Brother James

By Robert Condry

James longs to pursue religious studies in Jerusalem, but his older brother shows no interest in following their father's carpentry business. This means that James, as the second eldest, will have to forgo his own dreams to keep his father's shop alive. He is bitter and resentful, and sneeringly unappreciative of his brother's claims to another calling and his odd references to the father. Unless something unusual happens, it is a recipe for familiar disaster.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robert Condry
• Release date: Dec 30, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465911780

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Brother James

By

Robert A. Condry

Published by Robert A. Condry at Smashwords

Copyright 2011 Robert A. Condry

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CHAPTER 1

There was a steady wind blowing out of the west, which meant that, as designed, it swept through the carpentry shop of Joseph. The shop faced east, but it was open on three sides to take advantage of the prevailing winds. The weather in the area was much too hot for working indoors, though Joseph was forced to do some of his finishing work there because of the blowing dust and sand.

The shop was attached to the house where Joseph kept his family, but consisted of little more than a wood and straw roof supported by wooden pillars, without walls and with only a dirt floor. There were canvas walls rolled up and tied to the roof, which canvas could be lowered in case of the very rare rain or heavier winds. On this day the walls were up, and the shop open to the elements.

Joseph was not there, being out delivering an ornate chair made for the local rabbi. He delivered only to certain customers, it being to his advantage to simply wait for them to come to his shop to collect their merchandise. In that way they would not receive the product they contracted for without first paying their money. He delivered to the rabbi because he was a personal friend, because he trusted the rabbi to be able to pay, and because he liked to have his wares available for viewing in the rabbi's much frequented house.

While he was out, Jesus and James were working in the shop: Jesus completing another, simpler chair for a poorer customer, and James a small sled that could be dragged by a donkey. Jesus had an aptitude for carpentry, and worked faster and with surer hands than his brother, who had come to the trade late and so was still learning some of the basic skills that Jesus had been taught as a young boy. They worked at opposite ends of the outdoor shop, which was no more than twenty feet across, their robed but cloakless backs to each other, and for the last few moments, after some desultory conversation, they had been silent.

Suddenly there was a cry from James, and Jesus turned to look at him. What is the matter, brother? he asked, finding James clutching one hand with the other, apparently attempting to staunch the flow of blood.

The knife slipped and scraped my thumb, James answered testily.

Jesus took several small steps across the small room to examine the patient, saw that the wound was relatively minor, and asked Is there something that you would like me to get for you? You will need some water and a cloth to wash and cover it with.

Thank you, that will not be necessary. It is only a small wound, and the bandages would get in the way of completing the work.

You are a durable man, James, said Jesus. You will make an excellent carpenter.

This comment rubbed against James the wrong way, and brought to the surface a resentment he had been harboring for a long time. I have no wish to be an excellent carpenter, said he to Jesus, angrily but without raising his voice to ensure that their mother did not hear. Jesus looked at him sympathetically, but said nothing.

It is you who was to be the carpenter, not I. I have always hoped to leave Nazareth and find my way in Jerusalem, but because you have shown so little interest in our father's business, he has been compelled to keep me here as well.

Jesus replied quietly and gravely. I will be about my father's business soon, James. It is nearly time.

Both brothers had turned from their work and were now facing each other: Jesus with his hands reaching out toward James, and James standing with his arms akimbo. It has been time these many years, Jesus. You should have taken the lead from our aged father long ago, yet you continue to dissipate around his shop without taking responsibility for it. You work on those chores which suit you, and leave the larger jobs to us.

James, said Jesus, you will remember that I said at age 12, when you thought me lost, that I must be about my father's business, and you expressed some doubt that I would have any business that would be related to the temple. Soon I will embark on the business for which I was brought into the world by my Father.

But why do you delay? asked James, as he began to pace the floor in front of Jesus, increasingly agitated. Why have you waited so long that I was forced to become a carpenter as well? Why could you not have made this decision years ago? You are now in your thirtieth year, and I am in my 29th. We are both late to be getting started in the business of life. Both were by now full bearded, though Jesus had lighter hair and beard than his brother. There were a few flecks of gray in the beard of James, even though Jesus, who was a year older, had none. James's large eyes were serious, intuitive, believing, particularly in the God of his fathers.

