Of Such Is The Kingdom, A Novel of Biblical Times in 3 parts

PART II   CHAPTER 9:

ROBBERY AND MORE

Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

---James 1:15

Once again, the bronze bulky being stood before them.  “Well, what’ll it be?  Yes, or no?”

Lucas looked expectantly at his partner and gestured with his hand.

”Well, yes” came the answer.  “It’ll be yes.  I don’t know why I was so hesitant yesterday.  This is really a chance of a lifetime.”

”Well then, what are we waiting for?  Let’s go, shall we?”

The sun was spreading its golden rays over the distant mountains as the three began their journey.  After introducing himself to the other two, Barabbas said, ”You know, we’re luckier than I thought.  On my way to meet with you, I learned that some stranger from Nazareth is riding into town and practically everyone is out hailing him ‘king.’ That means we’ll have no witnesses.  Ah, but even if we do happen to get caught, which I’m sure we won’t, I’ve got the perfect alibi planned.”

The thought of getting caught stunned Timotheus and he wanted to turn back.  But, gathering up his courage, he determined to go on.

Yet, he was soon to encounter a force more powerful than any fear.

”But, won’t Benjamin leave his shop for the festivities?” inquired Lucas.

”That miser?  Not a chance!”

They walked on in silence for a while and Timotheus thought:  a stranger from Nazareth being proclaimed king?  Perhaps it was the same one that John had baptized earlier and the dove had appeared and voice spoken.   Perhaps it was the same one who had been healing people and who had told John’s disciples to tell him what they had seen.  Perhaps he was the same one who had fed the multitude with two fishes and five loaves.  Perhaps he was--- could it be?-- the Messiah? 

As they turned the corner, Barabbas sighted the crowd, slowly making its way up the hillside road. 

”It’s him!  That crazy radical, making like he’s a king.  Ha!”   But the jest in Barabbas’ voice was not strong enough to conceal the joyful hope that lay there too.  If this man were to be king, the present government must first be overthrown, and surely this man would be better than Pilate.  Any government would be better than the present one.  Had he not rioted and killed earlier this month to prove that?  He would kill again if necessary for the freedom of Israel.  But he was meant to be an organizer rather than a regent.  Now he was neither.  Now he was only a lonely fugitive, in need of money and willing to steal for it, yet shattered and afraid.

The stranger drew near, the throng about him throwing articles of clothing and shouting, “Hosanna!”  and other eulogies indiscernible in the din.  Now he was really close to where the three were and despite the crowd on either side of him, Timotheus was able to get a clear close-up view of him and was deeply moved.  There was something about this man that he had never seen in anyone else.  He was a simple Nazarene, poorly clad, unshaven and astride a lowly donkey.  Yet he had a strange radiance of face which seemed to glow even brighter against the darkness of Timotheus’ own sinful heart.

”Come on,” urged Barabbas, “It’s not much further.”

”I’m not coming” uttered Timotheus resolutely, his eyes still fixed upon the Nazarene.

”What?!” exploded Lucas.  “What could possibly be making you turn back now?  Have you forgotten about all that money?”

Again the power of Lucas’ words struck him.  

”All right!”  He shrugged.  ”It was just a slight pain.  I’ll be alright.”  He couldn’t disappoint his companions.  Nor could he readily pass up ”all that money.”

”Good enough,” came the big man’s cheery encouragement.  “Good enough!”

************

For Benjamin, it had been an average day of shopkeeping. He was talking idly to some customers about the weather when they heard the noise of the crowd outside.

”Seems to be some excitement in the street.”

”I wonder what it could be.”

”Let’s go and see, shall we?”

One man peered out into the street.  ”Seems to be a parade of some sort.”

”Let’s go see.”

”Say, Benjamin, why don’t you close up shop and come join us?”

”Nah, I think I’ll stay here and take a chance.  Perhaps some of the crowd will come in and buy something.”

”Have it your way.”

************

The door of the shop opened noisily, and the trio found themselves before a high counter filled with all manner of goods.  The withered shopkeeper smiled benignly upon them.  ”So, I do have customers in the midst of so much excitement?  What can I d—“

”I’m afraid not customers, sir,” scoffed Barabbas, taking from his side a sharp, wide-bladed knife, which he proceeded to dangle over the surprised shopkeeper.  “Now where’s th’ money?”

Benjamin, quivering convulsively, pointed to a picture hanging on the wall.  “It’s there, behind that picture, in a box in the hole.  Please don’t hurt me.”

Barabbas nodded to Timotheus.  This was his signal to get the money.  He took down the picture, reached into the hole, and extracted the box.

Lucas, as instructed, proceeded to tie up Benjamin in order to prevent him from sounding the alarm.  But the shopkeeper had different ideas.  ”Take my money,” he begged tearfully, ”but, leave me alone.”

      (what kind of man this shopkeeper?

      Who trembled so with fear?

      Was he a Jew who trusted

      In a God who was not near?)

”I’ll take care of him,” called Barabbas. Holding his knife with his teeth, he tried vigorously to tie up the aged shopkeeper.  But Benjamin kicked and squirmed, making the task impossible.  Barabbas grew more infuriated with every second.  Suddenly, he wrenched his knife from between his teeth and held it above the squirming shopkeeper.  Then, in the frantic frenzy of his savage rampage, he rammed the blade deeply into the shopkeeper’s heart.  Benjamin slumped across his chair, letting out a loud piercing yell.  The Roman soldiers who marched upon the green would not have noticed the shop’s mysterious occupants had it not been for this outcry.  Entering, they found three cringing figures, one of whom stood over the body of his second victim in two weeks.