Lucius; On the Footpath to Grace
by
Bob Shimer, StoryVent
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Chapter 6
The soldiers formed around Silva, the Temple Guards, and their prisoner. Keeping close together they started back toward the city. The formation not only was to keep the prisoner from escaping but also to protect the prisoner from outside harm. In this case, if what they had heard was true, the later was probably the most needed. Jesus did not look like he was going to try to escape. He seemed to be walking confidently along with Silva.
They went across the valley by a different route and entered the city again. There was little conversation and Jesus said nothing the whole trip.
When they reached the High Priest's Palace, Silva and the Temple Guards took Jesus inside to see Caiaphas, while the soldiers waited outside.
Lucius sat down on a low wall. "I wonder what is happening inside."
"Festus put one foot on the wall, looking up the steps to the door. "I wouldn't want to be in Jesus' shoes. I've seen that Caiaphas around and I do not like him. He seems arrogant and ruthless."
"I don't know who he is. Maybe I have seen him but did not know it."
"He is around the Temple a lot. Part of what the Jews call a Sanhedrin, or something like that. It is a bunch of Priests and I think he is the highest."
As the time dragged on the soldiers became more relaxed. Several joined Lucius on the wall including Gaius. "What happened back there Gaius?" Lucius asked.
"I don't really know. I was watching Silva going toward Jesus. I didn't see the sword. All of a sudden the man was there swinging it at me. I tried to duck and then there was this pain on the side of my head. I put my hand up and I knew I was hurt. I could feel warm blood and it hurt bad. I just stood there, I guess in shock. I wasn't expecting it. I didn't even see the sword.
"Then Jesus reached up and put his hand on mine. The pain just sort of went away. Silva said I wasn't even cut."
Festus leaned over to examine his head. "He's right! There is not a scratch. He must have hit you with the flat of the sword. That would have hurt."
Gaius looked up at Festus. "But the blood? Where did that come from? Look, I still have some on my hand and arm!" Gaius held out his arm, traces of blood still between his fingers and on his arm.
"Maybe there wasn't as much as you think," Lucius put in, "or maybe the man cut himself somehow. I don't know. What other explanation could there be?"
The day stretched on with little sign of activity inside the High Priest's Palace. A number of men dressed as Priests entered the building. Night fell without anyone leaving. A number of people including several of the men who had been in the garden with Jesus were gathering nearby.
It was starting to get chilly and some of the men had built a fire. The soldiers stayed by the steps until one of the men by the fire called to them. "Come on over and warm yourselves. You must be cold over there."
Several of the soldiers looked at each other uncertainly, seeking approval to go, but fearing to make the decision themselves. Finally one of them started to get up. With the tension broken, they all got up and moved to the fire.
They had been warming by the fire for hours. It was close to midnight when several
servant-
Lucius reached to take a piece of bread from her hand. "What is happening in there?"
"Nothing so far. They have just been waiting. Caiaphas has sent for all the Sanhedrin and they have been arriving ever since. There goes one now." She pointed to the steps where a shadowy figure was just entering the Palace.
"I think that is the last Priest." said the other girl.
The first girl turned toward one of the men sitting by the fire. "Weren't you with that Jesus? I am sure I saw you with him at the fire. "Weren't you with him at the Temple?"
"It wasn't me! You are mistaken." the man curtly replied.
"I remember you too!" said the other girl.
"No!" he shouted. "I don't know even know him!" the man replied getting visibly angry.
One of the soldiers looked over at him. "You were at the garden. I remember you."
The man started cursing, "No, no! Leave me alone. I do not know him!"
Just then a cock crowed twice. The man stopped frozen, a look of horror on his face. He buried his head in his hands. "My Lord what have I done. What have I done," he cried. Sobbing, he walked off into the darkness.
Festus watched the man disappear. "What was that all about"
"I haven't any idea," replied Lucius. "He certainly seemed upset."
