Tag Archives: Dr. Mead

The Difficulty of writing Historical Fiction

Currently I am writing a historical fiction novel about Anne of Cleves the 4th wife of King Henry VIII in 1539 in England. Anne managed to escape getting her head cut off and in return for their annulment King Henry awarded her 3,000 ducats a month and Richmond castle and several other castles an manors that had renters paying rent. This made her one of the richest women at the time in England. What makes it difficult to write is all the known historical facts already part of history and following that time line accurately.  I had to read and research several books on Anne of Cleves, King Henry VIII and his wives in addition to blogs on the topic and get everyone’s view of the annulment and the events surrounding the place in time.

Setting up an accurate time line was a first priority. I am writing the book from her viewpoint which has not been done before, therefore, a lot of information she was not privy to I can leave out. My sub-themes are to show who well she adapted even though at first she could not speak English and knew very little about the English culture. She was a major influence on Lady Elizabeth when she was a child. She got an agreement front the King to allow her to visit with Elizabeth on a regular basis. Anne was 24 and Elizabeth 7 at the time of the annulment. Anne was also a friend and confident of Lady Mary who became Queen after Edward VI died at age 15. This helped Anne to survive after Edward and his council took away most of her estates and monthly allowance. Getting all these facts straight is indeed a challenge and sometimes I have to force myself to write, but I know in time I will eventually finish the Personal Diary of Anne of Cleves.

Jesus and John stain glass

Jesus and John stain glass

The New Testament in the Bible tells some wonderful stories about the miracles of Jesus and John. What if Jesus spent almost 15 years training as a healer and user of medicines by the Essenes? What is what Jesus said on the Mount was a compilation of Essene prayers and theology. Was Jesus Christ, “The Righteous Leader,” that all the Essenes prayed for? Where did John the Baptist get his training using Baptism as the core of his ministry? Was it from the Essenes in Qumran near the Dead Sea? I try to answer these questions and more in a historical fictional context in the book, “Jesus and John,” published by Xlibris

Chapter 10- John Questions who Jesus really is.

Chapter 10- John Questions who Jesus really is.

2 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[b] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written:

“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
    who will prepare your way before you.’[c]

11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence,[d] and violent people have been raiding it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 Whoever has ears, let them hear.

 

John declared that Jesus was the Lamb of God and several followers of John followed Jesus to understand whom and what Jesus was all about. Before John the Baptist baptized Jesus, no one knew who Jesus was. Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist was like having a “coming our party or event.” Jesus made himself known to the world by being baptized by John the Baptist. John being a humble man did not want to baptize Jesus, but Jesus insisted and so it was. Jesus used this event as the event that marked the beginning of his mission. The followers of John the Baptist were in the thousands coming from all parts of Judea and elsewhere. By identifying with John the Baptist and agreeing by Baptism to become a follower of John the Baptist, Jesus reveals that he believes in Baptism and the remission of sin.

 

As fate would have it John the Baptist did not know when to stop verbally attacking Herod and he ended up being arrested. John the Baptist’s arrest set back his mission and perhaps the training of Jesus as to John’s philosophical view of sin and repentance. The followers of John thought that perhaps Jesus would get John out of jail, but that did not happen. John who praised Jesus when he was baptized, was a little shocked to see that Jesus began his ministry and was known to be going around Galilee healing the sick and baptizing many people like John did for the repentance of sin. Actually Jesus first disciples were doing all the baptizing while Jesus tended to heal the sick and small miracles. John proclaimed that he was not the Messiah but that he was the one who would point the way for one greater than himself.

 

With John in Jail his following was without a leader. Many turned to Jesus to follow and others question what Jesus’ message was all about. Even John was confused while in jail. For a moment John became a doubter and sent his followers to ask Jesus if he was the ONE or should they wait for another. Jesus felt this was a foolish request and sent word back that his actions spoke louder than his words. Jesus had in fact begun to heal the sick, baptize the sinners, and feed the poor. John longed for freedom to join with Jesus or continue on his ministry in baptism, but his pride and big mouth could not shut up about attacking Herod and his wife.

 

John thought that the Messiah would bring a military revolution over the Romans not just a religion revolution. Jesus stressed improving individuals and their faith in God. He did not care about the Romans for his ministry encompassed everyone regardless of religion or race. John and many others did not understand the concept of non-violent protesting, and passive resistance.

 

Jesus respected John and believed in most of his values. He spoke highly to all of his followers and John’s followers about John. He pointed out what a great prophet John was and what he had accomplished. The problem is Jesus did not feel it was in his power to free John and that it was God’s will that John remain in prison. By John being killed he became an early martyr and his name became well known for centuries to come. John’s martyrdom and his followers helped Jesus gain recognition more rapidly than had he try to gain a following on his own. Jesus and John became known as prophets that believed in baptism for the remission of sins. Jesus took the philosophy even further with the beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount. John’s ministry was just the beginning and Jesus’ ministry was for all time to come.

 

Did Jesus know John the Baptist? Of course he and John met every year at the Passover festival in Jerusalem when their families traveled to the temple to celebrate the Passover. Jesus came from a devout Jewish family and so did John. John’s father was a Priest of the Temple and was well trained in the Bible and the religious practices of Judaism. As children their world centered on their religion and their families belief that their sons were blessed by God to be leaders among men.

 

 

Chapter 3- The flight into Egypt of the Holy Family from the novel, “Jesus and John,” by Dr. Pelham Mead

Chapter 3- The Flight into Egypt of the Holy Family

 

 From the Bible:

2:11 and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

2:12 and having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way. The Flight to Egypt.

2:13 When they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.”

2:14 Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt.

2:15 He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” The Massacre of the Infants.

2:16 when Herod realized that the magi had deceived him, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi.

2:17 Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet:

2:18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more.” The Return from Egypt.

2:19 When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt

2:20 and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.”

2:21 He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel.

2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee.

More

2:23 He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He shall be called a Nazorean.”

 

 

After the Wise men left, Joseph had a vision in which an Angel told him to flee to Egypt to avoid Herod’s wrath. Joseph, Mary and Jesus and fled the country in the middle of the night, and traveled from Bethlehem to the Egyptian border which was over a 100 miles, and then onto the nearest Jewish settlement, another 30 miles from the border.

 

Herod was very angry that the Magi did not report back to him as to where the New King of the Jews was born. Herod sent out his soldiers to the town of Bethlehem to kill all the infants less than two years of age. The soldiers even chased Mary, Joseph, and Jesus into Egypt itself.

 

“Mary, an Angel came to me in the night and told be we are in great danger. Herod will seek out Jesus or any infant claiming to be the King of the Jews, and slaughter them,” Joseph confessed. Joseph was visibly shaken realizing that the soldiers of Herod were seeking his blessed son Jesus. They had left Bethlehem and had traveled to Jerusalem to have Jesus circumcised as was the Jewish custom after 8 days. Jerusalem was a hard two days walk from Bethlehem. Now after having a vision from an Angel, Joseph had to take his family and flee from Bethlehem for the border of Egypt to avoid Herod’s wrath.

