Jerusalem Revisited

By George Weisz

Mark Weber, the sole owner and chief executive of a worldwide multilayer conglomerate returned home after an exhausting week.

Quickly retiring and falling into a deep sleep, he dreamed that he mysteriously appeared in Jerusalem during the time of the final days of Christ. He was given the gift of tongues, being able to read and speak all languages. He also had the ability to converse telepathically. During his brief visit, he became romantically involved with the daughter of a biblical personality. Returning to his own bed, he was in shock when he awoke and realized that it had not been a dream.

He revisited Jerusalem as he had fallen in love with the daughter, and although he knew that it was impossible to ever see her again, he felt the urge to be close to where he had last been with her. During this trip he met two others who had an experience similar to his and on the same night. They were also granted the gift of conversing in all languages including telepathic ability.

It developed that they were the only apparent opposition to a totally capable and evil super genius, who had charmed most people of the world, and was well along in his intent to be their ruler.

Many attempts on their lives were made by the evil genius, as he was aware that only they knew the truth about him, and could ruin his well laid plans.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jun 8, 2005
• ISBN: 9781463491000

George Weisz

The author, has had much experience with writing manuals for business uses.  Since they are by nature a very dull but necessary form of reading matter, he spent considerable time and effort trying to make them interesting and even fun to read.  He adopted a story telling approach to the problem which seems to have stimulated at least some interest.  His attempt at writing this novel was to apply the same principal to putting one of his fantasies into writing.

Book preview

© 2005 George Weisz. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 05/26/05

ISBN: 1-4208-4757-0 (sc)

ISBN: 1-4208-4758-9 (dj)

ISBN: 978-1-4634-9100-0 (ebk)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2005904718

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Epilogue

About the Author

Chapter 1

Mark was finally reaching home after an all day drive from Phoenix to the California coast. Although his company owned three airplanes, including one which was capable of going anywhere in the world, he preferred to drive himself on trips less than five hundred miles. On the trip out it was relaxing to be away by himself, to get mentally geared up for the upcoming event, and on the return trip to relax and critique what had transpired. It had been a long hard day on top of five hard days. He had been running a week long corporate sales and operations meeting in Phoenix. He was the CEO and sole owner of a company of various business interests, that had worldwide branches and subsidiaries. The top officers or managers of each were present. They represented many nationalities and many languages. All meetings were conducted in English. Being fluent in English was a requirement to become an executive at any level, but they often reverted to their native tongue when talking among themselves. It was a Tower of Babel when the official meeting was not in session. Mark had made it his standard procedure to personally have a private conversation with each one at this, the annual meeting. It was an extremely exhausting undertaking.

It was dark when Mark turned into the long driveway to his home overlooking the Pacific Ocean south of the Newport Beach area of Orange County, California. He clicked the garage door opener as he entered the driveway so that the door was open when he arrived. He left everything in the car, including his clothes. He was very weary. He entered the house through the kitchen and started turning on lights. He was all alone. He had a house keeper who came in to clean and maintain the house Monday through Friday, but this being Saturday, even she would not be here. The large house had living quarters for servants, but he did not want to sacrifice his privacy unnecessarily. He really did not want or need twenty four hour attention. Besides he did not want to get further involved with the many government regulations and irritations that come to those hiring live in household help.

He was still a bachelor in his early thirties. It was not that he was unattractive to women. In fact he was a pleasant looking man and attracted interested eye contact from women where ever he went. The women he did date, had quickly cooled off when the reality of a lasting commitment exposed them to the truth that he would be gone from home, more than he would be at home They reluctantly decided that this very eligible bachelor was not good husband material even though he was an attractive and a rich man, with a very nice home. In fact he had designed the home as a place to bring a future bride. It was very much a home that needed a wife.

