Antonius and Rufus Bid Farewell

LENTEN ADVENTURE 2011
Assignment #5

Antonius and Rufus Bid Farewell

We are gathered in an Olive Grove at the outskirts of Jerusalem. Large crowds are entering the city. It is the feast of the Passover, a Jewish celebration commemorating the exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt after generations of slavery. I know much about slavery.

It is quiet here in Bethphage, just east of the gates of Jerusalem. The sun is beginning to set behind the Temple as it makes its way across the Great Sea. We settle on the cool grass, and Rufus, my trustee camel, grazes among his friends. It’s difficult to speak, to find the words. How do you bid farewell to those you have journeyed with for three years. They are like brothers and sisters to me, even closer. Jesus is near by and has sent his disciples to search for a donkey, and a colt with her, upon which he will ride into the city tomorrow. Some of us must not be seen with him. It is far too dangerous. We must preserve what we have learned and carry his message to all the world for generations to come. We must live just as surely as Jesus must die.

I look into the wise and kind eyes of Joseph of Aramathea. He has been our guide and protector since we first gathered at his villa in Gadara. We were strangers then, on our guard, hiding our true identities for fear of embarrassing consequences. He graciously opened his home to us as he explained that we were embarking on a journey as witnesses to events which would change the world. Joseph shared with us a report he had received from his associates who were sent to investigate a man named John the Baptist. Thus our Adventure began, from the baptism and introduction of Jesus, to our present position outside the gates of Jerusalem.

My personal journey began as a skeptic, a believer of no god—neither those carved in gold from Mount Olympus nor those in Spirit from Heaven. I trusted my own wits and honored my own good character for the sake of goodness itself. My master, a kindly Centurion, took me in as his own when I was but a boy, captured from my Athens home and shipped to this desolate land of sand and shrub. Marcus took note of my intelligence and gentle spirit. He saw to my education of Greek philosophy and Roman history and entrusted me to the teaching of his children in his Capernaum villa. We spent many long nights debating the deeper aspects of life and death. Marcus, after hearing of the formation of an investigative group gathering in Gadara, sent me on my way, with ample supplies and the family’s beloved camel, Rufus, to join them and report back to him any information I could obtain of this John the Baptist and his teachings of a coming Messiah.

Our group shared long discussions of topics originating from mysterious messages left by an undisclosed source under a stone near our various campsites each night. We witnessed unexplained events beginning with a powerful voice from the heavens declaring Jesus as his beloved son at the moment of Jesus’ baptism by John. We waited for this ‘beloved son’s’ emergence from the wilderness where he spent forty days and nights fasting and being attacked by temptations from Satan himself. But emerge he did, and Jesus went on to perform miracles of healings of both mind and body in Gentile and Jew alike.

Then, my own miracle occurred which dissolved any skepticism I ever harbored as to the existence of a God, THE God. Rufus had rushed me back to my master’s villa, in the middle of my journey, away from my fellow travelers, to seek medical attention for a paralyzing pain in my back. Upon reaching Marcus, I was near death and unable to move or respond. My panicked master, having heard reports of the healing power of this man called Jesus, immediately took his leave and traveled down the south road of Capernaum to seek a miracle for me, his beloved servant. I have written many times of the details of this event and need only say here that at the moment Jesus came into the abyss of my dying body and soul, I became a believer of his claim to be Messiah, the Son of the one, true God.

Healed and reborn in both body and soul, I rejoined my friends, in an orchard south of Capernaum and there we encountered a private meeting with Jesus himself. He spoke to each of us as if he had always known us, known our thoughts and our desires. He even played with Rufus and delighted in the camel’s antics of sneaking drinks from our wine cups and swiping his tongue across Martha’s face. His laughter echoes, now, in my mind as Jesus prepares to face Jerusalem and those who would have him killed: the Roman leaders who feared loosing their power (and their taxation) over the people, too many of which have begun to believe this so-called Messiah’s promise of a Kingdom—and the Jewish leaders who hated Jesus for his blasphemous interference of The Law, a Law the scribes and Pharisees twisted into impossible adherence of ridiculous rituals which had nothing to do with Jehovah’s covenant with His people.

I stand and begin to speak.

It is now time to say farewell to one another as we must go our separate ways. Individually, no doubt, we will each continue our own journey as we witness the unthinkable which is about to unfold—some from afar—some first hand. I have something for you all, something to remember me by, until we meet again in His Kingdom. My healing has left me with an unexplainable insight into things to come. I wish to share this gift with you and tell you what I know to be in your futures.