I am not my own master, James. I exist to fulfill the will of my father, said Jesus, to the uncomprehending James.

Our father has also been wondering why you have not made more progress in carpentry, replied James. It will surprise him to learn that you have been delaying because he wanted you to do so.

All will be made clear to you, brother, in good time. Have faith in me, your brother, that what I am to do I must do, and there is no other course available to me.

Why should I need to have faith in you? replied the exasperated James. You act as though you are about to begin a mission that I would not understand - that I would not be able to believe was worthy of you. Your business is to be that of our father's carpenter shop, is it not? The only question for which I need faith is that which asks when you will finally begin.

Jesus looked at his brother with a sympathy and then sadness stealing across his face. James, said he, after a pause while he gathered his thoughts, James my dear brother, there is nothing more I can say to you at this moment. It is not yet the time for me to begin my ministry. He moved closer to James, putting his hands on James' upper arms, and smiling a pleading smile. Please give your brother the faith that you owe him, and it will all be made clear to you.

James looked at his brother for a moment, before the implication of Jesus' last remark struck him. Ministry? What ministry? Do you now say that you will not be a carpenter? This was a frightening prospect for James, who, if Jesus did not go into the family business, would have to become the carpenter, which trade would probably trap him in Nazareth for the rest of his life.

Seeing that James would not comprehend, Jesus shook his head sadly, released him and walked back across the floor to where he had been working. His back was to James only for a moment, and then he turned again. My ministry will be to the lost, the poor, the abandoned, the sick, the blind, the halt, the lame - all those in need of the comfort of God, said he, firmly but quietly.

You intend to become a teacher? asked James incredulously. Why? What have you to offer? I have studied more diligently than you, yet I do not feel qualified to teach others. I am familiar with the Law of Moses, with the history of our people, with our hopes for the coming of the Messiah, yet I know that the elders are more qualified than I to teach. Why do you think you can do better?

I bring understanding - fulfillment of the law, replied Jesus calmly, in contrast to the steadily rising tones of James.

James was now beside himself. You bring fulfillment? How can this be? What do you know of how the law will be fulfilled? How can you know when the Messiah will come? Even the High Priest does not know this. No one knows. What understanding do you have that others do not? And from whence does it come?

All will be made clear to you, brother.

Again with this! James was shouting now. I want it made clear to me now. I am about to be trapped into becoming a carpenter, instead of going to Jerusalem to study with the elders as I would like, because my older brother believes he is a better preacher than he is a carpenter! This is the same elder brother who has trained all his life to be a carpenter, and has no training whatever as a preacher! Please tell me no more that 'all will be made clear to me.' Make it clear to me now! James had forgotten all about he and Jesus long standing agreement that they would not disagree when their mother was present, and his voice could be heard in the street in front of the shop. It could also be heard in the adjoining house, and, as they had always feared, their mother heard. She came walking purposefully into the shop, dressed in a light blue robe, her long, dark brown but heavily grayed hair uncovered, and, at the moment, unkempt.

What are my sons fighting about? she asked, in her usual kindly manner, tinged with a firmness that gave both sons reason to believe that she would accept no less than the complete truth. Jesus stood facing his mother but said nothing. The enraged James turned his back on her, put his hands on the waist high work bench in front of him, and waited. Mary looked from one to the other, not caring who told her what she wanted to know, but it was obvious that neither was about to. What are my sons fighting about? she demanded again, this time louder and more firmly than before.

James wheeled around quickly, fire in his eyes. I have just discovered that my plans for the rest of my life will not come to fruition because my older brother believes he will be a better preacher than he will a carpenter, said he, angrily and sarcastically.

Mary turned and walked the few steps to where Jesus stood, his hands clasped in front of him. This is to be your father's business? she asked calmly, and without reproach.

It is, Jesus replied quietly. She regarded him for a moment, looking up into his eyes, searching from one to the other, possibly in hopes of answering some long held question.