He stopped by to grab a can of beer from the refrigerator. which he popped open on his way to his home office. Settling back on the settee in his office, he flipped through the stack of mail that his housekeeper had thoughtfully sorted into piles as she perceived their importance to him. He ignored the phone answering machine which was blinking. Seeing nothing of interest to do in the office, he sat back and enjoyed the relaxed feeling that comes from a can of cold beer at the end of a hard day. He wandered back into the kitchen to discard the empty can. He was not hungry, as he had stopped in Riverside for a quick supper. Mark was so groggy and beaten, that he did not even feel like a second can of beer. He went to his bedroom, where he showered and put on fresh boxers to sleep in.

Mark usually attended mass on Saturday night so that he could sleep in on Sunday mornings. It was much too late for that. Tomorrow was Palm Sunday, his favorite, since as long as he could remember, even as a child. This celebration always filled him with awe, to think that the creator of the whole of consciousness, would take the trouble to be concerned about the reasonably intelligent creatures on a very minor planet. To physically become part of them for just an instant, to point those grossly inferior beings in the right direction, seemed to culminate in his entry into Jerusalem riding on a simple donkey, where the acceptance of him as king was joyfully demonstrated. He always fantasized about how it would be to actually see it in person. He turned off the lights, and completely exhausted, Mark flopped into bed, closed his eyes, and soon was fast asleep.

… Mark found himself outside, but in a semi rural area just at the outskirts of a large town. What in the world am I doing outside and only in my shorts!, he mumbled incredibly to himself, Why here, wherever here is?

He noticed. a group a of people moving toward the town and speaking a strange language, but one which he fully understood. Most of the men were dressed in robes of various styles and colors, with some in turbans and other unusual headgear. The women were in floor length dresses with their heads covered with shawls. They were well dressed and looked as though they were taking part in some kind of festival.

The men who were bareheaded wore their hair much as Mark’s hair was styled, and many were clean shaven. Some had full beards and long hair, very much like any modern California city with its variety of independent humanity.

Mark noticed a nearby man, who had just dismounted from his donkey and was adjusting the load. The donkey was nervous and was trying to continue with the passing animals, making it difficult for the man to make the adjustments and control the animal at the same time. Mark stepped forward, held the donkey’s head and calmed it until the man could properly complete the task.

The man laughed and said, Thank you. I certainly needed your help.

Mark asked, What is the name of the town to which all of these people appear to be going?

My friend, you must indeed be a stranger, for all in this area know that the town ahead is Jerusalem.. We are all going there to celebrate the Passover. I am Joseph from the town of Arimathea. I am a member of the Sanhedrin and am going to Jerusalem to attend a meeting that has been called there.

Why are you dressed in this manner? Such is unknown here, said Joseph, and looking at the clothing on Mark asked, Please do not think me too bold, to inquire about your personal appearance. Since many come to Jerusalem at this time each year, from many far flung places, I have seen many various styles of clothing, but none like this. From where do you journey and why are you barefoot and clad in such a manner?

Sir, Mark answered, I come from the west beyond the great sea, from a place that is. not known to you. What I am wearing is under clothing that I use both when awake and during sleep. I have no other clothes with me.

Joseph looked concerned, My friend, would you be offended if I provided you with suitable garments, as you are practically naked and the morning is still cool.

Mark excitedly agreed, Thank you. I most gladly accept your offer, as I am indeed chilled. This is very kind of you.

Joseph instructed a servant who had just joined him to select suitable attire and assist Mark in dressing in the accepted local fashion.

I must be on my way now as the meeting I am to attend is soon to begin. Peace be with you.

The servant. removed a pack from one of the donkeys and unfolded it on the ground. From it he selected the appropriate items. First he selected sandals that appeared to be the size required, and helped Mark put them on, instructing him in the proper way to lace them. After a light cotton undershirt type garment, next came the sand colored robe, reaching to about three inches off the ground. With his limited knowledge of cloth, he thought that it might be made from linen. It was trimmed with light brown embroidery. Finally came a medium brown woolen cloak.

Mark thanked the servant in Aramaic, the language that Joseph had used when he gave instructions to him. Again he was surprised that he automatically used the language that was appropriate!

