Curtis Klingle

Meeting on the Road to Bethany

Imagine yourself in first century Palestine. It is the first day of Passover and you have just left the Temple Mount via the Sheep Gate on the north side of the Temple complex. You took this exit so you could take in the view of the Mount of Olives on the eastern side of the city while on your way to your lodgings. Jerusalem is so busy during the festivals that it is rare that one can find a room. Fortunately, you have secured a place to stay with a family in the little town of Bethany.

It seems everything is in bloom. Wisteria is growing along the walls of houses with their beautiful elongated purple blossoms. The almond tree blossoms have transformed into fuzzy green almonds. Mustard grass and its yellow flowers line the roadway. Olive trees with their silvery leaves stand regal on the Mount. Tulips, irises, and roses as far as the eye can see. And fruit tree blossoms fill the air with their intoxicating scents. This time of year is beautiful and one cannot help but think of Him who created it all. 

As you travel east, your path leads you between the Mount of Olives on your left and the Mount of Offense, also known as the Mount of Corruption on your right. You think about how it acquired its name. Solomon, deemed to be wisest of all men, constructed temples to Ashtoreth there. A tragedy on a grand scale committed by none other than the son of David. Sadness creeps into your heart as you pass between. Man is so easily swayed.

The road is dusty and rutted. It is a well traveled path and is littered with debris from the numerous travelers. Animal dung is scattered about and one must be careful where one steps.

You reflect upon your visit today. The whole city had been astir. There had much talk of one claiming to be the Messiah, a man named Jesus from Nazareth. Many truly believed that He is the one spoken of in the prophetic scrolls. They said that He performed miracles. He had cast out demons, healed the sick, restored the sight to the blind, and even raised the dead. In fact, one that He raised from the dead was someone named Lazarus, and this man supposedly lived right where you are headed in Bethany. So many talked about him and there was much excitement in the air. Many asked you if you thought that this Jesus would be at the festival. You could only reply that you had no idea.

But not all were pleased with this Man. Apparently, He had entered the Temple grounds and turned over the tables of the money changers. You were told that He took a whip and drove out all those who sold the sacrificial animals and exchanged foreign currency for the temple currency, cheating pilgrims to the holy city under the all seeing eyes of members of the Sanhedrin. From what you could gather, this same type of event happened a while back, making this His second afront to the religious elite and hindering their ability to line their pockets through the dishonest proprietors. It was actually humorous as you thought about it; that He forcefully drove out the marketers, but was gentle with the beasts. You reflected upon this for a moment and remembered the lucrative prices they were charging for the animals. Jews cheating other Jews! Outrageous and shameful! You exclaim to yourself, “I’m glad he drove them out!”

As you walked through the city you couldn’t help but overhear the talk among the religious rulers. They did not even try to conceal their scornful disdain and hatred of this Man. You had been around these types enough to know that anyone who differed with them would be the subject of their wrath. The contrast between their opinion of Him and that of the common folk was remarkable. While the latter were curious and some actually adored Him, the religious elite abhorred Him. It was obvious He was a threat to their rule. While they didn’t say it, at least not while you were near enough to hear, it was apparent that they intended to do Him harm, probably much worse. For all of the pomp and flaunting of their religious views these men were evil and held despicable intentions.

Your lodgings are only about two miles from Jerusalem and you are nearly halfway when you realize that you have been lost in your thoughts. You see other travelers heading west, coming from Bethany that are still some distance away, but it is obvious that it is a small group and there is one walking some distance in front of the others. As they draw closer you see that they are Jews, it is obvious from their garb. The solo man out front appears to be leading twelve others.

As the Man in the lead approaches, He abruptly stops in front of you. The other twelve also stop but do not approach; it is as if they are giving you and Him privacy. There is nothing remarkable about this Man, at least not initially. He is of average height and build, He is muscular, likely from years of physical labor. He is not handsome, but not ugly either. You notice that His hands are a working man’s hands. There are small scars clearly visible on His fingers and backs of His hands, and as if on cue, He rolls His hands over so you can see His palms. They are heavily calloused and quite possibly the hands of a farmer or even a carpenter.

