Joseph and Jesus: A novel of the life of Jesus

By Paolo Vasquez

A story of the life of Jesus of Nazareth as told by his life time friend Apollonius of Tyana and his companion Damis. Jesus and Apollonius meet as school boys in Alexandria and become life long friends. Jesus names for Apollonius are Joseph or Thomas. It traces stories of his birth and the schooling of Jesus and Apollonius and their desire to create a way of life to improve the life of others. Their plan to explore the unknown world east of the Roman Empire to assure themselves that they have 'tasted' all the knowledge of the world, building a plan that would let them begin their time as teachers at the age of 30. Their plan is upset by the death of Jesus' father Joseph and the need of Jesus to return from India to Alexandria to bring his mother and family back to Nazareth. While living there, the happenings to Jesus including his losses and gains in family members and the early beginning of his ministry. What happens with his ministry and the necessity of Apollonius, with Damis to return to the Galilee to join Jesus; the final years of the life of Jesus; the birth of a daughter to his wife Mary, and the work of Apollonius to get Mary and the child to France after the death of Jesus.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jun 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9781098373948

Book preview

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The Early Years

CHAPTER 1

From Joseph, father of Jesus:

Nathan paced the floor of the Nazareth Synagogue, head bobbing, deep in prayer. His mind was racing wildly. Why me? he thought. Then he began talking to himself out loud. Why me? ….. Did I make the right decision? …… Of course, I did! ….. With Your help how could I fail? ….. He continued pacing. Why did I ever take this position? ….. Yes, I’ll be honest, because, I wanted it! ….. Lord if I was vain, please forgive me. ….. Have I not always tried to keep all the laws? Was there anyone in this town more suited for this position than I am? ….. No! I have accepted and welcomed the challenge. If I have sinned then punish me! …. But why this? …. Well, I have done everything in my power. ….. Did we, Lord, miss anything?

Back and forth he went. Chiding and arguing with himself; arguing with God.

Finally, the door opened letting in the long rays of the setting sun. It was John. Rabbi, you’re wearing a path on the floor. Just looking at you I can see that for you to have called us all together that this meeting must be very important! John said lightheartedly.

Good evening John, said Nathan looking up, surprised. Then in a soft voice said, Didn’t hear you coming in.

Good evening Rabbi, John continued in a jocular manner. Calm down. You know you always overstate any situation.

Not this time, said the Rabbi under his breath.

The men of the town were now coming in in ones and twos. Evening Rabbi. Evening. Evening Rabbi. Come in, come in. Welcome. Good to see you. Thanks for coming.

The room was crowded with the men of the town when James said, Ah Rabbi, I hope this meeting won’t take long. My wife has a good dinner for me tonight and I don’t want to be late.

Hah Rabbi, said one of the men laughingly and getting laughs from all. We all know why the newly wed James needs to get home for dinner. It’s not the food he wants.

James blushed.

This meeting shouldn’t take long, but it is important that we all talk. We shall begin as soon as Joseph arrives.

Rabbi, have you forgotten that he is working at the huge construction site in Sepphoris. said one.

It’s O.K. Earlier I sent the young man Aaron to him with a letter. Joseph has promised to be here by the time the sun sets. So, don’t worry. We start when he arrives. It should be soon. Joseph has always been a man of his word.

The men talked among themselves. All wondered what this meeting was about. Suddenly the door sprang open and the young boy Aaron breathlessly shouted Rabbi! Master Joseph is coming up the road and sent me to tell you he will be here in a moment.

Thank you, Aaron. said the Rabbi looking out the door. I see him coming up the road now.

As Joseph entered the room he greeted Nathan in his loud, deep voice. Good evening Rabbi. The blessing of God be on you. Then to the group, Evening all. The blessing of God be on all of you. Glad to see you all. Forgive me for being the last to get here. It has been a long day but Aaron here has been a good companion on the road from Sepphoris.

Welcome Joseph. Indeed, the trip is long. We are happy that Aaron was a good companion and you both safely made it here, replied the Rabbi as greetings were exchanged all around. Then the Rabbi quieted the group and spoke.

Now, we are all here. Let us begin. Joseph and I have exchanged many messages discussing a situation that has been troubling me. This meeting concerns the visit of the Roman Cohort a short time ago and a happening that occurred to the family of Joachim and Anna, formerly of Sepphoris.

Rabbi, said one. Should all Romans on the march and stopping here be so good. Praise the Lord, no troubles. Not only did they pay for their needs, they paid well. All Romans should be so good.

Yeses all around the room. Heads bobbed up and down. Good money. No fights. Very friendly. Left everything in place.

John then interrupted in a loud voice saying in his rough style, So what, then, is the problem Rabbi?

The Rabbi looked down at his hands and said, somewhat softly, It has to do with Mary the daughter of Joachim and Anna.

You mean the young women just returned from the Temple? asked John somewhat surprised.

Yes.

