Tales of Two Men

By Bob Blenk

It was the ' Greatest Story Ever Told'. The story of the birth of Christ as seen through the eyes of two men, both named Joseph. One was a simple carpenter, the other a rich trader from Arimathea. Follow their joy, sorrows, hardships, and especially their loves, as the threads of their lives overlap amidst the epic events unfolding around them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bob Blenk
• Release date: Dec 28, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310731884

Book preview

Tales of Two Men

Published by Bob Blenk at Smashwords

Copyright 2015 Bob Blenk

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FOREWORD

This is the tale of two men. Born on the same day, but a few leagues apart, they were given the same name.

By all accounts they were not the most famous or acclaimed men of their time. Still, their contributions were significant. Though they were destined to meet but once, that meeting would also be significant.

I will not try here to explain the complexities of how their stories came down to me. I will just try to relate them as simply and clearly as I can. I will leave it to the reader to decide on their likelihood and veracity.

CHAPTER ONE

My name is Joseph, son of Jacob of the tribe of Juda, direct descendants of David. My childhood was relatively free and easy, full of the usual things...work, play, learning and prayer. Mostly full of good memories. It seemed to have passed quickly, however, and was gone almost before I knew it.

The real beginning of my story lies on a perfect day late in the year of my twenty-third year. I can still remember everything in clear detail as if it happened only yesterday, though so much has happened since.

I had at the time what I thought was the best life any man could want. I was young and strong and happy. I had work that was fulfilling, working in Jerusalem on the restoration of the temple. I had always been good with my hands, seemingly able to build things effortlessly. I don’t know how to explain it except that it just came naturally by the good grace of God. I could always picture what I was going to make in my mind even as I was working on it. I was often entrusted with the hardest, most intricate jobs, an honor which I continually strove to be worthy of.

It was late afternoon on this particular day. It was warm for so late in the year and new life was flowering everywhere. I took in the sight and smell of it as I started out for home.

My stride was quick and long, and filled with the joy of a tough job just completed. My pack felt light on my back and my staff easy in my hand, and as I went along I realized that I had never felt so good, so strong. A small breeze touched my face and the world indeed seemed almost perfect as I cut through the gardens... I had no idea that my whole world was about to change completely.

I had not gone far into the gardens when I suddenly encountered a maiden, one of the maidens in residence devoted to the services of God. She was picking flowers. She had her left arm full and her veil pulled back as she worked. As I passed between bushes on my way I almost ran into her.

I knew who she was. I had seen her before, but only from afar. Never close up.

We stood and eyed each other for a moment, and I confess, I was at a loss for words. I didn’t know what to say, or even if I should say anything.

She smiled and I truly believe that in that instant she took my heart away.

She had dark hair and a perfect face and those deep, clear, blue eyes that would forever seem so soft and caring.

She spoke first.

It’s okay. I am permitted to talk to others as long as it is not for too long. We are not allowed idle time, you know. You are Joseph, son of Jacob, are you not?

Yes, I answered faintly. All that strength I had felt just moments before was suddenly gone, and my legs felt weak as I stood there near her.

I am Mary, daughter of Anne and Joachim.

I know, I said, nodding in agreement.

You seemed in quite a hurry. Where are you coming from, and where are you going?

Finally, with my voice returning I answered more strongly.

I work on the restoration of the Temple and I am on my way home. I often take this shortcut through the gardens.

I’m glad you did.

She smiled again and once again my legs felt weak.

She pointed to my staff and reached towards it.

It’s beautiful. May I see it?

I gave it over and she touched it delicately, fingering the flowers which were painted over the fine wood finish about halfway up.

Lilies are one of my favorites, she said. They almost seem to come to life here. Is this your work?

Yes. I made it for a friend of my mother’s; but sadly, she passed away last year. I was there near the end and she asked me to take it back to remember her by.

I’m sorry for the friend, but it is fine work. You should be proud

"Thank you. I am.

Would you like it? I offered.

Oh, no.

She handed it back quickly and stepped back a pace.

