Joash and John made good time in reaching Nazareth by early evening. Joash slowed his pace when they approached the field and house that once belonged to his family. “That’s where I used to live,” he told John. Happy times with Jesus flooded his thoughts. Just down the path, they would be united again.
Joash first saw one of Jesus’ sisters. “Joash!” she called out. “What are you doing here?”
“I need to see your mother.”
“She’s at the house preparing the evening meal.”
Joash’s legs felt weak as he stumbled along, his emotions stirring with the dread of telling his heartbreaking news. Tears already slipped out as he called her name.
Mary’s eyes lit up when she saw him. “Joash!” she declared. “What a wonderful surprise.”
“Mary . . . ” Joash could hardly speak. Mary quickly realized something was wrong. She hurried to him with outstretched arms around his waist. He leaned over her shoulder, accepting her support. His body shook with anguished sobs.
She held on to him and finally asked, “What is it, Joash? What has happened?”
“My father . . . I heard him cry out in the field. I ran to him, but he fell to the ground.” Joash burst into tears again.
“Come, Joash, sit here on the stool.” She helped him. He leaned over on the table while Mary patted his arm. “Now, take a deep breath.” She waited until he settled a bit. “You said your father was not well and you went to him?”
“I tried to talk to him, but he did not say a word; he just laid there. Oh, Mary . . .” Mary held his hands. “He’s gone, Mary. Papa is gone.”
“I understand, Joash. This is a dreadful burden to bear. I’m so sorry. And your mother?”
Joash looked at Mary with tear-stained eyes. “She asked us to come here and tell you. She wants you to come to Nain.”
“Of course. Yes, I will go to her.”
“Where is Jesus?” he asked.
“I’m sorry, Jesus is not here. He has begun his ministry and goes from town to town preaching and teaching. I never know where he is until he comes back home for a visit.”
Joash heaved a disappointing sigh. He gazed out the door as though maybe Jesus might suddenly appear. But it wasn’t to be. Joash leaned over with elbows on knees and stared at the floor. Papa is gone and now my best friend has deserted me.
Mary spoke to one of her daughters who quickly prepared bed mats for the two visitors. “Come Joash. Let’s eat some soup, then you and your friend need rest after your long day. We will leave early in the morning.”
The next morning, Mary and one of her sons and one daughter joined Joash and John on the journey back to Nain.
When they all stopped for a rest, John and Joash sat together. John said, “I’m sorry your friend is not here. Did you call him Jesus? Would that be the one they call “Jesus of Nazarath?”
Joash turned his head. “You know my friend Jesus?”
“I’ve heard of him. They say he heals people. My uncle lives in Capernaum. He said Jesus preached in the synagogue one day and a man possessed by a demon came in ranting and disturbing the sermon. My uncle said Jesus healed the man right there. He cast out the evil spirit!
And on another day, people were gathering around a house where Jesus was teaching. Friends of a paralytic man wanted to carry their friend to Jesus for healing, but too many people were crowded around for them to get in. So they went to the top of the house, cleared out part of the roof, and lowered him into the house. Jesus healed the man. My uncle didn’t see it, but he knew the paralytic man. When he saw the friend later, sure enough he was walking!”
~ Joyce ~