Jacob Of Capernaum -The Witness

I.

Introduction

Although some of the characters in the story are fictional, they help bring personal understanding to the actual historical events surrounding the ministry of Jesus Christ. Using accounts from The New Testament, I will guide you through some of the key events in our Saviors life.

This work is not meant to replace, add to, or take away from the scriptures themselves. Its purpose is to inspire us all to study the scriptures more often, helping us grow closer to our Savior.

Prologue

Jacob of Capernaum, just because you are my big brother and you will soon be 15 years old, does not mean you can leave Rebecca and I here alone! Mother would remind you that you have charge of our safety while you complete this mission.

Forgive me for causing you such worry Sarah, please let me explain. I have been thinking and praying about how we can help Father and the other apostles. I feel I must try and speak to the temple guards alone.

Why must you speak to the guards? I do not feel it is safe.

I need to see if they know where we can find Joseph, the council member from Arimathaea. I believe you and Rebecca will be safe here while I question the guards.

Jacob, I am not comfortable being alone in such a public place

We will be able to see each other the whole time Sarah. If something does go wrong, you two can simply run behind this building to hide.

Why is Joseph so important, would not any council member do?

No, Joseph is said to be a great man, someone who is influential with the leaders of the Jewish people. We know he is an honest man, but more importantly, both mother and I believe he knows that Jesus is the Christ. Without his help, we see no way to save Father and the other apostles from those who would imprison or even kill them. I must find him before it is too late.

I am very worried, Jacob. What if the guards take you?

I have not broken any laws Sarah, and we are on an errand to find protection for the apostles of the lord Jesus Christ. I believe we will have the help of our Father in Heaven, do you?

Rebecca remained silent while watching her two friends talk about their faith. Sarah was playing with a lock of her long brown hair while thinking about Jacob’s question. Rebecca smiled, she had seen Sarah’s mother Rachel do the same thing on several occasions. This habit was something Sarah must have picked up from her.

Jacob patiently watched Sara too; she wrapped her finger around another lock of hair and twirled it several times before letting it fall back to her shoulder. Deep in thought, she took the same lock and started the process all over again.

It suddenly occurred to him that his sister was growing up. She was starting to look a lot like their mother who was said to be the prettiest woman in Capernaum. He was surprised at his discovery, but Jacob had to admit that Sarah was a pretty girl.

Sarah looked at Rebecca once before looking into the big brown eyes of her older brother. She knew he had great faith, but it was the comforting feeling that she received in her hart that brought forth the answer to his question.

Yes Jacob, I believe we will have the help of our Father in Heaven. By now I know that He watches over his children and He often uses others to answer the prayers of those who are praying for his help…and we did pray for help before we left camp this morning.

Sarah took Rebecca’s hand, holding it tightly. It would not be normal for two girls to be seen in the city alone, but she trusted her big brother. It also helped that she was beginning to feel like Rebecca was the older sister she had always wanted.

Rebecca smiled and squeezed Sarah’s hand In return. We will be fine, Sarah. I am the same age as Jacob and can help you if we need to run and hide.

Jacob smiled at his friend. Thank you Rebecca. If you see something unexpected is happening, try to wait here behind this building. I will return to find both of you, when I know the way is safe.

Jacob and Rebecca exchanged smiles. She too was a very pretty girl, but it was something about her green eyes that made Jacob stare at her slightly longer than he could easily hide. She was shorter than his five feet- six inches in height, and her dark brown hair framed her face in a perfect picture.

I…, I better go, he mumbled, realizing Rebecca was watching him too.

Rebecca’s smile grew even bigger as she watched Jacob move through the crowed of people toward the two guards at the temple gate.

I will soon be eleven, was the last thing he heard Sarah say as the noise of the crowd began to wash out the conversation of the two girls.

Wearing his oldest, but favorite tunic tied with a leather cord around his waist, Jacob concentrated on slowly making his way through the throng of noisy people. It was not yet mid day, but the sun was bearing down hard.

He knew what he was about to do was dangerous. The chief priest and many of the council members were against Jesus and his teachings. Anyone who helped Him would also be considered an enemy to those council members.

It is not too late, Jacob thought to himself. We could just turn around and leave right now.

