Joash and John, along with Mary and her two of her children, Jude and Phoebe trudged along on their final trek back to Nain.

In Nain, Zebina stood among neighbor friends who had come to console and bring food. Glancing over just beyond the wheatfield, she noticed the travelers. She recognized Joash’s stride and felt sure Mary must be in the group of five. Excusing herself from the group of friends, she strode toward the field.

Indeed, Zebina did recognize Mary among them, so she rushed to greet her long-time friend. Joash smiled as he saw the recognition in her eyes and knew the gratitude of her heart. Phoebe patted Zebina’s arm but moved on to allow the two friends to have their time of mourning together.

Joash and John sauntered on to meet the group of friends who had gathered. Jude and Phoebe trailed behind. They knew their time would come later to help their mother, Mary, make the trip back to Nazareth.

John’s father greeted the boys, asking about their trip. He assured Joash that all the arrangements had been made. Helpers had prepared Seth’s body with spices. Another neighbor had readied the open wagon to serve as a bier ready to carry Seth’s body.  Many friends had gathered to walk with them out of the town and on to the cave where Seth would be buried.

Joash’s eyes held a lifeless gaze as people milled about him. He remained speechless when others came to him with condolances. His head hung low as if in a dream. When he saw his mother coming arm in arm with Mary, he went to her side. Then he began looking intentionally through the crowd as though searching for someone.

Perhaps Jesus will come. Maybe he has heard of our sorrow and has made his way to our town. We can’t start the processional yet. Joash searched the crowd with anxious hope. But, sadly Jesus was no where to be found.

Hannah came to Mary and Zebina to usher them to the front of the processional line. Mary noticed Joash’s distraction. “Joash,” she said, taking hold of his arm, “Jesus is not here. He is likely far away. I know he would have come if had known what happened. He loves you very much.”

Joash frowned at the ground as though hope was suddenly dashed. He fought the tears, tears of brokenness at the loss of his father, tears of sorrow for his mother, and tears of resentment at his childhood friend. Just then, the wagon came into view with his father’s lifeless body wrapped in cloths. He clutched his mother’s arm to support her, but it became as much a support for himself.

Mary held on to Zebina’s other arm as they made the journey from their home, down the long path that led to the city gate, and out to a field, then the cave where they would lay Seth’s body.

By late evening, the crowd dispersed and Zebina, Joash, Mary, Jude and Phoebe ate food that had been prepared for them and arranged sleeping mats for a night of rest. The next day, Jude and John helped Joash finish up the harvesting that was most critical. Phoebe busied herself outside to give Mary and Zebina time to catch up with each other in privacy.

Mary and her family stayed a few more days to provide love and security to their dear friends. Then Jude and Phoebe took their mother home.

Zebina and Joash appreciated their dear friends, but now it was time to rest and begin putting their “what nows?” in place.

~ Joyce ~