Читать книгу Time - Alan Sorem - Страница 9

In Yeshua’s twelfth year a majority of the families of Nazareth decided to celebrate Passover in Yerushalayim at his father’s urging. It was to be a great encampment south of the holy city, near Bethlehem. Yosef was accustomed to the journey, as he and his growing family and some dozen villagers travelled in the spring almost every year for the annual feast. This year it would be special, a great encampment on the outskirts of the city of perhaps one hundred men, plus women and children. Yosef was to lead the way and make all the arrangements for tents and bedding and food.

For many of the villagers, the journey south would be the first time to behold the splendor of the new Temple constructed on the Temple Mount by King Herod almost four decades earlier.

Yeshua had accompanied Yosef to the Temple several times. He particularly loved the porticos around the inner courts, where the men would pass to and fro, debating the meaning of particular sayings in the Law and the Prophets.

That special year in Yerushalayim, he was so caught up in the excitement of the scene that he had lagged behind after Passover on the morning of the last visit by the men of Nazareth. The Nazarenes had offered prayers and then rejoined their families in the space designated for women and young children in the Temple’s outer precincts.

In the great crowd mulling about, he had met other awestruck Nazareth youth. As they finally rushed off to join their families, Yeshua had remained behind, promising to join them shortly. He had wanted to be part of the crowd for just a few minutes longer.

There was a spirited conversation off to the side involving two pilgrims from the south. A larger group quickly formed around them and a disputation about points of the Law ensued. In his excitement Yeshua completely forgot about his family and the scheduled departure time.

He spent the day exchanging views on holy matters. As darkness fell he moved with others to the sleeping area for pilgrims at one side of the outer courts. On the following morning he rose, excited for more conversation. He had lost all thought of his parents and the people from Nazareth. Three days passed in this manner.

As newcomers drifted into the circle around him each day, there was quiet derision from the younger men who had come to see this young bumpkin from the north.

“Nazareth,” they murmured, proud of their Yerushalayim schooling. “Not exactly a center of learning, is it?” They laughed their soft laughs as they nudged one another. And most of them drifted on.

But some stayed for the give and take of profound holy reflection.

“Come hear this child from Nazareth,” word from the older men went around. “He is a prodigy of wisdom. Truly a blessing from the Lord!”

Yeshua was involved in an exchange with one of the older rabbis, the one with wise eyes, early in the morning of the fourth day when he suddenly saw his father striding toward him. As he saw the dark thundercloud in Yosef’s face, he realized with a shock that he had completely forgotten all the Nazarenes and the departure for home.

Yosef waded through the circle of men around Yeshua and gave him a hard shake.

“Your mother and I have been searching high and low for you. And here you are, when we thought you had been eaten by wild animals!”

“Father, forgive me. I completely forgot.”

Still holding his son, Yosef looked around at the circle of men. “We were with the Galilean encampment—a large group of people of Nazareth. I believed my son was with the other youth, and only after two day’s journey did I realize he was nowhere to be found. What happened?”

Several men drifted away, not wishing to be part of an acrimonious reunion. But the wise-eyed man spoke quietly.

“We thought he was staying each night with a relative. He has amazed us daily with his knowledge, which he surely must have learned from you, his father.”

Oblivious to the remark, Yosef pulled Yeshua aside and growled at his son. “And you, young pup, what do you have to say, yes? Speak up!”

“I am in my father’s house,” Yeshua protested.

“How can you say such a thing!” Yosef gave his son a shake.

“I don’t know. The words just came to me.”

Yosef stared at his son. He loosened his hold and walked several steps away. When he turned back he spoke in a calmer voice.

“Come, son. Your mother and the family are waiting.” He gestured toward the outer courts, where the women and children were allowed during the day. “I do not wish her to worry for one moment longer.”

Yosef nodded goodbye to the older man. He and Yeshua hurried to the pillared entryway. Miriam stood there, wringing her hands. She rushed to meet them, ignoring the frowns of men in the inner courts. She gave him a fierce hug and then pulled back.

“Child, why have you treated us like this! Your father and I have searched everywhere for you. How anxious we have been!”

Yeshua said to both parents, “Why were you searching for me? Didn’t you know I must be in my father’s house?”

Miriam loosened her hold and looked at Yosef.

“The words just came to him”, he said. Yosef shrugged. He turned to Yeshua. “Come, son. It is time to go home.”

They turned and started off through the crowded area. Some of the bystanders regarded them quizzically.

Miriam walked behind her husband and son, ignoring the looks. She was pondering Yeshua’s words. She stopped and turned to look back at the inner courts where he had been safe all the time they searched for him. She turned around and ran to catch up with the others. Her eyes were filled with wondering.