| |
Tonight I can’t sleep; I’m too excited. For two days I have spent hours at the temple listening to the Man. No longer is He just the Man, He is my Friend Jesus. His words have fed my soul, yet I long to hear more. I’ve been hungry for so long. This Passover has been a feast for me. I’ve found peace. I’ve discovered true love. This afternoon I made my decision. Tomorrow I am leaving town with Jesus and His followers. I want to hear more of His teaching. I want to minister to Him, even if I can do nothing except carry water for Jesus to drink.
Tossing on my mat I replay in my mind a conversation I’d shared with Salome this morning. I’d met her in the crowd who’d gathered to listen to Jesus. Turning to me she’d asked, “Have you ever been so touched by the words of anyone?” It was really more of a statement than a question. “And see how the children love Him,” I’d replied. As Jesus talked He often held one or two children on His lap. The story He told about a pet bird He cared for as a child was especially for His younger listeners.
Salome spoke again. “I feel drawn to this man. I plan to accompany Him tomorrow. The mother of James and John, two of Jesus’ disciples, is closely connected with Him. She cooks for the men, washes their clothes, and has decided to travel with them when allowed. She invited me to join her. Since I am a widow without children I have no other obligations. So, I’m going.”
When she paused for breath I blurted out, “Oh, may I go too? I’ve longed to follow this Man ever since I first met Him at the Jordan, but I didn’t think it proper for me, a woman, to take up traveling with a man.”
“Meet us by the eastern gate of the city at sunup tomorrow,” Salome instructed. Then we turned our attention back to what Jesus was saying. “If anyone wants to be my disciple and follow me, let him deny self, take up his cross, then follow Me.” I still don’t understand what Jesus meant about taking up a cross, but I know I want to be His disciple and follow Him. Tomorrow I’ll begin my journey with Jesus.
|