John continued in his rough way. Well, what happened? What could be wrong? No one here can guess. Everyone here saw this Cohort as unusual in that we were all treated well. No problems were reported. So, tell us. What is this happening you talk of?

Nathan continued in a low tone. Yes, yes. Well, it has to do with the Centurion. The tall blond Galician.

Well obviously! interjected John. He exhibited wonderful control over his men and insisted on right manners. He kept the cohort in control. All Roman Centurions should be like that.

Again, there were murmurs of agreement. With the size of him who would want to tangle with him? one said.

Nathan continued; He took Mary to be his house servant for the days they were camped outside of town.

Did he beat her? asked one.

What happened? asked another.

The Rabbi continued speaking softly, No, no beating. Mary maintains she was well treated. The Centurion even returned her to her home himself and asked Joachim to forgive him for taking his daughter for a few days and gave Joachim gold coins for her service to him.

So, Rabbi, is that is what we all came here to hear? Again, John spoke in his gruff voice.

The Rabbi hesitated, took a deep breath then started. No. Although Mary insists that she was always treated kindly in his service that …… he also knew her.

The Rabbi stumbled on. This being done she possibly could be with child. Joachim and Anna have asked that she be betrothed. I agreed. It would be best for all. She is of age, 14, and I want to make this situation to be such that there will be a minimum of problems within our community.

The Rabbi took a deep breath and continued. With the consent of Joachim and Anna I have asked Joseph, as Master Builder, and a most respected eligible male of substance within the community, if he would betroth Mary, house and protect her. He has agreed.

Yes, Joseph interjected, but with one condition that requires the help of all of you.

What is that? asked John, generally recognized as the speaker for the community.

Well, continued the Rabbi, Joseph asks all of you to pledge to keep the circumstances behind the betrothal a secret; and, should there be wagging of tongues, that you will do your utmost to keep your wives and women in check.

Joseph added, Her parents are fine people and since living here they have become well respected members of our small community. They deserve our help. More importantly Mary deserves our help. She is a most sweet girl, Temple trained. She should not have to face the situation that may occur alone. We all know what it would be like if the women begin ‘talking’. It would be an honor for me to help Anna and Joachim in this situation. However, you men must agree to help me. Only then will I betroth her and give her protection. Will you agree to help me in what I have requested?

Of course. Yeses. Heads bobbed up and down around the room.

Are we agreed? asked the Rabbi again.

We are agreed, said John speaking for the workmen.

Then go home. We are finished, said the Rabbi. And with a big smile said. Oh, and James, give that new wife of yours our best wishes and do enjoy your dinner.

CHAPTER 2

Joseph of Nazareth, Master Builder, to his brother James of Bethlehem. Greetings. May the blessing of the Lord be upon you and your family .

My dear brother, I am sending this letter by the young man named Aaron. He is in my care. Please accept him into your household until you are able to respond. He will quickly return to Nazareth with your response. Time is of the essence.

As you know from our previous correspondence, I have betrothed Mary, daughter of a fine family originally of Sepphoris and now living in Nazareth. She is well along in her pregnancy and should give birth in a short time, hence my urgency.

The situation in Nazareth is, sadly, too overbearing for my Mary and her parents. The tongues wag too much; the women are not as friendly and helpful as they should be to someone in Mary’s condition; and, Mary has become very depressed by the situation. The men have tried but the women will not stop. What ever happened to the saying that the first child can be born at any time after the match is made, only the subsequent children take 9 months?

My request to you is as follows: may Mary and I find refuge with you for a short while? I have settled my job in Sepphoris. It is well along and can be taken over by those who were under me. They are more than able to complete the project. Once with you we can discuss how to proceed, but now I need your help. May we join you in Bethlehem? The sooner the better.

CHAPTER 3

James, Inn Keeper of Bethlehem, to his beloved elder brother Joseph in Nazareth. May the blessing of the Lord be with you and your family.

I have sent Aaron off on the same day as he arrived. Do not get angry with me. I have given him extra compensation (even though he argued against it for a while saying that you have well compensated him already and that he was happy to be of help).

Of course, dear brother, come, quickly. What is family for? My home is your home regardless of the circumstances. The women of the household have begun to rush around getting everything ready of your arrival. The fact that your espoused will soon give birth has given them all something to do! Everyone welcomes the thought that there will soon be a new child in our midst. So, come! Come!

The Inn is busy and I will not have you staying in the Inn with the multitude of travelers we are having and plan to have, especially with your espoused ready to give birth. The family that overlooks the shepherds and the animals has offered up their home. The women of the household have already begun to clean the whole area; refresh the straw; see that the animals by and large are in other places. This house is only a short distance from the Inn and the kitchen is about equal distance between the Inn and the house. This will give you privacy and the women will be able to be with your Mary and keep you out of the business and noise of the Inn itself.

Yes, come. Come, and as quickly as possible. I have supplied Aaron with an Ass to make your trip easier. It is strong and gentle.

God speed you on your journey.

