesus was an unrealistic dreamer, not a realist.

One of the men who joined Jesus was to be called the Apostle John. This John had a brother with him named James who would also be named an Apostle. Their father’s name was Zebedee whose trade was fisherman. Jesus named them sons of thunder because of their Zealot background as well as their quickness to anger.

Before Jesus left John he sat teaching among a crowd. While he was there, Mary caught up with her ‘wayward’ son. She told John the Apostle to tell Jesus that his family had come for him. She insisted that he be brought to her.

Jesus told John that he would not discontinue his teaching on her account. Jesus said that they may join him if they wished. Jesus said that his commitment was to his students, who were now his kin, his brothers and his sisters. Mary held her sharp response believing that she could talk him out of this foolishness. She would set him back to his duties as Head of Household. Mary would soon regret her choice of escorts. She had Judas to be called Thomas and James later called The Just with her.

After Thomas and James heard Jesus speaking unfettered by familial restraint they wanted to know more. They wanted to follow Jesus in his ministry. James escorted Mary back home. James sought Jesus out several times in the next three years. He did not stay with Jesus because his young family and the farm needed him. James came to visit when those duties allowed. And though James was never named an Apostle, he was part of the inner circle that got explanations of Jesus’ parables. James took the principles of Jesus’ teaching to heart.

Mary was told by her sons not to interfere. Since Thomas stayed with Jesus Joseph took the lead in Jesus’ absence.

Mary backed down after seeing with her own eyes the changes in Jesus. His look of resolve was not the same man who had walked away a month earlier. She went home a couple of days later. The one time that Jesus came back for a visit, Mary embarrassed him.

It was a wedding that she had helped to organize. The wine they had ordered was not sufficient. Mary forced the issue of the wine. This was seriously bordering on testing the Grace of The One. That and the total lack of respect for his teaching led to his decision never to return. It was also partly the reason for his saying that no Prophet would be respected in their own hometowns. He also found such a lack of faith in his healings ruined any healings he tried to do.

Jesus honoured Mary as his mother as much as he could. His destiny was a different path. The Call of The One would always come first.

Many times Jesus was frustrated by his student’s closed minds. He loved his students and considered them to be his friends. He hoped that his teachings of non-violence would help them to understand that the time had come for a different path. It would be a path that would eventually lead to the end of all violence and all forms of slavery.

The idea that slavery was evil did not gain credence. It was not understood that slavery in any form was wrong. Jesus tried to show them that slavery took many forms. Unfortunately most ownership of others was accepted, including women and girls being seen as chattel and property. Jesus did the best he could within the society in which he had been raised.

Murder and revenge was wrong. This never meant that defending yourself or the life of another was wrong. It meant that if you could forgive a killer it would free you of the cancer of vengeance. This negative obsession can feed evil for a long time. Dying in the defence of someone else is the greatest gift you can give. Dying a useless death hurts many more people than just you.

Adultery is wrong. The only person who has a right to judge their partner to be adulterous is the injured partner.

No one outside of the partnership has that right. If the wronged partner can forgive it is the best course. Forgiveness does not necessarily mean that trust is restored. That may have to be painstakingly rebuilt. Also remember that you will be judged by what you give. If you cannot give love unconditionally, love from someone else may mirror your inability. If you cannot forgive let the relationship end. Holding on to someone you cannot forgive is very negative and feeds evil.

Divorce is discouraged, unless the partners cannot be true partners. The prohibition on divorce has led to an excuse to hold partners in slavery, even if it is emotional slavery. Abuse of any kind is grounds for divorce. Marriage is supposed to be a give and take that does no harm. Marriage should not be entered in to lightly. All marriages will have good and bad times. Divorce should not be sought without a good faith effort to save the partnership.

Oaths and swearing should not be done. If your word is your bond people will take in good faith. They will know that it is your honour on the line. If you have no honour no amount of swearing will make your word mean anything. Because of this guard your word. If you say you will do something do it. The One already knows if you hold your honour dear. If you fail to honour your word take responsibility for your default and make every effort to correct the situation.

The Devil has greatly misused the spirit of the Golden Rule. It has been turned into a tool to destroy what is good in the world. The original intent of the Golden Rule was to find what others needed and do that in your interaction with others. Greeting everyone with an open mind is best. If you find the Golden Rule perverted and used against you resort to the Bronze Rule. This was the essence of ‘being as innocent as a dove and as wise as a serpent’. You should not judge a person as being a stereotype. They are individuals who may not fit neatly into the box you chose for them.

The Bronze Rule says to approach every situation and person expecting the best you may receive in return. If good is returned continue as you began. If the response to being open is evil, require two equally good responses from the wrong doer. If this good is done towards you return to forgiveness. Until atonement is forthcoming, guard yourself. You should try to forgive them for your own sake.

The Golden Rule was perverted because of misinterpretation. What is your best interest may not be in the best interest of someone else. An example would be if you love eel, but you know that it made the other person ill would you serve it just because you would enjoy the eel. It may take a little more thought to find the right choice, but well worth it.

Charity and prayer should be done directly. Let prayer be an act between you and The One. Flamboyantly giving charity leads to a sense that the person is less than you. It often is demeaning to the one receiving the help. It can also lead you to a sense that something is owed to you in return. If you can give anonymously it is best.

Judging others is wrong. The One alone knows your failings. Try to give the benefit of the doubt whenever possible.

The standard you use to judge others will be the standard you will be judged by. If you can forgive, you to will be more easily forgiven. Evil seeks its own kind. Doing evil also draws it to you.

Suffering is not a result of sinning, though you may suffer if you hurt others. There is much suffering in the world that is just the natural result of life. Until recently, suffering was a way of all life. Disease, predator attacks, natural disasters, and unstable political situations have been the rule not the exception. A terrible event may have been avoidable, but it does not always mean that it is an act of evil or a punishment of The One.

Miracles happen all the time. The problem with Miracles is people often see it as great entertainment. For this reason Miracles are seldom done by Messengers for ‘public consumption’. Jesus even knew that Miracles seldom lead to faith in the good will and grace of The One. In modern times Miracles are usually deny by science because it is a onetime event, never to be repeated.

The other problem with Miracles and Prophesy is it can make people fearful of what they do not understand. This is an animal response. A Prophet today is seen in four categories. The first category is that they are deranged. The second category is that they must have some control over what they see. The third is that they are evil, especially if a person does not like the message. The last and worst is that they are trying to mislead the recipient. Both Miracles and Prophesy are gifts of The One. No payment or strings are ever attached.

Thomas was there. Thomas had made acquaintance with some of the lower level priests while they had been acolytes, when he tagged along with Jesus as a kid. Those relationships and being a male blood relative of Jesus gave Thomas access to the trials.

Thomas, Simon-Peter, the Priests including the High Priest Ciaphas, the Temple Guard, Roman Guard contingents of several varieties, Herod, and Pontius Pilate were all witnesses to different parts of the trials.

All saw what they expected to see. The Guard did not torture Jesus in the South American/Nazi/Inquisition sense. It was not long and slow with attention to detail. It was more akin to extreme Police abuse. It was brute force, brutality, and blunt trauma.

The human body is resilient but has limits. The limits were surpassed many times long before Jesus got to the cross. The sustaining force, the only powers that kept Jesus alive were The One’s will and The Holy Spirits repeated healings. This was the hardest ordeal that The Holy Spirit had ever had to endure. As Jesus’ Twin his role had always been to shield Jesus, to protect him. The Holy Spirit had never healed Jesus to prolong his misery. The One’s Love and promise that the Ordeal would never be repeated was the only reason The Holy Spirit agreed.

Even the Eldest of The One’s children has free will. Without these extremes Jesus’ and The Holy Spirit’s sacrifice would have meant nothing. The Ordeal would have been common Police Brutality. Jesus would have never made it to the cross to die and be raised as Prophesied. Making it to the cross to be impaled and asphyxiated to bring The One’s saving grace and salvation of the entire world from The Liar. No burnt offering or blood was acceptable after this act of Love. To see The One’s glory directly was reinforced that day.

Acknowledgment of torture over the ages must not be discounted. And in duration of the victim’s of the long creative cruelty that comes from the minds of people is horrible. The One abhors this as well, but Jesus’ experience encompassed as much suffering but took place in the space of eighteen hours, from midnight to six in the evening the next day.

Jesus’ hands had been tied behind his back since his seizure. They remained bound during his entire Ordeal. They were only unbound for his impaling on the cross. He could not duck or fend off any of the blows.

They brought him to the house of Caiaphas the High Priest. The Elders and Teachers of the Law had been called to assemble there. Every Member of the Sanhedrin was present.

When Jesus admitted that he was the Son of The One Caiaphas was enraged. In his rage he approached Jesus and grabbing his robe, he ripped and tore it open in the front. The admission and ‘proof’ did not abate the anger at the calm he saw on Jesus’ face. The calm was worse than if Jesus had laughed in his face. The robe fell off Jesus’ shoulders. Now Jesus’ upper arms were also restrained.

Emboldened by their leader the nearest Priests and the Guard spit on him. Many of these hit his face and shoulders but he could not wipe it away, because he was bound. They frothed like the rabid dogs that they were. There were a few that were appalled by this display. They did not intervene to keep the Pack from turning on them as well.

Slapping then escalated when the Guard found an old moldy grain sack. They slipped this over Jesus’ head, so that he could not see. It was very hard to breath because of the close weave of the cloth. The air that could get through was acrid, bitter and earthy from the mold. The cloth was raspy and rough and scrapped skin off Jesus’ face, the sweat burned.

