Life and Times of Jesus

By Larry I. DeRycke

Having no real knowledge of the measurements used during the time that Jesus walked the Earth, I will give all mentions of measurements, and volume in the Metric format for the ease of understanding for the people of today.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 8, 2022
• ISBN: 9781669854630

Book preview

Prelude

Having no real knowledge of the measurements used during the time that Jesus walked the Earth, I will give all mentions of measurements, and volume in the Metric format for the ease of understanding for the people of today.

A Fictional Account

This novel is fictional, even though many of the people and events did happen in history, many others are simply made up by me, so as to give the story a logical completeness of the untold parts that the Apostles and ancient Prophets could not fit into those writings that they did make.

Chapter I

Zacharias and Elizabeth

Zacharias, a Priest of the Temple which stood in the city of Jerusalem in the lands of Judaea, stood atop the balcony of the top step of the Temple Building, looking down at the multitude of people there on this Sabbath Day. The people were there to be witness to the Burning of Incense and to pray and give worship to God Almighty.

On this Sabbath Day, it was Zacharias’ privilege of being the Temple Priest who performed that Ceremony of the Burning of the Incense, and to lead in prayer of all those gathered in the Temple Court yard.

As he stood there, atop the balcony, Zacharias recited the words from scripture, that were the start of the holy ceremony to be performed. Loudly, and with a strong voice, so those all about could hear his words, Zacharias spoke the ancient words given to the Nation of Israel by Moses about 1,500 years previous, who, himself, had received the words from God Almighty.

Finishing the reading of the long-established words, Zacharias then gave a prayer for all those present, and the Nation as a whole. Lord, God, Holy art thou, give your mercy unto thine people, giving them peace and good days. Lead them away from the Devils temptations, that they shall always be your people, to be righteous in your eyes, to forever live within your house. Amen.

With that being said, Zacharias turned and walked in through the great doorway of the Temple Building, and into the area known as the Holy Place, which lay first before the inner compartment, which was the Holy of Holies, and separated from the rest of the building by a Great Vail. Zacharias walked up to the altar, and lit the fire within the bowl that would burn the Incense.

The Angel Gabriel

As Zacharias stood in front of the altar, feeding the incense stick into the fire and watching the smoke thereof rise up to the high rafters of the room, and while giving prayer to God Almighty; a man appeared to him, standing off to the right side of the altar.

"Fear not, Zacharias, for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John."

At first Zacharias was startled and a little frightened at this sudden and unexpected man’s entry into the Temple.

Sir, said Zacharias to the stranger, with a slight trembling in his voice, and not understanding the words that the man had spoken, it is not permitted that any but Priests are to enter into the Temple Building, you need to leave, now.

Thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth, the stranger again spoke, ignoring Zacharias’ demanded that he leave. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.

Zacharias, stood there, forgetting the incense stick between his fingers, trying to make sense of the words that this stranger spoke to him, more startled than he was frightened. You must be mistaken, I and my wife are aged and long in years, and Elizabeth is beyond the age of carrying a child to term, Zacharias gently explained to the man.

And many of the children of Israel shall your son turn to the Lord their God, the stranger continued, paying no mind to Zacharias’ scolding.

And your son shall go before God in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

Finally, understanding what this man was saying, Zacharias realized that this was no man, but must be an Angel sent to him from God, giving prophecy that Elizabeth would give birth to a son, and that the son would grow up to be a Man of God.

Whereby shall I know this? Zacharias said still in confusion, For I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.

With words only in a whisper, afraid that if he spoke to loud that this Angel might disappear, Zacharias asked with trembling words of hope, How can a woman, well past the age of child bearing, now give birth?

I am Gabriel, the Angel announced, "that stands in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings."

Zacharias, stood there, still confused, and finding it difficult that he was being spoken to by an Angel, and Hope upon Hope that it might be possible that Elizabeth, after all these years, could at long last give him a son.

Then Zacharias, remembering his education in scriptures and recognized the name Gabriel, "Gabriel? Zacharias questioned, are you the same Gabriel that spoke all those hundreds of years ago to Daniel?"