Joseph of Aramathea. Kind, gracious Joseph. We knew you for a time simply as ‘Joe’ until we learned of your true identity as a high ranking member of the Sanhedrin and a wealthy tin merchant. You have given us so much of yourself during this journey. You have secured for us daily messages from your associates and trusted friends such as Nicodemus, messages which kept us well informed of Jesus’ whereabouts, activities, and teachings. You must now return to your synagogue and await the completion of your journey. With my master’s permission, I give you this shroud handed down through generations of his family members to be used for the burial of an honorable warrior. Marcus and I can think of no greater man to be granted this clothe than Jesus who bravely has defended the everlasting future of his Father’s children with his very life. You will know what to do with this when the time comes, my friend. Take care and be safe, Joseph. You are very special in our Savior’s eyes.

Martha of Bethany. Sister of Mary and Lazarus. We knew you as ‘Hope’, and indeed you have been the hope of our group as you provided food and clean surroundings for us throughout the journey. Your father has taught you well, and you have kept the uncorrupted Law of God faithfully. Your unyielding belief of Jesus and his true identity never faltered from the very beginning of our adventure. You grew up in Bethany and knew John (the one who paved the way for Jesus) as a boy. What a blessing to have that knowledge in your heart. Jesus became a friend of your family and has visited your home on many occasions. He has taught you that the better part of his visits is to be still and listen to what he has to say rather than concern yourself with providing him with perfect surroundings. He grieved greatly at the death of his friend, your brother, Lazarus. His heart broke at the sight of yours and Mary’s inconsolable sorrow. He did the impossible, the unthinkable. He raised Lazarus from the dead and brought awe and joy to your household. How complete your happiness must have been, to hold your brother and sister close to you again. I give you this broom made from the hair of Rufus’ coat. He was pleased to offer this to you, his special friend. The handle is made from my old staff I used when my back was so painful before Jesus cured me. Think of me and Rufus when you use this broom, but always remember there are more important tasks to be done than the sweeping of your home. God has given you the honor of knowing Jesus as a friend and he is pleased with your faithfulness and your holiness. Go in the peace and the serenity of the Spirit of God.

Claudia. Noble lady and wife of Pontius Pilate. We knew you as 'Maia', the name given to the eldest daughter of the Greek god, Atlas. Your miraculous conversion to the belief of Jesus as the Messiah and of his Father, the God of Abraham, has awarded you much honor and trust among our group. Like myself, you are a Gentile. We have learned much of this God who does not count us less than His Jewish children. Jesus has come to redeem us all. Being a woman used to the comforts of palaces and the abundance of wealth and splendor, you amazed me at your ability and grace as you lived among us poor slaves and fishermen. I thought, surely, the months spent in the musty cave near the Jordan would cause you much distress, yet it only strengthened your honor and character. I pray for your difficult situation as you return to your husband, who, though he visited us often under the guise of a Roman named Alexander, never detected your presence within our group. I feel Pilate has touched upon an aspect of Jesus which he cannot explain, but which has left even his unbelieving heart wondering at the power of man whom the Scribes will soon bring before him for sentencing. Your influence in this matter will mark you as a holy woman for all ages to remember. My gift to you is this gold finger-bowl which I brought from my homeland of Athens. Keep it handy. It will become useful in a most unpleasant manifestation of God’s plan in the fate of Jesus. Keep these things you have learned close to your heart and speak of them to no one in your household, for all things must unfold as they should. Do not be distressed. Do not fear. You are a dear child of the God most high. I will miss your beauty and your grace, my lady.

Phoebe of Kenchreai. Learned Greek woman and educated Scribe. We knew you as 'Elena'. You have traveled far to be a part of this adventure. Your knowledge of history and The Law has been rewarding for us and will prove to be invaluable to you in the future. Soon, you will meet a man named Paul. Together, you and Paul will spread the teachings of Jesus to the far reaches of the Great Sea and beyond. Paul will send you alone into dangerous territories where Jesus’ followers will be tortured and killed. You will bring Paul’s letters to these faithful believers, thus establishing the basis of the New Church Jesus spoke of with Peter and his disciples. You have shown your faithfulness to the God of Abraham as you presently minister to the poor, the widowed, and the imprisoned. Your kind heart and loving attitude have been a blessing to us here on this journey. In your miracle study, you pointed out to us an important requirement asked of each recipient of healing from Jesus: Faith—Belief that Jesus could indeed heal them. You have taught us that faith in the Messiah is the single pivotal necessity for all prayer and healing. My gift to you, Phoebe, is this leather pouch made by my master’s eldest son. Use it to safely secure Paul’s letters to the faithful as you deliver the message of Jesus to the world. Be at peace, Phoebe, and fear not, for your God will protect you.

