formed around them and a disputation about points of the Law ensued. In his excitement Yeshua completely forgot about his family and the scheduled departure time.
He spent the day exchanging views on holy matters. As darkness fell he moved with others to the sleeping area for pilgrims at one side of the outer courts. On the following morning he rose, excited for more conversation. He had lost all thought of his parents and the people from Nazareth. Three days passed in this manner.
As newcomers drifted into the circle around him each day, there was quiet derision from the younger men who had come to see this young bumpkin from the north.
“Nazareth,” they murmured, proud of their Yerushalayim schooling. “Not exactly a center of learning, is it?” They laughed their soft laughs as they nudged one another. And most of them drifted on.
But some stayed for the give and take of profound holy reflection.
“Come hear this child from Nazareth,” word from the older men went around. “He is a prodigy of wisdom. Truly a blessing from the Lord!”
Yeshua was involved in an exchange with one of the older rabbis, the one with wise eyes, early in the morning of the fourth day when he suddenly saw his father striding toward him. As he saw the dark thundercloud in Yosef’s face, he realized with a shock that he had completely forgotten all the Nazarenes and the departure for home.
Yosef waded through the circle of men around Yeshua and gave him a hard shake.
“Your mother and I have been searching high and low for you. And here you are, when we thought you had been eaten by wild animals!”
“Father, forgive me. I completely forgot.”
Still holding his son, Yosef looked around at the circle of men. “We were with the Galilean encampment—a large group of people of Nazareth. I believed my son was with the other youth, and only after two day’s journey did I realize he was nowhere to be found. What happened?”
Several men drifted away, not wishing to be part of an acrimonious reunion. But the wise-eyed man spoke quietly.
“We thought he was staying each night with a relative. He has amazed us daily with his knowledge, which he surely must have learned from you, his father.”
Oblivious to the remark, Yosef pulled Yeshua aside and growled at his son. “And you, young pup, what do you have to say, yes? Speak up!”
“I am in my father’s house,” Yeshua protested.
“How can you say such a thing!” Yosef gave his son a shake.
“I don’t know. The words just came to me.”
Yosef stared at his son. He loosened his hold and walked several steps away. When he turned back he spoke in a calmer voice.
“Come, son. Your mother and the family are waiting.” He gestured toward the outer courts, where the women and children were allowed during the day. “I do not wish her to worry for one moment longer.”
Yosef nodded goodbye to the older man. He and Yeshua hurried to the pillared entryway. Miriam stood there, wringing her hands. She rushed to meet them, ignoring the frowns of men in the inner courts. She gave him a fierce hug and then pulled back.
“Child, why have you treated us like this! Your father and I have searched everywhere for you. How anxious we have been!”
Yeshua said to both parents, “Why were you searching for me? Didn’t you know I must be in my father’s house?”
Miriam loosened her hold and looked at Yosef.
“The words just came to him”, he said. Yosef shrugged. He turned to Yeshua. “Come, son. It is time to go home.”
They turned and started off through the crowded area. Some of the bystanders regarded them quizzically.
Miriam walked behind her husband and son, ignoring the looks. She was pondering Yeshua’s words. She stopped and turned to look back at the inner courts where he had been safe all the time they searched for him. She turned around and ran to catch up with the others. Her eyes were filled with wondering.
Chapter 6
The shop door creaked on its hinges as it swung open part way, awaking Yeshua from his reverie. He shook his head to clear the memories of the long ago trip. Yehudah peered in at his two oldest brothers. “How are things in the toy shop?”
“Go away, brother,” growled Yaakob. “Men are working.”
“Of course! And to which wealthy merchant do we owe thanks for this particular delight?”
Yaakob lifted the plane he was using in his young brother’s direction.
“Those who put food on our table are not to be mocked.”
“Oh, pardon. Perhaps you will allow me to borrow one of your fine wheels to roll about in the street.”
“Hold on, hold on, you two,” warned Yeshua. He had stopped his own work and gazed speculatively at Yehudah.
“I think you are ready to join our work. Why don’t you come apprentice with us? Begin by keeping the count of supplies needed for projects in the bins and on the shelves. Sweep up at the end of day. Make sure the tools are stored properly.”
Yaakob snorted.
“Indoor work!” sneered Yehudah. “I’d rather work in the fields. Overseer of the shepherds of our flocks is what I call real work. They need overseeing. They’re as stupid as the sheep.”
“Ba-a-a-a,” replied Yaakob.
“Stop it now, both of you,” Yeshua commanded. “Yehudah, what prompts this interruption?”
“Our kinsman Yohannon has arrived, wilder-eyed then ever.” Yehudah pinched his nose, and laughed. “Bringing with him such a rankness of stink that he must have forgotten to bathe for a week or more.” He turned his head and sniffed loudly. “Ah, I smell him coming now.”
He retreated, closing the door. They heard his voice greeting their kinsman and a rap on the door, followed immediately by its opening.
“Cousins! Greetings to you in the name of the Lord Most High!”
Yaakob grunted and turned back to his work, but Yeshua lay down his tool and crossed the room to embrace Yohannon.
As he drew back, Yeshua grimaced. “Kinsman, a good bath would make you more welcome as a guest.”
“Ah, straightforward as ever!” Yohannon laughed. “Until three days ago I was as sweet-smelling as any bride might wish her groom to be. I have kept company with the Essenes in the wilderness. So intent on purification! Not satisfied with washing their hands before eating, they bathe before every meal in special pools! My flesh was in danger of becoming wrinkled by so much physical application of cleansing.”
“Should have stayed,” muttered Yaakob, his eyes surveying the even smoothness of his plane on a long piece of wood.
Yohannon