And, behold, the Angel spoke again, once more ignoring Zacharias’ question, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

Upon speaking those words, the Angel Gabriel vanished from before Zacharias’ eyes, having completed the task given to him by the Almighty God.

The Multitude Marveled

Outside, standing at the bottom of the steps that lead up to the Temple Building, several of the people there to witness the Ceremony of the Burning of Incense, began to ask each other, What is keeping the Priest Zacharias, has something befallen him?

Another asked, Shall we send someone in to inquire of Zacharias?

No, said another, none but priests may enter in.

Standing next to Elizabeth, Zacharias’ wife, a family friend, said, I wonder if he has fallen down again, perhaps someone should go ask a priest to check on him.

Hearing all these words spoken by the concerned people gathered, Josias, a student of Zacharias, left his assigned place atop the balcony and went to see how his teacher was doing.

Inside the temple, Zacharias was shaken to his soul, and began to tremble. Looking all around, he saw no one else present, Had this all been a dream, or was it truly a vision from God, that Elizabeth would give him a son, even after all these years of she being his wife?

The incense stick between his fingers, having burnt down to a stubble, burnt his fingers causing him to drop the remainder into the censor bowl. With both hands upon the altar, Zacharias went down to his knees before the altar and prayed a prayer of thanks to God Almighty. But when he opened his mouth to speak his prayer out loud, no sound came out of them, and he remembered what the Angel Gabriel had said, You shall be dumb. So, in his mind, his lips moving soundlessly Zacharias gave his prayer. Lord God, merciful and loving, you have indeed answered my prayers, that I might have a son, as has always been, I am your eternal servant. Amen.

Josias entered into the Temple, finding Zacharias in front of the altar on his knees, and with his hands holding on to the altar with a small fire inside the incense bowl, with the smoke of the incense still rising up out of the bowl.

Zacharias? asked the much younger Priest, "are you all right, have you fallen down? Reaching Zacharias, Josias grabbed hold of his mentors’ arm and lifted him up from off his knees.

Zacharias looked into the eyes of his student, and attempted to speak, but again the words would not come forth. Reaching into his garment and an inner pocket, Zacharias pulled out a writing pad and stylist, and quickly wrote upon it. I have seen a vision from God, and my voice has been taken from me, you will need to finish the ceremony outside. I will go with you and taking your place standing to your side.

When Zacharias accompanied by his student reemerged from within the Temple Building, they stood atop the steps, where the young priest, holding up his hands explained. Zacharias has seen a vision, and is unable to speak, so I will finish the ceremony for him.

Elizabeth, Zacharias’ wife stepped forward from the gathering of people, and called up to her husband. Zacharias, are you alright, we were all beginning to be worried, that you had fallen down again, and might be injured.

But Zacharias could not speak, though he attempted to do so, placing both arms out in front of him, and crossing them to his chest in a sign showing his love for everyone and his wife, he could only stand there at the top of the steps, still very much shaken by the vision he had witnessed.

The young Priest, Josias, son of Joram, raised his right hand and spoke, Please, allow me to finish the Ceremony of the Burning of Incense, and then we can all see to the welfare of Zacharias. Once the crowd had again gone silent, Josias gave the final prayer ending the Ceremony.

Walking down the steps, Zacharias took the shoulders of his student, Josias, and made motions with his hands and lips to let all present know that he had lost his voice.

Upon reaching the base of the steps, several other Priests of the Temple, including one of the Chief Priest approached and inquired of Zacharias, By what authority did you allow your student, Josias, to finish the Ceremony?

Again, Zacharias made an attempt to explain, but though his lips moved, no words came out.

Being only a Priest in training, it was not appropriate for Josias to speak without first being spoken to, he even so answered, his eyes, looking down to the ground and not into the eyes of any of the others. Zacharias, has seen an Angel, and is now without voice, he told me this by writing upon his tablet.

Josias’s word reminded Zacharias of the tablet, so removing it once more from his inside pocket, he handed it to the Chief Priest.

