Mary’S Son

By Frank Durham

Marys Son is a fictional account of how Mary, the mother of our Savior, dealt with the challenges of his three-year ministry. She not only had to deal with the daily rejection of the people in the village of Nazareth but also the doubts of her children.

Who is this young carpenter who left his mother in the olive grove to go off and find his cousin, John, who claims to be the forerunner of the Messiah?

Mary is aware that he is Gods son, and that he is destined for something special. But what is Gods plan for him? What does she tell her close friends and neighbors who love and support her? How does she convince her children to continue to have faith when their brother is performing miracles and claiming to be the Messiah? And how does she, as a mother, deal with the religious leaders rejection of him and threats to kill him? Finally, how does she cope with his trial before the Sanhedrin and Pilate, along with his flogging and crucifixion?

This book is a sequel to my first book, Joseph the Carpenter from Nazareth. Both books are my perception of what took place during Jesuss family life and his ministrys impact on his mother and siblings.

Because this book is work of fiction, I have paraphrased most of the scripture used. I encourage my readers to read all four of the Gospels because I intentionally left out most of the scripture where Jesus is speaking only to his disciples.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Nov 28, 2016
• ISBN: 9781512765410

Frank Durham

Frank and his wife, Shirley, are retired and live in Arizona. They have four children, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Apart from spending time with his family, his favorite pastime is fishing and writing religious fiction. He is the author of Joseph the Carpenter from Nazareth. He also writes short stories.

Book preview

Copyright © 2016 Frank Durham.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version©. NIV©. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-5127-6540-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-6542-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-6541-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016919420

WestBow Press rev. date: 11/28/2016

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1 Keep Him Safe

Chapter 2 A Starry Night

Chapter 3 Rhoda’s Visit

Chapter 4 Joseph, I miss you

Chapter 5 Stay on the Trail

Chapter 6 Anna’s Betrothal

Chapter 7 Rejection in Nazareth

Chapter 8 News from Rhoda

Chapter 9 Sunrise with Joseph

Chapter 10 The Wedding

Chapter 11 Sarah Misses Anna

Chapter 12 The Beatitudes

Chapter 13 Crowds Grow

Chapter 14 Children’s Doubts

Chapter 15 Good News, Bad News

Chapter 16 Truly you are the Son of God

Chapter 17 Mary, Aunt Sarah & Rhoda

Chapter 18 Letter from Jethro

Chapter 19 Sacrifice … Sacrifice

Chapter 20 Jericho

Chapter 21 Jerusalem

Chapter 22 Final Days

Chapter 23 The Night Before

Chapter 24 Betrayal and Trial

Chapter 25 What have they done to my Son?

Chapter 26 The Crucifixion

Chapter 27 Bewildered

Chapter 28 My Son Has Risen!

Chapter 29 Home Again

Author’s Comments

I dedicate this book to my wife,

Shirley,

who, after sixty-three years of marriage, still

blesses me with her love.

Acknowledgments

A special thank you to my wife, Shirley, for being so patient with me during the many months of writing and publishing this book … I love you.

To my talented son, Dr. Gregg Durham, who once again created another beautiful cover, it captures the beauty of Mary’s Holy Spirit. I am so proud of you.

I am also grateful for the encouragement and suggestions I received from my friends Greg and Sandy Burson, along with Dee Schultz. Sandy and Dee spent a lot of time proofreading my manuscript. Also, Mary Jane Miller, who always asked how it was coming along. To my family and friends in Illinois who anxiously awaited its publishing, I hope I didn’t disappoint you.

I will always be indebted to Christine Ladwig, a lovely young woman Shirley and I have known since she was a child. At a very tender age, she told us that she wanted to be a book editor. You did an awesome job copyediting.

Finally, to our life group, thank you for the many evenings we spent digging deeper into God’s word. Your spiritual understanding has helped Shirley and me through many difficult times.

Introduction

F our hundred years have gone by since God interacted with His children, the Israelites. Still they wait for the promised Messiah as they grow weary of their Roman rulers and the religious leaders who control the temple.

However, there is a change taking place. A young carpenter from Nazareth is traveling throughout Jerusalem and Galilee claiming to be the Messiah. His cousin, who claims to be his fore runner, calls him, the Lamb of God.

Who is this person who is healing the sick, driving out demons, performing all kinds of miracles, even raising the dead? At the same time the religious leaders are rejecting him, he is drawing larger crowds daily. His message is, Repent of your sins and love one another.

Meanwhile, what impact is this having on his mother and siblings?

Come along and view Jesus’s ministry through the eyes of Mary and his family. See how Mary deals with her children’s and the townspeople’s doubts. Agonize with her as she watches his trial and crucifixion. Then revel with her as he defeats death.