 

“Mary, help me pack our belongings and let us depart quickly,” Joseph instructed. “Yes my beloved husband, I will do as you say,” Mary exclaimed. “I am worried my husband, what is to become of us, and our child Jesus,” Mary said. “Is he really to become the King of the Jews having been born of such a lowly status in life, Mary questioned? “I do not know, but what I do know is the Angels of God know all, and sees all, and we are to obey,” Joseph commented. “Let me take the gold, frankincense, and myrrh that the Magi brought us, and trade it for some food and goat sacks of water for our journey,” Joseph said. He went off to find a local merchant that he could trade the gold, frankincense, and myrrh for food supplies such as dried fruit and meat and goat skins to put water in. He found a Jewish merchant called Samuel, and after some bargaining he managed to barter much of the gold, frankincense, and myrrh for a several sacks of food. Returning to Mary soon after, Joseph told her of his successful barter for food and goat water sacks. Mary was relieved that they would have food for the journey. Being that it was late in the day, Joseph decided to wait a few hours until the sun began to set to avoid the heat of the day in the desert. They left in the middle of the night.

 

 

It cooled off a few degrees when they departed the city of Jerusalem heading south to Egypt with but a donkey, and all of there belongs loaded on the animal. The dust rose up in the air as Joseph sandals scrapped along the dry soil, and the donkey kicked up dust with the burden of Mary, and all their belongings loaded on the beast. The only thing that kept them going was their faith in God that he would lead them to safety. They had only a few days lead on the soldiers of Herod who were on horseback not donkeys.

 

Several hours later they stopped to rest. The sun had already set the cool desert night air under a full moon made the trip more bearable. “I am sorry to have dragged you all over Israel,” Joseph commented. “It is as the Angel of God had commanded us my husband,” Mary said. “I will give the donkey some water, and we will be on our way,” Joseph said. Mary breastfed the little infant Jesus, and soon they were on their journey again. They stopped around 3:00 in the morning from exhaustion, and sought shelter under a large tree along the side of the caravan route.

 

Mary took out some bread, and dried fish and they offered up prayers to God and eat their meal. The desert was bright that cold February evening under the full moon. Joseph and Mary were even fearful of the wrath of Herod, and his soldiers. They knew the further they got away from Jerusalem the safer they would be. What they did not know was that Herod’s soldiers would chase then into Egypt. A young woman named Rachel who had a 1 ½ year old boy wanted to protect her boy from being killed by Herod’s soldiers in Bethlehem, so she told them about a woman who had a child in a manger and that the child’s father was called Joseph of Nazareth. The soldiers spared Rachel’s son and then chased after Mary and Joseph on the caravan road from Bethlehem to the Sinai.

 

The next morning was very cold as the sun rose warming the desert landscape. Joseph had risen early, fed the donkey and packed up their supplies before Mary awoke with Jesus. Quickly they were on their journey once again before the heat of the desert made travel impossible, even in the winter of the season. It was six days after the Feast of Purification in the month of February as they fled to Egypt.

 

“How much farther Joseph do you think the Egyptian border is,” Mary asked? Another two days I believe or maybe three. We will have to go through Sinai first” Joseph responded. They stopped during the midday heat, and rested under a small tree. Mary and Joseph prayed together, and then ate some dried meat, dried fruits, and water. Later Mary breastfed Jesus, and they rested for several hours. In the early evening hours they began their journey until late in the darkness of the night.

 

Five days later they arrived at the settlement called Gaza. The journey was about 130 miles from Jerusalem. They went first to the well to replenish their water supply. While at the well many Egyptians that passed by asked from where they had come. Mary did not respond for fear of giving away their purpose. Joseph told then that they were traveling to visit family members living in Heliopolis (modern day Cairo). So they stayed at Gaza for two days after the exhaustive trip from Jerusalem. They needed to recover from their fatigue, which they did under a grove of olive trees just outside the town of Gaza. “I have prayed every day and night for our safety on our journey Joseph,” Mary remarked. “I know this is a difficult trip in the middle of the winter season, but summer is even worse with high temperatures and a broiling sun,” Joseph said. Baby Jesus was doing well, and Mary kept him well covered from the dirt of the desert and the heat of the day. After two days of rest they moved on though the Bersabe desert that was well known for its sand dunes and difficult travel. The distance from Gaza to Heliopolis (modern Cairo) was 60 leagues, or 180 miles over sand dunes, and dangerous country. Their progress was much slower each day because of the deep sands of the Bersabe desert. While on their way a caravan from Bethlehem passed them by. “Strangers how goes your journey,” Joseph asked a caravan guide. “We come from Bethlehem,” the caravan guide remarked. “Have your seen any of Herod’s soldiers on the way,” Joseph asked. “Yes, they are two day behind us headed this way,” said the caravan guide. “God be with you in your journey,” Joseph shouted to the caravan guide. Soon the caravans of camels were a cloud of dust on the horizon. “Mary we must proceed fast for the soldiers of Herod are on horseback and two days behind us,” Joseph remarked. “What will we do my husband,” Mary asked sadly. “We must make it to El-Zaraniq today and find food and shelter,” Joseph remarked.

 

El- Zaraniq (Floussiat) 37 kilometers or 22 miles west of El-Arish

After traveling about 22 miles that day they came to the town of El Zaraniq (Floussiat), and there they rested that night. They were careful to stay off the main caravan roads for fear of being robbed or stopped by foreigners. “Joseph I know the God is with us on this terrible journey. Be strong my husband,” Mary said. “It is as it was written my wife that we must bring the savior out of Egypt,” Joseph responded. They prayed together in the shade of an abandoned house foundation. The future looked bleak but their faith in God was their strength. It was a journey that would seem endless for over four years. “We have another days journey to reach El Arish where we can trade for more food. I have some of the gold the Magii left us to barter with. I did not spend it all in Jerusalem,” Joseph said. “I am sure God will provide if we are in need,” Mary commented. “We must stay ahead of Herod’s soldiers for they are traveling faster than we can travel with a donkey,” Joseph commented.

 

The next day they left at sunrise to avoid the noonday sun to travel to El-Arish which was about 20 miles or so. The trip was hot and difficult with a hot desert wind that day. Mary was holding up well holding Jesus on the Donkey all the way. They rested every few hours, and took a mid-day break at noon to eat, and avoid the scorching sun. Joseph was tired and he was beginning to feel his age but he said nothing to Mary for fear of worrying her. Joseph had never been to Egypt before and had no map, yet the Lord gave Joseph a vision in his mind as to which caravan road to travel on. It was much like a blind man walking in an unknown desert. The Lord leadeth and the lord knows the mission for whom he had planned for Mary, Joseph, and Jesus.

 

Later that evening they entered El-Arish and sought out the well to refill their goatskins with new water. They exhaustion was great and traveling alone on a caravan road without a caravan as protection was dangerous. They were every mindful of robbers who prey on people who travel the caravan roads. Only their faith in God provided the protection they needed to stay away from harms way.

 

The next day they left for Farma (ancient Pelusium) which was midway between El-Alish and the present day Port Said. This would be their last stop in the Sinai.

 

On their journey that day many birds assembled overhead and showed the way to Farma. Mary knew it was a divine sign from God, and she was comforted. Joseph walked the entire way of the journey. As he was walking to Farma suddenly his legs had more spring to them and his stride was longer. Truly God had given his old body new strength. It would take many such miracles to keep the Holy Family moving through Egypt. “Joseph how are you doing,” Mary inquired. “God is with me my love and he has given me new strength,” Joseph replied. “I see a mirage of the town of Farma which must be over the horizon,” Joseph said. After many rest stops they finally entered Farma that evening. They rested near an old rock wall. Their food supplies were running low as well as feed for the donkey. They would need to buy some food for them and the donkey at Farma the next morning.