She then turned slowly and walked back across the room to James, who still stood by his work bench, though he had turned around and his arms were now crossed in front of him. Her head was lowered, as though to study the dirt floor as she crossed it. She stopped in front of him, and slowly raised her eyes to his. She spoke pleadingly and apologetically.

James, we must accept the will of God. I...I have never made all clear to you...your father and I have not explained. Here her voice tailed off, and she looked down at the floor again.

James was angrier than ever. It appears that nothing has been made clear to me, and that nothing will be made clear to me! I am to remain in the dark all my life! But I will try again. I had no luck with my brother, maybe I will with my mother. Mother: what have you not made clear to me?

Tears welled up in Mary's eyes as she looked up at James again, and she opened her mouth to speak, but she could not. She turned to run past James into the house, but he sidestepped and got between her and the door that led to the house. No, mother. Tell me what it is that you have never made clear to me. I tire of things around me, especially in my own family, not being clear.

James, Mary said, as she began to cry in earnest, do you block the way of your mother?

James clenched his teeth in rage, and breathed heavily in an attempt to control his temper. He was so angry he could not organize his thoughts to speak, and he could not defy his mother. He pounded his right fist into the palm of his left hand in rage, turned and ran from the shop out into and down the street, eventually to disappear around a corner. Mary turned in the door to look at Jesus with a mixture of love and reproach in her eyes, said only So difficult....so difficult, and then turned slowly and went back into the house.

After rounding the corner to get out of sight of his home James stopped running, partly because some of his anger was spent, and partly because he was winded. He continued walking down the street, now and then kicking the dust when some particularly injurious point occurred to him. As he walked he heard his name being called.

James, James! Over here! He looked up to see his friend Ananias, in company with his father and a small group of servants entering town from the east. His mood immediately brightened.

Ananias. You are a sight for troubled eyes. Greetings to your father and to you. Ananias was now a large man like his father, though not as bulky, probably three inches taller than James and much more muscular. He kept his curly hair trimmed to some degree because he claimed that it made him hot, but his beard now reached midway down his chest, covering his prominent chin. His gray eyes danced as always, seemingly delighted with everything that passed in front of them.

Greetings, James, to you and your family, said Ananus. He had of course grown no taller, but he was now rounder than when he had first met Joseph and his family outside the temple so many years ago. He seemed to be a little rounder even than the last time James had seen him, three months before. His hair and beard were now gray, and he appeared to be a bit stooped in his posture, but he was as merry and conversive as ever. We have come from Capernaum, and are on our way to back to Jerusalem. It is good to see you again. I trust that God has been good to you?

That he has, answered James.

Then what is this talk of troubled eyes? asked Ananias.

It is a minor family matter, and not important enough to trouble good friends with, answered James.

I am prepared to wager that it has to do with your elder brother, offered Ananias, who knew of the occasional problems that James had with his brother. What is it this time? More preaching?

It is a matter of preaching, and let us leave it at that, said James, with an air of resignation.

We are on our way to your house, as we would not pass this way without greeting your family, said Ananus, seeing that the conversation over James's troubles would go no further. They are all well, I take it?

They are, said James, and they will be glad to see you. Let us hurry there, if you have no other business, so that my mother may prepare extra places at table. James began to climb on to one of the wagons being pulled by the oxen, but before he could do so Ananias jumped down from his donkey and began to walk with James.

James, have you heard the news? My father is to be appointed High Priest in Jerusalem! It is the greatest honor that could come to a man.

I am happy for you, Ananias. It is a great honor, indeed. This should do no harm to your own hopes of being High Priest some day.

Certainly not. There can never be any harm in having relatives in the right places when one is in need of an important appointment. Let us hope that God gives him - and me, if I am to have the chance - the wisdom to preside wisely.

He has already done so, Ananias, he has already done so.

You and I have spent many hours studying the scripture together, James, and my father is aware of your knowledge and your character. Perhaps he will be able to secure a position for you there. It would not lead to your becoming High Priest, of course, but it would make a comfortable living and free you for more study.