Once the sack was draped covering his head they struck him all over his body. They yelled, “Tell us who hit you.” and “If you are the Son of the One you would know who struck you.” Every blow that would have knocked him unconscious or kill him was healed. Because this was internal no one could see the healing. The One and Holy Spirit cried for the pain that the Ordeal brought to Jesus. He was beaten soon after midnight until dawn. He was not given food or water, and he urinated on himself in his clothes.

Thomas was huddled in the corner, unable to stop the beating, only able to bear witness. Thomas was very afraid. He had wisely not spoken to anyone since entering. His silence bought him invisibility because his accent would have marked him as a Galilean as well.

At dawn when the vote was called it called for Jesus’ crimes being worthy of death. The Sanhedrin ordered the next rotation of Temple Guards to lead him away to the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate. The assembly went to accuse Jesus in front of Pilate. When Pilate could not find just cause to execute Jesus, he was sent to the Jewish Secular leader Herod who had jurisdiction over the Galileans.

All the soldiers were fresh and eager to abuse Jesus. Jesus passed through five batches of soldiers during the duration of his Ordeal. Each contingent heaped their abuse on Jesus for their own reasons. The first batch wanted acclaim from the Priests. Pilate’s Guards hated Jews. The Special Duty was usually very easy because it was the day before Passover. The Prison Guards just liked their work. The Escort for the condemned was just hardened by their work.

Each group of soldiers and guards contributed blows that would have ended Jesus’ suffering prematurely were touched and healed by his Twin, The Holy Spirit.

On arriving at Herod’s Jesus was given relief from the beating because Herod wanted to be entertained. When there were no Miracles or Replies Jesus’ beatings resumed. Then in a moment of irony Herod gave Jesus a red robe to wear. Herod draped it over Jesus’ shoulders himself. Herod said, “If you want to be King you need a fitting vestment robe.”

The robe had many bloodstains by the time Jesus was turned over to Pilate again. The Prison Guards were getting into the spirit of the thing by this point. When they asked why such a beautiful robe should drape a criminal, they were told that it was because he was the ‘King of the Jews.’

After the prisoner transfer took place but before Pilate saw Jesus again they had their turn beating him some more.

When that bored them they made him a Crown of Gorse. Gorse is a thorny bush, which has inward curving wicked thorns.

They rammed this torture implement down on his head until it made his head run with trickles of blood. They leaned a Staff against him saying that now they had given him a Crown and a Scepter to match his Robe.

When Pilate heard that the problem of Jesus was back in his lap, he decided to offer Jesus as the selected prisoner to be freed. This was the tradition and custom instituted by Rome to appease the Jews at Passover. Pilate confronted the Sanhedrin again about the unjust and groundless charges. They would not be dissuaded from their hatred of Jesus. Pilate was trying to find some middle ground because his wife had a premonition dream warning him about killing this Jesus. Inthe horrible dream she had seen Pilate ruined and his mark on the world tainted.

Pilate had Jesus brought out to the crowd to offer his release, but the High Priests had been out stirring up the crowd. Not only did they agitate against Jesus, but then suggested that a ‘Zealot Hero’ would be a good man to be released. The crowd when asked repeatedly demanded Jesus’ crucifixion. Pilate was appalled. But Pilate asked who the crowd wanted to be released. Pilate was even more shocked at the choice they made. To have not only a dangerous terrorist releasedbut in the process to order the killing of an innocent made him sick to his stomach.

The terrorist’s name was Barabbas. Barabbas’ sole aim in life was the utter destruction of Roman Authority. He was a murderer, terrorist and a rabid Zealot. Pilates’ last try to redeem something for his posterity was to order that a sign be made to name Jesus what he was accused of at least. The sign would read, “The Son of God and King of the Jews”. It was written in Latin, Greek, and Aramaic. Pilate’s speech stated that he did not believe Jesus deserved to die. Pilate suggested that a good flogging should have been the maximum punishment. He called for a finger bowl used on occasions like this.

With the symbolism heavy in the air Pilate washed his hands, saying, “Let his blood soil your hands. I wash my hands of this innocent’s blood. Let it be remembered as being on your head.”

Then he told the prison guards to flog Jesus. Pilate instructed them to assign Jesus to the next detail of guards escorting the condemned to be crucified. The prison guards loved their work and beat Jesus some more. They took the staff and robe from him saying, “You won’t need these where you are going, but we’ll leave you your crown.”

Dyes for red and purple were extremely expensive. The robe would bring in a handsome bonus for them. They did not want the Escort detail to get it. It was normal for them to steal prisoner’s possessions so this was unremarkable.

The flogging was bitter. Every strike broke the skin leaving raw open flesh behind. Jesus was dehydrated but the dried sweat made it’s way into the split flesh. It burned like fire. His Twin staunched the blood, but could not take the pain away. Jesus remembers every blow, there were twelve.

Though much had occurred it was still morning, not that long after dawn. The Prison Guards handed Jesus over to one of the details that brought the condemned to be executed. A storehouse held crosses that were already built and reused. They had three dragged out by the thieves. When they tried to make Jesus drag his he was too weak. Even with sharp goads for ‘encouragement’ he could not manage. The Escort detail detained the first male Jew that walked by. This man’s name was Simon of Cyrene. The thieves took care of their own crosses. With Simon’s labor the Detail made good time to Golgotha.

Upon arriving at the place they impaled the thieves and raised them. The middle hole in the ground would hold Jesus’ cross. The holes had a ramp at one side to slide and guide the end of the cross into the hole. Once the cross was raised a block of wood was inserted and wedged into the gap holding the crosses upright. It took five men to raise a laden cross.

Three at the sides and middle then two more men ready with poles to push the cross bar the rest of the way until gravity settled the cross in the hole. The clearance from the ground to the condemned’s feet was about three feet. The total height was about ten feet.

Because the crosses were reused over and over, they stank of death, blood and excrement. This was in spite of being rinsed in between each use. There was a small block of wood to rest your buttocks on. It was not for kindness. A prisoner would last and suffer longer if they used it. The Guard often laughed when someone would slip off the block, to be brought up short by the spikes. The jarring brought new jolts of pain from the impaled body parts. They had to find an extra spike to mount the sign to the head of the cross. Once the sign was affixed they told Jesus to strip after they unbound his hands.

He could barely move his arms, and his hands were numb. Jesus managed to shrug out of most of his clothes. The guards saw that they would have to finish stripping him to his loincloth. This earned more blows. They did not like having to touch these people who were going to die soon. They lay him down without a struggle on to the cross.

After taking his measure they matched his wrists to the nearest existing holes. Each wrist was impaled with a spike. It shattered some wrist bones, but the strong tendons and ligaments would hold and retain Jesus’ weight. Except for burns, bone pain is the worst deep pain you can imagine. Jesus tried not to pull away or cry out. The guards were professionally curious about his lack of resistance. Jesus said a silent prayer through the nausea and pain, through gritted teeth, “Please Father forgive them, they know not what they do.”

The second wrist was worse because Jesus now knew what it would feel like. When both arms were pinned, they gathered his legs together. One man had his knees and another had his calves. They roughly bent his knees to the side, with his ankles overlapping. The twist was to his right from the hip. They lined up his ankles with an existing hole. When they impaled him it took several blows to get the spike all the way through into the hole. Every blow awakened new waves of pain and nausea.

It was worse when it was time to raise his cross. The weight was now being borne on the wrists and ankles alone.

When the cross grounded in the hole, the impact made a jolt of pain so intense that Jesus passed out. The One had timed this moment to coincide with a solar eclipse. The newly risen sun was obscured for ten minutes. The Guards had already blocked the cross in place to stabilize it. The Eclipse scared the Guard, but it did not stop them from betting for the pile of clothes including Jesus‘, after the sun came back. The game passed some of the time.

Jesus was silent as passer-byes cursed and taunted. This was normal and the custom as well. The women who were disciples of Jesus were there. They had provided money and service to Jesus in their travels. They did this out of love.

They did this for the respect he showed them. They loved him for the lessons he shared without bias. They loved him for the kind and gentle soul they found in him. The only Two Apostles there were Thomas the twin, and Mary Magdalene. All the other Apostles had fled for Galilee, Peter was the last to leave town because he tried to stick it out, but after his denials he was ashamed.

When Jesus came to from passing out he saw his Mother Mary and Thomas standing nearby. Because Thomas though a twin was Jesus’ younger brother he told Thomas to take care of their mother from that time on. Thomas was still unmarried like Jesus and unlike James and his other brothers. As such it was Thomas’ duty next in line to care for Mary’s needs being a widow.

Jesus stayed perched on the block for a long time but finally after slipping off a few times he had no more strength to remount the block. The women had gotten permission to give sips of watered wine on a cloth to ease Jesus’ swollen tongue. Jesus’ tongue was sticking to the roof of his mouth now. They did this often, until, unstuck he asked them to do the same for the two thieves. The thieves did not have any family show up to keep vigil until they died. As a result no one was there to aid them in that way. It was after this that both criminals asked Jesus to forgive their sins. Jesus did agree to of course. He ministered to the very end.

A rich disciple of Jesus’ had excavated a fresh tomb. His name was Joseph of Arimathea. This was a member of the Sanhedrin who along with Nicodemus refused to vote for the death sentence imposed on Jesus by the Sanhedrin. Their abstentions drew criticism but no sanctions. Jesus had told Joseph not to tell anyone about the tomb because he would need it for Passover. Jesus had told Joseph that the Pharisees would try to further desecrate the day with a pauper’s grave with no ceremony.

