Resurrection Sunday Bartimaeus 5 April – 33 AD For nearly two weeks, Bartimaeus ben Timaeus walked around in an incoherent daze, overwhelmed by what was happening. His mind literally could not process all that had occurred since the moment 12 days previously outside of Jericho when he encountered the rabbi Jesus on the way to Jerusalem for His triumphal entry into the City of David. Bartimaeus had been blind for eight tortuous years, having suffered mightily for his sinful lifestyle. Since his father’s death, he had been a worthless fellow, in bondage to strong drink, estranged from his brothers,…

Holy Saturday Ethan 4 April – 33 AD Ethan ben Timaeus knocked on the door of the home of his long-time friend and former fellow tax collector, Matthew Levi ben Alphaeus. Even after Matthew had left tax collecting to become a follower of Jesus, they remained friends, although their contact had been scarce over the past three years. Yet now, with the news that Jesus had been executed and entombed, Ethan felt strongly that he should pay his respects to his dear friend and offer his condolences. There was no response, so he rapped again. After pausing another several minutes…

Good Friday Johanan 3 April – 33 AD Johanan ben Timaeus owned the largest and by far the most prosperous carpentry shop in Jerusalem. The former shepherd had his start learning his trade by helping the local carpenter near their farm build toys for himself and his brothers as a young lad. At the first opportunity to break away from sheep herding after his father’s untimely death, and not being the eldest son to inherit the family’s minor estate, Johanan wisely chose his enthusiasm for woodworking as a permanent occupation. He was so passionate, gifted, and innately honest that he…

Maundy Thursday Azriel 2 April – 33 AD 54-year-old Azriel ben Timaeus busied himself around the large upper room that lay atop his spacious home below. His relatively opulent neighborhood was located on the escarpments of Mount Zion in Jerusalem, not far from the Temple. Azriel, a wealthy businessman as well as a deeply devout follower of God, was well known for his piety and generosity to the poor. It was the day of Passover, and the evening before, he had rented out this very popular room to the Jewish High Priest for a meeting of the Sanhedrin, the high…

Prior’s Note: The stories for this Holy Week represent a unique view of Christ’s resurrection, beginning with the lowly manger. There are five interwoven narratives told from the vantage point of four Biblical witnesses – people of whom there are no additional historical renderings, either in scripture or in any other historical documentation. _____________________________________________________________ O Holy Night Year 0 – 0 Hour Four sons of Timaeus huddled together around a small campfire on the Judean hillside, gathered before the ever-changing cone of the flickering fire’s constantly altering, imperfect warmth. They were doing their best to keep from shivering in the…