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The heat did not rise to its usual fierce level today, so the pilgrims seemed more inclined to press on in their travels. When the sun burned its hottest, that was when the pilgrims sought to rest in the shade of the trees near the river and listen to his words, and often come forward for baptism. But when the temperature subsided, most preferred to hurry on toward their destinations.
The milder weather also offered Jesus the chance to work a bit on his food stores. He’d planted a few rows of barley and wheat, which were producing some grain. The vine cuttings he had brought from Nazareth did not survive the heat here, but he had found some others that produced a drinkable wine, if not as sweet. Irrigation had proven essential; the plants would stunt the growth of their fruit if Jesus failed to keep the soil moist. Fortunately, the river made that easier.
James and John were on their knees pulling weeds among the rows of grain. They may be Sons of Thunder, but they’ll never make good farmers, Jesus thought to himself wryly. Maybe they can learn to fish someday.
Jesus was plucking some dried leaves from his meager grapevines when he heard commotion in the trees behind him. He brushed the dirt from his hands as he went to investigate.
Matthew and two more of John’s disciples appeared, still wet from crossing the river. They appeared to have been running.
“Slow down, catch your breath,” Jesus said.
The man stood and inhaled deeply several times. “Rabbi, they arrested John!”
“Arrested?” Jesus held the man’s forearms, looking deeply into his eyes. “Romans, or Herod’s men?”
“Herod’s. They took him east into Perea, probably to the fortress at Machaerus.”
Jesus looked at the three men. “You all got away. Did the soldiers make any attempt to arrest you also?”
Matthew shook his head. “No, they had no interest in us. They took only John.”
Jesus held his chin for a moment, and then looked up again. “Wait here for a moment.” With that, he went and sat against a tree trunk with his legs crossed.
Father, will they kill John?
In all likelihood. Of course, we can always hope that Herod will thank John for pointing out the errors of his ways, and abandon his adultery with his brother’s former wife. If you consider that a strong possibility, then perhaps you could go stand before him at his court and make the suggestion.
Then John is as good as dead?
Yes. But let’s look at your situation. Do you think Antipas will allow you to continue John’s work here at the Jordan?
I see your point. John said that if Herod arrested him, it would be the same as admitting he had sinned. He would never allow me to continue John’s baptism. What do you think I should do?
What do you think you should do?
Jesus opened his eyes and rose to his feet in a single flowing motion. “Would you men be interested in seeing the wonders that Galilee has to offer?”