Final Confrontation (41 page)

“Let us go. But remember these words: I want you to be in peace. In the world there will be times of great stress and tribulation. But you can be of good cheer. I have overcome the world!”

“My dear you might at least look like you are religious,” said Herodius. “After all, these festivals only occur a few times a year.”

Herod was bored. He hated coming to Jerusalem. In his father’s day there was at least a measure of respect for the king—if only motivated by fear. Herod Antipas felt the people neither respected nor feared him. And though he was a Jew, he believed the religious obsession of his people had become unhealthy in view of the Roman presence. Still, he made his way each Passover to the Hasmonean Palace where he could be officially present.

“More wine,” was all he could manage. He smiled at his wife, with eyes half-closed from the wine. “It’s the only way I can get through this endless parade of fawning and fake embassies.” He scoffed as he read through a pile of communiqués that had been delivered to his room. “Even the high priest sends his blessing!” He sneered. “Caiaphas! I should have that man removed some day.” He drank his wine.

“It is important your people see you on these occasions,” Herodius continued.

“Your presence inspires them.”

“My people?” Herod retorted. He slammed his goblet on the table. “They were my father’s people! He had them in the palm of his hand!” As he said this he picked up a bunch of dark purple grapes from a small bowl and crushed them in his hand. The juice dripped around his fingers and on to the floor. “But one day they will fear me!”

“They fear you now,” Herodius said soothingly. She brought a towel and basin to him and began washing his fingers. “They fear you now. And they love you.”

“Their love I will never have, my pet” he said, looking at his wife. “And they fear only their faith. They fear any fellow with some sort or new revelation or trickery. Like John. Or that man Jesus.”

“Jesus?” Herodius said. “John’s cousin?”

“Yes,” said Herod, gritting his teeth. “That miracle-working Holy Man who claims to be the Son of God or some such nonsense. That is the sort of Man that preys upon the minds of my simple people.” He began to wave his goblet around as he spoke. “They want miracles. Signs. Wonders.” He sniffed. “And I’m afraid I can offer only majesty.”

And so it was on that dreadful Passover night, the Lord led His disciples back to the Mount of Olives, to a little garden spot called Gethsemane. He intended to pray there and requested three of His own—Peter, James and John—stay close by while He called out to the Father.

The Host remained alert and nearby as well—daring not to interfere, but desiring to put an end to this episode, should the Most High command it. Michael stood by, intent on spoiling the plot of those who would destroy the Lord. He watched…he waited…but the command to deliver Jesus never came…

“Father, I know this is the reason I came,” Jesus prayed. “I know the plan is a good one…”

He looked at His arms where sweat beaded with droplets of blood ran down to his hands. His entire body was wet with perspiration mixed with blood—so great was His distress. He looked up toward Heaven and continued in prayer.

“Do you see that, Kara?” asked Rugio. “He’s breaking, I tell you!”

“So is Michael,” said Kara. “Have you noticed how this prayer has disturbed him? Wouldn’t it be ironic if, having come all this way, the ridiculous Man died of His own stress, here in the garden?”

“Stress or cross, it’s all the same to me,” growled Rugio. “So long as He dies!”

Michael looked at Kara and Rugio for a moment—penetrating them with his deep, dark eyes. He then turned his attention back to the Lord.

“Poor Michael,” chuckled Kara, mockingly. “How frustrating it must be for an archangel to be so impotent at such a time.”

“Wait until his Master hangs on the cross,” said Rugio. “Then we shall see what this ruling angel is made of!”

The angels, making an impregnable wall around Jesus, stood in silent, reverent positions. Huddled together, they formed a shimmering shield of light, the likes of which had not been seen since they had appeared to the shepherds near Bethlehem 33 years earlier.

Gabriel and Michael stood by Jesus’ side, feeling helpless to do anything for the Lord they served. Above and around them, thousands of howling demons, cursing and blaspheming Jesus, told Him the humans He was to die for did not love Him and were not worth His life.

“You have been betrayed by Your Father!” shouted one.

“Death…slow and painful…and for what?” came another.

Jesus bowed His head low, scraping up against the rock which had become His altar. “Father, if there is any other way to do this…If there is another way, then do not have Me drink from this bitter cup…”

Every angel—wicked and holy—stopped as if frozen. What were these words coming from the mouth of the One sent from the beginning of time? Michael and Gabriel stared at each other in shock. Could this be?

“What did He say?” asked Kara.

“He wants out!” shouted Rugio. “I told you He was breaking!”

“Nevertheless…” continued Jesus.

“Wait, He’s still praying,” cautioned Kara.

Every angel hung on the words that held the plan of the ages in the balance. Since Eden, the Seed had been promised, and through years of blood and strife it had finally arrived in the Person of Jesus. Now the mysterious plan the Most High had decreed seemed precariously close to falling apart. And yet…

“Your will be done in this matter, Father,” He said. “And not Mine.”

The angels cheered their Lord, drowning out the harassing words of the demons. Kara and Rugio were infuriated. As for Michael and Gabriel, they looked with great compassion and respect at their Lord. What a God they served! Michael suddenly knelt down next to Jesus.

“Michael, what are you doing?” Gabriel asked.

Michael placed his hand on Jesus shoulder to strengthen Him.

Lucifer stood next to Judas as the men waited in the darkness of the garden. He had completely won Judas over by now, although he could sense some remorse on the part of the man who would soon betray Jesus. Several warrior demons accompanied the group of brutes that Zichri had assembled to bring Jesus in for a speedy trial.

“Remember,” said the officer in charge. “The man he greets is the Man, Jesus. He is to be arrested and taken alive. If there is any trouble from His followers, you are at liberty to deal with them.”

“Here they come,” said Judas. “Quiet now!”

Jesus and the men and decided to move near the Kedron brook. Peter and John had made a secret covenant that they would see Jesus through to the end—even if it cost them their very lives. As they came to a clearing, Judas moved out to greet them. The disciples saw him and waved him in. Ignoring them, he went immediately to Jesus. Lucifer stood behind him the entire time.

Judas came to Jesus, who looked at Judas and then at Lucifer. Judas greeted Jesus with a kiss exclaiming, “Master! Master!”

Looking at Lucifer, Jesus said the words: “Is this how you betray your Master? With a kiss?”

Lucifer only looked back into Jesus’ eyes.

Suddenly, a rush of men emerged from the darkness, uncovering their torches. The disciples jumped to Jesus’ side, and Peter felt for the sword he had taken from Simon earlier that evening. Jesus looked over the men who had come for Him. He then stepped away from His disciples and stood in front of the band of men.

“Who are you looking for?” Jesus asked.

“Jesus of Nazareth,” said the officer, holding a writ in his hand.

“I am He,” said Jesus.

Upon these words, the men fell over backwards and tumbled onto the ground. Judas fell as well. Even Lucifer fell back. Gathering themselves, the men repeated their demand that Jesus come with them.

“All this time you could have taken Me in the Temple, or in the city,” Jesus said, preparing to go with them. “Yet for fear of the people you must take Me in darkness. But I will go because it is the Father’s will.”

Peter suddenly grabbed the sword and came down hard, slicing off the ear of Malchius, servant to Caiaphas. The man bent down in agony. The others made a move to take Peter but Jesus held up His hand and they stopped.