There was twelve of them. Among these twelve, two stood out. One was impatient. The other was calm. One was ignorant. The other a scholar. One was a fighter. The other a lover. One held misguided loyalty. The other held the knowledge that he was lov...
And he released to them the one they requested, who for rebellion and murder had been thrown into prison; but he delivered Jesus to their will. Luke 23:25 (NKJV)
Mary of Nazareth, James and John's mother Salome, Joanna, and Mary Cleopas were all spending the Passover together in Joanna's home in Jerusalem, not very far from the house of John Mark where the men had gathered. As it was still quite early in the morning, the women were still asleep when John burst in, breathless and his face full of distress. His eyes were red, and it was obvious he had been weeping. Jesus' mother and Salome, both asleep downstairs, were immediately awakened by the noise.
"John, what is it? What are you doing here?" exclaimed Salome, frightened by the expression on his face.
"They've taken Him," John gasped, not daring to look either of the women in the face. "Jesus...they arrested Him last night. He was tried by the Sanhedrin and..." John stopped, unable to go on, and his eyes filled.
"And what?" asked Salome insistently, grabbing her son's shoulders.
"They condemned Him."
Mary and Salome both gasped. Mary collapsed against the corner of the wall, color leaving her face. "John...where is He?" she asked after a moment's pause of horror, barely able to speak. "Where is my Son?"
"They're taking Him to Pilate. They can't execute Him without the permission of someone with Roman authority."
"They tried Him at night?" said Salome, shocked. "That's illegal!"
"So? Do you really believe they've taken that into consideration? They'll break every rule they ever swore to keep if it means accomplishing their purpose. And we know their purpose." John's reply was in a tone of indignation, and he abruptly turned away to hide his emotion. Just as he did so Joanna and Mary Cleopas walked in, demanding to know what was going on. Salome briefly explained, and they mingled their tears with hers and Mary's.
"I have to go to Him," Mary said suddenly, standing up. "Whether He lives or dies, I won't forsake Him now!"
"Mary, no! Heaven only knows what they are doing to Him! It...it would be too much for you." Salome's voice was full of emotion, and she barely managed to make out the last words, for she could hardly bear the thought of what could come any more than the rest of them could, and to even have to suggest it was unbearable.
"No. I will go to Him. I must. Since I was a girl, the Lord has been my strength. He will strengthen me now. I have to be there for my Son!" Mary turned around and took John's hands in hers. "Please, John. Take me to the praetorium."
"It will be dangerous," John murmured hesitantly.
"I don't care! I have to go. I have to know what they do to Him. Please. You love Him, John. You know what agony it is to be away from Him. I love Him too!"
John sighed and finally consented. "Alright, I'll take you."
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