Zacharias is Interrogated

By that time, the multitude who had come to witness the Ceremony of the Burning of Incense began to push forward, wanting to hear what was being said, and curious why Zacharias had not finished the ceremony himself, but had allowed the young priest to finish.

Quickly, called out the Chief Priest, let’s go into the Temple Annex where we can discuss this, before we are all crushed by all these people.

Josias and the other Priests whom had come with the Chief Priest, made a path through the throng of people towards the Annex building, with the High Priest, Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth following behind through the path made.

Entering into the Annex Building and out of the mid-morning heat of the Sun, and leaving the gathered people outside, they entered into a room used for meetings of the Temple Elders. Josias, commanded the Chief Priest, Go fetch all of us water to drink.

Sitting himself down in the only chair in the meeting room, the Chief Priest looked at Zacharias, What is this story? You say you have seen a vision of an Angel?

Once again, Zacharias attempted to voice his explanation, but only air came out of his mouth. Reaching out his hand towards the writing tablet, which the Chief Priest still held, he indicated that it be returned to him.

The Chief Priest, not wishing to give it directly to a man that was being questioned, and perhaps even punished, gave the tablet to one of the other Priests, who then gave it to Zacharias.

Taking a handkerchief from another inner pocket of his vestment, Zacharias wiped off what he had written before, and wrote down what would fit on the small tablet.

Not a vision, but a visitation, from the Angel Gabriel. I believe maybe that same Gabriel who visited Daniel as it is written in Daniels ancient writings.

After the tablet was once more exchanged, Zacharias wrote again, Gabriel told me that my wife Elizabeth would have a baby, and that the baby would grow to be a Man of God, perhaps, I think, a Priest of the Temple.

This back and forth went on for a bit longer, with the Chief Priest attempting to get Zacharias to talk, just in case there was a fraud going on. Finally determining that Zacharias was indeed dumb, the Chief Priest made a pronouncement. "After review of this matter, I accept that Zacharias, is in fact dumb, though I have doubts as to how this came about, as concerning his stating that it was a visitation from the Angel Gabriel. I have, therefore, determined that Zacharias is still able to finish out his period of service to the Temple, except where it requires him giving prayers to the congregations.

After the assembly had broken up and Zacharias and the other Priests went to their separate duties, Josias, went out to the people, still standing outside the doors of the Annex Building, and informed them of what had happened to Zacharias.

Zacharias is fine physically, except that he no longer has the power of speech. The Chief Priest, has determined that he is well enough to return to his Temple duties.

Why then has Elizabeth not returned back out of the Annex Building? inquired Elizabeth’s friend, who had been standing with her during the ceremony. Perhaps she is still concerned of his wellbeing?

They have been married over fifty years, Josias spoke up, all the time of which she has been barren, and now she is informed that her husband has had a vision, that she will, in her old age, give birth to a baby boy, I would say that as being cause for concern on her part.

Looking up into the sky, Josias said, "It is getting too hot for all of us to be standing around discussing things of which we know nothing, I suggest we all go home, before we all fall down from heat exhaustion.

Zacharias Returns Home

Upon the end of his ministrations to his service to the Temple, three days later, Zacharias returned to his home and the waiting arms of his wife. All along the way, from the Temple to his home, Zacharias was greeted by passerby’s all inquiring as to his wellbeing, and asking him for an explanation, had he indeed seen an Angel? When Zacharias was unable to respond, they realized that he had indeed lost the power of speech, which further supported what the young Josias had told them of Zacharias having seen an Angel, and that his wife Elizabeth would have a baby.

Even though the City of Jerusalem had a large population, those friends and family of the Temple Priest made up a relatively small and tight segment of that population, and for the most part lived in the same neighborhood in the city, therefore, everyone knew everyone else, like a small village within the much larger city.

The Chief Priest had stated in his official statement that he found no proof that Zacharias had in fact seen an Angel, and no one could easily believe that Elizabeth, at an age long past being able to carry a child, would therefore, not get pregnant.

Still, there was no good explanation given as to why Zacharias had lost his voice, so many, even though hesitantly, took on a wait and see attitude concerning Elizabeth and a baby, the proof of which would be known in nine months.