Chapter 1

Keep Him Safe

A soft, gentle breeze ruffles Mary’s hair as she walks back to her home from the village well with her daily supply of water. Her daughter, Anna, walks beside her, also balancing a jar of water on her head. It’s a beautiful morning in the village of Nazareth. The almond trees and the jasmine bushes are blooming, their heady scents filling the air.

As they wind their way through the narrow streets, beneath a cloudless sky, they occasionally meet a neighbor and stop for a brief chat. The men of the village are on their way to groom the date and olive groves that cover the surrounding hills.

As the two women turn the corner on the south edge of the village, they pause to look out over the valley, where they can see a rainbow of color blanketing the rolling hills. The spring rain has produced an abundant crop of wildflowers, and they’re blooming as they reach for the sun. From Mary and Anna’s vantage point, the wind’s blowing the flowers in a gentle, rolling ocean wave of color.

I just love this time of the year, Mary tells her daughter as she sniffs the air. The hills are full of color, and the flowering trees leave pleasant fragrances in the air.

It’s my favorite time of the year too, Anna remarks as she inhales.

When they near their home, they stop to talk to Sarah, a close friend and neighbor, who is tending her garden. Looking up from her crouched position, Sarah smiles as she stands up and brushes off her clothes. Adjusting her dress, she offers them a seat on a bench near the garden.

Accepting her invitation, Mary sets her water jug down and joins her friend. Anna, however, declines with a shake of her head. Thank you, Aunt Sarah, but I have a project at home I started. Please tell Rachel I said hello.

After hugging both her mother and Sarah, she reaches down and picks up both jars of water before turning and leaving.

The early morning sun is still low, and the day promises to be nice as Sarah turns to Mary and says, Your children are growing so fast.

Yes, they are. And Sarah, Mary beams with pride, Anna is betrothed.

With a surprised smile, she asks, Really? And who’s the young man?

His name is Benjamin, and he’s the son of my dear friends Jethro and Leah, who live in Cana. The project Anna referred to is the clothes she and her sister Sarah are making for the wedding. Benjamin and his father met with James and me at the synagogue and signed the marriage contract in the presence of Rabbi Levi and witnesses a week ago.

How nice! I’m happy for her. If Rachel and I can be of help with the wedding, please ask.

Oh Sarah, would you? That would be wonderful. It’ll be fun with the five of us working together.

I’m really looking forward to it. There hasn’t been a wedding in the village for some time, Sarah recalls with delight.

Your garden looks good this spring, my friend, Mary says as she looks out over the evenly spaced rows of vegetables. It looks like you will have enough to supply both Daniel’s and Rachel’s families and fill your own pantry as well.

Sarah laughs, warmed by the praise of her friend. Yes, I’m sure that they’ll get their share. However, they both have small gardens of their own, so what we don’t need we’ll give to the neighbors. How’s your garden doing?

With four of the children living at home and two living nearby, I still have a large garden, and it’s doing well. We even planted extra carrots for Caleb, our donkey. He’s so fond of them. Fortunately all the children help out, even Simon and Judas when they aren’t busy in the shop.

Now that three of the boys aren’t living at home, I imagine it’s a little easier preparing meals.

It is. The girls help me a lot, but I miss not seeing the older boys every day. Mary’s mind wanders as she thinks about Jesus.

Picking up on Mary’s brief lapse of attention, Sarah touches her lightly on the arm. Mary, I’ve been hearing stories about Jesus from friends and some relatives in Cana and the surrounding area that he’s doing some unusual things. Some call them miracles. Have you heard the stories or talked to him lately?

I haven’t talked to him for some weeks now, but yes, I’ve heard the stories. Actually, I have a friend, Rhoda, who has followed him and heard him teaching and she keeps me informed of where he is and the people’s reaction to his teaching. He’s doing some amazing things, Mary proudly admits.

We heard about the time you and Jesus were at the wedding in Cana, but what was it that led to him teaching and these miracles?

Sarah, before Jesus left, he took me to the olive grove where Joseph and I always enjoyed some quiet time together away from everything. There, he told me that he had received messages from God that he was to meet his cousin John, who was baptizing people and telling them to repent of their sins. You remember me telling you about John, my cousin Elizabeth’s son? He’s the one who’s telling everyone, ‘I come to prepare the way for the Lord’s coming.’

Yes, now I remember you explaining that he’s Jesus’s forerunner. You went and stayed with her when he was born, didn’t you?

Yes, she’s the one. As I said, it was Rhoda who told me that she was following John and saw him baptize Jesus in the Jordan River.

So is he a follower of John now?

No. Mary shakes her head. Not a follower, but what took place at the river was very unusual, very inspiring according to Rhoda.

