The Spirit That Moves Mountains

Mary Magdalene - Chapter 5

Shortly after our celebration dinner some of our close friends decided to join us for evening meditation in the garden we enjoyed. Jeshua and I knew it was the last gathering we would all share together in this way. The garden was still and peaceful as we settled within the desert elm and pine trees and into prayer and meditation.

Jeshua and I sat next to each other, while Peter, Thomas, Isaah, Thaddaeus, and Stephen completed our meditation circle. While enjoying our connection with Mother, I heard Jeshua let out a long sigh, which meant he had completed his meditation.

We all opened our eyes, and I asked, "My love, what do you intend to have us do next?"

His lips rose into a curved smile under the evening sky. He gently placed his hand under my chin and gave me a deep kiss. My body lit up and I could feel lightning shoot up from my feet to the top of my head. Isaah melted into Thomas on my right.

Jeshua slowly released himself and looked into my eyes. "I have a feeling I may miss this in a few hours' time," he said and then winked at me.

My heart sank and the tears came forth.

He turned to the others. "My brothers and sisters, my time with you is at an end. But fear not because I will demonstrate that the power of love and union with the Father can overcome any obstacle in the physical world, including death. This is your birthright as well. What I go to demonstrate is also within you. Teach this. Live this kind of love."

"But Master," Peter started with a pained look on his face, "does this really need to be?" He looked to his other friends, who also shared tears welling up in their eyes and trembling lips.

"This is the will of the Holy Spirit. You may not understand it or see how this will allow healing for future generations, but this is how it must be. I will show how the Father and I are one and how true love does not recognize or acknowledge pain or death. Look for me on the third day after my body appears to have given up life, for I will join you in a new form."

He leaned over to kiss me on the cheek. His soft lips broke through the salty tears that streamed down my cheeks. I wanted to melt into him. I wanted to stop him from this path. And then I caught myself realizing I was thinking of him as a body and not his true form, spirit.

Just then we heard several footsteps approaching our circle. We could see torchlight and a stumbling Judas leading several men dressed as Sanhedrin guards. Our group jumped to their feet, and Jeshua stepped out front to greet the arriving party.

Judas staggered forward in wine-indulged delight and hugged Jeshua. He kissed both of his cheeks in his normal greeting to his rabbi. "Master, it is so great to see you," he said, his speech garbled. "I brought these people who wanted to meet you."

Judas had decided to drink even more after our celebration and was almost incomprehensible, despite being giddy and well-tempered.

One of the Sanhedrin guards stepped forward and asked, "Are you Jeshua of Nazareth?"

"I am he, brother. Would you care to join us?" Jeshua asked, opening his arms wide to invite all of the men to him.

Instead, the lead Sanhedrin guard motioned for the other guards, and they grabbed Jeshua's robes and pulled his arms out so they could bind them with leather lacing.

In an instant, Judas sobered up and jumped at the lead Sanhedrin guard, spewing incoherent words while beating on his arms. I could only gather that he was profoundly surprised and feeling betrayed. He was easily pushed to the ground and was unable to stand up while mumbling incomprehensibly.

Peter came up from behind Jeshua with a rock in his hand and slammed it down on the ear of the arresting guard.

"Peter, no!" I screamed, running over to hold his arm from doing more damage.

Jeshua turned to him and gently said, "Peter, my brother, this is my will."

Peter came to his senses and then dropped to the ground, crying. And I sunk with him, rubbing his trembling shoulders.

One of the other guards drew his sword, ready to go after Peter.

Jeshua spoke to the Sanhedrin guards, holding up his hands, "My brothers, I think we can find a peaceful resolution to your task at hand." He looked over to the injured man. "My brother, may I help you?" he asked, mostly with his radiant and gentle eyes.

In the background, Peter broke away from my embrace, got up, and ran away in fear of what the soldiers might do to him.

The guard was wincing from the pain, and blood was visibly dripping from his ear. A nasty gash had formed where the sharp rock struck him. He looked at the other guards, who seemed stunned by the words of their detainee. He took a step toward Jeshua's outstretched hand. Jeshua placed one hand over the soldier's ear and said, "Father loves all of his children. Be at peace, son of God."

His eyes opened wide a split second after Jeshua finished saying the words. Stepping backward, he nearly ran into the lead guard, who swiftly spun him around to examine the wound. He gasped in surprise when he saw the wound completely gone. Only the blood that had dripped earlier remained. "How can this be?" he exclaimed hoarsely.

The once-injured soldier slowly lifted his hand to his ear and felt around. "He has healed me," he stated, pointing toward Jeshua. The other three guards backed away.

The lead guard closed his gaping mouth, cleared his throat, and stepped in front of Jeshua. "You are under arrest for breaking sacred law and practicing your blasphemous ways on the Sabbath. You will come with us and stand your trial."

Jeshua said nothing, only smiling in return. He turned to me and mouthed a kiss. I started to follow, but the lead guard held out his hand. "Stop! You may discuss this matter in the morning at the temple." Thomas moved forward, and the guard narrowed his eyes and snarled, "Any step closer or attempt to stop us will result in your imprisonment as well."

We all stopped and stared as our beloved was taken away. We watched as they brought him down the trail that led into the city. We could see him in the distance, lit by torchlight against a black background.

His light goes forth, I thought as they marched him toward the Sanhedrin temple. My heart became full again.