Joseph was in prayer, purifying himself when the Holy Spirit came in a blinding light. He said, “It is near time to open the tomb. Go collect Nicodemus to help you bury Jesus. Know that there is no need for you to purify after touching Jesus’ body. Your loving act alone will cleanse you for the Sabbath.”

Joseph was humbled and ran to Nicodemus’ house to tell him. Though he was also praying Nicodemus left immediately for this higher calling. They had no time to buy or mix the herbs. They could only find time to buy the burial linen strips needed to wrap Jesus. Then they hurried to Pilate’s mansion.

It was five in the evening when the Priests complained to the cross Guards that the criminals were not dead yet. They argued that the bodies could not be left up because the Sabbath was starting at dusk. The Guards said that it meant nothing to them until their orders were changed in writing.

At this time Pilate was getting ready for his dinner and unavailable to talk to the Priests when they arrived. His secretary kept them waiting for a half hour. Then Pilate thought to himself that the Priests would cause a riot if I don’t listen to them. When he heard that it was an easily accomplished request he signed the order to break the prisoner’s legs. A Runner was sent with the orders.

Minutes after the Priests left Joseph arrived before Pilate could leave the audience room so he saw them quickly to just be able to get back to his meal. He was startled by the request. They were asking that the body of Jesus be released to them for burial. Pilate thought this was strange since he had just sent orders to break the legs of the criminals. He wrote out the orders to release the body and for good measure washed his hands again. He would have to check for spies in his next purge.

As Jesus hung by his arms his lungs could not fill with air. The pressure on his chest and his inability to draw a full breath had allowed edema to collect in the sack that surrounded his heart. This caused further pressure on his heart.

Edema is Lymph fluid and is clear. Every beat of his heart was agony and every breath a Herculean task. He had not been able to talk for hours by this point. The women continued to offer liquid when he glanced their direction. He was very grateful for their intuitive understanding.

Jesus asked The One, “Is this enough? Can I come home now?” The One told him, “Soon my beloved you will be back in our embrace.”

Just before six in the evening and dusk many things happened. The orders were found by the Guards to be in order.

The Priests arrived to see the fruition of their hatred. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus arrived with the burial linens bundled under their arms.

The Guards had the sledgehammer that drove the spikes, it also served this eventuality. The order that prisoner’s legs were broken usually was the order that their crosses had been raised, ‘To be Fair.’ The sound of breaking legs was nauseating. When the Centurion, the leader of the Guard at the cross, raised the sledgehammer for Jesus his arms lost all strength. The Holy Spirit had stopped the blow.

A voice that only he could hear whispered, “No, my Son was bloodied but he will not be broken.” Not understanding how to explain to his fellow Guardsmen what he was doing he dropped the sledge. He then walked past the astounded Priests. He bent and picked up his spear. He walked back to Jesus on the cross his eyes met Jesus’ for the first time. It was policy not to make eye contact with those you killed to avoid the nightmares. For some reason his honor as a Centurion was calling for him to know this one’s death. He felt the last benediction Jesus would give as a man in the forgiveness of sin.

The Holy Spirit gently lifted Jesus’ soul that was so tired. In his tender embrace they went home to rest. Leaving the body for his Disciples to care for, they shared their own tears of joy that the Ordeal had been fulfilled and Honor for the One was served. For thirty-three years they had been unable to touch or comfort each other. The pain was gone on the physical level upon Jesus’ death. This, the embrace of The One, and the knowledge that they would never be separated was the healing balm for their souls.

Joseph knew protocol and approached the Guard with his letter of permission to take Jesus’ body. As long as a family member did not challenge the letter it would hold the force of edict over all other claims. The Priests who stood around like vultures could claim the body only by demanding proof of a tomb to place the body. This rule was almost never used on people who were not criminals. Because the trial had been so fast and ‘unexpected’ they had anticipated an easy seizure of Jesus’ body. The Guard was relieved that there was one less body to cart away.

Joseph, Nicodemus and Thomas lowered the cross that bore Jesus’ body. They pried out the spikes crying as they did so. Thomas was deeply shaken and was encouraged to go comfort the women. Joseph assured Thomas all was ready except the herbs. Thomas was comforted to know that there was something that he could do that did not mean digging into the fresh wound of watching Jesus suffering and death. Thomas gathered the women to search before dusk for the herbs. They left immediately. They knew that it was too late to anoint Jesus before his burial but they could have everything ready when the new week began. Mary Magdalene and Mary the sister of Martha remained to help care, cleanse and carry Jesus’ body.

The Priests were unnerved with the alacrity that Jesus’ people were doing what was right. They were shocked that two fellow Priests of the Sanhedrin were making themselves unclean to care for this criminal. A few were later inspired to find out more about Jesus’ teaching as a result of this shocking behavior. But on that day it was just a dead body and unclean. They had chosen some of their own Guard to carry Jesus’ body to the anonymous grave. They did not dare because no one in their right mind would fight over a body that family members had claimed. Along with the letter for the Guard to release the body to Joseph and Nicodemus, Thomas had obviously allowed them to do this. The same Laws they preached tied their hands. They did send their chosen Guard to watch the tomb. They had already been paid for extra duty; they might as well earn it.

Joseph, Nicodemus and the two Marys cleaned Jesus’ body, carried him to the tomb, and wrapped him in his burial linens. When he was laid in his tomb, it took all four of them sharing their strength to roll the stone to seal the entrance.

While the wrapping was being done the guard looked around for other entrances to the tomb. There were none. It was smooth unbroken rock except for the entrance.

When the burial was accomplished Joseph and Nicodemus went home. The Two Marys joined the women and Thomas at the house where they were lodged. One house was never enough to hold all of the disciples of Jesus and the women often opted to stay in a nearby dwelling. Thomas was now the male protector of the women. Women just did not travel alone.

They would go anoint their beloved Jesus when custom allowed. They had the herbs and could quickly mix and process them on the first morning. They would mourn together and pray until they could do that final act of love.

On the Third Day, The first day of the new week after Passover, The two Marys went to anoint Jesus. They knew that the Guards would still be at the tomb. They planned to ask them to help roll the stone back. Thomas stayed with his mother and the rest of the women.

They had crushed and blended the herbs early that morning. That had the clay jars filled to the brim. There was no way they would skimp on this act. Each woman lovingly carried one of the jars. It was chill outside so they added a good shawl over their robes.

Just as they trudged up the trail, just within sight of the tomb, a severe earthquake hit. It threw them to the ground.

As they fell they saw the stone rolled away by the force of the quake. When the dust settled there were two Angels Blazing with Light next to the stone. When the Guards saw them they saw the tomb was empty, and fearing for theirlives, ran away.

The women had seen the stone move, but were dusting off. They took a moment to check the jars that they feared had been broken in their falls. They only looked up when the Guards almost knocked them over again, as they ran away.

When they glanced in the direction of the tomb to see what scared the Guard they took in the whole picture. Two Blazing Angels, an open tomb, and the patient smiling faces on those Angels. All the Marys could think was thank the One that

they could anoint Jesus because the Angels had opened the tomb for them. They had dreaded asking those horrible Temple Guards to aid them in moving the stone. Now they would not have to swallow their pride to get the job done.

They were confused about the tomb being empty, but both had seen Lazarus rise so they asked the Angels where Jesus was since he had been raised as he had prophesied. One of the Angels dimmed a little so that features could be seen. As he approached they saw it was Jesus. He showed his wrists, ankles, and side; the wounds they had seen inflicted with their own eyes. They kissed his hands and feet so as not to hurt his wounds. He laughed in kindness saying, “It is OK, they do not hurt now, but I am pleased with your loving kindness. Now go tell our friends that I have come back for a visit, before I go back home again. Tell them I will visit everyone soon.”

The Marys turned to discuss talking Jesus into following them right then, but when they looked away, the Angels were gone when they turned back. Still excited they giggled in their joy, running back to tell the wonderful news. The other women were guardedly happy. They were afraid to get too excited for fear of being let down. Judas’ feelings were also guarded. He had to be under control while he travelled to Galilee to tell of the great news. He hoped that he could get this sighting verified. He loved the women, but he was concerned. There needed to be two men at least as witnesses or it would be claimed that it was an illusion from fevered grieving women’s imagining. He did not want to go by himself.

The other Apostles would just say he set it up. He also took a logical wait and see attitude. He left as soon as he heard the good news with the Marys in tow.

They travelled with such speed that it surprised even them. Upon arriving, Thomas ran up the stairs to the hiding house. Thomas scared them half to death by bursting in. They thought it was the Pharisees on a roundup of new ‘victims.’

Thomas started smiling like a proud Papa. He asked the women to share what they saw. The men were irritated except for Peter. Peter wanted to have hope. His predicted denials still held the taste of bitterest gall in his throat.

The others were trying to think of a way to salvage the disaster of their ‘Zealot Leader’s’ death. It was not supposed to go like this. Nothing was making sense. How do you lead an army to free Israel if you are dead? They stayed in the upstairs room making their plans.