The servant quickly repacked, loaded it on the donkey, and followed his master, who was now far ahead.

Mark, now comfortably clad in the clothes, thankfully with sandals, was now alone and becoming accustomed to his surroundings. He began to follow along with the growing number people traveling in the direction of the city.

As he approached a sign along the dirt and gravel road, he found that he could read all of the three languages written on it giving directions to travelers.

Now dressed the same as others, he attracted no attention. He continued on, following on the outside of the flow of people. As he turned a corner on top of a small rise, the entire city suddenly came into view and was very near, having been hidden until now. It was not a large city, merely a good sized town, compared to those in California.

There was the Temple! It dominated the whole area. It was beautiful standing in the morning sunlight. It is Jerusalem!

As Mark entered the city, he headed for the temple. Suddenly most of the people in the city, including the newcomers, started running in the direction of the temple which is on the east side of the town near the entrance to the city from that side. They were shouting to each other, He is coming! He is coming!

Mark started running along with the crowd to see why they were so excited. After running for a few minutes, and carried along by the mass of people, he reached a highway that came into the city through the Golden Gate. He heard them shouting ever louder. He continued on along the highway going out from the town. He saw them tearing palm fronds and small, leafy olive branches from the trees nearby, and covering the highway with them. Some were even taking off their cloaks and throwing them onto the road. They were all looking up the entrance road. There, about fifty yards away a strongly built, ordinary looking man, riding on a donkey, was smiling at the people and waving ever so gently. He had a tender and hauntingly sad look on his face. Then Mark was overwhelmed by what the crowd was shouting. Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna! This is the king of Israel! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the king of Israel. Hosanna! Hosanna! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is to come, Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna! Hosanna! Even as gentle as his actions were, and the sympathetic image that he projected to the crowd, the overwhelming power emanating from this man, permeated the entire area. Mark could not take his eyes off the man. When the impact of just who this man was, struck him, Mark felt like all vitality was being drained from him, and only the press of the people surrounding him, prevented him from falling on his knees and groveling. THIS IS JESUS!, he murmured, THIS IS JESUS! Mark slowly followed, as the man continued toward the city, engulfed by the mob of shouting, screaming humanity. Mark was pushed off the beaten path into a small shrub covered with thorns which scratched his right leg just above the ankle. Surrounded, he could not stoop to examine how severely he had been scratched. I’ll check it later, he mumbled.

Mark followed the crowd into Jerusalem. The procession, which it had become, soon began to disperse into small groups who kept up a continuing discussion of the event. They spoke many different languages, as they were from every corner of the civilized world, mostly Jews returning to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover with their families. Amazingly, he fully understood every language the he was able to hear!

The man had dismounted. Two of the men accompanying him took the tether of the donkey and led it away, probably to return him to his owner. The man continued on foot followed by a much smaller and condensed group. Mark noticed many smaller pockets of people scattered about in all directions excitedly pointing and looking at the man and obviously carrying on a lively discussion about this Jesus and the current happenings.

Mark followed at the rear. He then noticed that he had no difficulty seeing over the heads of most of the people even though he was only of average height and would usually be buried amongst the onlookers in such a gathering. Since he was only five feet ten inches tall, and though many of the people around him were as tall or taller, most were probably around five feet five inches or so.

They were moving in the direction of the temple. As he was walking along, the man that he believed to be Jesus was talking with individuals and smaller parties. He occasionally would stop and touch the one that he was currently conversing with. That one would then hang back and merge into the followers. In all cases they would have a very pleased and happy look, sometimes shouting He healed me!

They slowly made their way toward the temple area. The crowd again began to grow until the area was completely filled with eager listeners.