As your eyes move back upwards to His face, you notice that He is slightly grinning, and it is not just an openly friendly grin, but it is one of knowing. He appears to have discerned that you were inspecting Him. There is nothing notable about his face, but His eyes are filled with intelligence. And that is when you notice that it is His eyes that demand attention. You have never seen such a piercing gaze.

 He greets you, “Shalom friend. I know you are curious so I will just tell you, I was formerly a carpenter.”

It is obvious that you are bit ashamed and you momentarily look away as you feel your face flush. This only adds to your embarrassment; however, you are still curious how He knew you were trying to determine His occupation.

He asks, “How were things in Jerusalem?”

You decide to let your curiosity rest for the moment, and you answer, “The city is busy as usual this time of year, there are thousands within the city walls here for the Passover. There was also much talk of one believed to be the Messiah.”  

“Oh really? What is it they are saying?”

“Well, many spoke of miracles that He has performed and that they believe He is the one foretold to save our people.”

“Anything else?”

“The religious leaders do not like Him and I believe they mean Him ill will. I prefer to steer clear of that lot. Oh, by the way, if you are meaning to stay in the city you will not find a room. I had to secure one in Bethany a few days ago.”

“Finding a room will not be an issue. My disciples and I will be staying in an upper room at an inn within the city walls.” 

You look at the Man inquisitively and ask, “Disciples? Are you a teacher?”

“Yes. Yes, I am. Forgive me for being rude. I am Jesus.”

You mouth must have dropped open because the man’s, I mean Jesus’ grin has now become a chuckle. “I am sorry Teacher. Are you the Man the people are talking about then?”

“I suppose so.”

“Teacher, as I just said, I believe the religious leaders mean to do you harm, possibly kill you.”

“Yes, I am well aware of their intentions friend. But what they don’t understand is that they cannot harm me outside of the will of My Father. I am going to Jerusalem to die, but not at their hands. I am going to give my Life so that many can be reconciled to our Father in Heaven.”

Taken aback, you stutter, “Wha, wha, what do you mean?!”

“I am the Messiah. I am the One spoken of by the prophets. Contrary to what many believe, my mission is not to destroy the Roman occupiers but to redeem My people, and not just them, but all who My Father has called.  That can only be accomplished by a perfect sacrifice, and that sacrifice is Me.”

You study His face to see if you can detect madness because surely, He is mad to speak this way. But you see nothing but sincerity. “So, you are going to Jerusalem with full knowledge that you will be killed?”

“Not killed my friend, I willingly lay down my life for all men.”

You know the typical mode of capital punishment is crucifixion and it is cruel beyond comprehension. Why, just outside and to the north of the western gate you viewed tortured souls hanging upon crosses on top of Golgotha. You can feel tears begin to well in your eyes as you begin to plead with Him. “Surely there must be another way?! It is plainly clear to me that you are a good man. Why would you do this?!”

“Because only a good man, the Son of Man can redeem God’s children.”

You immediately recognize this title of the Messiah from the scroll of Daniel. And it is then that you recognize that Jesus is who He says He is. “Teacher, I too believe that you are the Son of Man, the Messiah.”

Jesus smiles at you and looks at you with those penetrating eyes and asks, “Will you follow me?”

“Yes Lord, with all my heart I desire to follow you.”

“I have but one requirement of you.”

“Ask and you may consider it done Lord.”

Jesus said, “I want you to love me.”

You don’t think you heard Him correctly so you ask, “What is it you require of me Lord?”

“I want you to love me.”

You think that there must surely be more to it than that. Again, you ask, “What do you want of me Lord?”

“I want you to love me.”

Jesus then smiled again at you and you could see the love in His eyes. He turned His face back to the west and began walking towards Jerusalem. His disciples pass by as you stand sobbing in the road.

“I want you to love me.” “I want you to love me.” “I want you to love me.”

As tears stream down your face, you continue on your way to Bethany. You know that you will never be the same. He has changed you forever. And yes, you find that you do love Him.

This is what He wants from each of us. With love comes obedience and the desire to please Him. It is all about love. How will you respond when Jesus says,

“I want you to love me.”

C. Klingle