 

As the sun rose the next day Joseph went into the marketplace at Farma and with his few remaining pieces of Gold he bartered for some feed for the donkey and dried meat and dried fruit for him and Mary. Mary waited at the old rock wall in the shade until Joseph returned. Upon his return he fed the donkey and they both eat some dried figs in honey and some dried fish. Packing up the donkey, they got a late start that day. “Where is our destination today,” Mary asked. “The lord has told me we are headed to a town called Tel Basta (Basta),” Joseph commented. “I had a vision that miracles will happen when we reach the town,” Joseph said. “Miracles you say, that is wonderful,” said Mary. “Be patient my wife, we will be at Tel Basta soon. Six hours later they arrived at Tel Basta and a strange thing happened. Tradition has it that all of the stone idols in the town crumbled and fell to the ground as they entered the main marketplace. There was no well in the town, and they were worried about their short supply of water. Mary sat with Jesus on a rock near the marketplace as the sun was going down. Suddenly, water began squirting from the side of the large bolder they had been sitting on. It was a miracle as Joseph had seen. The towns’ people were grateful for the new well of water, but angry about their stone idols crumbling to the ground. They blamed the destruction of the idols on the Holy Family causing them to flee the town after but a few hours.

 

Several miles outside of Tel Basta, Joseph stopped and told Mary they would sleep under this grove of trees for the night, and then head to Mostorod (Al Mahamma) the next day. Mary was still amazed how the water appeared from nowhere to form a well, as well as the idols falling down. God’s will was very powerful. Joseph and Mary talked that evening about all that happened in Tel Basta and how the miracles of God took place with the new well and the fallen idols. Truly God blessed them on their journey. Sleep came quick that cold night and they huddled together for warmth.

 

The next day they were on their way to Mostorod (Al Mahamma). Joseph had another vision and so did Mary. They saw idols crumbling again and water and a well too. “Did you have any visions last night Mary,” Joseph inquired as they were walking. “Yes, I saw more idols falling and a bathing place for me to wash Jesus,” Mary replied. “I had the same dream,” Joseph commented. “How strange that all the idols in the towns we enter are to crumble and fall to the ground,” Mary commented out of her amazement at the power of the Lord. “It is as it should be,” said Joseph. “God had ordained that these events to be as we travel throughout Egypt,” Joseph responded. They were getting close to Old Cairo now as the many miles began to shrink. Later that evening around 7:00 while the sun was going down they entered the marketplace of Mostorod. Here again the stone idols crumbled and fell to the ground. Mary and Joseph quickly passed through town and found a small bathing place outside of town where Mary bathed the infant Jesus. No one in the town knew who they were or where they had come from. All they knew is that they were Jews from a foreign country. Mary was not aware that on their return trip Jesus and her would cause another spring to gush forth in Mostorod. There was no time to rest in Mostorod because he again the towns folk were angry that someone had caused their stone idols to crumble and fall to the ground. Ten miles outside Mostorod, Joseph stopped for the evening rest. They huddled together near an olive tree and prepared their bed for the evening. The air was cold as usual and Joseph and Mary and Jesus had to wrap an extra layer of clothing around them to ward off the desert cold.

Tradition has it that a traveler on the caravan road from Judea told Joseph that a large group of soldiers on horseback were but a day travel behind them. Mary and Joseph were worried. Mary noticed that a nearby farmer was planting seeds in his field. She asked the farmer when he has started seeding his field and he replied, “ I started seeding yesterday and today.” Mary had a vision in the night, and the next day she told the farmer that some soldiers of Herod were chasing them and would soon come by. She did not want the farmer to lie to the soldiers about when he saw the Holy family go by, so she sprinkled some water she had in her goat sack over the field the farmer had just planted. “The Lord will provide,” Mary prayed. The farmer did not understand what Mary was doing and neither did Joseph. The next day as they were about to leave and suddenly the field had a month’s growth in just one day. After the Holy family left on their journey to Phillippos the Soldiers of Herod arrived, and they stopped and asked the farmer had he seen a couple with an infant travel by. The farmer not wanting to lie told the soldiers that he had indeed seen this couple ride by when he first planted his field. The soldiers looked at the field which was very high and determined that there was at least a months growth. Realizing the Holy family was a month ahead of them they became discouraged, and turned around and headed back to Judea.

 

Belbeis (Ancient Phillippos) 55 kilometers or 34.1 miles from Old Cairo

The next day the Holy Family continued on their journey to Belbeis (ancient Pillippos) that was a long 34-mile trek from Mostorod. “The journey will be longer today Mary,” Joseph commented. “God will guide us as usual, ”Mary commented. “I will set a faster pace today to get us to Phillippos before late evening. The Lord was with them that day, and the 34 miles went swiftly and they entered the town of Phillippos at 8:00 that evening. Mary was exhausted and when she got off the donkey she rested under a tree. To this day the tree is called “The Virgin Mary’s tree.” They ate , fed the donkey and collapsed into a deep sleep that evening. Soon their journey would be over in Old Cairo where there was a community of Jews living there. Joseph wondered if the soldiers of Herod were still behind them or not.

 

The next morning they arose, ate and continued on their journey. God had revealed himself to Joseph in a dream that night before that they would have to cross the Nile river at Meniet Samanoud (Meniet Genah) in order to get to Samanoud. When they reached the Nile River they took time to wash up and water the donkey. They one gold piece left that was enough to get them across the Nile on a ferry barge. Mary was amazed at the size of the Nile River, and how long and wide it was. “Truly this is a creation of God,” Mary said to Joseph. “Look at how wide and long this Nile River is,” Mary exclaimed. Joseph was also impressed with the size of the Nile River. The coolness of the Nile River around his legs felt wonderful, as Joseph stood knee deep in the river when he got off the raft. “Now that we have crossed the Nile, we are almost to Babylon (old Cairo),” Joseph commented. “It is good that God’s will has come to pass,” said Mary. There were many different nations of people on the river raft that day. Nubians, Egyptians, Jews, and Philistines were all traveling to Cairo. Here in the Nile Delta the farmlands were rich with dark black dirt, and thousands of acres of crops. Tradition has it that here in Meniet Samanoud Mary kneaded some dough on a granite trough for the Holy Family. At the well nearby Mary drew water for Joseph and Jesus, and they stayed a few days to rest up from their long journey. They filled their goatskins with water and found a shady place to stay and rest for a few days. Herod’s soldiers did not appear and the fear of them catching up to the Holy family subsided.

 

 

Meniet Samanoud (Meniet Genah)

After a few days of rest Joseph informed Mary that they would be entering the town of Sakha (Pekha-Issout or Lysous) later that day. They reached Sakha in a day’s journey, and searched for a place to stay. They found an abandoned home foundation on the edge of the town. Tradition has it that here the infant Jesus touched a rock leaving an imprint of his foot in bas-relief. It was another miracle of God to show the local people that this was Jesus, Son of God. Mary did not believe that by Jesus stepping on a rock that his foot impression would be made, but sure enough there was the impression in the rock in front of her eyes. “Truly the power of the Lord is great, and the bounty he has provided us with,” Mary prayed. They stayed in Sakha for several days replacing their water supply, and buying more food in the town marketplace. Wherever they went people were taken by Mary’s appearance, and they always asked, “Where was she from and what was the infant’s name?” Mary was always polite, but never revealed that they were from Israel. Joseph traded the donkey in the marketplace for a stronger and younger donkey, since their donkey was to tired, and without strength to continue the journey. Joseph had some frankincense the Magii had given him left and he offered that and the old donkey helped seal the barter.

