The Gladiator's Day of Grace - A Christian Short Story

Chapter 4

Four

Maximus felt Andromeda's hand begin to tremble against his face, and he placed his hand over hers to still it. Something was wrong. Something had happened.

"What is it?" he asked, taking her hand, and wanting so badly to pull her to him that restraining himself made his muscles ache. Now was not the moment. For a brief moment, he glimpsed indecision in her eyes, then it was gone and her gaze was clear and intent. He saw a sudden strength enter her, felt it radiating from her. When she finally spoke, her voice was steady.

"Mary and Aaron, the couple I live with, have told me of God and the creation of this world–of Adam and Eve, our first parents. They spoke of Noah, Father Abraham, and Moses, and instructed me on the entire history of the Jewish people." She smiled. "The Jews can be proud, stubborn, and arrogant, but through them came the lineage of the Messiah. Jews consider those who are not Jews second class citizens in the Kingdom of God, but I have learned how untrue this is. Aaron also shared stories of Jesus and the miracles he performed. There were so many. They were unbelievable, yet . . . I believed every one of them. Some of them I have already shared with you, but now I will share the ones that are closet to my heart."

She paused and Maximus watched her expression become thoughtful.

"Before I share them, let me just say this, Maximus." Her smile was loving and she blessed his name with speaking it. "I know with every fiber of my being that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. He is the promised Messiah. He is the Savior of the world, and has come to redeem his people. We must–we absolutely must come unto him and repent of our sins and pledge our lives to Him. He is the way, the truth and the life, and only through him can we eventually return to the Father of us all."

Conviction flowed from her and was so tangible, Maximus could feel it. "But how do you know, Andromeda?"

"Because of his mercy. Maximus, you saw him heal your friend's servant with just a word, yet you still doubt. The evidence was right in front of you."

Maximus's mind traveled back over the event. He had seen, but his mind had refused to fully accept it. Maximus had been Alexius's house guest for two days and had witnessed the full extent of his servant's condition–the weakness, the loss of feeling and uncontrollable shaking of his body. The boy's name was Benjamin and Alexius loved him like a son, and Maximus was fully aware that Alexius's feelings for the boy's mother were stronger and deeper than his friend would admit.

That morning Benjamin had lost all ability to move. Maximus accompanied Alexius when he went to search for Jesus, standing apart from his friend when they found the Master.

"Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented," Alexius said.

"I will come and heal him," Jesus said.

Then Alexius answered, "Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed."

Maximus stood quietly watching Alexius, awed by his faith in this man, and envying his friend for it.

Alexius continued, "For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it."

Maximus knew his friend had not spoken the words out of pride or boastfulness–it wasn't in his character. He had simply spoken the truth. Alexius was a man of authority and did not need to be present to see his orders done. Since Jesus was also a man of authority, Alexius felt that the rabbi didn't need to enter his home to heal the boy who had become more of a son than servant. He'd only needed to say the word and it would be done.