Author’s Note
The relationship between John (the Baptist) and Jesus Christ has always puzzled me. When an angel told John the truth about Jesus, of course he was elated. But there has to be more to this story. Why did John accept the announcement with so much enthusiasm? Why would John be willing to defer his own ministry to favor the work of Jesus Christ? Why did Jesus seek him out to be baptized?
The answer to these questions is obvious. John and his cousin Jesus were good friends. Although we do not know how, when or where their friendship started, it provided the basis for their interaction when Jesus started his ministry.
I know I am speculating, but I choose to believe God sent John to join with Jesus while these two men developed their respective theologies and philosophies. By age 27 Jesus had already discovered his special relationship with God. John had begun to preach (without much success). In my novel ‘Am I Your Son’ God sends Gabriel, an angel, to find John. He tells John to join with Jesus to prepare for their respective ministries. What follows are months of learning and contemplation. As a result they share many beliefs, including the ritual importance of full immersion baptism.
John began his ministry at the river Jordan in 26 A.D. It should not be surprising Jesus would seek out his friend for baptism when he was ready to begin his work in 27 A.D.
In this scene from ‘Am I Your Son’, Jesus meets John for the first time. Salome is Mary’s sister, and mother of James and John Boanerges. When her husband Zebedee deceased, he left her a prosperous estate. Salome is destined to witness the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. James and John will become apostles.
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From Am I Your Son
Jesus was about to knock at the gate when Salome cautiously opened it just a little - recognized Jesus - and threw the gate open. “Jesus!” she exclaimed “how nice to see you, come in, come in.”
Jesus gave her a big loving smile. “I have just delivered a cart to a farmer near here, and I thought it would be nice to see my mother’s sister again.”
“I’m so glad you did.... and guess what, I have another guest here you’ll want to meet.”
With that Salome took Jesus by the hand and led him though the courtyard into her kitchen. An angular and rather severe looking man stood up to greet him. But both men stopped short and looked intently at each other.
Jesus spoke first. Although the man was a stranger, he instantly knew who it was. “You are John.”
“And you are my cousin Jesus, God sent me to find you” John replied.
They shook hands, then hugged, and stood back to look at each other.
“I knew this day would come,” John said. Before my parents passed away they told me about Mary’s visit with them in Judea. They believed you are special in the eyes of the Lord.”
Puzzled by John’s words, Jesus was uncertain how to respond. Then John took Jesus by the hand again. He used both of his hands, one on top and one below the outstretched palm. This time the passage of energy that flowed between them was unmistakable. John motioned for Jesus to the table.
“Let us talk, we have much to discuss.”
Salome watched the two men greet each other with astonishment. It was as though both men had been expecting this day to happen. She scrambled to regain her composure.
“You two must be famished. Sit down and I will bring you something to eat. I have the best fresh bread in Bethsaida, cheese, dried fruits and nuts. I can cook up some lamb if you like. And there is wine from my own press. Help yourself to a cup.”
Both men thanked Salome for her generosity. Then John turned to Jesus. “Do you still live in Nazareth?”
“No–I haven’t lived there for some time. I have a carpenter’s shop in Capernaum.”
“Capernaum? I am not familiar with the name.”
“It’s a half days walk from here, - when I’m not pulling a cart. If Salome will put me up, I plan to go home tomorrow morning.”
“Good!” John was very decisive. “We will go to Capernaum and you can show me what you are doing.”
Jesus was humbled. “It’s not very impressive...”
He paused a moment, scanning the boney features of John’s face, and then asked “And what have you been doing?”
“I’ve been preaching in the countryside. Small groups of people.... here and there. There is much to be done in Judea. ”
“Have you preached in the synagogues or the Temple in Jerusalem?”
“No,” John laughed balefully “they chased me out. The Sadducees don’t think I’m qualified, and the Pharisees don’t like my message. However, while the Essenes have a strict ritual and severe rules of conduct, they have been most kind to me.”
“What is going on in Jerusalem?”
“Corruption, everywhere. The priests have turned Herod’s Temple into a market to sell sacrificial animals and birds. They change money for the poor and take a cut for themselves with every transaction.”
Jesus frowned. “Something must be done. But where did you preach last?”
“Hippos. Unfortunately for me, it is a pagan Greek and Roman city. The Jews there thought I was a lunatic. They chased me out of the city and down the road to the lake.”
Jesus could not help chuckling at the thought of John running down the hill from Hippos to escape the mob.
“Do you think you would like to become an Essene?” Jesus asked.
