After the loss of Seth, Joash and Zebina began to settle into a comfortable routine. Zebina noticed that Joash seemed to accept Jesus’ new positon in life which didn’t include him, but once in a while Zebina would see that far-off look, as though returning to the friendship he had with Jesus so long ago.
John, Joash’s neighbor, had become a good friend and helped Joash again with the next harvest time. John walked with Joash each year to the festivals in Jerusalem. Zebina began noticing that John’s sister, Elizabeth, seemed to be in Joash’s company more and more. It brought a smile to Zebina as she pondered the possibilities.
One day, Joash came in to report news from John’s uncle in Capernaum. “He says that Jesus healed a blind man and a deaf man last week.”
Another week Joash reported, “John’s uncle said that a large crowd gathered to hear Jesus speak by the sea. He talked about loving people, not judging. I thought the Messiah was suppose to come and take us out of bondage to the Romans. I don’t see Jesus being a warrior and leading a battle.”
“Perhaps that is not what God intended,” Zebina said. “Perhaps Jesus has come to be a warrior for our hearts and not our swords, for good and not evil.”
Joash wore a worried expression. “But, Mama, people that Jesus talks to are beggars, tax collectors, even lepers!”
“He cares for all people, Joash. He wants them to know the love of God, not focus on the judgement of men.”
Joash said no more. He had closed up the discussion. Zebina longed for Jesus to come see Joash as much as Joash did. If Jesus came to talk to him, Joash would understand.
The time for Passover was drawing near. Zebina so loved this time when Mary and friends from Nazareth would pass their way in Nain, and they would join together. Zebina would have several days with Mary, talking all the way there and back.
When the day came for making the journey to Jerusalem, Joash took out his horn. When he saw the group from Nazareth in the distance, he blew his horn to alert them that they were ready. The people of Nain had long ago adapted the idea of walking together with the Nazareans.
Zebina remained totally absorbed in discussion with Mary, but later, she glanced over to see that as Joash walked with John while Elizabeth stayed close at hand. Zebina had told Mary about the blossoming friendship, so she nudged Mary. Mary broke into a smile as she spied Joash and Elizabeth laughing together. But then she heard Joash telling John that maybe Jesus would be at the Passover festival.
Mary shook her head to Zebina. “I rather doubt Jesus will be there. It’s still early in his ministry. It’s as though he feels an urgency to get around to every village in Israel. But, I never know where he might be.”
They rounded the hill and there, in all her glory stood the beloved city of Jerusalem. The Temple gleamed in the distance as many people stirred around joining friends and relatives. Passover festivities would soon begin. Zebina noticed Joash scanning the crowds, always searching for his friend.
Through the week, they stayed with Zebina’s cousin, but Joash insisted that he go into the city every morning. Each evening he came back without seeing Jesus. The last evening, Joash came in most diappointed. “What is it, Joash? What’s wrong?” Zebina asked.
“When I went close to the Temple, the people talked about seeing Jesus, hearing him preach, watching him heal a deaf man—and I missed it! I missed it all.” Joash hung his head, nearly ready to cry.
“I’m so sorry, Joash.” Zebina tried to comfort him, but he went on to bed.
~ Joyce ~
go to passover maybe see Jesus
disappointed – no Jesus
marry