Running his fingers through his light brown hair, he let the soft breeze cool him as he walked. His mind entertained the thought of giving up and returning to the Mount of Olives where his family had set up camp. The city of Jerusalem was located on top of a hill with a high rock wall around it. Jacob thought about the several gates or entrances to the city. To return to the Mount of Olives, they would have to exit the East Gate of the city. They were only one valley away from their family camp.

Jacob was suddenly jarred to one side as a man passed him in the crowed.

Oh, Please excuse me, the man apologized.

Jacob nodded but his mind was racing and his feet had stopped. A calm feeling then washed over him as one final thought stopped the confusion he was feeling.

No…, my father and friends needed me to complete this mission. I would turn back to the city before we could complete the journey to the family camp anyway, he softly admitted out loud.

That was the thought that started his feet moving again. He would just have to find the courage to press on.

I will be ok, he thought hearing only the shuffling noise his favorite sandals made on the carefully laid stones of the outer courtyard. Then he felt the calming feeling again as he closed the distance between himself and the guards posted at the temple gate.

Jesus laid his hands upon me and gave me a blessing, he remembered. With the influence of his spirit and the help of my Father in Heaven, I can go and do all that they ask of me. If I have faith, I will know what I must do and I will be guided while accomplishing each task.

Jacob smiled as the events of the past few years flooded into his mind. All the members of his family had chosen to become disciples and followers of Jesus Christ. They had all experienced exciting and wonderful things, but as an Apostle, his father had been chosen and called to be a special witness and student of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The smile on his face quickly faded, as he worried again about how the unthinkable events that Jesus had tried to prepare them for would soon come to pass. Dwelling on this event depressed Jacob, so he focused again on what he had come here to accomplish.

The temple is a beautiful stone structure, Jacob thought as he neared the gate. He looked again at the stone wall that separated the inner and outer courts. Each stone had been carefully put in place to insure it would be a strong part of the temples security. The heavy iron gate that Jacob walked toward was currently open, guarded by two of the temples own guards. When Jacob reached the top of the wide steps, he asked the guard on his left where he could find Joseph, the council member from Arimathaea.

What is your name, and the name of your father? The temple guard demanded.

My name is Jacob. I was born in the city of Capernaum in the district of Galilee.

Jacob carefully watched this gruff-looking guard for some reaction at the mention of his name, but none followed.

And your father’s name, who might he be?

James of Capernaum, he replied.

You are the grandson of Zebedee? the guard on Jacob’s right asked.

Jacob slowly smiled. His grandfather was well known and respected in this and other cities in the area. This may help me get the information I am after, he thought.

Yes, Zebedee is my grandfather, Jacob confirmed.

Grab him, the guard on his right ordered a man who was standing nearby. We will take him to Caiaphas, the Chief Priest.

As the confused citizen sprang into action, grabbing Jacob by the arm with both hands, Jacob quickly reacted to try and free himself. With a hard upward jerk of his arm, Jacob easily slipped from the grasp of his unknown captor.

As he took his first step to flee from the presence of the temple guards, Jacob looked back at his captor who winked at him and smiled. He was surprised at the actions of the man, but he now knew the citizen had taken the opportunity to let him escape.

Jacob reminded himself that these were not Roman soldiers commanding this man to grab him. Like many citizens in the district, his attacker had an obvious lack of motivation to help the guards with the corruption for which Caiaphas was now famous.

Run, Sarah! Rebecca whispered when she saw Jacob running away from the temple gate.

Jacob looked back again to see one of the guards pursuing him, but satisfied he was outrunning the large man, he glanced toward the corner of the building where he had left the two girls.

Rebecca was still holding Sarah's hand. To keep their feet from tangling in the bottom of their long skirts, they grabbed the cloth in front of their thighs and slightly lifted it as they ran unnoticed to safety.

Knowing that they were safe gave Jacob strength. He made several quick turns slipping through the people in the busy streets before slowing his pace. Then looking in both directions, he ran into a stable and crawled out the window in the back wall.

While hiding behind the stone wall surrounding the home behind the stable, Jacob prayed the two girls would be safely waiting when he returned. Catching his breath as he watched for his pursuer, several minutes went by before he was sure he had outsmarted the unfriendly guard.

Cautiously making his way back to the area where he had last seen the girls, he noticeably exhaled in relief when he turned the last corner. As agreed, Rebecca and Sarah were sitting on the back steps awaiting Jacobs return.