Thomas and Peter rushed back with the Marys to have a good look at the tomb. Skidding to a stop just outside the tomb, decorum settled a little askew across their shoulders. Sure enough the tomb was empty. There was no sign of anyone having disturbed its contents. The spices were just outside the entrance. A fresh dusting of silt from the earthquake had smoothed the floor. Not a single print was in evidence. The linens were in a wad at the foot of the platform. When Peter lifted the linen there was no dust underneath. The women had seen the stone move so it had to be true. But how could it be? The Guards scuffed tracks were obviously from that morning.

After escorting the women back to their rooms in Jerusalem, the men grabbed a quick bite in preparation of heading back. Surely everyone would want to come see the tomb now. The Marys wanted to stay in with the women to discuss what they saw.

When Jesus had walked in the women had been a little stunned. Except for The Three Marys, now including his Birth Mother. The space of honour at the head of the table was vacated to let him sit down. They just marvelled, some cried, others just quietly sat listening. Mother Mary got a selection of tidbits and served him with her own hand as she used to do so long ago when he was a boy. They asked if he was in any need of a balm for his wounds, or oil for his feet. A few noticed that having come in barefoot his feet might need cleansing. When they approached with a bowl of water to wash them, he smiled; he let them discover that his feet when raised to the stool were pristine with no dust or grime to be found. The women just smiled at his jest. They got up with the bowl, and towel asking who among the women might need a good scrubbing. They wound up cleaning the feet of both Marys that had already done two days travel in one day.

Jesus just smiled. Everything was as it should be. They were caring for each other. There were no angry voices filled with recriminations. No arguments about how to salvage a failed ‘Coup Attempt.’ The Women had learned the first and most important lesson he had tried to share.

When Jesus rose to leave they begged for more time. He just said that he would never be out of hearing as long as they listened to their hearts. He had to go meet with the Men now. Saying, “My peace will keep you whole. I will always Love you.” Then he was gone.

In Galilee, Thomas and Peter had just arrived from Jerusalem. They were both bursting through the door now. This again unnerved the little band of Men. They had to ask Peter to bolt the door because in the excitement he just shut the door. When the food they had just laid out was served they with all decorum asked, “So what did you see?”

Thomas let Peter talk first. “It is true the tomb is Empty. No one had disturbed it. And except for the supposed vision of the Women, which I saw nothing of; all was as they told me it would be. No vision of Jesus walks near his tomb. The body is gone as Jesus said it would be, He must have had a plan.”

Thomas just shook his head. They had not seen the beaten, bloodied, tortured body. They had even started a rumour that Jesus had hidden after tearing his hands, not wrists, and feet not his ankles free from the cross impaling. They had never looked at how a person was Impaled on a cross of the Romans. The only bribe the Guard would have taken was to kill you faster, never look the other way. It was the other crazy speculation they spouted.

Thomas was the first to notice the door opening. It had been locked but this did not bother him. When the others saw that the door was ajar again they almost lambasted Thomas, but saw the smile on his face and froze. Had they been betrayed? Jesus turned, “Peace on all here. They were startled and a bit afraid. Startled that they may have guessed correctly about his escape. The fear came from the possibility that this was his ghost. Jesus asked, “So are you going to gawk or greet me?” He looked odd like he was glowing from inside.

They sputtered, “We thought you had died, are you here to impart some last words of wisdom?”

Jesus said, “I told you that I would return from the dead on the third day. The Women saw me and testified. Did you go check the tomb? Did you listen to them at all? They did not embellish or exaggerate. There were two of them. Death means nothing to me. What have I been teaching you all this time?”

When they all still doubted he said, “Do these wounds look like I escaped my Ordeal?” He raised his sleeves on his robe to expose the wrist holes. They did not look angry with infection or bleed. He then exposed his ankles and their holes. There were gasps of sympathy from the group. They seemed to be emboldened by his wounds. He was walking so he must not be hurting. He was a great healer. He must have resurrected himself and had not gotten around to healing his wounds yet.

Thomas stood; he tried to collect his thoughts. He was pretty sure that this really was Jesus. Jesus and Judas had talked about the doubt that had to be dispelled. This had to be solved for Jesus to reach these men. Now the Men were all bravado about being sure he was invincible. They thought it would be a handy characteristic in a military leader.

Thomas knew what might turn this fiasco around. Thomas challenged Jesus, saying, “Jesus would not just walk in here expecting you to believe. I demand proof. Jesus said that there would be Charlatans and False Prophets that come claiming to be our teacher. I know my brother better than any one, I would hope that I’ll recognize Jesus if and when I see him again, The One Willing.”

When he had said that Jesus said, “So you want proof? What will convince you?”

Thomas turned it around, saying, “Yes, you look like my Brother, but as my twin he could always know what was on my mind. You tell me big brother, what will convince me?”

Jesus shook his head, but smiled. At this point the raised his shirt to expose the spear wound. Jesus said, “This is what you saw inflicted on me. This you will accept. It would have been better if all of you had believed without proof. But I understand, having lived the life of a man the need is sometimes to know with proof.”

Thomas had been holding back started crying tears of joy and kissing Jesus. In between kisses he repeatedly said, “My brother and teacher has come back to us. Is this any way to welcome a guest?” Peter, the standoff solved, filled a plate and a cup for Jesus to drink from. They talked about the future and their new jobs. Peter’s denials were forgiven.

The One needed to have a different Death from Jesus. To have that death be meaningful it had to be extra-ordinary.

Through history many Prophets died. In many Religions and Spiritual paths there was the dieing and renewing Son. In many heritages there was sacrifice to renew the world’s ability to heal the land and the people. In tradition of many heritages there is the King who dies to save the people in times of crisis.

There is even the idea that had a resurrected King that brought the redemption of prosperity, health, and the people that King served.

The death asked of Jesus was not a hero’s death. This death was not to be a warrior’s valiant struggles. He did not struggle against his captures. Jesus did not strike out in anger though it would have been justified. On the other side of the coin the yearly Kings of the past whose death was the sacrifice for the renewal of the year. This death transcended that as well. He did not go to a ceremonial area to die like all the year Kings before him. Jesus did not die for a single area, people, country, tribe, or kingdom. Jesus did not die to preserve physical bodies either.

The One needed this death to lead by example, to show that the soul is eternal. To show there is no need to fear death, because it is part of the cycle of soul’s evolution. It needed to show this to all people, tribes, countries, and kingdoms. As well as be an example of peaceful resistance to persecution.

It had to be an Ordeal of torture that no human could have endured. It had to encompass the suffering of all who had suffered in the past and all the suffering that was to come, individually and as people who sought to serve and join with The One. The soul has to continue to strive to be better no matter the cost, because ultimately it is the only way for a soul to grow.

It needed to show that to be with The One did not require a single burnt offering, tithe to a temple, or ritual to purify your self. It was meant to show that Love was Unconditional. It was meant to show a direct, personal, all encompassing relationship with The One. It was not only possible, but the way to continue to get closer to The One. It had to show that the only Law was Love, Love of The One. In Loving The One allow a true ability to Love Your Self.

To know that no matter the mistakes you can grow if you can learn to accept and Love yourself. Denial of your true Self is truly the only sin in the world. Then when you have a connection to The One and have learned that you are worthy of Love, you can see that Loving others is the Way to Honour The Ones’ Unconditional Love of You.

Love is given without strings. No Priest, Rabbi, Spiritual Guide, or Mentor is needed to find The One. There are no hoops to jump through, or special techniques. The problem is that if you do not open your heart you cannot see with your heart. If you do not trust like a child you have trouble Loving like a child. If you are not looking for The One you will not find. If you feel sated and satisfied with the condition of your state of your soul you cannot grow.

Souls are innately good and filled with Love. If you seek to hurt others you hurt yourself, putting one more layer of blindness between yourself and The One. It turns you away from the Love of The One. When you seek power from others instead of The One you will like a Vampire always want more because no one will ever be able to fill your hunger and your soul’s needs.

Love comes in many forms. The One gave Spiritual Love, Humane Love, and Physical Love to the world as comfort.

Each is a way to share a moment of what being in the presence of The One is like. They are meant to be a gift and a consolation, no matter the form. The One does not set limits on any form of Unconditional Love.

It is the misuse of these that The One abhors. It is the desire to steal a soul of another that saddens The One, because that is the work of the Liar. If any form of ‘Love’ is used to objectify, hurt, control, disrespect, degrade, it feeds the Evil One and is wrong, because it leads to denying of your own Free Will and Souls. If there are strings, conditions, or enslaves your will to the will of any other it is wrong. No Soul can mature under these conditions. When Evil is well fed it spreads like a cancer and a virulent disease, getting stronger with every soul pulled into the darkness where there is no Love.

The Good News is that any Spiritual, Humane, or Physical form of Love that comes from free will and full understanding it cannot be wrong. If this Love is shared with Respect, Compassion, and Consent it cannot be wrong.

Physical Love has become misunderstood as Evil. Without it there would be no children. Women are not the root of evil.

Childbirth pain is not a punishment of The One, but because human babies have bigger heads now. Even Physical Love alone is not wrong, free will allows for self-determination as long as it harms no one else. For those who chose to be alone this might be the path they have chosen to share with The One.

Leah’s mother was not the same as Rachel’s mother. Leah’s mother was from the Caucasus Mt. Range area. This Range is the home of Mt. Ararat. The people of the area were and are very fierce. They are infamous even to this day, for carrying blood feuds for generations.

The men of the place were much lighter skinned and more delicate eyes. They called themselves ‘The Sons of Light’.

They saw volcanic flows and earthquakes every year. Their beliefs were just as violent and fiery. To this day even those who live in the Caucasus’ called Christians are steeped in blood and sacrifice.

