Spring 10 A.D. – Galilee – On the Farm

There was no wind and the surface of the lake was undisturbed by waves. In the boy’s imagination the water was a giant blue cloak. The boats and ships were jewels that encrusted the cloth in gorgeous sweeping patterns. He spent all of his leisure time up on the hill that loomed over the lake’s western shore.

The slope was only sparsely covered. There were just a few straggly bushes and the occasional gnarled tree. So there was hardly anything to obscure the magnificent view. From his vantage point he could see right across to the east bank and almost all the way to the edges of the lake to the north and south.

The boy didn’t get much time to himself. Apart from the time he spent at the synagogue, at his lessons with the Rabbi, Judas was nearly always required to work on his father’s farm. He wasn’t a natural student and he even preferred the hard manual labour in the fields to trying to work his way through complicated Hebrew Scriptures and dull Greek texts. Work was calling to him now. He could tell from the height of the sun in the sky that it was time to return.

The actual jobs to be carried out depended to a large extent on the time of the year. The climate on the farm consisted of long dry summers and soaking wet winters. In the late autumn, the fields were ploughed using a wooden shaft with a sharp metal blade. Then between November and January, the seeds were planted and covered over with hoes. Compost made from wood ash and animal waste was spread liberally over the fields.

Spring saw the arrival of the harvest season. Barley was first, in April, and wheat next in May. That afternoon, Judas would be helping in the wheat fields. His father owned several large fertile strips that ran down to the borders of the lake.

The afternoon was hot and the boy’s back was aching. Sweat was soaking through his clothes. He looked back over the space that he’d been clearing. His sickle had been busy and wheat was strewn right back to the far edge of the field where his father was standing. Shielding his eyes from the glare of the sun, Judas could see him talking to two other men. From they way they held themselves, the boy guessed they were soldiers, probably Romans.

Unusual, he thought and ambled over to see why they were visiting. As he approached the group, he could hear raised voices. The first words he could make out clearly were from his father.

“I have told you repeatedly, from the time of the winter rains, that I refuse your offer. The farm has been in my family through many generations and I am determined that it should be handed down to my children.”

The senior of the two Romans dropped his shoulders in frustration.

“I cannot emphasise enough that you have no choice in the matter. Herod has already decided on the plans of the city. And your farm will be within the city walls. You will be compensated at the same rate as all the other land owners.”

Interesting, thought Judas, maybe some money would be coming the family’s way. He just hoped his father would accept. He knew from bitter experience that the older man had a stubborn streak, especially when pushed.

“I repeat again, that my land is not for sale.”

The Roman officer had by now lost his patience. He turned away from Judas’ father to begin his return to Jerusalem. He delivered a parting shot.

“You will sell your land. Herod will require it of you. You will see.”

Incensed by the soldier turning his back, the farmer reached out a hand, grabbed the fighting man’s shoulder and whirled him roughly around.

There were coordinated gasps from Judas, his mother and the farm labourers who had gathered to watch the argument. It was dangerous in the extreme to raise a hand to one of the occupying force. His father quickly learnt the lesson. The officer drew his short sword and thrust it deep into the farmer’s stomach. Twisting the blade to ensure the blow would be mortal.

Judas’ mother screamed and dropped dramatically to the ground, draping herself over her husband’s prostrate body. The Roman casually sheathed his weapon. He turned to his companion with a smile.

“Well, no need to obtain his permission now.”

As the soldiers left, the boy was left standing in shock. His mother remained weeping on the ground. Judas wondered to himself how could any God allow such wanton destruction of precious human life.