Tell me about it! What happened? Sarah asks as she can hardly contain her enthusiasm.

Mary is eager to explain. John had drawn a large crowd of followers and the riverbank was full of people when John looked up and saw Jesus’s commanding presence at the top of the hill overlooking the river. Suddenly, there was a hush in the crowd as every eye was on him. As the crowd parted, Jesus walked slowly down the bank and into the river, never taking his eyes off of John.

Mary gazes off while visualizing the scene.

Regaining her thoughts, she continues. Rhoda said that John was very humbled because he said to the crowd, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. This is the one I have been telling you about. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and I am not worthy to untie the straps of his sandals.’

Oh my. What happened next? Tell me, Sarah says excitedly.

As John and Jesus came face-to-face, Rhoda heard John say, ‘I am the one who should be baptized by you. Why are you coming to me?’ And Jesus replied, ‘It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.’ So John baptized him.

Is that all? What happened next? Sarah leans forward with rapt attention.

According to Rhoda, what happened next was almost indescribable. Only God could orchestrate it. Mary beams. The heavens parted, a bright light suddenly shone down on Jesus, and a white dove descended on him. As the crowd watched, a commanding voice from heaven was heard saying, ‘This is my Son, whom I love. With him I am well pleased.’

Oh my. Really? They heard that? Sarah inquires. How did the crowd react?

Yes, but Rhoda said she doesn’t know if those who witnessed it fully understood what had happened. But as Jesus walked out of the water and up the bank, the bright light continued to shine on him and John again referred to Jesus as ‘the Lamb of God.’

What did he mean by ‘the Lamb of God’? That’s the second time he used that term. Sarah has a bewildered look.

She said that we as Jews sacrifice lambs for our sins, so Jesus must represent some form of sacrifice. But she wasn’t sure how he could be connected to a sacrifice because only the pagans sacrifice people. However, John feels sure that Jesus is God’s Son, the Messiah.

Silence then overcomes the two women, each struggling to understand its meaning.

Finally, Mary says, After that, Rhoda said Jesus walked away in the direction of the wilderness and wasn’t seen again until he returned home and we went to the wedding in Cana.

That was over two months later! What did he do during that time?

I really don’t know what he did. I think he wanted to be alone so he went into the wilderness, but he never talks about it and I never press him for his reason. Mary shakes her head.

Tell me about the wedding. Sarah squirms in her seat, her excitement and curiosity clear.

Mary smiles at her friend as she realizes how much Sarah wants to know the latest on Jesus. Our whole family attended the wedding, and while there, we met some of Jesus’s followers, Andrew and his brother Simon, who Jesus renamed Cephas, along with John, Philip, and Nathanael. It was a joyous occasion, as all weddings are, except when they ran out of wine. And you heard what Jesus did then.

Mary, I think everyone in Galilee heard about his miracle of turning water into wine, she says, smiling.

I’m sure they have. However, it was at my prompting that he did it to avoid embarrassment to the bride’s and groom’s families, and it really made believers out of his followers. They talked about it for days afterward as we traveled to Capernaum. There, Jesus spoke to the people and healed many. But he and his followers left us there and continued on to Jerusalem for the Passover. I don’t know what they encountered there. As I said, it’s been weeks since I heard from anyone about him.

What do you make of all this, Mary?

Sarah, you’re aware of his special birth … do you remember what I told you about him being God’s Son?

Yes, I remember, she admits, not fully understanding why God had a child with a mere mortal.

Well, another thing happened after he was born while we were in the temple in Jerusalem.

What was it? Tell me! she asks, wanting to better understand the significance of his birth.

After I took him and presented him to the Lord, we met a righteous man named Simeon. The Holy Spirit told him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Well, when he saw our son, he asked if he could hold him. When he took him into his arms, he praised God and said, ‘Now discharge your servant in peace, for I have seen your salvation.’ Now, with God making these declarations through John and the significance of the white dove … John calling him, ‘the Lamb of God’ and Simeon saying he is, ‘the Lord’s Christ.’ I know that God is going to use him in a special way, but I don’t know what he’ll become or who he’ll be. I just know that God has given him special powers and I can only continue to have faith and love him, Mary says as she sighs.

For a brief moment both of the women are silent in their own thoughts, neither one knowing how to continue the conversation. Finally, Sarah puts her arm around Mary and says, Mary, we’ve known each other for a long time and I’m not sure how to say this, but I’ve heard that Jesus and his followers continually receive opposition from our religious leaders. Is he all right? Is he safe? I worry about him.

Sarah, I worry about him too, but like I’ve told you, he’s God’s special child. When I dwell on it and it becomes too much, I pray to our Father and ask him to watch over him. Then I get this sense of peace and comfort that helps me to deal with it. However, I wish I knew what John means when he talks about a new kingdom, and how it’ll come about.