Leah learned her mother’s people’s ways, as all daughters will. When it was time to marry she was passed by because she looked different. Her skin tanned but never got very dark and her strangely shaped eyes set her apart. It’s why Laban tricked Jacob into marrying Leah first. Leah never forgot an insult or a hard word.

Just as her mother’s people were taught to do, she held her grudge close to her heart. She swore never to forget that she was married in a bait and switch scheme to unload an unmarriageable daughter. She bitterly resented the insult.

In the beginning if Jacob had showered her with love and affection the insult could have been partly defused. This did not occur, as we know. It was even worse when Leah started having kids. In spite of her giving Jacob strong, healthy baby boys, her husband still only bedded her as a husband’s duty. She still saw his desire was truly only for Rachel. He ignored her most of the time.

When her boys were born her bitterness flowed with her mother’s milk. She taught them arrogance and feud with every baby murmurs of a mother. The two sons that held the lessons best were Levi and Simeon. Leah fed their eagerness for the sour fruit. She told them that they were better by far than any of the other children of Jacob. She told them that their places were to rule. They learned the occasions to lie and the times to do violence. She taught them cold revenge and hot anger.

They became mutilators of small animals. This was hidden at first, but their mother never curbed their ‘expressive natures’. Their father was oblivious to the problem. He was just starting the seven years to pay Laban for his sheep and goats. This work took all his attention and he was exhausted.

The mutilations escalated of course. When Levi and Simeon were forced off the road one day it took a nastier than normal turn. They were boys, and they were not working. The reason they had to leave the road was that two oxen were being walked to work a field. The driver was an adult farmer who was doing honest work to feed his family. He had the right of way on many levels. The added insult to the injured egos of Levi and Simeon was the ditch they retreated to was muddy, slick and they fell down soiling their clothes.

This would not have been the case if on seeing in the distance the oxen team they could have found a less steep path into the ditch. They refused to leave the road out of arrogance until the oxen were right on top of them. The farmer was a little surprised to see the boys all muddy in the ditch. He smiled with a little chuckle, of sympathy, and promptly forgot in the hard workday ahead of him.

They swore to each other to get even. They took their time. Leah had taught them patience in the path to vengeance.

They decided the plan should be two fold.

The First part of the plan was to destroy the farmer who drove them from ‘their road’. The second part was to avenge their muddied garments. They blamed the animals that knocked them off the road. In their eyes these animals were not blameless in the incident. They deserved punishment as well. Levi and Simeon got their revenge on both the farmer and the oxen. It was in two episodes that never were connected.

The farmer was beaten by Levi and Simeon badly enough that his family had to rent out his farm or there would have been no harvest. The farmer was a new immigrant to the area. He did not have extended family nearby. His young children were not yet able to do enough work. His wife was due to give birth soon and could not do the heavy work either. The two brothers were ruining a family.

When the harvest was safely in storage the farmer sighed over being in debt to the tenant farmer. He thought the worst was over. The broken ribs and hand were almost healed. All the bruises were gone. Of course the hand never was nimble enough to repair a harness trace again or other delicate work. The farmer never saw the faces of his attackers. He just remembered the pain of their blows. It was put down as a mugging in the eyes of the local law enforcement.

The next spring the young farmer was joyous. The weather looked great. The family had grown by a healthy baby boy and the mother his wife recovered quickly regaining her youthful energy as well. The farmer and his wife, escorted by their babe in a sling and the little ones tagging along to throw a rock or two out of the field, started the plowing. They could plant when the field was plowed to work the stubble under the surface. The debt was there but they were young and hopeful.

Levi and Simeon had decided to take this opportunity to finish the second part of the plan. They waited until dark.

Everyone was asleep. They went to the toolbox. They took the big hooks for hanging animals at slaughter time to drain the animals of blood. They also got one of the big butchering knives. The last item was a length of leader rope to muzzle the oxen.

The oxen could not kick because of the way they were tied. The cowards, Levi and Simeon started their dirty work.

They hamstrung the oxen by sawing through the hamstrings. They cut the tendons slowly to prolong the pain to the oxen. Then they moved on to the second oxen doing the same injustice to that animal as well. Going in reverse order they jerked the hooks loose. Then they unmuzzled the oxen. Letting them go free in their corral. The Oxen would not die but they would not work another day of their lives.

The farmer had purchased the oxen as calves. They had been newly castrated to make them oxen. The farmer raised them as working members of the family. Of a possible twelve to fifteen years of work they had just matured at three years old to their full strength. They were now fully trained. They were docile and sweet animals.

Now the farmer would have to carry feed to them until he could figure out what would be best. Butchers and sale markets were not always buying. They also generally buy two oxen at once because the demand was not high enough. If the farmer tried to butcher one on his own he would have to hire help for the job. He did not have the salting barrels or tools to slaughter anything larger than a big ram. Then there was the planting of the farmland that had not started. It was a horrible situation.

The One had mercy on the farmer, waking Jacob to visit the outhouse. In doing this Jacob was confronted with the truth of his sons perverse natures. Jacob saw the boys seven and eight years old covered in blood, laughing. He witnessed the hooks, big knife, and ropes. All were blood covered. He witnessed them washing most of the blood off the tools and replacing them. He witnessed them strip the blood soaked clothes off, rinsing them, and putting fresh dry clothes on.

Jacob was horrified and afraid. He did not confront his sons. He hoped that this was a terrible nightmare. He had no idea what the victim was. Until that point Jacob had taken a boys will be boys attitude. He thought the whispers of Rachel were exaggerations about the boys.

In the morning with much tearing of his hair the farmer cried out for Justice. Why were these bad things happening to his family? In his crying out he came to Jacob to ask if Jacob had seen anything. He hoped someone would help him find the evildoers. Jacob lied and said no but asked for the full details of the mutilation.

On hearing the details Jacob’s heart sank. He knew that his sons had done a great injustice. He did not want to be exposed as the father of two mutilators. After the farmer left Jacob arranged for a butcher to pay a good price for both of the oxen. He paid a premium for the butcher to go immediately to end the suffering quickly, of both the oxen and the farmer. This put a hardship on Jacob. He gave his savings which were almost nothing, because he just paying off the Rachel years and had no flocks of his own. He had to promise some future payments of livestock to pay the balance. The only people who were happy about the outcome were the butcher, Levi, Simeon, and Leah.

The farmer mourned the animals but was relieved that he found a way to keep his family sustained. He bought new animals to train. The farmer tried to prepare his heart to hand gentle another team of oxen to the plow and his hand.

The boys were never disciplined. If they had been shown that this was not the way to behave it may have made a difference. They gloated to their mother Leah about their dirty work. She waited to see if she would have to intervene on their behave. She applauded their ingenuity.

So began their infamy. Jacob paid damages under the table. The boys grew into vicious killers of man and beast. Only at Jacob’s time to give his sons their inheritance did Levi and Simeon reap what they had sown.

Introduction

The Gospel of Thomas was never meant to be excluded from the collected works that became known as the New Testament. Politics of the times created rivalries, that to “prove” their side, corrupted and led to the exclusion of opposing viewpoints.

In the first century there were differences of experiences of Jesus’ life and teachings. They were co-existing ministries, often in the same or near-by neighbour relationships.

As the rival Apostles dispersed or died, the rivalries lived on in their Disciples. Each rewriting of Gospels according to various students added redactions to strengthen the stand or refute opposing views.

As Romans used the differing viewpoints as proof of the non-validity of Jesus’ life came to a head in the fourth century a legend of the Apostles Creed was formulated. This creed was credited to the original Apostles agreement on Orthodoxy.

However the first historical reference of the Apostles Creed was in a letter from approximately 390 A.D. from a letter of St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan.

Orthodoxy’. The role of ‘Heretic’ also alternated with this flux. The power shift happened five times.

The Nicene Creed was solidified when the Trinitarian faction was in the Emperor’s favour. Any Gospels that did not agree with the Trinitarians were assigned to the role of ‘Heretical’ from that point onward.

The followers of the teachings of the Apostle Thomas were put in this category. The Thomas Christians thrived untilthe sixteenth century in Eastern areas of the Middle East, including but not limited to Syria. At that time.

Jesuits among others pressured the changes that are now in effect, though the phrase Thomas Christian has survived to this day.

The additional books of Thomas are as flawed because of redactions as any other Gospel in written form today. The Laws of Man have diluted the words inspired by Jesus’ life and The Ones intent.

The original work of the Apostle Thomas, The Gospel of Thomas in its original form found in the Greek fragments were meant to be a sort of Adaptive DNA for The New Testament. The time and need for that adaptability of this Gospel has come. For many reasons this interpretation of the Gospel of Thomas will be fought.

One huge problem with the world today is the unnecessary schism between reasonable rational use of intellect and the never-ending search for connection with The One. The One encourages the practice of both in tandem not the currentstate of acrimony. This needless misunderstanding is stunting the full potential for both spiritual and intellectual growth.

This is not benefiting either side of the argument.

There are many reasons for this job to fall to me, but just know that by bringing it out of its obtuse form, as written by the Apostle Thomas, will help the world reconcile the opposing positions at this point in history. I hope you find something of value in this version.

These are the Words spoken by Jesus and written down by Didymos Judas Thomas, twin brother of Jesus and Apostle.

(1) And he said, “Whoever finds the interpretation of these sayings will not experience death.”