James's eyes brightened at this prospect, if only briefly. He had wanted to live in Jerusalem since his first trip there long ago, and to be able to live there and devote himself to the study of the scripture would be the ideal existence. But his brow clouded over quickly, when he thought of the recent debate with his brother and his mother's reaction to it.

Nothing would please me more, my friend, he said to Ananias, and for you to have thought of me in this manner is more kindness than I can thank you for. But it does not seem likely for me. My brother Jesus means to become a preacher, and if he does so I will have to be the family carpenter.

So that is the nature of the problem with your brother. You see how skillfully I wormed it out of you, and without even trying. So, Jesus wishes to preach. He paused here, absorbing the information. What does he propose to teach?

I do not know. We did not get to that point. I believe that he is orthodox in his views, though it seems to me he is very optimistic about the coming of the Messiah. But he may have a gift for it; you will remember what I told you about what he was doing when we left him in Jerusalem the time that you and I first met. Some of the elders appeared to be enthralled with him.

It is unusual to hear any boy preach competently. They must have been patronizing him for that reason.

Possibly, James replied, at least that is what my father thought. There is no way to know. But it doesn't matter. He believes he can do it, and appears determined to do so. That will leave me with the carpentry shop, and force me to turn down your offer. Re-stating his dilemma irritated James again, and he let go with a rare oath.

James! I have never heard you talk so. Well, well. There seems little that can be done if Jesus is determined. Have you not spoken to your father about Jesus' responsibilities? Can you expect any help from that quarter?

I have only just learned of his intentions, though I suspected all along that he would never take up the tools of the carpentry trade. I will talk to father, but I hate the thought of going to him behind Jesus' back.

Here is another idea, James, but if you do not approve of it, say nothing to anyone and it will go away. Here Ananias lowered his voice to a conspiratorial tone, though there was enough traffic in the street that even James could barely hear him. I could persuade my father to look for a position for you immediately, and, once the offer is made to you, your father will have to keep Jesus home to work in the shop so that you may go to Jerusalem to make the family proud of you.

This scheme may work, Ananias, but it is devious. I will have to give it some thought.

By this time they had reached Joseph's house. The arrival of an entourage like that of Ananus and his son in a sleepy town like Nazareth does not go unnoticed, and they found that James' entire household was gathered in front of the house waiting for them. Greetings were exchanged, invitations to dinner extended and gratefully accepted, and the men settled down to talk while Jesus' mother prepared the repast. James glanced at Jesus and his mother once or twice, to see if he could determine what the result was from their clash of only a few moments ago, but he could see nothing. Indeed, it seemed to him that Jesus was making a particular effort to put the difference between them in the past. He spoke glowingly of James's progress in the study of the scriptures, made no mention of the incident in the shop, and expressed delight at Ananias announcement that his father would be High Priest and that he might be able to find a position there for James, since James, not being the eldest son, would have to find his own way in the world. This suggestion caught James by surprise, but he was glad to have the issue in the open.

Joseph was happy that his son should have this kind of attention from the High Priest, but he made no commitment on James's behalf.

After the meal, Ananus and his son began their preparations for departure. They had decided to stay in Nazareth for the night, given the late hour, but there was simply no room for them in Joseph's small house. As they walked outside to go to the only inn in Nazareth, Ananus said to Joseph, Remember, Joseph, my offer for James. He is learned in the scriptures, and should come to Jerusalem to continue his studies with Ananias.

It is a princely offer, Ananus, and we are very grateful. But we will have to consider it more fully, replied Joseph. This was not the best answer that James could have heard, but it gave him some hope that an arrangement might be worked out. He had no desire to defy the wishes of his father, but that was a course that would have to be considered.

When the High Priest and his retinue had left, it was late evening. The heat of the day had dissipated, and it was cool enough that Joseph and the remaining two of his sons could sit down in the house to discuss the matter. Joseph would have insisted on as much anyway, since he hated to give any outsiders a chance to overhear family discussions. They sat on the floor where they had just eaten, facing each other. The room was dark save for the light of three oil lamps.

