Saturday, March 8
Tobias
Cana, the vineyard of Tobias, cousin of the apostle Nathaniel.
Tobias had put in a good morning’s work in the vineyard. As he walked back to the house, his mind was on a hearty lunch and a siesta. These plans were interrupted, however, by the sudden arrival of an unexpected guest.
“Nathaniel!” he shouted. “Welcome, cousin! It’s been almost two years since you’ve come by. What news do you bring? How are your studies with the Teacher going?”
“Greetings, Tobias! You can’t imagine how much I’ve learned. I wish I could sit down and share his words with you, but that would take days. There will be time for that later. Tobias, I need to ask for a favor.”
“Ask away. You can have whatever you want – except the vineyard. That has to stay in the family.”
“I don’t need things, cousin. I need you. You know that the first time I saw the Teacher, I knew he was the Messiah, the one who is going to restore the kingdom to Israel. In our early days together, he would say his time had not yet come. Now that time is here. He is preparing to go to Jerusalem for the Passover.”
“You all go up for Passover every year.”
“This year is decisive, Tobias. The kingdom will be declared. All of us in the Twelve are sure of it.”
“But, surely, you know the danger. The Roman troops are quick to smash any hint of revolt. The Temple leaders– even here in Galilee we hear the stories – are banded together against Jesus. You may all be killed.”
“They are strong and we don’t hide our eyes from that fact, but Jesus is stronger. He has an inner power that will defeat them all.”
“What do you want me to do?”
“Come with us. I talk boldly but there is a little core of fear I can’t put by. Join us as we march to Jerusalem. Stand with us against our enemies. Be with us at the Passover.”
“I’m not a fighting man. I grow grapes and make wine. But I have seen the Master’s power firsthand and I wish to stand with him. So, I’ll come with you.”
“We’ll have to leave at once to join the others on the road. There will be many walking with us.”
“It will be a peaceful army marching to restore the Kingdom without the shedding of blood. Our Passover will be a festival of joy. I will bring the wine. There was a wedding here not long ago where excellent wine was served toward the end of the celebration. I still have some jars of that wine left. I will bring it with us to our feast.”
Guy Johnson