Chapter 4

From Joseph and Aaron:

Aaron came rushing up to James, red in the face; puffing; and, gasping for breath. "Master James. Master Joseph your brother and his wife are just a short distance away. But I think she is almost ready to have her child. We need help.

James immediately called to the women and some of the men in the Inn. My brother and his wife need help. They are a short distance away. Take a litter. Go quickly. Follow this boy. He will take you to my brother and his wife. Bring them here as soon as you can. Need I say that you should do everything in your power to make the woman comfortable. Go! Go! God go with you.

The women of the house of James were running back and forth from the kitchen to house. Soon, Joseph and Mary and all the helping hands were back at the Inn and Mary was soon settled in the home readied for her and Joseph. The women of the Inn showed the men out of the house and began to prepare Mary for the birth of her child.

Welcome brother, said James. I am glad we have you here safely. From here on out the family is together. And, said James putting his arm around Joseph’s shoulders, the family shall soon be increased by one soul. The Lord be praised.

Brother, replied Joseph I shall be forever in your debt. The ass was a great help and what can I say about the reception. You think of everything. A litter! And the home, and the women are just too much. Oh brother, I love you.

Now we just have to wait. Be an expectant father! Now you will see what I have been through too many times. James laughingly said while shaking his brother’s shoulders.

Chapter 5

From Joseph and Aaron:

Later that evening, the child was born. A boy. It was an easy birth with the presence of the women of the house in attendance everything went well.

James and Joseph stood looking in at the scene. The baby was cooing and reaching for something from the sky; Mary looked down at him.

Look at that, James said to Joseph in a soft voice. They utilized a manger for a cradle. My wife and the others are certainly ingenious. A beautiful boy baby; no problems; healthy; ten fingers and ten toes; what more can you ask? The Lord is good.

Yes. replied Joseph quietly. Praise the Lord. I never knew what a birth was like. You should have told me sooner.

Brother, how many times have I told you to find a wife and have a family? But, work, work, work, was all that you wanted. You were never interested in a family and I worried about you. What is life without a family? Now you know and I am very happy for you.

Yes brother. You were right. I stand corrected. It is wonderful. Even with all the problems in Nazareth the months since the betrothal have been a very happy time for both of us. I may have waited too long to find a wife but now I have found a wonderful one. I cannot tell you how happy the time has been since we have been together.

Look at him. Those eyes are so blue. Do you think they will ever change? That hair, so like silk, so pale. Ah brother, isn’t life wonderful? Let’s go to the Inn to refresh ourselves. James said with his arm around the shoulder of his elder brother as they walked back to the Inn. We need to celebrate our new addition to the family.

A few of the shepherds were coming up to the Inn. Lord, said an elderly one, the rumor is that your family has a new child. Is this true?

Oh yes. My brother here is a new father. His first. A fine, healthy boy has joined our family. Go see. They are in the herd manager’s home. Then go and get some food at the kitchen. Let the others come in when you get back to the fields. Tell them all to come and help us celebrate this new child. They may all partake of the celebration feast here at the Inn.

Thank you, lord. Then the shepherds went to the manger; oohed and aaahed over the baby; and, congratulated Mary on her miraculous delivery.

There was no rest at the small home at the Inn of Bethlehem that night as shepherds passed by in two’s and three’s long into the night.

Chapter 6

From Joseph and Aaron:

Several days later Joseph and James were seated outside the Inn enjoying a drink when Aaron ran breathlessly up to them. Lords! Lords!

Slow down. said Joseph. Take a breath. What is it that makes you rush up in such a hurry?

There is a large caravan coming up the eastern road out of Petra. They are camped about one-half caravan day away.

Ah, I have been expecting them for some time. remarked James. Hence one of the reasons I didn’t want you and Mary to stay in the Inn, he said to Joseph. Then to Aaron he said, I know the camp area you mentioned and, indeed, young man, you estimate the travel time for the caravan very well. Well done. They are the ones I was expecting. And, to Joseph, You have taught this young one very well.

Aaron continued excitingly. You should see them! There are three men on wonderful camels, the size and beauty I have never seen before. And their clothing! They are dressed as kings!

Joseph chuckled. Catch your breath. Now, what else did you see? Tell us.

They saw me and called me over to them as they were resting and asked me if I knew of the Inn of James of Bethlehem.

Of course. I replied. I am staying there with my master and his wife who just had a baby, a son. I was sent out here to wait for you then to report back to James at the Inn.

And tell us. said one of the kings. Do you know the whereabouts of a Master Builder named Joseph whom, we have heard, has now come into the city of Bethlehem from Nazareth.

He is my master! I replied. He is now at the Inn with his brother James.

Young man. Do not tell stories. Is this the truth? the leader said to me.

Oh yes, sir. My master, Joseph, has always told me that I must tell the truth I answered. Joseph smiled and chuckled. And we continued to talk and they fed me some wonderful foods.

Then Aaron continued And what else does your master teach you? Asked one of the ‘Kings’.

I answered, "He teaches me about the Lord of