(2) Jesus said, “If you seek, do not stop until you find. When you find, you will probably be disturbed, but this will transform into awe, in that awe you will understand that you are part of The One.”

(3) Jesus said, “If your leaders say, ’The kingdom is in the sky,’ then the birds of the air will get to Heaven before you. If the leaders say, “Heaven is in the sea,” the fish will get to Heaven before you.” “Instead know that Heaven is inside of you, and Heaven is outside of you. If you learn who you truly are, you will step into the presence of The One, and you will know that you are the children of The One. If you do not seek to find your true self, you live in the dark, you are part of the dark, and you aid the darkness of the world.”

(4) Jesus said, “An old person who dares to see the wisdom in the eyes of a seven day old infant will know how to know Heaven, and be born again. Many who are first will be last by service to The One.”

(5) Jesus said, “Become aware of your world, and what was hidden will be obvious for you. There is nothing that was hidden that will not be obvious.”

(6) Jesus’ students asked him, “Should we fast? How do you want us to pray? Should we give money for the poor? What special food should we eat?”

Jesus said, “Tell no lies, and do everything with Love, because in this way all that was hidden will be obvious. Do not fast, you will sin; The One knows your bodies need nourishment. Prayer by formula will condemn you, talk to The One from your heart instead. Do not give to the poor indirectly, because this will harm your soul. Give of your heart and self directly.

When you go to another land be respectful of their customs. Then if they accept you, eat what they offer you. This acknowledges their act of hospitality. Heal anyone with them who in need of healing. What you put in your mouth will not hurt your soul. But what you say can poison your soul if it is not true or said with malice.”

(8) Jesus said, “A fisherman who drags his trawling net through the water, and hauling the net up full of scrap fish, but finds a prize fish among the scrap fish would be wise to keep the prize fish knowing that it alone was worth the fuel and trip out. Seek the higher Truth, which is Love.”

(9) Jesus said, “The farmer broadcasting seed had some fall on the road; the waiting birds ate them. Some seed fell on rocky soil, which made them sprout but their roots found no soil so they did not bear any grain. Some seed fell in the bramble, which over shadowed the seed and the bugs ate them. Some of the broadcast seed fell on cleared good soil. They alone produced grain. This yielded sixty bushels of grain per acre and with the help of Angels a yield doubled to a hundred and twenty bushels per acre.”

(10) Jesus said, “I have lit a match to light the world, which I am shielding until it becomes a bon fire.

(11) Jesus said, “The Earth and the Solar System will cease to exist. Those who, walking in the dark, are not alive though they walk around. Those who walk in the light and are aware are not dead and will not die. You consume what is dead, but by eating it, it becomes part of you and alive again. When you live in the light, how will you live? When you were born The One in you became two. You became body and soul, how will you reconcile the needs of both?”

(12) Jesus’ students asked, “Who will lead us when you are gone?”

Jesus answered, “Ask The One for guidance. But, my youngest brother James the Just can be of help to because he is the salt of the Earth.”

(13) Jesus asked his students, “Whom do I remind you of, who do you think I am?”

Peter said to him, though he recanted later because of pressure from John, “I see you are a righteous angel.”

Mathew said, “You are a wise philosopher.”

Thomas said, “You are my Master, more I am not able to say.”

Jesus acknowledged their answers, “I am all you say and more, but I am not your Master, but a servant like you will become when you fully know The One. Because you have freely consumed my knowledge, you have become drunk from the bubbling spring, which I have shared. I share what you can understand at this time.”

Taking Thomas with him Jesus walked a little ways off, telling Thomas three things. Jesus stayed to pray. Thomas returning to the other students, they asked him, “What secrets did Jesus share with you?”

Thomas said, “If I share even one thing with you, you will want to stone me to death for blasphemy. The stones would then turn on you, burning and consuming you in the flames.”

(14) (Combined with # 6)

(16) Jesus said, “You may think that it is peace that I bring the world. You do not understand. I bring fire to cleanse the disease. I bring the sword of truth, which is Love. I am here to battle for your souls. You may stand alone if you follow me because there will be greed, hate, and lies from others. This will set the three against the two and the father against the son. And the daughter will stand against the mother. And the Clergy against the congregation.”

(17) Jesus said, “I will show you what no eye has seen. I will tell you what no ear has heard. I will let you feel what no hand has felt. I will inspire you with things that have never been thought in a human mind. Always seek to know more, and it will be given.”

(18) Jesus’ students asked, “How will the Universe end?”

Jesus said, “Why do you seek to know the end when you do not know how everything began? The beginning is where you will discover the end. Someday a person will discover how everything began. With that knowledge they will know the end as well. Knowing the beginning and the end will forever unite them with The One. This knowing will not come from the mind alone, but in the unity of mind and spirit. (Note: String Theory)

(19) Jesus said, “Your soul is blessed when you are aware and chose to come to Earth to learn, to become more. If you listen to my words and become my students, even these stones will teach you about the Earth. There is a separate place that is Heaven; it is a place of learning. It has a library that is never destroyed, where all knowledge is preserved even when strife, darkness, and Evil walk the Earth. The knowledge that is stored there for you will be revealed as people can understand what is shared”

(20) The disciples said to Jesus, “What is Heaven like?”

Jesus told them, “A small seed like a mustard seed that falls on fertile cleared soil, like the open mind of a three year old child will produce a great plant. Growing in the light and beauty of The One to maturity becomes shelter to all the souls that like birds fill the sky.”

(21) The Apostle Mary Magdalene asked Jesus, “What are your students like?

Jesus said, “They are like children playing in a field which is controlled by bullies. When the bullies of the field come saying, “We will let you stay if you play by our rules.” The children seeing the lies, will undress unashamed, and taking nothing the bullies offer with them, they will leave the field.

“If a person knows that a thief is going to break in and burglarize their home, they will stay vigilant. You should guard against the World. Guard against Hate and Lies. Protect yourselves well because the danger is always present. The Price of freedom is constant Vigilance.”

Let there be people of understanding among you, because when the grain is ripe it will be time to preserve the harvest. The One will reap with the sickle. Grain must be harvested before it can be dried. If dried properly it can be reborn. If neglected, and left to dried on the stalk many will mold or spoil.”

(22) When Jesus saw suckling infants, he said to his students, these suckling infants are from The One. Being like them is the way to enter Heaven.”

They asked Jesus, “If we are innocent like children can we enter Heaven?”

Jesus said, “You must reconcile the two becoming one again. You must make the inside like the outside and the outside like the inside. You must make the above like the below. You must make the male and the female one and the same. You must make the male not be only male, and the female not only female. There will come a time when you are able to craft an eye to replace an eye, and a hand to replace a hand, and a foot to replace a foot, and rebuild a likeness in place of a likeness; then will you enter The Kingdom.”

(23) Jesus said, “There will be a time when I shall choose among you. I will choose one out of a thousand, and two out of ten thousand. Those that I choose will stand with us in the One, as the Next Generation Angels.”

(24) Jesus’ students said, “We see you standing here but also in Heaven. We seek to stand in your footprints. We want to find that path.”

He said to them, “When there is light inside a person, it lights up the whole world. When the light does not fill a person they do not shine, they walk in the dark, and can not light the way for others.”

(25) Jesus said, “Love everyone like your own soul, protect them like the pupil of your own eye.”

(26) Jesus said, “Forget the sawdust in your brother’s eye, until you can have the wisdom to remove the beam from your own eye. Then you will see more clearly how to remove the sawdust from your brother’s eye.”

(27) Jesus said, “If you do not practice moderation regarding the World, you will not find Heaven. Practice moderation in all things except Love. Do good on the Sabbath not the things of man. In this way you will see the glorious shining face of The One.”

(28) Jesus said, “I came to live in the flesh. I came to live as a man. I found all people were drunk. I found none of them thirsty. No one was seeking truth. My soul cries for the people of the Earth. They are blind in their hearts and they do not see anything. They came into the world to learn and become better. The Liar and that brood empty them.

They have become dissipated, stagnant, and self-satisfied. Light will come again, because I will light the way with fire.

For the moment they are intoxicated. When they shake off the wine of this lost life, then they will thirst again in regret.”

(29) Jesus said, “If the flesh was guided into being because of spirit, it is a wonder. But if spirit is guided to new growth because of the body, it is a wonder of wonders. Indeed, I am amazed at how this great wealth has been made to come about because they are joined in this hard place of the World.”

(30) Jesus said, “Where there is a trinity of gods, they are a human fabrication. Where The One holds all, there I am, as a child as well as a beloved servant.”

(31) Jesus said, “No prophet is accepted in their own home town. No physician tries to heal those who know him.”

(32) Jesus said, “A city built on a high mountain and fortified will not fall, but it also can not be hidden.” “To do the right thing you earn protecting Love, but with visibility it makes you a target.”

(33) Share from the housetops what I will tell you. Remember what I say in the right ear but also hear me with your left ear. (Note: right and left sides of the brain.) No one can be a light in the darkness without trying to share that illumination. Everyone who enters this person’s presence will see its light. Not acting on truth gives consent to the lies. Your silence can not shield you.”

(34) Jesus said, “If a person who is blind tries to lead an other person who is blind, they will both fall into the hands of the Liar. Awaken so that you might see. By being awake and being able to see, you in turn can lead those who are still blinded. Awaken those who are still caught in their own nightmares.”

(35) Jesus said, “It is not possible for a burglar to enter the house of a strong man unless he binds the strong man, while is not awake, first.”