Jacob, Sarah cried, throwing her arms around her big brother. I am so glad to see you.

Sarah held tightly to her brother not wanting to let go. Her sobs of relief shook them both as she released all the fears and worry she had been holding inside.

We saw the man grab your arm, Rebecca interjected. It surprised me when you were able to pull away and run.

I too was surprised that I could pull away so easily. I believe that the man who grabbed me only made it look like he was obeying the guard, to keep himself out of trouble. But I could tell he had no desire to turn me over to the Temple guard, so he allowed me to escape.

We did exactly as planned, Rebecca replied. We have waited here ever since you left.

Thank you Rebecca! I saw you run around the corner as I was running and I knew you would keep Sarah safe.

Rebecca smiled at his complement and Jacob noticed that her smile made him feel warm inside. The silence that followed caused Jacob to feel uneasy. Not knowing what else to say, he decided to tell the two girls what had happened.

The fact that I was looking for Joseph of Arimathaea at all, made the men I spoke to very nervous. You saw what happened when they realized that I am the son of James, the Apostle. I was praying for both of you as I was leading that Temple guard on a quick tour of the city. I turned down several side streets and ran through a stable. Climbing out the back window, I hid and watched for a few minutes to be sure I was not followed.

Jacob paused and smiled at Rebecca. I was glad to see the two of you here when I returned.

Now it was Rebecca’s turn to feel a warm tingle inside. Again, an awkward silence followed. Jacob looked around the corner to make sure that the guard had not yet returned.

What should we do next, Sarah asked.

Jacob had a sinking feeling inside and just as if someone had spoken to him, he knew what to do. Turning toward the two girls, he quietly spoke to them.

I feel like we need to get away from here, right now! Quickly, fallow me.

Walking around the far side of the building and in a new direction, the three young disciples quickly left the area, just in time to miss the guard as he passed by their hiding place on his way back to the Temple Gate.

Sarah and Rebecca quietly spoke to each other as they walked.

Jacob; Sarah and I was wondering why you felt like we needed to leave so quickly?

I am not sure, I know God is protecting us and I always try to listen to what the spirit prompts me to do. The results are always better.

As they approached the city center, Jacob stopped to address an elderly man.

Hello, sir. We are looking for a man named Joseph, Joseph of Arimathaea. Have you by chance seen him pass by?

The old man ran a gnarled hand through his thinning gray hair before cupping his wrinkled face with his thumb and forefinger. He carefully thought before raising his walking stick to point at Jacob while replying with a raspy voice.

Joseph, you say. I have seen five or six named Joseph pass through here since this morning, but not the one you seek, he replied through crooked teeth. The Joseph you are looking for is an important leader of the Jewish people, but you may have chosen the right time to find him. He normally spends Passover in Jerusalem and my guess is he will be here before the end of the day tomorrow, if he is not here already.

Jacob smiled at the old man. Thank you for your help, he returned, grabbing Sarah by the hand. With Rebecca at their side, they quickly continued on toward the city center.

Jacob was excited! Knowing his desire to search Jerusalem was a good choice; he quickened his pace even more.

Jacob, you are pulling me too fast, Sarah complained. If I fall, it will be your fault."

I am sorry, Sarah.

The thought of Sarah falling had caused him to slow his pace again. He did not want anyone hurt because of his excitement. His thoughts went back to the events that were happening around them. He knew that what was about to take place would change the world.

We will soon witness it, he thought to himself. I have much to do in preparation. I pray we can find Joseph in time.

We will, Rebecca said to his surprise.

I must have said that last part out loud, he realized shaking his head. The pressure I am feeling to complete this assignment must be causing me to think out loud, he decided.

He looked over at Rebecca. What if I did not say that last thought out loud, he worried? Just to make sure that she could not actually hear his thoughts, he decided to test her. He would think to himself about something that would generate an obvious response of some kind, (if she could hear it.)

Rebecca has beautiful hair, he thought as they continued on. If she could somehow hear his thoughts, she had shown no response.

He then decided that a more startling test was in order. Watching her face carefully to see if a very unusual thought would cause a reaction, Jacob thought hard. You have worms in your hair, Rebecca! And, is that a spider spinning its web, too?

He could see no response. Rebecca did not even look at him after that startling thought. If she somehow could hear him, Jacob was sure the thought about the spider would have done it. He knew she was more than a little bit scared of spiders.

