Revelation Son of Zebedee
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“Mother …” I said, knowing she was a safer place to voice my trouble, “I was there when Rabbi spoke against King Herod. The truth is,” I swallowed a lump in my throat, “Herod was caught! He was angry for being scolded by Rabbi about Herodias and the evil things he did with her.” I tried to temper my anger, but I shouted, “Herod’s a coward! Rabbi told on him, in front of everyone. He knew about their affair!” I clenched my sweaty palms. “Rabbi spoke the truth when others were afraid. The people were angry. They were ready to storm the praetorium and demand the prefect remove him. If the prefect found out the people were against King Herod again, Herod would have to stab himself in the gut! But it’s what he deserves!” I pounded my fist on the table. “It’s disgusting. She’s his sister!” I looked at my parents, worried I had gone too far.Everyone was silent.
“When did you discover this, John?” my mother asked, her hand at her throat.
Before the arrest. I didn’t tell you Rabbi caught King Herodwith his brother’s wife. I couldn’t. And I never thought they wouldcome after him.”
Abba pressed his lips together, leaned forward, and whispered, “Salome, sons, pay attention. I understand there was no rabbi likethe Baptizer, butif he openly rebuked the queen, he is lost. Herodiasis not to be meddled with, and she will demand his life for this.This is dangerous information. King Herod’s corruption will not be tolerated by the prefect nor Caesar. He will come after you. Neveragain … do you all understand?”
Abba wasn’t one to discuss the personal business of others, andI saw something in his eyes I had never seen.Abba said, “News of the affair would cause unrest and disturb an already fragile peace between our nations. Herodias will use all of her considerable influence to protect her new position as queen. Leave him in the past.”I couldn’t believe it. Abba was supposed to jump from the table, rally the people, and storm the prison—not demand I keep it to myself. I didn’t know what to do. If I don’t get him out of there, then my dream will come true. This is what it all meant. I should have been there. I should have done something.
“Did you hear me?” Abba asked.
“Yes, Abba,” James said.
“Of course, my love,” my mother said.
“But what about Rabbi?”
“He is lost to you, to the people. Do you understand me,
Johanan?”
He only called my full name when I was in trouble. “Yes …Abba.” As soon as I said the words, I knew it was over.
But it can’t be the end. I have to do something.
“Rabbi has been questioned by the leaders many times. No one has found fault in him. How can she hurt him? Why would anyone hurt him?” I said, hoping my words would ease my guilt. “I shouldn’t have left. I could have defended him. This is all my fault,” I said, wiping my cheeks with the back of my hand.
Mother put her hands on my shoulders, turning me toward her. “John, my love, this is not your fault. The Baptizer made his choice. He did so believing he served God.” She hugged me.
In her arms, the flames of the stove fire in the courtyard caught my eye. There was no turning back. “Abba, may I be excused?” I asked, prying myself from her arms.
“Yes, son. Our God is in heaven doing whatever He wants
to do.”
I got up from the table and went down the corridor to the outside of the house. As soon as I knew they couldn’t see me, I hurried up the stairs to the roof. I fell to my knees, punching the mud and clay beneath me. “He can’t just rot in there. Abba’s scared!” I didn’t care who heard me. I paused, glaring at my torn knuckles.
Rabbi’s words rang in my mind: “I’m baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. The real action comes next: The main Character in this drama—compared to Him, I’m a mere stagehand—will ignite the kingdom life within you, a fire within you, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out. He’s going to clean house—make a clean sweep of your lives. He’ll place everything true in its proper place before God; everything false He’ll put out with the trash to be burned.”
What does it mean? I closed my eyes, knowing the truth of my dream was coming.
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About the Book
John’s nightmares and visions of severed heads, winged beasts and a rider named Death are real. Some gift. He doesn’t want it, but soon their purpose is exposed on his journey alongside the promised One.
It isn’t long before John witnesses Him ripping demons from the shadows, giving sight to the blind, and even walking on water in the midst of torrential downpour. Surely He can save anyone! As word of His miracles spread, the One draws threatening attention of powerful men. Their disdain for His teachings and growing followers is only outweighed by their desire to kill Him.
John must reconcile his role as a talmid, protect his friends, and save the life of the only Man that truly understands who he is and who he is destined to be.
Rediscover an epic story traced back two thousand years. Follow John, the Son of Zebedee, and his misfit friends as they leave home for an ordinary education and instead become messengers of a dangerous truth.
About the Author
U. E. Wall lives in Texas with her husband and four girls.
Justine Peterson is a watercolorist with a distinct blend of pencil and charcoal, allowing her to push the gesture of her illustrations and fine art. Her portrait and figurative works capture active emotion and awaken the spirit—resonating with its viewers. Justine lives with her husband and three boys in Southern Utah.