Reaching his home, with a throng of people walking along with him, Zacharias went to his door and opened it. Turning out towards the people, he waved, and then putting his right hand upon his heart, he spread it out towards the people as a way of saying, Thank you for your love and concern.

Hearing the door open, Elizabeth stood up from her sewing chair, and rushed to the door to greet her husband. Zach, my love, I have been so worried about you. What is this? Josias has told us, that I am to have a baby?

Taking Elizabeth into his arms and giving her hugs and kisses, Zacharias once more made an attempt to speak. Only silence and his breath came forth, so he walked with his wife still in his embrace to his own chair and bringing Elizabeth onto his lap, as they had in their youth all those many years ago, Zacharias, once more hugged and kissed his wife.

Is it true, asked Elizabeth with high hope and nervous expectation, Did you see an Angel, and did he say I would have a baby?

Nodding his head vigorously, Zacharias indicated that this was true, then attempting to get his writing tablet from his inner pocket, he realized that he would not be able to so, with Elizabeth sitting upon his lap.

Elizabeth sat there a bit longer, even though she understood his intent, Let me sit here but a little longer, I do miss this warmth and feelings of love, that have been missing from our marriage these many years.

Zacharias, looked up into his wife’s eyes, and putting his right hand upon her cheek, he drew her lips to his, being filled with all the love and desire he thought had died from his heart years ago. It was as though, he was young again, and Elizabeth was still so beautiful, he felt an urge in his loins he hadn’t felt for years. That night, they did not do much in the way of actual sleeping.

Elizabeth was a sociable person, being involved in many of the community events, but for the next five months, she remained within her home, as her belly swelled in the proof of her carrying a child in her womb.

Finally, on the Sabbath Day, she went with Zacharias to their local synagogue, where all the congregation saw for the first time, that she was indeed with child, giving yet another proof that Zacharias had seen and spoken to an Angel of God, the same Angel, Gabriel, that Daniel had spoken to those many centuries ago.

The High Priest and his inner cadre of attendants, still rejected the idea that Zacharias had in fact been visited by the Angel Gabriel, despite the proof of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, they stopped vocally rejecting the vision, now being scorned by the people for their disbelief.

Mary and the Angel

God sat upon his throne, and looking out at those present he spoke to Gabriel. "Gabriel, my good and faithful son, go now to the city of Nazareth in the lands of Galilee, there you will find a young virgin whose name is Mary, daughter of my beloved servant David. Invite her to be mother of the Savior of Man, Jesus, who will be my only begotten son."

Having been instructed by God, Gabriel went forth to the city of Nazareth, where Gabriel quickly found the virgin Mary, and appearing unto her, said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

Mary had been alone in her home, engaged in work bidden her to do by her mother. Unaware that a man had entered, she looked around towards the voice, she was frightened, uncertain how he had been permitted entry into the house without her having been made aware of it. It was not allowed for a young woman to be alone with a man not of her immediate family.

It was also troubling, the words that he had used, Thou that is highly favored. What manner of salutation was that? she thought as she looked at the man getting up from where she sat and backing away.

Fear not, Mary: the man continued to speak to her, remaining standing where he was, for thou hast found favour with God.

Mary looked even harder at the man, her eyes wide in fear and curiosity, How could anyone say such a thing, How could you possibly know the mind of God, that you would know that I was highly favored of God?"

And, behold, the Angel announced, not giving answer to Mary’s question, Thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.

Mary again found her voice, offended that this man should presume to say such things to her. How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Realizing that this might not be a man, but remembering the rumor that her elderly cousin Elizabeth was with child, and that Zacharias, her cousin’s husband had seen an Angel, Mary went to her knees, and asked again, her voice trembling, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

The Angel answered and said unto Mary, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall over shadow thee: therefore, also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Her heart beating hard, and her thoughts swimming, Mary even so asked, But, if I am found to be pregnant without a husband, I will be stoned to death, as is the law?