Many people are asking that same question and are hoping it’ll happen soon, so we can do away with the Romans.

Yes, we need things to change but not only with the Romans. I’ve listened to what the people tell me that Jesus is telling the crowds, and oh Sarah, we all need to be kinder and more loving toward one another, Mary says as she reaches for Sarah’s hands.

For a few minutes the women sit quietly as they hold hands, both feeling the love they have for each other as a gentle breeze swirls around them, rustling the leaves.

Finally Sarah brushes a tear from her eye and says, Mary, I feel so fortunate to have lived close to you and Joseph over the years. I remember Jesus as a child, and even then I felt that he was special. I also remember the times you confided in me about his special birth, and that helped give Ezra and I a better understanding of him than the townspeople have. If ever you need any help or someone to talk to, you know that I’m close by.

Thank you, Sarah, you’re a dear friend. If you hear anything about Jesus, please tell me. Now I must return home. Good-bye, my friend, Mary says as she embraces Sarah.

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That night, Mary went up on the roof for some quiet time just as she and Joseph used to do. There, she enjoys the view of the valley along with the starry display of God’s heaven that’s always present. Occasionally the children would join her, but tonight she’s alone.

As Mary gazes up at the heavens, her breath is drawn from her by its stunning beauty, which causes her to fall to her knees. She is in awe of her Creator as she feels his presence. Then she pours her heart out and speaks like a mother.

Father, you know the concern I have for our son. It has been a long time since I last talked to him … weeks go by and I don’t know where he is … I worry about him … I fear for his safety. What’s a mother to do? I know you have a plan for him for he’s doing some very special things. You have given him the power to heal, and so many people need his healing touch. Everywhere he goes he draws a crowd, and the people hunger for the love that he proclaims … if only we could all live according to the examples he gives us. Hear my plea … keep him safe.

Silence fills the air as Mary continues to bow her head. Slowly she lifts her head as she looks out over the rooftops of the village, picking up on the tranquil peace saturating the entire valley. Immediately, Mary takes this as God’s answer to her prayer and says, Oh Father, you always fill my heart with peace when I speak to you. Your answers are not direct, but what I see and feel now tells me that you’re in control and I shouldn’t worry … I’m your servant always.

Chapter 2

A Starry Night

A few days later, it’s morning and Mary wakes to the sun shining through her window. The sunbeam exposes the sparkling dust floating in the air. As she stretches and tries to relieve the cramped muscles in her back, she can hear the birds chirping outside her window. Quickly she dresses and heads for the pantry to prepare the morning meal. As she’s putting the bread and cheese on the table, Sarah and Anna enter the room.

Good morning, girls. Are Simon and Judas out in the work shop? She greets the girls with a smile.

Yes, Mother, Sarah replies. I heard them get out of bed and go out just before the sun came up.

Would you go tell them that they should come in and eat? Remind them to wash.

Sarah leaves the room and returns quickly with her brothers, both washed and hungry.

Good morning, boys. You’re up early. Do you have a special order to deliver today? Mary asks as she accepts each boy’s hug before they take their seats.

Yes, mother, Simon replies. We’re almost done with it, and then we’ll hitch Caleb up to the cart and deliver it.

Good! How is Caleb working out? Okay, I hope, she asks as she sits down to the table.

Yes, he’s a good donkey; we’re very pleased with him, Simon replies.

I miss old Abner. Your father loved that donkey and he served him well, but your choice of Caleb is proving to be a good choice.

He can be stubborn at times, but he’s strong and he sure enjoys giving the neighbor children rides, Judas replies, as he recalls all the rides he and his neighbor friends had on Abner.

I’m glad to hear that. He also loves carrots because every time I work in the garden, he begs for them. She laughs as she and the children gather for the morning meal, and at her nod, Simon begins to pray.

Following the prayer, Mary turns to Anna and Sarah. What’re your plans for the day, girls?

After we get back from the well, I want to work in the garden while it’s still cool, and then I’ll start on the mending that we didn’t finish yesterday, Sarah says.

I’ll help with the garden, but do you need anything from the market? Anna inquires.

"Yes, I’ll give you a list of things we need and thank you both. Your help means now I’ll have time to go check on

Reviews for Mary’S Son

[sandralb-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

From the very beginning you can tell you are in the village of Nazareth. Through out the entire novel you can imagine the personalities of the characters. Also, just picture the beautiful valley, olive gardens and surrounding hills. The book sheds light on how things MAY have been to be Mary, the mother of Jesus or one of his siblings. I highly recommend this beautifully written book. Be sure to have tissues near at hand.