Heliopolis (Old Cairo) and the Jewish Ain Shams settlement

They left after a few days to cross the Belgas Wastelands in the western desert of Egypt. Their goal was to reach Matareya that was only ten kilometers or 6.2 miles from the city of Heliopolis (Old Cairo). Ain Shams was a settlement of Jews and was home to a large Jewish population. They had erected a temple synagogue of Unias. The Holy family would be welcome in this Jewish settlement. Once again another miracle occurred where Mary rested on a rock a spring gushed forth from the earth. Those around at the time all wondered at the miracle that had occurred. “Who is this Mary of Nazareth, and Joseph the Carpenter,” the townsfolk inquired. “Hail Joseph, where do you come from,” many Egyptians asked him. “I am from Bethlehem in Judeo, and we are visiting relatives in Ain Shams,” Joseph said. “Is it not true that your wife Mary brought forth a new spring in our village,” several Egyptians asked Joseph. “I do not know of this spring you mentioned,” Joseph denied Mary’s miracle. He was afraid that the Egyptians would feat that the Holy family was cursed and force them out of town. Fortunately, no stone idols crumbled or fell to the ground in Ain Shams.

 

So the Holy family rested in Ain Shams for many months. Mary was beginning to feel that they could live in this place forever. Many towns’ people came to see the miracle Mary had created in forming a spring to spurt forth from the ground. Egyptians and Jews alike were amazed at this miracle and the beauty and grace of Mary and her infant Jesus. They made friends in the Jewish community of Ain Shams, and worshipped in the temple synagogue of Unias. Finally, it seemed they had reached their final destination and God would provide for them. Joseph went out to seek labor in which he could earn some wages in building. Mary trying to help did some stitching and helped her neighbors with their chores. Their life was beginning to come together, although they longed for their homeland.

 

After six months with only petty jobs to be had, Joseph decided to more on to Misr El Kadima to seek better employment, and a house to live in. Tradition has it that upon entering the town of Misr El Kadima the local stone idols crumbled, and fell to the ground as they had in many other towns they had visited. Mary was afraid because these events usually made the local townsfolk angry and cause them to drive the Holy family out of the town. The Governon of Fustat, when he heard of the crumbling of the stone idols, was enraged. He sent out his soldiers to seek out the culprits. When the soldiers returned they informed the Governor of Fustat that a Jewish family from Bethlehem was to blame. They also found that the mother, Mary and the Child Jesus had miraculous powers. They claimed that it was the power of their Jewish God that caused the statutes to fall and not them personally.

 

The Holy family was again forced to flee when they learned from a friend that the Governor of Fustat wanted to have the infant Jesus killed for making the idols fall down in the town. Mary, Joseph and Jesus fled the town and hid in a cave called Abu Serga. The cave was small but comfortable. Mary began to wonder if they would ever be safe in Egypt?

 

The next day the Holy family left for the Maadi where they boarded a sailing boat, and headed up the Nile river. Joseph had to use the last of a few coins he had left to pay for the boat. They docked at Deir-Al-Garmous 10 kilometers or 6.2 miles west of Adhnein El Nassara. They rested here for a day, and then continued to get as far away from Heliopolis (old Cairo) as possible to avoid the wrath of the Governor of Fustat. “Mary I know you are afraid, but it is God’s will that he crumble the stone idols of the Egyptians,“ Joseph said. “We must have faith that God will find us a home where we can live, and not have to worry about anyone killing Jesus,” Joseph said. “You are right my husband,” Mary responded.

 

Later that evening they entered Abai Issous “The Home of Jesus.” The present day Sandafa village east of Al-Bahnassa 17 kilometers west of Beni Mazar. (10.5 miles). They journeyed to Bahnassa, and finally to Samalout where they had to cross the Nile again. Being that they were foreigners, few people offered them shelter or food. The Holy family rested in a cave at Gabal El Kaf “Palm Mountain.” It was here they lived peacefully for six months. Mary was feeling tense and tired from having to flee every town and village they came to. Finally, the cave at Gaval El Kar offered some shelter and protection from the elements. Joseph sought some labor locally to help them buy some food, and Mary settled in to caring for Jesus. He was a bright child and had a good appetite. She was still breast feeding him and giving him some chopped up dried fish and dried fruit from time to time. Joseph helped a local person repair their house roof and received some chickens and food for his services. The journey had been long and they had been in Egypt for several years now.

 

Gabal El Tair-Samalout (Minia)

Tradition has it that another miracle was said to have occured at the Laurel tree south of Gabal El-Tair. The tree is called “Al Abed,” “The Worshipper,” it is said to worship Jesus, branches incline downward, and then upward. Mary, Joseph and Jesus were said to have passed this way. “Joseph do you see how beautiful the laurel tree branches swoop down,” Mary exclaimed to Joseph one day as they rode by the laurel tree that was to become “Al Abed.” Everywhere the Holy family went in the old days of Egypt there seem to be some kind of miracle. Mary did not intentionally cause these miracles; rather the Angels of God seem to have acted on their own in proclaiming the “Son of God.” The miracles were as good and bad for the Holy family. When a miracle occurred it attracted attention, and many people from around the area came to see the woman known as the “Virgin Mary.” The bad part of the miracles is that evil men were also drawn to the miracles for their own gain. Often they had to flee a town when the people began to get out of control. Some townspeople offered food and gifts to the Holy family and Mary was most grateful. They were always considered “foreigners,” wherever they went.

Nazet Ebeid, (Minia)

Once day they came to Nazet Ebeid on the Nile and they had to cross over the Nile to get to the city. A raft was available for the Holy family, and their donkey for a small coin Joseph had left. The river currents were strong that day and Mary worried for the infant Jesus. Joseph consoled her as the raft slowly crossed the Nile. When they got to the other side, they stopped and rested at the outskirts of Nazet Ebeid. Here again was another mysterious town they had to adjust to, and find water and shelter. They were never invited by any town’s folk to stay in their home or eat of their food. The townspeople looked on them as some strange foreigners that seemed to have magical powers. “Mary we are going to stay here for a day or so, and then move on to Al-Ashmounein the following day,” Joseph said. “It is good my husband, because I am weary of traveling,” Mary commented. Joseph went into Nazet Ebeid to the marketplace to see if they had a town well where he could refill their goatskins with water. He had also hoped to barter with some local people for some dried meat and dried fruit. One such merchant named El Akim drove a hard bargain in exchange for some gold pieces Joseph had saved. Joseph had managed to buy some goat meat that was dried, figs and dates. Mary would be happy that he was successful in bartering for food since they were running low of supplies.

 

When Joseph returned to Mary and Jesus whom were waiting outside of town they sat down and ate their dinner for the day. Joseph said a few prayers of thanks before they ate their meal of flat bread, dried goat meat, figs and dates. The air cooled off quickly that evening, as Mary lay with Jesus, breast-feeding while she looked at the many stars in the sky. “Isn’t it amazing how many stars there are in the sky,” Mary said. Joseph responded by saying, “as many as the grains of sand in the desert, and all different.” “Do you think that some day our son will become a leader or king among men as the Angel promised,” Mary asked. “I do not know my love, but I do know that God is with us in our journey and always protecting us when we are in need,” Joseph exclaimed. “My spirit and belief in the Lord has grown these many years in Egypt. I do not know when we can return to our village of Nazareth, but I hope it is God’s will,” Joseph remarked.

 

Al-Ashmounein (Hermpolis Magna)…

Several days later after a good rest the Holy family decided to move on to Al-Ashmounein (Hermpolis Magna). It was only a half-day journey, and they entered the town that was bustling with people in the marketplace. Unfortunately the stone idols again began to crumble and fall to the ground. The townspeople became angry and forced the Holy Family out of town. Mary was visibly upset about the miracles and the negative image it gave them in every town. Joseph tried to calm her to prevent her from crying. “We will stay at the next town called Dairout Al-Sharif,” Joseph said and they continued on the dusty dirt road.