Fear not, spoke the Angel, You are betrothed to the man Joseph, he will be your protector and your husband.

Mary stood back up, and looking into the face of the Angel and said, Behold, the hand maid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.

Behold, answered the Angel Gabriel, thy cousin Elisabeth, hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called Barren, for with God, nothing shall be impossible. And then the Angel departed from before Mary’s eyes.

This sudden disappearance of the Angel, was as taxing on Mary’s nerves as had his sudden arrival had been. Mary stood there, with no witnesses to discuss these happenings with, so, she made a decision: She would go to be with Elizabeth, to help her during her last months of carrying her child, and to learn more of the rumors of Zacharias having seen an Angel. Perhaps she could speak to them?

Getting permission from her mother and father, and also from her espoused husband Joseph, and finding others to travel with on the long six day walk from Nazareth to Jerusalem, Mary made ready to visit her cousin, Elizabeth.

The trip to Jerusalem

The trip for Mary was uneventful, except for the heat of Summer, it being the fourth month of the year as given by Moses in the Commandment of God in the Passover. The road was dried and dusty, which caused the women that journeyed with Mary to wear scarves around their mouths and nose, so as to keep the dust from being breathed in, which gave Mary reason to also put a scarf around her head and face.

Walking in a group of five women, one of the older women asked of Mary, Why do you travel to Jerusalem alone?

I am going to my elderly cousins’ home, the wife of the Priest Zacharias, Mary explained with a smile on her face, she being with child now for six months, she being elderly, I felt it was right that I go to help her in her last three months.

Such a righteous child, the old woman acknowledged, though I am not as elderly as Zacharias and Elizabeth, it was still a hard birth for me.

Perking up at the woman’s words, Mary asked, Do you know Elizabeth? I have never been to their home before, and could use some directions.

No, I do not know them personally, but if you go directly to the Temple, I am sure someone there will give you directions.

As the group of travelers approached the outer walls of the City of Jerusalem, Mary saw an inscription over the doorway leading into the interior of the city proper, Benjamin, and remembering her education, Benjamin was the youngest of Jacobs twelve sons. It seemed only right that she would enter into this city of God, through this door, for she was but fifteen summers old herself.

Making her way to the Temple, and entering into the walled-in court yard, she saw a Rabbi giving lessons to a small group of children under an awning, which protected them from the heat of the Sun, Mary went over to ask directions to the house of Zacharias. Not wanting to disturb the class, she got the Rabbi’s attention then went over to a nearby wall where Mary sat with her back against it, where the afternoon shade spared her from the Summer Sun.

Prophecies of the Messiah

As she sat there, she listened to the lesson that the Rabbi spoke, and that he, spoke of the writings of Isaiah, and his prophecy of the coming of the Messiah.

Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign; "Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

Mary smiled to herself, for she knew that it would be through her, that the Messiah would arrive in the world. Having walked for hours since morning, she quickly fell asleep, with that as her last thought.

Not fully asleep, Mary felt a presence standing over her, she opened her eyes and there stood the Rabbi. Quickly getting to her feet, she bowed to the teacher, Is your class over already? Mary asked trying to shake the dust off her clothes.

The shadow of the wall, has expanded several steps since you sat down against it, the Rabbi said, pointing to the ground and the width of the shadow out from the wall.

I have been walking for six days, Mary explained, from Nazareth, I seek my cousins’ home, the House of Zacharias, a Temple Priest. I ask you, in hope that you might know him.

Nazareth, repeated the Rabbi, that is indeed a long trip for a man, and I suspect even more so for a young girl, where is your father, I assume you came with him?

My mother and father remain in Nazareth, Mary said, trying to make herself look more adult than the Fifteen-year-old that she was. I came here in the company of three families, which when I saw you and your class, parted from me and went on their own way to gain accommodations for their stay in the city.

Do you know the Temple Priest, Zacharias? Mary asked again.

I know a Zacharias, who is a Priest of the Temple, but he is very old, that I would think him better your grand-father, and not your cousin.

Elizabeth, his wife is my cousin, but yes, this does sound like who I am looking for.

"Though