Mark was overcome when he heard him speaking gently to the people, very much like a very gentle but proficient third grade teacher. He was speaking about many things. He recognized some of what Jesus said, from what he had read in the gospels. Very, very few things about which he spoke, have been committed to writing. Those that have been included, are paraphrased, and do not convey the gentleness of his speech and his manner of presentation. He submitted to many questions put to him in loud voices, by what appeared to me to be some people who were trying to discredit what he was saying, and direct attention away from him and onto themselves. Still, he was gentle and instructive with his replies. He spoke loudly so all could hear, just as his antagonists were doing.

Jesus continued directly to the temple compound. He was still being followed by people anxious to listen to him, and many with ailments, hoping to be cured. He continued talking and giving answers to questions posed by some in the gathering.

Mark noticed that the hawkers of temple sacrificial animals, the money changers, and other irreverent opportunists, were crowded around the entrance of the temple. The din raised by the vendors was very loud, as they screamed out their wares and specialties, very much like the midway at county fairs. The same mess, same loud aggressive hawkers, all amid the stench of animal droppings.

Jesus entered and looked around the compound. He suddenly become very angry at what he saw. He took a bit of rope, knotted it and started passing among the many tables and stalls. They were crowded together and filled with dove vendors and money changers. Lambs, goats and even cattle were being offered for sale. They were taking advantage of many poor people who came from far away, charging up to two days wages to sell two doves for required sacrifices. If the devout had brought their own, the temple official would charge them a fee of one day’s wage for the inspection and very often find them unacceptable, working in collusion with the vendors. Jesus overturned tables, swept merchandise from the tables and flailed with the rope whip if resisted.

All the while he was angrily shouting, Out! Out! It is written: ‘My house shall be a house of prayer’, but you are making it a den of thieves.

Mark kept to the fringes of the group as he did not want to attract any attention to himself. The day passed swiftly. As evening approached he noticed that the number of people was getting smaller, as more were leaving than were coming to join the listeners. It was getting closer to dinner time and many were leaving to go home.

When the followers had dwindled to about twenty five or thirty, Jesus left the temple grounds, followed by most of those still remaining. A large strong man followed close to Jesus, along with a much younger man who also appeared very much capable of defending himself and anyone else under his care. Mark assumed that they were Peter and John, the apostles.

Mark could not help but think and mutter to himself, Jesus and his apostles were not the limp handed, effeminate looking `Wimps’ as they have been portrayed by artists over the years. They were rough hewn and looked like the rugged carpenter and fishermen that they were.

This entire experience had left him completely awe struck! He was witnessing the beginning of the final ministry of Jesus!

Mark did not know what to do, as he had nowhere to go. He had not eaten or had anything to drink all day. He was neither hungry nor thirsty, which he thought strange, for although he could go long periods without feeling the need to eat, he was in the habit of drinking large quantities of water, a habit that he had started in his childhood.

There were just a few remaining after Jesus had gone, standing around the edges of the plaza. He thought to himself that they appeared to be doing what he was doing, keeping out of the limelight, hoping not to be noticed.

Someone had come up beside him. He turned to see who it was. It was Joseph, the one who had given him the clothes.

Joseph said in Hebrew, Friend, are you not the one who helped me with my mount this morning?

Mark answered, Yes Joseph. It is good to see you again.

Are you also interested in this man Jesus? Joseph asked. Have you ever seen him before? I ask, for you obviously are a stranger to this area. Is he known in the province from which you come?

Yes, I am very much interested. Yes, his activities are known in faraway places. No, I have not seen him before. I never dreamed that I would be able to see him under these conditions. Mark replied.

Joseph asked, "Do you have a place to stay for the night? Are you planning to stay at an inn?

Sir, answered Mark, I have made no plans. Besides, I do not have any money to pay for lodging. Neither am I able to purchase food. In fact, I was starting to wonder whether I could stay in this area during the night. I was thinking that the cloak that you so kindly gave me would be enough to keep me warm , if I could find a corner that afforded some protection from the weather.

