MARY, THE FAITHFUL ONE
33 AD – Sabbath Anointment – Bethany, Judea

The next day, Mary found Jesus happily telling stories to a group of laughing children of the neighbors. He was relating to them a tale of a proud camel trying to squeeze through an eye of an needle at the end of which, Mary could not help but join them in both gleeful laughter and applause. Then, Simon Peter entered with Judas Iscariot in tow.

“Master, there are guests waiting for you,” said Judas. By his tone, Mary heard a little irritation. In her heart, she knows she should not judge, however there is something about Judas that makes her wary. But then again, Jesus chose him to be one of the Twelve… so, what does she know.

“Lord, I know you love children, but I have to agree with Judas.” It was Peter speaking this time, a little sheepishly. Mary smiled inside and knew what was coming.

Jesus was smiling as well. He called for a young boy to stand by his side. He then tilted his face up at the hulking figure of Peter. He got the hint.

“Yes, Lord, I remember the lesson,” Peter said quietly. But when he saw that Jesus was waiting for more, he continued on like a school boy made to give a recital. ‘Unless we change and become like little children, we will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in your name welcomes you, Lord.’ ” [Matthew 18:1–5]

Jesus smiled some more but gestured that there was more.

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in you—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!” [Matthew 18:6–7]

Mary was trying not to smile too widely.

Jesus fondly sent the children away. Then he followed Peter and Judas in.

———————————————–

If you want to support my writing, there are two options:

1. Donate $2-$5 to my PAYPAL account [click below]

DONATE TO MY PAYPAL

2. Purchase my ebook, THE CENTURION’S GOSPEL, in Amazon.com for only $1.99. The Centurion’s Gospel is the story of Cornelius Metellus, the Roman Centurion who almost saved Jesus Christ from the cross. Just click the link below.