Now, began Joseph, we must decide what it is we are going to do about the carpentry business. I am an old man now, and it is time that I handed it over to one of my sons. Three of them I have already sent into the world on their own, thinking the succession to my own business secure. Now only my two eldest are left. In our tradition, it is the eldest that inherits. Jesus: are you ready yet to take up what I have built?

Jesus looked Joseph in the eye and said to him, You know that I must be about my father's business.

At this Joseph hung his head in disappointment, but he said nothing immediately. James sat silently as well, not wanting to rush the proceedings and make himself look selfish and greedy. Still, he was shocked to hear Jesus talk of taking up his father's business when he was in the room with his father and plainly had no intention of taking up his father's business. But this aspect of Jesus' comment appeared to have no effect on Joseph. He turned to James and said:

What of you James? It is true that you are learned in the scriptures and deserve the chance to go to Jerusalem to study, but there must be someone here to keep the business going. Jesus has had his say. What is yours?

Father, James replied earnestly, you know that I have always done your will. That is why I am still at home at my advanced age - I wanted to see that your business would have someone here to manage it when you are gone. Yet as you say it is not likely that I will have another chance such as this one, and it is my desire to go to Jerusalem to study.

Joseph sighed heavily at this, evidently anticipating the difficult decision that he would have to make. With a faint, resigned laugh he observed, Have I produced such a poor family business that not even one of my sons desires it? My three youngest I have already given permission to seek their fortune, thinking that one of my two eldest would inherit my trade. And now the time is here, and neither of them wants to do so.

Jesus said nothing. James said, It is your decision, father. I will yield to your wishes. There was a tense silence for a moment, as neither brother attempted to press his case. James did note that Jesus did not appear worried about the outcome of the discussion as he was - almost as though he would go his own way no matter what Joseph said. Joseph shifted his position on his cushion, as though doing so would aid in his decision making. It did not.

The two of you are adamant, then. I must choose a career for both of my oldest sons, not merely the first. Pause. Then, with a worn voice, It is thankful that I did not build some less respectable trade or you both would have fled from home by now. Another pause, another shift on the cushions. Well, I cannot solve it at this moment. The question merely races around my brain without bothering to count the laps. I do not want to disappoint either of my beloved sons, but someone must stay. Still, there is no reason why the issue must be solved tonight. Let this be a happy time, and we will then take this issue up again.

With that Joseph turned the conversation to other matters, and Jesus seemed willing enough to allow him to do so. James joined in as best he could, but his mind was still on the developments of the day. He did not know how he would face the wrong decision by his father.

He did not have to wait long. Scarcely a week later, early in the morning after a hearty meal, James was standing in the street in front of the house talking to a neighbor when he saw Jesus, Mary and Joseph come out the front door of their own house. Seeing that Joseph and Mary appeared to have grave looks on their faces he quickly excused himself from the neighbor and went to where they stood.

As he walked up to them they all looked back at him, as though he were the only one not in on the secret, which was indeed the case. James looked from one to the other expectantly, to see which would break down and give him the news. Finally Joseph spoke.

Jesus is leaving to begin his ministry, he began, with a touch of sadness in his voice, and as if in anticipation of James's reaction, he added, and we must all wish him well.

The implications of this announcement went through his head so fast that, if asked to recount them, James would not have been able to do so. Jesus was leaving, apparently for good. That meant that James would either have to take up his father's business, or disappoint Joseph as Jesus was now doing. That in turn meant the end of his dream of moving to Jerusalem to study the scriptures under the tutelage of Ananus. Suddenly, in the space of a few seconds, James had gone from hopeful of a life in the temple studying the word of God to doomed to spending his life in the confines of tiny Nazareth chained, figuratively, to a workbench. The tedium, the long years in relative isolation, the absence of much in the way of mental stimulation, all hit James as soon as the words were out of his father's mouth, and he was too stunned to offer Jesus any word of congratulation.

He recovered himself within a second or two, and stammered out some words of good will, though it was difficult for him to feel them at that moment. Jesus appeared to understand, and stepped over to give James a hug around the shoulders and a look in the eye that James thought to be full of sympathy and love. As his mother and father hugged Jesus and wished him a safe journey, James for the first time gathered his wits about him. He noticed that, even though Jesus was apparently leaving at that very moment he had nothing with him - no food, no additional clothing, apparently no money (he wore no purse or belt for the purpose). This he could not reconcile.