Joseph looked carefully at Mark, as though to get a better reading on him. The stranger seemed to be open and honest, but these days one could be in grave danger if he were seen associating with a follower of Jesus. Perhaps this man was pretending to be a follower, so as to trap those who secretly were believers. Spies were everywhere. He should know, since he was a member of the very group that was trying to destroy the man. He was aware of their payments to those who would bring news of the activities of Jesus, and to report on those who were in sympathy with him.

Joseph decided to take a chance and accept Mark as a believer in what Jesus had been saying. What is your name, if you do not mind telling me?

My name is Mark, he replied, being careful not to mention his last name, as last names did not seem to be used here, but usually the place of residence.

Mark, stated Joseph, I am a trader and travel a great deal. My home is in Arimathea, a town located a long day’s walk northwest of Jerusalem. Since I often conduct business in Jerusalem, I have also established a home located in this city so that I have a familiar place to stay whenever I have to be here. My daughter Deborah, who is a widow for now over six years, lives in it and uses it as her permanent home. I live in her home whenever I am here. In fact she maintains a special room for me and provides any meals that I care to take during my many frequent stays. Her residence is fully staffed with servants, so I present a very slight inconvenience to her. She always welcomes my visits, since she has no husband, and sadly, no children were born to her before his tragic accident. The house has unused sleeping chambers. It is not unusual for me to bring unannounced overnight house guests to her door. She welcomes any that I bring, as it is a pleasant experience for her to be able to show off the hospitality that her home can provide.

Mark, you would do me a great honor if you would consider staying the night at my daughter’s house. Without a doubt, it would be better than trying to sleep outside in this place. I am certain that she would be delighted to have someone other than me to entertain. Alas, I fear that she has already heard my stories too many times.

Joseph, this is a very kind thing that you are offering, said Mark enthusiastically, I gladly and gratefully accept. To allow a person, completely unknown to you several hours ago, into the privacy of your family residence, is indeed is a great and warm gesture!

Deborah’s house was only a short walk from the temple area. When they arrived, Joseph was happily greeted at the gate of the very large house by one of the servants. It is so good to see you, grinned Samson, bowing slightly, You have not been here for awhile.

Joseph halfway turned to Mark, holding his right hand palm up, and introduced him to the gatekeeper. Samson, this is Mark, who will be a guest in my daughter’s house. Please treat him as one of the family.

Samson acknowledged Mark and said, It is an honor that you are to be a guest in this house. Anything that I can do to make your stay comfortable I will gladly do. I am at your service. He made just barely the suggestion of a bow.

Mark noticed that the man, Samson, about fifty years old, was larger than he and looked like a weight lifter. A very good choice of name had been made by his parents. He was more than an ordinary servant. He had the manner of a bodyguard. He looked me over carefully with a stoical expression and with a not very carefully concealed suspicion. He would not be an easy man to brush lightly aside, either verbally or physically. The safety of this home was obviously his responsibility, and one that he shouldered willingly and capably.

Thank you Samson, it is already a comfort to know that you are a member of this household. said Mark. He then realized that the conversation had been in Aramaic. He noticed that Joseph had a quizzical expression on his face.

As Mark entered the house with Joseph, they were met immediately by his daughter Deborah. She was a striking woman in her late twenties or so. Dark curly hair with light olive skin made her quite an attractive person. She was about five feet four inches tall and was endowed with an enviable figure. Why such a lovely person was still a widow certainly was a mystery. What a waste!

She ran up and gave her father a hug, apparently a habit or custom, carried over from a warm childhood. She put her arm around his shoulders, and guided us into a central room. She kept me in the corner of her eye to make certain that I was following. I then noticed that her father was taller than she, and was about my same height. He was much heavier than I, which had made me think that he was shorter.

Joseph turned to me and presented me to his daughter. Deborah, he said speaking Hebrew, "This is Mark. He came from out of nowhere at exactly a moment when I needed help. I had alighted from the ass that I was riding, to adjust the load behind me. My mount wanted to keep going along with the other animals. Trying to adjust the pack at his rear, while trying to hold him back by the head, was developing into quite a spectacle. He held the head of the animal until