Threshold of Evidence

There ahead he caught sight of a man standing on one of the top steps of the temple with crowds of people almost crushing him but silently listening to Him. He said something like “He who is thirsty need only come to me and drink,” and when he said that something moved within the heart of Demas. That was it; he was thirsty with a thirst that could not be explained. While he knew that a mere man could not quench that thirst, as he looked at Jesus he was drawn to his words.

Along with the rest of the soldiers, he found himself listening intently to everything this man said. Everything and everyone melted into the background. It wasn’t only what He said but the way he said it; his words were like sharp knives cutting away at the fat of religion that demanded much and delivered little. He realized that this man was offering all who would listen the meaning of life and the answer to every question. Looking to his right and left every soldier was quiet and listening. It was as if they were ordered to stand and just listen. And that is what they did.

Many times in the future Demas would revisit that encounter in his mind. This was not the first occasion Demas had heard the man, but it had the most impact. Every word found its mark in his heart, and he was mesmerized. The longing in his heart seemed to be appeased, and he never felt so clear headed about his life and the God that Jesus spoke of. It was as if this was the first time he ever heard someone speak; not a word was wasted. And then Jesus met his gaze. Not being one given to emotion that gaze melted his heart like wax. It was as if Jesus had known Demas his entire life. No, nothing could have prepared him for this meeting.

Suddenly without warning his mind went back to his home in Troas, when as a young man Demas was walking alone in the wilderness, having spent time tracking game. It was early evening, and he was looking forward to an evening meal with his family and then a much needed rest. Looking ahead he saw what he thought was another man. As he neared the place though, the man was gone, but he heard a voice: “Demas, I am calling you to serve me.” Startled and fearful he stopped; and again the voice, “I am calling you to serve me. I will guide your footsteps, and I will quench the thirst in your soul. You will know me and walk with me the rest of your life.”

Looking around him no one was there, and his fear got the best of him, and he ran. He ran almost the entire way to his house and went to bed without eating. At the time he was praying to Minerva the goddess of wisdom, but this was a man’s voice. Could it be Hermes or Zeus? He was not sure, but he never heard such love form in words. Jolted back to the present, it was the same voice; it was impossible and right away he felt as if he was under a spell. The voice he heard on that day he would never forget, and here right before him was that same voice. He attempted to control the emotion, but he wanted to cry; to do so would bring questions and most likely punishment. After all he was here to arrest the man and take him to the Council, but somewhere inside the feeling grew stronger. His mind went back to the murder and the look in the shepherd’s eyes and the many nights of anguish and guilt. He thought about all the deaths he had witnessed, but after looking in this man’s eyes, it all seemed to go away.