JESUS

“Take your food and eat over there,” barked Nathan. The men were taking a break from digging trenches with the new shovels that Joseph had delivered the previous day. Jesus, whom Joseph had introduced as a laborer he wanted Nathan to take on, had worked alongside the others all morning. Thanks to his work with Amrit’s men, his muscles withstood the test. But Jesus was already developing a new set of calluses on his hands from his shovel’s handle.

Jesus tilted his head with a confused expression. “Why over there?”

The man gave a dismissive wave of his hand. “It is the way of our people. You are not one of us. You must not break bread with us.”

Jesus felt the sting of insult as if it had been a sharp slap across his cheek. The implication was obvious — they thought him unclean! Nathan and his workers all had lighter complexions than Jesus. Why, if they knew who he was, they’d offer him the best place at the table. The injustice enraged him. How dare they?

But before he opened his mouth to throw back a retort, Jesus heard his father’s voice in his head. Remember, you are here to learn, not to lord it over them. If they knew your true identity, they would not teach you anything. Worse, you could be taken as a hostage by bandits or Roman soldiers. Do not draw attention to yourself.

Jesus also heard Amrit’s voice telling him to use his own strengths against his opponents’ weaknesses. Do not let anger rule your actions.

With his eyes downcast, Jesus walked to the corner and sat on the ground, saying nothing. He ate the inadequate scraps of bread and fruit in silence.