(36) Jesus said, “If you trust The One you will have no desire to think about what you will wear, your needs are known.“

(37) Jesus’ students asked, “How will you come to us? When will we see you and The One after your body dies?”

Jesus said, “When you are without shame, and facing the world with innocence like little children, because to be innocent is to see The One. When you are freed from fear, leaving your body behind you will see me again, being a true child of The One.”

(38) Jesus said, “Many times in the past you have hungered to hear what I am saying to you now. You have no one else to hear them from. There will be times when you seek me and you will not be able to find me. Keep seeking, you will find me again.”

(39) Jesus said, “The Priests and the bureaucrats have stolen the keys for accessing Knowledge and hidden them. They refuse to enter. They have also blocked those seeking to enter. You must be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves.”

(40) Jesus said, “A grapevine planted outside of the One. It is diseased, and being unsound, it will be pulled up by its roots and destroyed. This is the fruit and vine of the Liar.”

(41) Jesus said, “Those who have my Truth and Love will receive more, but the person who refuses my gifts will be stripped of all else they have. Those who seek only the world will remain like children who never awaken to their potentials. Through their bondage to the Liar they become that brood’s sustenance, because souls are eternal.”

(42) Jesus said, “Stand outside the World, to see the Whole.”

(43) Jesus’ students asked, “What gives you the right to say these things to us?”

Jesus said, “You still do not understand who I am, from what I say to you. You have become like the Priests, because either they love the tree but hate the meat of the nuts or love the meat of the nuts and hate the tree.”

(44) Jesus said, “The person who blasphemes against the One will be forgiven. A person who blasphemes against me will be forgiven, but a person who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, My True Twin, will never be forgiven either on Earth or in Heaven unless My Twin forgives the blasphemer.

(45) Jesus said, “Grapes can not be harvested from brambles. Figs cannot be gathered from thistles, for they do not produce fruit. A good person brings out good from their storehouse, their hearts. An evil person brings out evil things from their evil storehouse, evil filling their heart. What is in the heart always slips out of the mouth. They will say evil things. Out of the evil filling their hearts they bring out all sorts of evil things.”

(46) Jesus said, “Among those born human, from the first people until John the Baptist my cousin, there is no one more deserving of your respect. Yet I have said, those of you who come to see the world with the eyes of a child will deserve respect from even John the Baptist. This is because you are evolving to serve as a next generation of Angels. You earn this out of the experiences you have borne.”

(47) Jesus said, “It is impossible for a person to mount two steeds or stretch two bows at the same time. It is impossible to serve two Bosses. A person would respect one and treat the other with contempt. This does not mean that Reason and Spirit are two Masters. Those two should work as a team to reach The One.”

No one who has a taste for old wine reaches for an unaged new wine. New wine is not put in old wineskins, because it would burst, because it holds life. Aged wine does not hold life, its sugar is expended, would spoil in a new wineskin because the skin is not cured by the fermentation.

An old patch is not safely sewn onto a new garment, because it will be ripped, because the clothes shrink at different rates.”

(49) Jesus said, “Those who dare to stand alone, solitary and elect, though persecuted, will find The One’s embrace. You are from The One. You will return to The One.”

(50) Jesus said, “If someone asks you, ‘Where are you from?’ say to them, ‘I am from the Light, a place where The Light established itself through its own accord. The Light is easily seen through its images for Earth, Angels.’ If they ask you, ‘What proof do you have of this claim?’ say, ‘I Practice and Know unconditional Love.”

(51) Jesus’ disciples asked him, “When will the resurrection of the dead come? When will the New World come?”

He said to them, “What you obsess about has already come, but you refuse to recognize it.”

(52) Jesus’ students said, “Twenty-four prophets came to Israel, and you quote all of them.”

Jesus said, “You have left out the one living with you. You persist in speaking only about the dead.”

(53) Jesus’ student asked, “Should your students and followers be circumcised?”

Jesus said, “No if it were good for a person to be circumcised, they would be conceived circumcised in their mother’s womb. The only true circumcision would be of your spirit.”

(54) Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor, because your home will be Heaven.”

(55) Jesus said, “Love begins at home but if it is chained there you can never follow in my path. Loving all is the only way to be able to bear a cross. Love God first because all other love is hollow without it.”

(56) Jesus said, “When a person understands the nature of the world, has found mere animated chemicals. A person who has found this corpse is superior to the natural World. Whoever knows themselves, can rise above the hate knowing that their place secure. They can risk the joy and pain of Love that is Unconditional.”

(57) Jesus said, “The One is like a man who has good seed. The Liar came by night, planting his Lies like weeds among the good seed. The One did not allow his Angels to pull the weeds. The One said, ‘I am concerned that some of my good grain will be pulled up along with the weeds. Harvest time will show the weeds plainly. Then we will pull them up and burn them.”

(58) Jesus said, “Blessed is the person who has suffered. In the suffering find the lessons that are hidden in it, and in finding the lessons acquire life.”

(59) Jesus said, “Seek the One while you live on earth. If you do not seek before you die The One’s face will be unfamiliar. Being unfamiliar you may not be able to find The One. If you are in Limbo you will not know the way to the Light.”

(60) Jesus and his students saw a Samaritan carrying a lamb on his way to Judea. He asked his students, “Why is that man carrying the lamb on his shoulders?”

The students said, “He will kill and eat it.”

Jesus said, “If it is alive he will not eat it. When he has slaughtered it and it has become a corpse, he will then find sustenance in it.”

His students agreed.

Jesus said, “You to will be a corpse someday. You will be eaten and nothing more if you do not find the Love of the One, that all return to in the end.”

(61) Jesus said, “Two will sleep in a bed. One will die, the other will live.”

The student Salome asked, “Who are you to sit on my sofa and eat my food?”

Jesus said,” I am part of the One. I was given some of the things of the One, who is my Creator.”

Salome said, “Then I am your student, please teach me.”

Jesus said to her, “Someone is undivided in the Light, they will filled with Light. If they are divided in two, they are alone; they will be filled with darkness. Ridding the world of evil once and for all, all people must live in the Light, even little lies count and feed the Liar.”

(62) Jesus said, “Those who are seeking of the Light will receive. When you give, do not let the left hand know what the right hand is doing.”

(63) Jesus said, “There was a rich man who said, ‘I will use my money to plant and reap. That done I will fill my storehouse with produce. That way I will never want for anything.’ Those were his intentions, but he died that night.”

(64) Jesus said, “A man prepared a huge dinner feast. He sent invitations to guests. The first reply was, ’I have standing orders against some merchants. They are coming to me this evening. I must go and give them my orders. I ask to be excused.’

The second invitation’s reply was, ‘I have just bought a house and am required for the day. I can not find the spare time.’

The third response was, ‘My friend is going to be married; I am supposed to help plan the details of his banquet. I will not be able to come. I ask to be excused.’

The fourth reply was, ‘I have just bought a farm, and I need to collect the rent. I will not be able to come. I ask to be excused.’

When the host heard the replies he told his Daughter, who was helping to prepare the feast, to go outside to the streets and bring back those she happened to meet. They would be filled at the feast.

“Those who are slaves to money like businessmen and merchants will not enter the presence of The One. Craving things of the world blinds people to the invitation to transcend to the Spirit.”

(65) He said, “The One was a farmer who owns a large vineyard. He wants it to be productive so he leased it to share croppers. They promised to work it and pay the rent with a share of the crop. At harvest time the Owner sent his produce trucker to collect the fruit. The sharecroppers grabbed The Ones worker, beating him, nearly killing him.

When the Owner found out he thought, ‘Maybe they did not recognize my sign on the truck.’ So he sent another truck, worker, and letter of identification. The sharecroppers beat the second worker as well, not even waiting for the truck brake to be set.

The Owner sent his son thinking,‘ Maybe they will respect my son.’ The sharecroppers knew what the Owner’s eldest and heir looked like. They seized him as well and brutally murdered him.

(66) Jesus said, “Show me the stone that builders cast aside. That one is the capstone. Without it the arch will fall.”

(67) Jesus said, “The person who believes that the One is not complete, is a person who lacks everything.”

(68) Jesus said, “Blessed are people who are hated and persecuted. The people and places have hated and persecuted you will find no solace in The One.”

(69) Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have been tortured within themselves, by the Liar. It is they who will truly come to know The One. Blessed are the hungry, for the belly that desires to be filled.

(70) Jesus said, “The Love that you have will save you if you bring it out of yourselves. What you do not have inside of you will kill you.”

(71) Jesus said, “I will destroy this hollow soulless house, and no one will be able to rebuild it.”

(72) A man approached Jesus insisting, “Judge my brothers, and make them give me my share of my dead father’s property.”

Jesus said, “Who has made me a judge and a divider?”

Jesus told his disciples, “I am not a judge, and who am I to divide? Only my Father judges.”

(73) Jesus said, “The harvest is bountiful, but the workers are few. Pray that the One sends us more workers for the harvest.”

(74) Jesus said, “The One sees how many are around the drinking trough. The One also sees that they do not try to fill the cistern. You can not take God’s Love without trying to give some back.”

(75) Jesus said, “Many people stand at the threshold, but few will be allowed to enter the bridal chamber.”

(76) Jesus said, “The place of The One is like a businessman who got a shipment of merchandise. In that merchandise the businessman discovered a pearl. That businessman being shrewd, liquidated all his merchandise and kept the single pearl for himself. You should seek The One’s unfailing and enduring pearl which no insect can devour.”

