Sometimes, as we read Scripture, we don’t always see, much less think about all the people involved. Last week, we left Aphiemi making excuses to his wife and walking down the streets of Jerusalem to meet a former lover. After their romantic evening, he was about to leave for home.

“Our time together should be worth something, don’t you think?” Marnah hinted.

Aphiemi looked puzzled. “Worth something? What do you mean?”

“Well, you wouldn’t want your wife to know about this little get together, now would you? Three denarii should take care of things.”

“Why you little slut…”

“Uh, uh, let’s be careful. Your precious elders at the Temple would be very disappointed in you.”

Aphiemi’s temper flared, but he could see that he had been trapped. He jingled some coins from his money pouch and threw them on the floor as he stormed out.

How dark the streets were as he shuffled along on his way home—dark as the sin that hung on his shoulders. But more than shame, he felt anger. How dare her trick me in such a way. She will regret this. His mind raced as he tried to think of forms of retaliation, but his thoughts were merely a jumble of revenge with no clear action.

The days wore on. Aphiemi made it a point not to see Marnah again. The money may have taken care of her threats, but not his bitterness.

One day, as Alphiemi came near the Temple, several Pharisees were engaged in a robust discussion about the preacher from Galilee who had caused quite a stir among the people. The leaders had questioned him on several occasions, trying to trip him up, for he had gained quite a following with the people of Jerusalem as well as the crowds throughout Judea and beyond. Every time the religious leaders set a verbal trap, this Jesus caught them instead, making them look weak and feeble.

The next day, Aphiemi observed the teachings of this intruder to the city.

Do not think I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them… You have heard it said, “Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgement.” But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgement… You have heard that it was said, “Do not commit adultery.” But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:17, 21, 22, 27, 28

The intent of Jesus’ teaching went right over Aphiemi’s head. Instead, the wheels began spinning in his mind until he had concocted a perfect plan. He shared the details of his plan with one of the more vocal, angry Pharisees.

“So you see,” Aphiemi concluded, “if the teacher says to stone her, we can let the Romans take care of him, for they, of course, will not allow us to carry out death sentences. And if he says that we should not stone her, we can say that he is going against our law.  “

“Excellent!” cried the Pharisee. “But how are we to set up such a scene?”

“Just leave that to me.”

And so, Alphiemi proceeded with his diabolical plot. With a sly grin, he marched off to find a strapping young man who might like to have an exciting evening.  

Now I will give the Pharisees their revenge and, at the same time, have a satisfying revenge of my own. 

Have you guessed this episode in Jesus’ experiences with the Pharisees? Stayed tuned next week for the rest of the story!

~ Joyce ~