Dairout AL-Sharif (Philes) 12.4 miles

 

The Holy family arrived in Dairout Al-Sharif (Philes) in the later afternoon of the next day. The donkey needed water and rest so Joseph was forced to seek shelter. A grove of trees off the caravan road seemed like a safe place to rest. The heat of the day was especially intense that day, and there were no travelers on the caravan road. Mary and Joseph prayed and washed off Jesus afterward with a wet rag. Mary and Joseph had darkened considerably from being exposed to the sun all the time. She kept Jesus wrapped up to protect him from the sun. “Is God watching over us today,” Mary asked Joseph. “ He is always watching over us Mary,” Joseph responded in a positive manner. His feet were killing him and he needed a new pair of sandals. Perhaps in the next town he could barter for a pair of sandals.

Qussgam (Qost-Qoussiia) and Meir (Meira)

 

The Holy Family passed through Qussgam and Meir the next day but did not stop except to refill their goatskins with water. It seemed important to Joseph that they make distance between them and Cairo. Mount Gabal in the distance was Joseph’s goal for the day. It would offer caves for shelter and water from the mountain springs. Here they could rest longer and build up their strength. As the sun began to set they came upon Mount Gabel and a large cave half the way up the mountain. A small spring was located nearby which would provide them with water and many wild olive trees grew around the base of the mountain. Truly God had provided once again. Joseph fetched some water while Mary breastfed Jesus.

 

After feeding and watering the donkey they sat down in the comfort of the cave, and ate sitting upon some rocks. It was the last of the dried goat they had left that night. Mary and Joseph would seek out some olives and other wild plants on the next day. They all fell fast asleep from fatigue that night and all that was to be seemed well.

 

Gabal Mount Qussqam, Assuit (327 kilometers south of Cairo or 203 miles)

 

Joseph did not know at the time but the Holy Family was 203 miles south of Heliopolis (old Cairo). Here at Gabal Mount Quussam, Assuit, they felt safe enough to stay in a cave. One night when Joseph was sleeping an Angel appeared to him and said it was safe to return to Israel, for Herod was dead. When Joseph awoke he was overjoyed to tell Mary the good news. “Mary, Mary, the Angel of the Lord came to me in my sleep, and told me to return to Israel our home. Herod is dead, and it was safe for us now to return home,” Joseph shouted. “Thank God,” Mary exclaimed. They packed up their belongings, and left the next day to return to Israel, not to Jerusalem, but to Nazareth where it would be safe for them and Jesus.

And so the return journey retracing their steps through Egypt, but giving Cairo a wide avoidance. Their journey took them many months through Mount Dronka- Assiut- 8 kilometers or 4.9 miles southwest of Assiut, and back around Heliopolis (Old Cairo), Matariyah, Mahamma, back to the Sinai Peninsula, and finally back to Galilee, and to Nazareth. All in all they traveled over 2,000 miles over four years in their exile journey to Egypt and back. It was truly a miracle they survived the perils of Egypt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A free Chapter of Jesus and John

Chapter   4 – The Essenes from the novel, “Jesus and John,” by Dr Pelham Mead iii

 

Mary went to the central market one day when Jesus was 14 year of age. While at the central market in Nazareth a man approached her, and asked, “pardon me madam, but is your name Mary the wife of Joseph of Nazareth. “Yes, I am, who are you,” Mary asked? “I am Simon of Nazareth,” the man responded. “I am one of the leaders of the Mount Carmel Essene community. My family and I live in Nazareth, but conduct our worship services on Mount Carmel,” Simon said.  “ What is your business with me,” Mary asked. “ I would like to meet with your husband, Joseph the builder regarding some repairs to my house in Nazareth. “We live four blocks down this road on the right side. You will see a sign hanging in front of our house,” Mary responded. “My husband and my sons are working there now if you wish to see him today,” Mary said. “Thank you Mary,” Simon answered.  After their exchange, Simon headed down the street that Mary pointed to where her husband had his workshop.

 

When Simon came to the house of Joseph, he noticed a young man outside cutting a log. “Can you tell me where I can find Joseph the builder,” Simon asked?  The young man was Jesus, and he answered, “he is inside stranger.” Simon knocked on the door, and called inside for Joseph. A few minutes later Joseph came out and greeted Simon. “ Joseph, I am Simon of Nazareth, and I have a home on the other side of Nazareth which requires some roof repair,” Simon said. “I have many jobs this week,” Joseph replied. “I can come to your house next week to assess the damage to your roof and what it will cost to repair it,” Joseph responded. “Fine,” said Simon.  “My home is on the road of Olives, and it located on the corner of the street,” Simon said. “I look forward to your visit,” Simon replied. They shook hands, and Simon walked off down the street. “What did the stranger want, “ Jesus asked. “He has a roof that requires repair,” Joseph said.

 

Two weeks afterward Joseph, James, Jesus and Joses all headed to the other side of Nazareth to repair Simons house on Olive road. Together they carried two ladders and their tools. The house of Simon was easy to find and Joseph had James and Jesus set the ladders up against the roof to inspect the damage.

“How bad is the damage,“ Joseph asked Jesus and James.  “It looks like we will have to replace some of the beams with new wood, and then put in a roof over the hole in the roof,” Jesus yelled down to his father. Joseph and Simon came to reasonable terms for the repair of the roof for the wood and covering plus labor. “We can begin tomorrow, “ Joseph told Simon. “That would be wonderful,” Simon replied. “My sons and I have to purchase some wood from Lebanon, and supplies and bring them to your house tomorrow,” Joseph stated. “Come my sons let us go to the market, and see if we can find a dealer in Lebanon wood,” Joseph remarked.

 

The next day Joseph and his sons returned and began to work on removing the rotted wood on the roof. They started early to avoid the broiling midday Judean sun. While James and Jesus were up on the roof, Simon and Joseph stood on the ground below. “What do you do for a livelihood,” Joseph asked Simon. “ “I buy and sell cloth at the market,” Simon replied. “I have not seen you at the Synagogue,” Joseph said. Simon replied, “I am a leader of the Mount Carmel Essenes community.”  “Really, what is the Essene community all about,” Joseph asked. “We prepare ourselves for the coming of the Messiah,” Simon answered.  “I have heard of your community, many of whom live in tents on Mount Carmel,” Joseph said.  “Yes, some of our communities seek solitude on Mount Carmel to pray, and study the Torah and the bible. “We welcome anyone to come and join our community or visit with our community in prayer, “Simon said.

When Joseph returned home that day he mentioned to Mary that he had met an Essene Jew. Mary asked, “What do these Essene do?”   “I am not sure,” Joseph said. “They worship God on Mount Carmel, and some of them live in tents on sacred ground, and that is all I know,” Joseph replied.  “How strange, why do they not come to our synagogue to worship as the rest of us do,” Mary questioned?  “I do not know,” Joseph remarked.

 

Six months later Mary and Jesus were in the marketplace shopping for food when Simon and his wife Ruth walked by and said “hello.“  Jesus asked his mother, “is that not the man called Simon that we repaired his roof.” “Yes, I think it is the man whom your father said was an Essene,” Mary replied. “What is an Essene mother,” Jesus asked?  “I do not really know my son. There is something mysterious about their movement. They are like the Pharisees and the Seduces whom study and practice in the temple. The Essenes prefer to worship outside of the temple on Holy ground on Mount Carmel,” Mary said. “John mention something about the Essene community at Qumram near the Dead Sea,” Jesus said.  After their discussion Mary purchased some greens and gave them to Jesus to carry.