Jonathan. Scribe of the Sanhedrin. You identified yourself to us as 'Jonathan', but we knew not of your occupation or beliefs. We have heard little from you, yet you have remained close to Joseph and have been, all this time, in a dangerous situation as you associated with this group. As keeper and registrar of the public documents of the people of Palestine and a teacher of the Law, you have been in a position to expose us all to the High Council, but you chose not to do so after much instruction from Joseph. You will be among the group who will bind Jesus after his arrest and present him to Caiaphas where he will be accused of blasphemy as he announces himself to be the Son of God. Then you will take Jesus to the governor, Pilate, for sentencing. My gift to you is this piece of rope. It has been chewed and softened by Rufus in an effort to ease, in a very small way, the pain and discomfort of Jesus. When the time comes to bind Jesus, be quick to use this special rope around his wrists. This is a heavy burden placed upon you, Jonathan, one I do not envy, but one that must be carried out as God’s plan for our redemption. Play your part well and be strong in your destiny, yet gentle in the execution of your fate.

John. The beloved Apostle of Jesus. Son of Zebedee and brother of James. We knew you as 'Jeremy'. You have become a dear friend and delightful traveling companion. You have closely followed Jesus’ ministry these past three years and been a constant support to him, catering to his needs and his comfort. First a disciple of John the Baptist, you obeyed the Baptist’s request that you follow Jesus. Now you and Peter are required to go into the city and prepare a secure and private place for Jesus and the disciples’ Passover Meal. It will the last occasion for you all to speak with your Master as a group. You will be given the responsibility for the care of Mary, the mother of Jesus and will protect her with your life. Though a poor fisherman, you will record your eye-witness accounts of Jesus’ life, public ministry, and death which will become saving words of grace for countless generations of those seeking the truth, the way, and the light. My gift to you is this quill taken from the feather of a raven in the orchard where we made camp when Jesus visited us. May the Spirit of God guide this quill as you document all you have seen and heard. Be at peace, John, and tell the world that in the beginning was the Word.

Mary of Magdala. Beloved friend of Jesus. We knew you as 'Mara'. You have always been an inspiration of humility and grace to me. You are not ashamed to speak of your past as you give testimony of the power of forgiveness and rebirth in baptism. Jesus holds you in high regard above all other women, for you sought him out amidst ridicule and scorn, and he freed you from demons. We are all sinful, dear Mary. I had refused to believe in Jesus, even after all the reports of miracles. Not until my own healing did I truly see him as the Messiah. But you…you held Jesus as the true Son of God from the beginning. Soon you will experience great sorrow, but fear not. Jesus has chosen you to be the first witness of his greatest miracle of all. I present you with this egg from the market near by. It is a symbol of new life and a new tradition among his followers. Prepare yourself, Mary, for the worst is yet to come. But three days after his death, your sorrow will turn to a joy like none you have ever felt before. You are precious and beloved to our Savior. Go with peace and anchor yourself in His strength. I will miss you, beautiful lady.

Simon Peter. The Rock of the New Church. We knew you as 'Levi'. I’ve always felt you as my protector during this three year journey. Much of the time, you were with our Lord, as it should be. But when you graced us with your presence, I was overjoyed with your delightful company. You have had the privilege of accompanying Jesus on the Sea of Galilee where intense teaching and preparation for your role as leader has taken place. I like you, Peter, because you are so…well…human. You’re opinionated and impetuous. You can walk on water, but once you realize what you are doing, you sink. Take heart, Peter. Jesus knows you love him and he also knows that you will faithfully ‘feed his sheep’. When Jesus asked you, “Who do you say I am?” you answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." For that testament of faith, Jesus appointed you head of his Kingdom on earth, his Church. A dark day is coming, one in which your loyalty will be tested. Even if you fail the test, Jesus has great faith in you. Do not despair, my friend. All is as it should be. I have a very special gift for you, Peter. I carved it during the many nights we spent in the orchard. It’s the outline of a fish, a symbol of your role as a fisher of men. Be at peace, Simon Peter. The time nears when you must take your place at the side of the Christ. We will meet again.

I bid you all farewell. Rufus and I will stay awhile in Jerusalem, for I feel a need to be here, to witness the ultimate price that is to be paid for our right to enter the gates of Heaven. Know that I love you and will pray for your safety and your peace.