“Probably not, I prefer to live by my own beliefs. But I agree with some of their theology. When I visited with them in Qumran, they gave me a letter of introduction I can show to any Essene group. The Essenes will provide the traveler with food and a place to sleep.”
Salome interrupted their conversation with two plates heaped high with vegetables and meat. She sat down at the table to listen to their conversation.
Jesus blessed their food with a simple prayer. Both men began to eat. A moment later, he looked up and asked John a question. “Have you ever married?”
“No. I’m too restless, and I am certainly not a farmer. I have adopted the Essene philosophy of Celibacy...” John paused to take a sip of wine. “Have you ever married?”
“I was fortunate enough to be loved by a gracious woman–Sarah. Unfortunately, she has been called to be with God. I miss her.... although I am sure she is by my side.”
Any children?”
“No.... although we wanted to have a family.... it was not to be.”
“Do you think you will ever remarry?”
“No.”
“Then why not adopt the Essene rules of Celibacy?”
“I need to think a great deal about my own beliefs before I make any commitment.”
“The Essenes believe a vow of Celibacy brings a man closer to God. Marriage gets in the way of commitment and study. We must focus all our energy on our relationship with God.”
Jesus felt a sudden wave of inspiration sweep over him. The feeling was both intense and sweet. He suddenly had many answers to the questions and doubts that had plagued him these last few months. He spoke with a conviction that surprised him.
“I want to focus on my connection with God,” Jesus said solemnly “My mother and father told me God has a task for me..... a mission. My conscious thoughts and my dreams are pushing me toward a different relationship with God. It would appear to be a partnership that will affect people of many nations. But preaching is not enough. Sarah and her father taught me the value of healing. I must include healing with my teaching.”
“Then what you want to do is way beyond what I have been doing,” John said “it’s one thing to preach to a Jewish audience, but if you want to expand your task to include people of other nations, then the first thing you have to do is understand them, otherwise you will appear the fool.”
John leaned back in his chair and stared at the roof of the house. “You need to do a lot of preparation before you begin your ministry. Where will you go to learn your healing skills? And how will you increase your knowledge of culture, theology and philosophy?”
“I haven’t figured that out.” Jesus replied. “I am astonished by the sudden intensity of my feelings. Talking with you has convinced me this is something I must do.”
John quietly smiled. Well Lord, I am doing what you asked me to do...
***
The next morning the two men said a fond farewell to Salome. She drew Jesus aside to say goodbye. “I think you are destined for greatness,” she said “you project an inspirational energy. God bless your efforts. Come here whenever you can. I’d like to follow your progress.” Then she drew a small purse from her dress and gave it to Jesus. “Take this; you will need money for your trip, no matter where it takes you.”
Jesus reluctantly took the purse. But he knew she was right. He would need money to achieve the goals he had set out for himself last night. “Thank you for your encouragement, Salome, I feel like I am about to embark on a great experience.”
***
John and Jesus crossed the Jordan and walked along the plain next to the Sea of Galilee. As they started to climb through the hills overlooking Capernaum, John stopped by a log.
“Let’s rest for a moment. I have an idea.”
They sat down on the log and looked out over the deep blue water. John asked a question.
“Where do they teach healing?”
“Jamel, Sarah’s father, told me the best place to learn healing is Alexandria. They used to have one of the best libraries in the world.”
“Egypt? John was curious “the Roman province of Aegyptus.?”
“Yes, Egypt. I am also curious about the many temples Jamar has described.”
John looked up and spoke with conviction. “Then that is where we must go.”
“We?”
“Now Jesus, you don’t think I would let you go alone, do you? Who is going to save you from the temptations of the big city?”
Jesus gave John a broad smile. He was very glad John had adopted him as a friend.
“I don’t know who will be watching whom on this journey. Like you, I have decided to adopt the philosophy of celibacy. But I am pleased you want to join me. ‘We’ it is.”
John was enthusiastic. “When will we begin this adventure?”
“As soon as I settle my affairs in Capernaum we can go. But you haven’t told me how we get to Alexandria.”
John thought for a moment. “We can go to Caesarea Maritima. It’s a busy Roman port city. We can try to find work on a boat bound for Alexandria. Failing that, we can walk there by the coast route.”
And so begins a great journey.
Ron
Author’s Note: One of the reasons Jesus was so successful is because he was able to heal disease, injury and other afflictions. Although we often attribute his healing skills to the fact he was the son of God, he could also have acquired knowledge of first century medical skills. This understanding would have been helpful in dealing with those who needed his help. I choose to believe Jesus knew he would be seen as a healer and decided to make the appropriate preparation for his work.