A REVELATION, THIS MAN IS DIFFERENT FROM ALL THE RABBIS

I am Ben Jehuda, a Jew living in Capharnaum. Today is the Sabbath, so I came to the Synagogue. For you who are not versed in our Culture, I must tell you that we borrowed the word ‘synagogue’ from the Greek and means ‘a meeting place’. In fact this is where we meet every Sabbath. It also serves as a school of religious instruction and communal hall for civic functions under the direction of a council of elders.

A quorum of ten men are necessary to form a synagogue. Women sit in a separate section, and are not expected to take part. Typically, a synagogue is a small structure built on a rise above the neighbouring houses. Opposite the entrance, a portable ark and contains the scrolls of the Law and the Prophets. In front of it, facing worshippers, are the "chief seats" for religious leaders.

For public worship, which is conducted on the Sabbath, a minimum of 10 adult males have to be in attendance. The five-part service includes prayers, psalm-singing, blessings, readings from the Scriptures, and commentaries on the sacred passages, but here we offer no sacrifices and have no standard liturgy.

 Although a Rabbi might be recognized as the leader because of his distinguished teaching, there is no official clergy. In fact, any Jew who feels himself qualified can ask for permission to teach the Scriptures. Today a brother Jew, from Nazareth, is here to speak to us.

Here he is. I must stop to pray and sing the Psalms. The man from Nazareth went up to read the Torah and commented on it. I must say it has been a privilege to be present today because the behavior, the words used by this Nazarene, and his authority when explaining are something very new, amazing! The whole congregation is left spell-bound, he seems to have spread a holy blessing on each and every one.

The man is speaking directly to our souls. He seems to be reaching to every person as if he is addressing every person personally. I don’t think I can recall other Rabbis talking to us like this Nazarene. Others usually speak on the authority of   holy quotations, on the authority of the Torah, but, this man, whom I understand is called Jesus, is speaking on his own authority. There is, not only authority, wisdom and a personal punch in his words; words that hit you deep and make you realise that what he is saying, not only makes sense, but serves as an eye-opener. He talks like a god.

Our spirits, have been shaken to their foundations. I have spoken to those present and they seem to feel as I do. Other Scribes never talked to us like this, with super human approach and intellect. One is lost for words. It is impossible to hear this Jesus and ignore his words. He speaks with certain verve as if fire is driving him forward.

But more marvellous is the power this Jesus has on the evil spirits. He is so different from all the others; no incantations, no singing, no magic words … just his word of authority, command, and the evil spirits fly away terrified. He penetrated Satan’s darkness with great authority. He must have been sent by the Most High. We have never heard anything like this, he quickens our hearts with his kind and gentle ways. Could he be the true Messiah?

(I have used the name Ben Jehuda as a Pen-name, I wanted to create a Jewish atmosphere to explain the Gospel Text, …Tony)