But where are you going, he asked Jesus. Far away? You have nothing with you. How will you live?

Jesus looked him firmly in the eye and said, I will rely on the providence of God in heaven. He will look after me.

You will rely on him for food? For drink? For the means to put a roof over your head at night? God is great, but he also expects that we will do our part.

He does not fail to feed the birds or clothe the flowers in their finest, Jesus replied, and he will not neglect me. Plainly Jesus meant to leave Nazareth and travel through the surrounding countryside without the means to care for himself for even a single night. This was great faith indeed, or it was brazen stupidity. This last did not seem likely to James. While he had had differences with Jesus in the past, he had always admired Jesus's common sense and his ability to see to the heart of any problem. It could not be that Jesus had simply not thought to take the necessaries with him - he was intentionally leaving all his belongings, and they were few, behind.

Perhaps he was intentionally following the example of John, called by some the Baptist, and of whom James had heard recently. This John, it was said by travelers, lives in the desert eating leaves and insects, wears only animal skins to cover himself, and ceaselessly preaches the word of God to anyone who will visit him outside of Jerusalem. This was a harsh example to choose for a prophet, as not even the likes of Jeremiah and Isaiah were ascetic to that degree.

Jesus interrupted his thoughts as though he had been able to read them faster than James could think them. I neither need nor want any comfort of home, save the love that is there. These are but distractions to me, and I have no need of them. I will rely on the hand of God.

James could not be surprised with the fact that Jesus was leaving home to teach, but he was surprised to see it happen this soon. Mary began to cry openly at this moment, and it was Jesus who said,

Don't cry for me or for yourselves. I will be about the work for which I was brought into the world. There are many lost sheep, and so little time for the shepherd. With that he hugged his mother and Joseph, turned to James and hugged him, and set off on his way.

James's dilemma was a difficult one - one that, like that faced by his father only a short time ago, he would not be able to decide immediately. He hoped that some event would spare him the necessity of making that decision, though he could only think of one: the return of Jesus. He did not believe this to be likely.

His bitterness over the situation slowly ebbed, though now and again he was reminded forcefully of the circumstances that brought him to this pass. There was the day when he was working in the shop by himself, an increasingly common occurrence, when a friend stopped by to see him.

Eleazar, it is good to see you, cried James. But who is this with you? His friend was accompanied by a pleasant, beautiful young woman who looked familiar to James, but he could not place her. She covered her long, light hair with a veil, but she could not cover bright gray eyes and an open, happy expression.

And you James. This is my sister Esther. You know her. It seems as though I have been away forever, when it has only been a few weeks. How is your father's health? How is the carpentry business?

Of course I know her, but I did not recognize her. She is a grown up young woman now. How old are you now? Nineteen? You are grown. And quite beautiful. You must have an intended or a husband by now. No? Well, it will not be long - believe me. And then back to Eleazar, My father's health is not good. He continues to weaken, and you see that I am in the shop today alone. This is becoming more common. The carpentry business is good. We have more business than we can deal with most of the time. I should be happy with this situation, but I cannot say that I am. He smiled at Esther, since he was somewhat embarrassed to be discussing this private matter in front or her, and she returned his smile but said nothing.

So I understand, said Eleazar. Speaking of which, I hear everywhere of your brother. He is becoming a famous preacher.

What does that mean? I am prepared to believe that he is a traveling prophet without ever having heard him speak. What else do those who have heard him believe?

It’s hard to say. Some that he is another Jeremiah or Isaiah, or that he is Elijah come to life. There is even some talk, which he has not discouraged, that he is the one to come.

James was a faithful Jew, anxiously awaiting the one to come promised by God. He had heard of others who claimed to be the one, but he never expected some one from his own family to make the claim. It irritated him highly that Jesus would allow such talk to continue.

This is not to be tolerated, said he, enraged. He hinted at something like this to me once, and I dismissed him out of hand. How is it that he resurrects it?

"I did not say that he claimed it for himself. I have