Chapter 6 of 15
Later that evening, as I was preparing for bed, Caiaphas entered my chamber and inquired after my injury, about which he had just been informed. He inspected my ear, and I told him of the events in the garden of Gethsemane as best I could. I told him of the sword-wielding disciple and of Jesus ordering him to put up his sword; I told him of the concern in Jesus' eyes and the comfort of his touch. Suddenly, it occurred to me that I was expressing my admiration for a man whom the priest had condemned to death just a few hours earlier.
The priest read my sudden discomfort. "Enoch," he said sternly, "the man is a blasphemer. I did what I had to do. You heard what he said."
Caiaphas was a man of strong conviction, he did what he thought was right and was not one to concern himself with the opinions of others. But now he looked at me in a manner that suggested that he was not so much stating the truth as he was seeking my approval.
But although I sympathized with my master's terrible responsibility, I could not bring myself to agree with him. "There was much noise and confusion in the council chamber," I pointed out. "It was difficult for me to hear what was said." I hesitated, but then I decided to speak my mind. "In fact," I added, "I am surprised that anyone could hear what was said."
Now I must tell you, my brother, that my master had always encouraged me to speak openly and plainly when we were alone. However, he seemed at first hurt, and then angry, and I feared that this time I had overstepped my bounds. But then his expression softened, and he sighed. "Enoch," he said, "my heart is heavy with the knowledge that I must send this man to his death. But I am a servant of the Lord, and I do His bidding, just as any faithful servant does the will of his master."
The rebuke was clear, yet I persisted. "But how can you be certain," I asked, "that you are doing the will of the Lord? How do you know that God does not want Jesus to live?"
"After the visit of Pontius Pilate, I knew not what to do," my master said. "And so I asked the Lord to send me a sign. Do you remember?"
I assured the priest that I did.
Joseph Caiaphas leaned forward and touched my arm lightly. "If the Lord did not want Jesus to die," he asked, "then why did he send Judas Iscariot to my door?"
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©2004 Henry Charles Mishkoff