 

“Several months later Jesus met a new friend at the synagogue. His name was Elisha of Nazareth, and he just happened to be the son of Simon of Nazareth whom Jesus had repaired his roof. Elisha and Jesus often discussed the Torah and the bible for many hours after visiting the synagogue. During one of their talks they were discussing what a Messiah was and whether one would ever come. Elisha invited Jesus to join him and his father in worship at Mount Carmel with the community of Essenes. Jesus accepted and was very curious to see what these Essenes were all about. After he told Elisha he would attend the worship service of the Essenes, Jesus mentioned it to his mother in passing. “Jesus my son, it might be good for you to see another approach to Judaism and learn from it. Do not tell your father however,” Mary said secretly.

 

The following Sabbath Jesus went up to the Mount Carmel Essene community after attending his own synagogue. It was a long one-hour walk to Mount Carmel for Jesus. As he approached the Mountain Jesus noticed many tents arranged in a large circle. This he knew must be where the Essenes were holding their worship service. As he came close to the tents Elisha came out to meet him and welcome him to the Essene community of Mount Carmel.

The Essenes were all dressed in white robes for the worship service, and many read from the Torah and the Old Testament, as was the same in Jesus’ synagogue. When the leader known as “the Enlightened One,” began to speak Jesus was mesmerized. The Enlightened One spoke very softly about the coming of the Messiah and how the Essene community by living the pure life might make ready for the Messiah. Jesus was most interested in this talk of a Messiah. It was a topic that he had never heard before in his own synagogue. After the service the Essenes sat down in small groups to discuss living the good life for God. Jesus and Elisha sat in one group of men and listened to the discussion. After they had some food and drink, Jesus returned home with many ideas in his head about the coming of the Messiah.

 

Jesus and Elisha became fast friends and Jesus continued to visit the Mount Carmel Essenes as often as he could. Eventually he told his father Joseph that he was attending the services at the Essene community. “If you find the Essene community to your liking son, they you have my support. Just beware of false prophets,” Joseph said to Jesus.

 

As the years went by Jesus asked Simon of Nazareth is he could formally be initiated into the Essene Community of Mount Carmel. Simon agreed to speak to his father Simon the leader of the Essenes for him. So, at age 18 Jesus began his formal initiation to the Essenes Community at Mount Carmel.

 

John his 2nd cousin had joined the Qumran Essene community a year before after his father Zechariah had died. The Qumran Essene community was located on the Dead Sea far out in the desert area of Judea. The Qumran community was more of a monastic community with spiritual purity and cleanliness of thought living a simple life in exile from the rest of the Jewish world.

 

Jesus being a Nazarene and a northerner of Galilee found a whole different philosophy with the Essenes of Mount Carmel. The Mount Carmel Essene community was not monastic, and some of the community lived in Nazareth and worship on Mount Carmel. Others of the community lived in tents on Mount Carmel. Mount Carmel was sacred ground, and only gardens or trees could be planted. No permanent structures or houses were permitted on Holy Ground. No trees could be chopped down or no one could kill anything there for food, not animals or birds. It was the prophet Elijah that made the mountain Holy Ground by making the mountain his home. It was here that Elijah built an altar of twelve stones (one for each tribe of Israel) on the mountain.  The Essenes established a divine school of holiness here in the tradition of Elijah. The Simon of Nazareth the Leader of the Essenes community taught the Essenes to prepare themselves through purity, dedication to the Torah, and deeply mystical spiritual life to receive the Messiah.

 

Eventually Mary and Joseph and their children followed Jesus’ lead and become members of the Mount Carmel Essene Community. Mary and Joseph were obsessed with the meaning of the coming of the son of man, and the messiah according to the Essenes who based a lot of their philosophy on the prophet Elijah.

 

Jesus was a good student and became well known in the Essene community for his understanding of the Torah, The scriptures, and The Book of Meditation. Jesus had to promise to Essene community to:

  • exercise piety before God,
  • observe justice before all,
  • do not harm to others,
  • despise wickedness and help the righteous,
  • show fidelity to all and those in authority,
  • not abuse authority,
  • show a simple of manner of dress,
  • love the truth and reprove those who lie,
  • never steal,
  • preserve the Holy Writings.

 

 

“Simon how do you know that the Messiah is coming in our time,” Jesus asked.  “ Because my son it is written that at the end of time a Messiah will come,” Simon answered.  “Stay true to your studies,” Simon encouraged Jesus.  “Your destiny may well lie in the studies of our Essene community,” Simon said. Mary had told Jesus many times about the Angel that foretold that Jesus would be a leader among men. Jesus knew that in some way, he must find his true destiny with God through study and prayer.  Mary also told Simon of Jesus supposed destiny. Simon took great interest in Jesus when he found that an Angel appeared to Mary before Jesus’ birth.

 

Jesus learned the power of prayer after hours of prayer, and meditation each day at the Essene community. His spiritual “eyes” were beginning to see a new meaning to life. The preparation of a good and simple life helped to prepare for the coming of the messiah. “Could this Messiah really save all the Jews from oppression,” Jesus asked himself?

 

 

As age twenty, Jesus was imitated into the Community of Essenes that worshipped on Mount Carmel. He had completed several years of study, and learned the Community Rule, the council of Holiness, and study of the Torah. He observed fasting, immersion in mikveh, kosher observance, and vegetarianism to live a purer life. He now had a choice of becoming a Scribe and studying with a Senior Scribe for several years. He chose to follow this path to his enlightenment. Becoming an Essene Scribe would help him to become an expert in the scriptures and the Torah.  Jesus was always a mild mannered young man who deeply believed that he had a destiny one day. He, being only human, lacked some self-confidence in becoming a Scribe. He hoped that in time he would be more self-confident and follow in the ways of the Lord.

 

 Jesus was required to give up his worldly possessions to the Essene community who would hold it in trust for him. At the end of the second year it was merged with the goods of the community. This was an opportunity Jesus could not pass up. He accepted the promise to life a pure life and became a Scribe for the Essene community. “I have little to give Master Simon,” Jesus said.  “Here are some personal items, and mementos my mother Mary kept from my childhood,” Jesus remarked. “it is enough that you give up worldly goods and distractions my son,” Simon said. “Come let me introduce you to the senior scribe under whom you will be studying. His name is Mathias and he has been in our community for over 40 years,” Simon said.  “Brother Mathias this is Jesus of Nazareth of whom I have told you great things,” Simon remarked. “He is about to enter into our program to become an Essene Scribe,” Simon said. “Welcome and God’s Peace be with you Jesus,” Mathias said to Jesus. “It is my honor teacher to learn in your presence,” Jesus remarked. And so it was that Jesus began his ministry as a Scribe. Now he would become more of an expert on the scriptures, the Torah, and the Book of Mediations. Mary and Joseph were very proud of Jesus’ accomplishments in the Essene community of Mount Carmel. He was fulfilling the prophecy that the Angel had predicted, “…a leader among men.”

 

One Sabbath Jesus noticed Elisha coming out of one of the tents in the Essene community. “God’s Peace Elisha,” Jesus shouted. “And peace be unto you brother Jesus,” Elisha said. “Where have you been lately Jesus,” Elisha asked?  “I have been deep in study with Mathias the Senior Scribe in my dedication to becoming an Essene Scribe and have had little time for anything else except prayer,” Jesus said.  “I am not old enough yet to become a scribe,” Elisha said.  “I have learned a great deal about the prophets and especially Elijah whom predicted the coming of the Messiah,” Jesus said. “You must come and join us in the seder and lead us in prayers,” Elija asked.  “I will try to come and see you and your father Simon in Nazareth when I have time,” Jesus promised.  “God go with you Jesus,” Elija said as he walked off down the Mount Carmel rocky road. At that time Jesus had hoped to finish his Scribe studies by the time he was 25.