(77) Jesus said, “I who am the Light that is above all the Earth and all the Angels who guard her. I am the one who oversaw the beginning and I am in everything. The One sent the Earth for me, and for it to be mine. Saw a log in pieces, and I am there. Cleave a stone, and you will find me there.”

(78) Jesus said, “Why do you seek the river reed out in the desert? Why do you seek truth from a man of the Tribe of Levi, clothed in fine garments like your kings and your great men? Upon them are the finery and clothes bought with the blood of widows and the sweat of slaves. They are blind to the Truth that stands before them.”

(79) A woman in the crowd said, “Blessed is the woman that gave birth to you and the breasts that nourished you as an infant.”

Jesus replied, “Blessed are those who have heard the Word of the One and have filled their heart with it. There will great trials and hardships. There will be days when you will say, “Blessed are the wombs that have not given birth and the breasts which never fed an infant.”

(80) Jesus said, “A person who recognizes the world has found the body, and having found the body can rise above it. There is more than the here and now.”

(81) Jesus said, “Let a person who has grown rich in Spirit be your Leader. Let the person who holds great power renounce it. It is because it is better to be Rich in Spirit. It is because Power Corrupts.”

(83) Jesus said, “The images are shown to people, but the full Knowledge of the images will remain hidden in the brilliance of the One’s Light. These Images will remain hidden and lack meaning until the One deems people ready to understand them.”

(84) Jesus said, “A person who sees themselves in a mirror you rejoice. But will that same person still rejoice when they see images from past lives. Images that do not die nor become solid though they are lessons hard won. Will it be more than that person is able to bear! Know yourself and with that knowledge of past life trials use them for future growth. Build a foundation from them.”

(85) Jesus said, “The first people came from the One, but you have grown with your past lives closer to understanding. What you can understand will be given as you mature as people.”

(86) Jesus said, “The foxes have their dens and the birds have nests in trees, but this Child of the One has no place of shelter, and no place to rest his head. Being homeless yet nothing to lose”

(87) Jesus said, “Incomplete is the body that is dependent on the body and the soul that depends only on the soul. Only in the partnership that builds both will you become Whole.”

(88) Jesus said, “The Angels and prophets will come to you and renew those things you already have, Love and Truth. As times are right they will offer more. Share what you have. Knowing that even though they leave, they will return as the times are right with their next messages from The One.”

(89) Jesus said, “You make a big show of washing the outside of the cup. The One made the inside as well as the outside. Body and Soul have the same value, together making a whole.”

(90) Jesus said, “Come to me because my yoke is easy and my teachings mild. You will find peace inside yourself.”

(91) People asked Jesus, “We want to believe you. Tell us who you are.”

Jesus said, “You can tell the weather by watching the sky. You can read the seasons of the earth. But you do not recognize a representative of The One who stands before you. You do not know how to read the importance of this moment.”

(92) Jesus said, “Seek and you shall find. You asked me questions before, but I did not tell you because it was not time. Now it is time. I want to tell you but you have stopped asking. Do not give up looking. Ask until you get your answers, as a three year old will persist until they are fully satisfied.”

(93) Jesus said, “Do not tell Holy Truths to Pharisees who are like dogs. They will roll them in piles of shit to defile them. Do not share your pearl of visions with closed minds. They are like swine that will grind them to bits to get the ‘Truth’ out of them. In both cases they will just hate you for your gifts.”

(94) Jesus said, “A person who seeks will find. A person who knocks will be admitted into the presence of The One.”

(95) Jesus said, “If you have extra money, give it as though you will not be repaid, asking for no interest.”

(96) Jesus said, “Heaven is like a woman making bread. She took a little yeast and concealed it with kneading in some dough. It spread to infect the whole loaf making it rise immensely. Love to is contagious.”

(97) Jesus said, “The world is like the woman who carried a sack of grain that sprang a leak. It was a leak that she did not see. When she got home all the grain had run out and the sack was empty. Guard against the Thief and the Liar. You never know when they will come to poke a hole in your faith, leaving you empty without understanding how it happened.”

(98) Jesus said, “Heaven is like a man who was to defend his home. Drawing his sword he tested his thrust. He struck with all his will against the wall to test the strength of his hand and the sharpness of his sword’s edge. Then he killed the aggressor. Angels are tested on earth. They are tested so that they are ready to be wielded at The One’s will.”

(99) Jesus’ students said, “Your Mother and your brothers are standing outside insisting that they see you.”

Jesus said, “Those who do the will of the One are my siblings. Blood kin may also share the same spirit of The One, but those of a like mind are already related. Giving your Love to everyone we will be together with The One.”

(100) People trying to trap Jesus in to breaking Roman Law, showed Jesus a gold coin and said to him, Caesar’s men demand taxes from us.”

Jesus said to them, “Give Caesar what belongs to Caesar, give to The One what belongs to The One, and do not withhold from me what is mine.”

(101) Jesus said, “Those who do not know who their true Source can not follow me as a Student. Mary wife of Joseph gave birth to me, giving me a body, but The One gave me Life.”

(102) Jesus said, “Beware Pharisees, for they are like snapping cur dogs sleeping in an oxen’s box. They neither eat the hay nor do they let the oxen have their feed.”

(103) Jesus said, “Blessed is the leader who knows with Dream and Prophesy where the brigands will attack. And being forewarned to gather, well arm and equip his army.”

(104) Many others said, “Come, let us pray today and let us fast, make amends, and repent our sins.”

Jesus said, “What sin have I committed? Where have I fallen into temptation? I say, when the Bridegroom leaves the bridal chamber, then let people fast and pray, because then there will be a reason to repent.”

(105) Jesus said, “A person who knows the father and the mother will be calling the son, the fruit of a harlot. They will call the child a bastard, which I am not.”

(106) Jesus said, “If you make the two one, you will become the true inheritors in The One. When you can reconcile the conflicts, then when you say, ‘Mountain, move away,’ it will uproot and move.”

(107) Jesus said, “The Kingdom is like a shepherd who had a hundred sheep. The largest one of them went astray. The shepherd left the ninety-nine sheep because they were safe. The shepherd looked for the one until he found it. When he had gone to the trouble, he said to the sheep, ‘I care for you more than the ninety-nine because you were lost and now you are found.”

(108) Jesus said, “A person who satisfied their thirst from the spring of my mouth will become more like me. The things that have been hidden will be Lighted for that person.”

(109) Jesus said, “The Heaven that is on Earth is like a man who did not know about the treasure hidden in his field. His son also did not know of the treasure in his inheritance that lay buried in the field. This ignorance of the son, thinking it was only a field, sold his inheritance both the priceless and the mundane. The one who bought the field plowed the field having knowledge of the hidden treasure. He used the treasure to become a loan shark with very high interest. This high interest will become a new slavery. The Liar knows how to use this treasure very profitably.”

(110) Jesus said, “A person who discovers and becomes rich in the knowledge of the nature of the world should then seek Self-Knowledge as well.”

(111) Jesus said, “Someday both the Solar system and the Earth will pass away, but living in the One, they will live on in the One.”

(112) Jesus said, “Pity the flesh that depends on the soul. Pity the soul that depends on the flesh. They must be an equal Partnership, because they are a matched team of horses. Harness them to become better.”

(113) Jesus’ students asked, “When will Heaven come?”

Jesus said, “It will not come by waiting for it. It will not be a matter of saying, ‘It is here.’ or ‘There it is. Heaven and The One are already spread upon the Earth, and People do not see it. They fill the same spaces.” (Note: two String Theory Membranes)

(114) Peter said to Jesus, “Let Mary and all the other women leave us. They are the root and branch of sin. They are the source of all temptation. Women are not worthy of Eternal Life.”

Jesus responded, “I say to you males, do not look down on a female because until you are made over to be as a female you will be barred from full Inheritance in the sight of The One.”

Jesus said, “Until you are like the Lowest of the Angels, being in balance of body and soul. Reconciling of the male and the female, you will remain on the edge of the Full Glory and Joy of the Brilliance of The One. The One is all that was, is, and will be.”

Being on the edge you will still be Loved, and Beloved. The One knows that it is a hard lesson to learn. Others will rejoice in the affirmation of what they have learned. Or like Angels have always known.”

Jesus said, “I myself will lead Mary of Magdela in order to make her male, so that she too may become a living spirit, resembling you males. Every woman who will make herself male will become a full Inheritor, as well, in Heaven and full Light of The One.”

Angela Elizabeth Butler has edited this tract from an English Translation of Nag Hammadi, Egypt text of the Gospel of Thomas. Subject associations are listed in the combined Index by Verse Number.

Old Testament

A Person will leave their Mother and Father and be united to their spouse, and become one flesh. Let no one come between these people, because they will be judged for dividing them.

But Ruth replied, do not urge me to leave you or turn back from you. Where you go I will go, Where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God will be my God. Where you die I will die, and there be buried. May the Lord deal with me ever so severely, if anything but death separate you from me.

After David finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David because he loved him as himself.

And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.

Jonathan took off his robe that he wore and gave it to David, along with his tunic and even his sword, bow and belt.

If I speak the tongues of men and Angels, but do not have Love, I am a just a gong or clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of Prophecy and can understand all mysteries and all knowledge, knowing how to move mountains with my faith, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I have to the poor and give myself to the flames of persecution, but do not have Love, I have gained nothing.

Love is patient, Love is Kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record or count of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. And now these three remain: faith, hope and Love. But the greatest of these is Love.