Relived at the results of his test, Jacob smiled as he spoke. Since so many people are going to be here for Passover Week, I think the well in the center of town would be a good place to start looking for Joseph again.

Yes, Rebecca agreed, that would be a good place to look.

After a short time, Sarah, Rebecca and Jacob slowed as they entered the courtyard where the main well was located. It was a busy place with a circular rock fence constructed around the well and a winch and bucket was attached across the top to use for pulling water up from the pool below. The rock structure served as a protection, to keep anyone from falling into the depths of the earth and it was a good place for visitors to set water pots while waiting their turn at the winch.

This well is used more than any other well in Jerusalem, Jacob observed. I am hopeful that it will be the right place to find out where Joseph is staying.

Pointing to a spot close to the well, he motioned for the two girls to sit on a stone bench, it was the only available place left to rest in the busy crowd of people.

This is a good spot to sit and wait, Sarah said. My feet and legs were beginning to hurt.

Any resting spot would have been a good place, Rebecca teased, rubbing her own sore feet.

Ha-ha! Jacob laughed with the girls as they rested from their journey.

This is the right place, he confirmed once again. While the people are drawing their water from the well, they will have no choice but to listen to my questions.

Yes, that is true, Sarah laughed again, but only if they want to get some water.

Again, Jacob smiled at the teasing from the two girls. He was enjoying the bond that they had formed. Sara was happy when she was spending time with Rebecca, even if it did make her feet hurt.

Jacob left them sitting on the stone bench so he could talk with the people that were gathered around the area. After filling their water vessels, the people would often linger to share the news of the day. As he talked to those who were not busy in conversation, he tried to listen to what was being said as well, maybe someone will mention Joseph, he thought.

Several hours passed. Asking questions of all who came to draw water at the well had gotten them no closer to Joseph than they were before they started. Jacob sat down on the stone bench beside the girls and let out a deep breath. No one knew where we could find Joseph, he said. I have found out nothing more… I am worried that we will be unable to find him in time.

Are we done? asked Sarah.

I have been thinking, Rebecca smiled, putting her hand on Jacob’s shoulder. If I were preparing for the Passover meal, I would need to go to the market place to pick up fresh herbs and other supplies.

Then why are we just sitting here? Jacob said, leaping to his feet.

Rebecca smiled, glad that he liked her idea. Grabbing Sarah by the hand, she hurried to follow Jacob down the busy street. The three soon came to an area where the buildings were still close together but the road was much wider here. The smooth stones in the ground were fit together more tightly, making travel much easier.

Although Rebecca had been here once before, it had now expanded into a much bigger market. The venders were prepared for Passover week. Their carts were overflowing with all types of items for the coming events, as well as daily living. This would be the biggest week of the whole year in this city and they had planed well. All the confusion was making the two girls a bit uncomfortable. Jacob however, seemed undisturbed as he searched for anyone wearing the type of colorful robes that Council members typically wore.

After a thorough search, neither Joseph of Arimathaea nor any of the other Council members were found among the vendors and their carts.

If Joseph were here before us, he has purchased what he needed from the market and left, Jacob scowled as he returned to the waiting girls. This is harder than I thought it would be and our time is short.

After searching more of the city streets the three travelers were feeling tired. Jacob, Sarah said, pointing to the steps of a nearby building. Can we rest over there?

With a nod of his head, Jacob led them to the front steps of a nearby home. There, he released Sarah’s hand so the girls could sit down. He however remained standing, still scowling as if at a loss of what to do next.

We still have time to find him, Jacob, Rebecca said smiling. We can still help your father.

Thank you Rebecca, he muttered back, obviously still lost in thought.

I wish I could help more but I do not know what else to do, Rebecca continued softly.

Jacob pulled himself out of his thoughts, turning his full attention to his companion. It is good to have you with us Rebecca. Talking with you helps me and I feel much better when you are here.

Yes, Sarah chimed into the conversation. I feel that way, too. Without you, I would be drug along while Jacob talked to all those people.

I’m glad you both want me here. I want to be as much help to Jesus and to your family as possible. Rebecca then smiled warmly at her two friends.

Jacob returned the smile to Rebecca. We need to go buy something to eat, he added.

That sounds good to me, Sarah anxiously chimed in, "I