 

At the age of 28 Jesus could begin rabbinical studies with twelve men, and three priests. This was Jesus’ ultimate mission to become a rabbi and preacher for the Essene community.  Jesus would then study the Holy Writings that God warned ‘Ezra’ to only “show the wise.”  These writings would include the “Book of Jasher,” “The book of Enoch,” and others. After two years at age thirty, Jesus would be set apart as a rabbi of the Essene Community.  So it was, and so it was recorded that Jesus after baptism by John the Baptist began his ministry at age 30. Never did he mention in public or private that he was a trained and active member of the Mount Carmel Essene community. Jesus had the Essenes to thank for his preparation for his ministry, and for his understanding of “the son of man,” and the Messiah to come. He had his mentors Simon the Essene and Mathias the Essene teachers to always turn to when he doubted himself. Simon and Mathias instilled in Jesus the importance of the end of time and the coming of the “Righteous Teacher and the Messiah.” No one could be as well prepared in the knowledge of the scriptures as Jesus was, thanks to Simon the Essene and Mathias the Essene.  In time Simon would tell Jesus that it was time for him to go out and be baptized by John the Baptist to certify the beginning of his Essene minded mission. Jesus obeyed Simon and at the age of 29 he went to the Jordan river to be baptized. He spoke first with him mother Mary about his seeking a ministry and she agreed.

From Chapter 4 of the novel “Jesus and John” The Essenes

Chapter   4 – The Essenes

 

Mary went to the central market one day when Jesus was 14 year of age. While at the central market in Nazareth a man approached her, and asked, “pardon me madam, but is your name Mary the wife of Joseph of Nazareth. “Yes, I am, who are you,” Mary asked? “I am Simon of Nazareth,” the man responded. “I am one of the leaders of the Mount Carmel Essene community. My family and I live in Nazareth, but conduct our worship services on Mount Carmel,” Simon said.  “ What is your business with me,” Mary asked. “ I would like to meet with your husband, Joseph the builder regarding some repairs to my house in Nazareth. “We live four blocks down this road on the right side. You will see a sign hanging in front of our house,” Mary responded. “My husband and my sons are working there now if you wish to see him today,” Mary said. “Thank you Mary,” Simon answered.  After their exchange, Simon headed down the street that Mary pointed to where her husband had his workshop.

 

When Simon came to the house of Joseph, he noticed a young man outside cutting a log. “Can you tell me where I can find Joseph the builder,” Simon asked?  The young man was Jesus, and he answered, “he is inside stranger.” Simon knocked on the door, and called inside for Joseph. A few minutes later Joseph came out and greeted Simon. “ Joseph, I am Simon of Nazareth, and I have a home on the other side of Nazareth which requires some roof repair,” Simon said. “I have many jobs this week,” Joseph replied. “I can come to your house next week to assess the damage to your roof and what it will cost to repair it,” Joseph responded. “Fine,” said Simon.  “My home is on the road of Olives, and it located on the corner of the street,” Simon said. “I look forward to your visit,” Simon replied. They shook hands, and Simon walked off down the street. “What did the stranger want, “ Jesus asked. “He has a roof that requires repair,” Joseph said.

 

Two weeks afterward Joseph, James, Jesus and Joses all headed to the other side of Nazareth to repair Simons house on Olive road. Together they carried two ladders and their tools. The house of Simon was easy to find and Joseph had James and Jesus set the ladders up against the roof to inspect the damage.

“How bad is the damage,“ Joseph asked Jesus and James.  “It looks like we will have to replace some of the beams with new wood, and then put in a roof over the hole in the roof,” Jesus yelled down to his father. Joseph and Simon came to reasonable terms for the repair of the roof for the wood and covering plus labor. “We can begin tomorrow, “ Joseph told Simon. “That would be wonderful,” Simon replied. “My sons and I have to purchase some wood from Lebanon, and supplies and bring them to your house tomorrow,” Joseph stated. “Come my sons let us go to the market, and see if we can find a dealer in Lebanon wood,” Joseph remarked.

 

The next day Joseph and his sons returned and began to work on removing the rotted wood on the roof. They started early to avoid the broiling midday Judean sun. While James and Jesus were up on the roof, Simon and Joseph stood on the ground below. “What do you do for a livelihood,” Joseph asked Simon. “ “I buy and sell cloth at the market,” Simon replied. “I have not seen you at the Synagogue,” Joseph said. Simon replied, “I am a leader of the Mount Carmel Essenes community.”  “Really, what is the Essene community all about,” Joseph asked. “We prepare ourselves for the coming of the Messiah,” Simon answered.  “I have heard of your community, many of whom live in tents on Mount Carmel,” Joseph said.  “Yes, some of our communities seek solitude on Mount Carmel to pray, and study the Torah and the bible. “We welcome anyone to come and join our community or visit with our community in prayer, “Simon said.

When Joseph returned home that day he mentioned to Mary that he had met an Essene Jew. Mary asked, “What do these Essene do?”   “I am not sure,” Joseph said. “They worship God on Mount Carmel, and some of them live in tents on sacred ground, and that is all I know,” Joseph replied.  “How strange, why do they not come to our synagogue to worship as the rest of us do,” Mary questioned?  “I do not know,” Joseph remarked.

 

Six months later Mary and Jesus were in the marketplace shopping for food when Simon and his wife Ruth walked by and said “hello.“  Jesus asked his mother, “is that not the man called Simon that we repaired his roof.” “Yes, I think it is the man whom your father said was an Essene,” Mary replied. “What is an Essene mother,” Jesus asked?  “I do not really know my son. There is something mysterious about their movement. They are like the Pharisees and the Seduces whom study and practice in the temple. The Essenes prefer to worship outside of the temple on Holy ground on Mount Carmel,” Mary said. “John mention something about the Essene community at Qumram near the Dead Sea,” Jesus said.  After their discussion Mary purchased some greens and gave them to Jesus to carry.

 

“Several months later Jesus met a new friend at the synagogue. His name was Elisha of Nazareth, and he just happened to be the son of Simon of Nazareth whom Jesus had repaired his roof. Elisha and Jesus often discussed the Torah and the bible for many hours after visiting the synagogue. During one of their talks they were discussing what a Messiah was and whether one would ever come. Elisha invited Jesus to join him and his father in worship at Mount Carmel with the community of Essenes. Jesus accepted and was very curious to see what these Essenes were all about. After he told Elisha he would attend the worship service of the Essenes, Jesus mentioned it to his mother in passing. “Jesus my son, it might be good for you to see another approach to Judaism and learn from it. Do not tell your father however,” Mary said secretly.

 

The following Sabbath Jesus went up to the Mount Carmel Essene community after attending his own synagogue. It was a long one-hour walk to Mount Carmel for Jesus. As he approached the Mountain Jesus noticed many tents arranged in a large circle. This he knew must be where the Essenes were holding their worship service. As he came close to the tents Elisha came out to meet him and welcome him to the Essene community of Mount Carmel.

The Essenes were all dressed in white robes for the worship service, and many read from the Torah and the Old Testament, as was the same in Jesus’ synagogue. When the leader known as “the Enlightened One,” began to speak Jesus was mesmerized. The Enlightened One spoke very softly about the coming of the Messiah and how the Essene community by living the pure life might make ready for the Messiah. Jesus was most interested in this talk of a Messiah. It was a topic that he had never heard before in his own synagogue. After the service the Essenes sat down in small groups to discuss living the good life for God. Jesus and Elisha sat in one group of men and listened to the discussion. After they had some food and drink, Jesus returned home with many ideas in his head about the coming of the Messiah.

