The Betrayal by Kathleen O’Neal Gear Page B

and souls of men and women alike. There is a serenity there, centuries deep, that makes me long to stare into those dark eyes forever.
    I step forward. “Rab, welcome. Please go inside quickly.”
    Maryam gently touches my shoulder as she passes and enters my house.
    Yeshua stands for a moment longer, just staring at me. His long curly black hair and beard blow in the wind that gusts down over the cliff. “Thank you, Yosef. For everything. I know we place you in great danger. You are a true friend.”
    â€œYes, well, that won’t matter if we’re caught. Please hide yourself.”
    Yeshua nods.
    As he passes, my gaze lingers on the strange tattoos that cover his arms. His flesh bears the marks of many powerful magical spells. There are those who claim to have been healed just by touching those marks. 34
    I take one last look around — see Titus shake his head, telling me there is no sign of pursuit — then duck inside and close my door.
    After the rich colors of dawn, it requires time for my eyes to adjust to the darkness.
    The five exchange holy kisses, then Yeshua extends a hand to the floor mats. “Please, sit. We haven’t much time.”
    Maryam kneels between Yakob and Yohanan, but Kepha remains standing, facing Yeshua. Tall with sandy hair and a thick beard, he always looks angry. He is known for being hot-tempered. 35
    Yeshua smiles at Kepha. “Brother, please sit down. We have much to discuss.”
    Kepha’s eyes narrow at Maryam. The rivalry between the two has been growing for some time. They clearly dislike each other. 36 Kepha thrusts out a hand to Maryam. “Master, please, let Maryam leave us, for women are not worthy of life.” 37
    In the Jewish tradition, women are not allowed to become disciples of prominent religious teachers, much less be a part of a wandering ministry. Such behavior is scandalous. Kepha is voicing what many men in their religion believe, but it is not what Yeshua believes. Yeshua has always accepted men as well
as women as his disciples and traveling companions. Radical ideas like these are what get him in trouble. Temple authorities see his teachings as threats to the very fabric of Jewish social life. 38
    Maryam’s jaw clenches. She starts to stand, and Yeshua softly says, “No, Maryam, stay.” To Kepha, he gently adds, “Brother, the heavens and earth will be rolled up in your presence, 39 why are you troubled by Maryam?”
    â€œBecause,” Kepha gestures his frustration, “she always dominates the conversation, displacing the rightful words of your true apostles.” 40
    â€œMaster,” Maryam says, starting to rise again. “I will go so that my voice does not hinder Kepha.”
    Yeshua lifts a hand to stop her. In a tender voice he says, “I tell you truly that for the rest of time you will be known as my most beloved apostle and praised as the woman who knew the All. Please, sit down.” 41
    He kisses her again on the mouth, and she sinks back to the mat.
    Kepha clenches his fists. “Lord, do you love her more than us? You kiss her often.” 42
    Yeshua sighs. “I love equally all those who walk in the spirit of the life. Here, Kepha, sit by my side and let us speak of more important things.”
    Kepha grumbles, but he sits on a mat opposite Maryam, as far from her as he can get.
    â€œNow,” Yeshua says, “let us get to the business at hand. Yosef? The Council recently met?”
    I walk forward. “Yes. They’re very worried about you. Your movement is attracting increasing numbers, and the Council fears that during the Pesach feast there may be a riot. Many of the uneducated are already shouting that you are the messiah, the ‘annointed king’ who will overthrow the Romans and restore the Jewish State.”
    â€œI have never said that, Yosef.”
    â€œI know, but it’s difficult to control such feelings of Jewish nationalism. The