I have no need of it here. You will need it more than I.

We eyed each other again in silence before...

How old are you? She asked, almost shyly.

Twenty-three, I answered, standing a little straighter.

Ah, Twenty-three.

She winked, then laughed. A short, melodic, pleasant laughter.

You don’t look so old, she teased. Perhaps a beard would help.

I touched my face, rubbing the chin in playful thoughtfulness, caught up at once in her mood. A beard. You may be right. Perhaps I’ll try that.

She appeared younger than me, but her eyes had a sense of agelessness. Not knowing if I should ask her age, I asked the next thing that came to mind.

How long have you been here?

I’ve spent the last eleven years here, but I will be leaving soon, she said, pausing to look to the ground before continuing. In fact, the choosing of my prospective husband is to take place in a few short weeks. There is to be a meeting of the priests and the eligible men which they deem suitable for me. Since my parents are gone, it will be for them to decide then upon the most suitable.

She looked up again and into my eyes...and a feeling passed between us with that look.

Perhaps you could come, she said.

Not perhaps, I heard myself respond. Nothing could keep me away.

Good, she answered, clutching the flowers closer to her side. I must go now. I will see you then.

She turned before I could answer and started off. I just stood there and watched her go. She turned back around once and waved with her one free hand.

Don’t forget to bring your staff, she called. Everyone must bring one.

Okay, I won’t.

I waved in return and my hand stayed in the air for a moment even after she was gone.

My stride was still quick and strong as I continued on my way, but perhaps just a little slower as I reflected back on what had just transpired. I smiled to myself. Funny, my perfect day had just become a little better...and I felt happier than I’d ever thought I could as I strode on.

CHAPTER TWO

I’ve heard it said since that it was all predestined. I’m sure it was but it certainly seemed anything but as the next few weeks passed by. Things would have been so much easier if I could have looked on it as such.

In a way the days seemed to pass so slowly as I thought and wondered at what my chances really were...and how badly I would feel if I were not chosen. Strangely, at the same time, the weeks seemed to just fly by as I thought of all the things I should do before the noted day arrived.

In the end I did what I could to make myself as presentable as possible. I wore my best robes and groomed myself impeccably...down to the last whisker of my new borne beard, which itched incessantly as I walked that day to the temple. My steps were anything but sure and light as I went.

The gathering was in a small meeting room not far from the entrance. I entered to find almost everyone already there. At a glance, the prospective husbands numbered approximately twenty-five. They were grouped together in the middle of the room, some seated, some standing.

Four priests sat at the front of the room with Mary seated to their side. Her face was veiled and her eyes were stolidly aimed at the floor. A few onlookers sat in seats along the wall to my left.

The room was light and airy, with both streaming in from a pair of windows at the back. I was glad for the fresh air as I quickly took a place at the far end of the suitors. I remained standing and looked them over once quickly. They ranged in age from somewhere near my own, up to almost forty. In learning and education I guessed that I ranked in the lower half; and in acquired material possessions I knew without doubt that I fell at the very bottom. I had guessed at all this before coming, but still, to have it all ascertained made my heart feel heavy indeed.

I stole a glance up towards Mary. Her eyes were still affixed on the floor. She hadn’t moved. As once again I sensed her total beauty my heart seemed to skip a beat; and as I watched she chanced a quick glance at me. Her eyes came straight towards me and for just an instant they held my own before falling back to the floor. Still, I sensed a smile beneath the veil and I’m sure my heart skipped another beat. I stood a little straighter and unexplainably felt a little better, as if sensing that somehow things would work out my way after all.

No one talked and the room stayed inexplicable quiet for several minutes until one of the priests took a couple of steps forward and began speaking.

I guess we are all here, he said. We thank you all for coming. As you know, we are here to choose a husband for Mary, daughter of Anne and Joachim, one of our daughters here at the temple.

He stopped and looked to the other priests before continuing.

"We had hoped from previous spiritual indications that there would be some sign today to help guide us; but lacking that we would ask you one at a time to step forward, state your name, and speak