 

Jesus and Elisha became fast friends and Jesus continued to visit the Mount Carmel Essenes as often as he could. Eventually he told his father Joseph that he was attending the services at the Essene community. “If you find the Essene community to your liking son, they you have my support. Just beware of false prophets,” Joseph said to Jesus.

 

As the years went by Jesus asked Simon of Nazareth is he could formally be initiated into the Essene Community of Mount Carmel. Simon agreed to speak to his father Simon the leader of the Essenes for him. So, at age 18 Jesus began his formal initiation to the Essenes Community at Mount Carmel.

 

John his 2nd cousin had joined the Qumran Essene community a year before after his father Zechariah had died. The Qumran Essene community was located on the Dead Sea far out in the desert area of Judea. The Qumran community was more of a monastic community with spiritual purity and cleanliness of thought living a simple life in exile from the rest of the Jewish world.

 

Jesus being a Nazarene and a northerner of Galilee found a whole different philosophy with the Essenes of Mount Carmel. The Mount Carmel Essene community was not monastic, and some of the community lived in Nazareth and worship on Mount Carmel. Others of the community lived in tents on Mount Carmel. Mount Carmel was sacred ground, and only gardens or trees could be planted. No permanent structures or houses were permitted on Holy Ground. No trees could be chopped down or no one could kill anything there for food, not animals or birds. It was the prophet Elijah that made the mountain Holy Ground by making the mountain his home. It was here that Elijah built an altar of twelve stones (one for each tribe of Israel) on the mountain.  The Essenes established a divine school of holiness here in the tradition of Elijah. The Simon of Nazareth the Leader of the Essenes community taught the Essenes to prepare themselves through purity, dedication to the Torah, and deeply mystical spiritual life to receive the Messiah.

 

Eventually Mary and Joseph and their children followed Jesus’ lead and become members of the Mount Carmel Essene Community. Mary and Joseph were obsessed with the meaning of the coming of the son of man, and the messiah according to the Essenes who based a lot of their philosophy on the prophet Elijah.

 

Jesus was a good student and became well known in the Essene community for his understanding of the Torah, The scriptures, and The Book of Meditation. Jesus had to promise to Essene community to:

  • exercise piety before God,
  • observe justice before all,
  • do not harm to others,
  • despise wickedness and help the righteous,
  • show fidelity to all and those in authority,
  • not abuse authority,
  • show a simple of manner of dress,
  • love the truth and reprove those who lie,
  • never steal,
  • preserve the Holy Writings.

 

 

“Simon how do you know that the Messiah is coming in our time,” Jesus asked.  “ Because my son it is written that at the end of time a Messiah will come,” Simon answered.  “Stay true to your studies,” Simon encouraged Jesus.  “Your destiny may well lie in the studies of our Essene community,” Simon said. Mary had told Jesus many times about the Angel that foretold that Jesus would be a leader among men. Jesus knew that in some way, he must find his true destiny with God through study and prayer.  Mary also told Simon of Jesus supposed destiny. Simon took great interest in Jesus when he found that an Angel appeared to Mary before Jesus’ birth.

 

Jesus learned the power of prayer after hours of prayer, and meditation each day at the Essene community. His spiritual “eyes” were beginning to see a new meaning to life. The preparation of a good and simple life helped to prepare for the coming of the messiah. “Could this Messiah really save all the Jews from oppression,” Jesus asked himself?

 

 

As age twenty, Jesus was imitated into the Community of Essenes that worshipped on Mount Carmel. He had completed several years of study, and learned the Community Rule, the council of Holiness, and study of the Torah. He observed fasting, immersion in mikveh, kosher observance, and vegetarianism to live a purer life. He now had a choice of becoming a Scribe and studying with a Senior Scribe for several years. He chose to follow this path to his enlightenment. Becoming an Essene Scribe would help him to become an expert in the scriptures and the Torah.  Jesus was always a mild mannered young man who deeply believed that he had a destiny one day. He, being only human, lacked some self-confidence in becoming a Scribe. He hoped that in time he would be more self-confident and follow in the ways of the Lord.

 

 Jesus was required to give up his worldly possessions to the Essene community who would hold it in trust for him. At the end of the second year it was merged with the goods of the community. This was an opportunity Jesus could not pass up. He accepted the promise to life a pure life and became a Scribe for the Essene community. “I have little to give Master Simon,” Jesus said.  “Here are some personal items, and mementos my mother Mary kept from my childhood,” Jesus remarked. “it is enough that you give up worldly goods and distractions my son,” Simon said. “Come let me introduce you to the senior scribe under whom you will be studying. His name is Mathias and he has been in our community for over 40 years,” Simon said.  “Brother Mathias this is Jesus of Nazareth of whom I have told you great things,” Simon remarked. “He is about to enter into our program to become an Essene Scribe,” Simon said. “Welcome and God’s Peace be with you Jesus,” Mathias said to Jesus. “It is my honor teacher to learn in your presence,” Jesus remarked. And so it was that Jesus began his ministry as a Scribe. Now he would become more of an expert on the scriptures, the Torah, and the Book of Mediations. Mary and Joseph were very proud of Jesus’ accomplishments in the Essene community of Mount Carmel. He was fulfilling the prophecy that the Angel had predicted, “…a leader among men.”

 

One Sabbath Jesus noticed Elisha coming out of one of the tents in the Essene community. “God’s Peace Elisha,” Jesus shouted. “And peace be unto you brother Jesus,” Elisha said. “Where have you been lately Jesus,” Elisha asked?  “I have been deep in study with Mathias the Senior Scribe in my dedication to becoming an Essene Scribe and have had little time for anything else except prayer,” Jesus said.  “I am not old enough yet to become a scribe,” Elisha said.  “I have learned a great deal about the prophets and especially Elijah whom predicted the coming of the Messiah,” Jesus said. “You must come and join us in the seder and lead us in prayers,” Elija asked.  “I will try to come and see you and your father Simon in Nazareth when I have time,” Jesus promised.  “God go with you Jesus,” Elija said as he walked off down the Mount Carmel rocky road. At that time Jesus had hoped to finish his Scribe studies by the time he was 25.

 

At the age of 28 Jesus could begin rabbinical studies with twelve men, and three priests. This was Jesus’ ultimate mission to become a rabbi and preacher for the Essene community.  Jesus would then study the Holy Writings that God warned ‘Ezra’ to only “show the wise.”  These writings would include the “Book of Jasher,” “The book of Enoch,” and others. After two years at age thirty, Jesus would be set apart as a rabbi of the Essene Community.  So it was, and so it was recorded that Jesus after baptism by John the Baptist began his ministry at age 30. Never did he mention in public or private that he was a trained and active member of the Mount Carmel Essene community. Jesus had the Essenes to thank for his preparation for his ministry, and for his understanding of “the son of man,” and the Messiah to come. He had his mentors Simon the Essene and Mathias the Essene teachers to always turn to when he doubted himself. Simon and Mathias instilled in Jesus the importance of the end of time and the coming of the “Righteous Teacher and the Messiah.” No one could be as well prepared in the knowledge of the scriptures as Jesus was, thanks to Simon the Essene and Mathias the Essene.  In time Simon would tell Jesus that it was time for him to go out and be baptized by John the Baptist to certify the beginning of his Essene minded mission. Jesus obeyed Simon and at the age of 29 he went to the Jordan river to be baptized. He spoke first with him mother Mary about his seeking a ministry and she agreed.