Original subtitles

Galilean Jews.

Twelve, and two women.

Huh. I was told there may be as many as four women in your company.

You are followers of Jesus the Nazarene?

- Who's asking? - I have a package...

for Andrew and Simon, sons of Jonah.

- You didn't answer his question. - What's in the box?

I'm the messenger, not the sender. I was only given delivery instructions.

Whomever of you is Andrew, step forth.

Me!

Tell us who sent you and maybe we'll explain.

Whoa, easy.

Till we meet again, boys.

I don't go by Simon anymore.

Whoever sent this is working with outdated information.

And they didn't know Ramah died.

And why did they put your name first?

I'm the older brother.

Maybe it was someone who knew Andrew better.

Could it be from the Baptizer?

Dead people can't send packages.

Yeah, that makes sense.

What do we got here?

We could get a week's worth of rations for selling the box.

John definitely couldn't have afforded this.

Remember the bag of gold that someone left for us before Samaria?

I also remember the bag of dead crows that a malcontent sent to Tel-Dor.

People have sent letters asking for healings and signs in their towns.

- Maybe from someone who needs help. - They're trying to buy a miracle from Jesus.

We did receive a gift of gratitude from Fatiyah,

the Nabatean leader in Decapolis after the feeding.

And why was Andrew's name first?

Maybe there is a rabid animal inside sent to attack and kill us.

Okay.

- Smells safe to me. - Just open it.

It's from Joanna.

"For the uninterrupted continuity of the teachings and deeds of Jesus of Nazareth."

We need to split up the work of selling these in order to liquidate quickly.

- It would take one person far too long. - So split it up.

Hmm?

Oh, me? Right now? Yes.

Ah...

Silver cooking blades.

Uh, Zee?

I have someone for these.

- Oh, wow, silk from the Far East. - Oh.

No, I don't think that's a good idea.

But you know the value, Matthew. You know how to get a good price for it.

I thought we all agreed that Judas would handle the money.

I am. Just bring me back whatever you can get for it.

We trust you, Matthew. Indefinitely.

Lapis lazuli.

- Amethyst, carnelian, jasper... - Valuable?

Beyond rubies.

This will do nicely. I can promise you that.

Big James, go with Tamar and Mary to market.

- Make sure no one bothers them. - Mm.

Uh, all that's left are coins.

And the box itself.

Go on and sell the box, Nathanael.

- I'll come with you. - Hmm.

And the coins?

Judas, take the coins and put them in the purse.

I can do.

- What are you all waiting for? Go. - Let's go.

And let's make these gifts from Joanna go a long way.

- Go to the market. - Grab this.

♪ Oh, child, come on in Jump in the water ♪

♪ Got no trouble with the mess you been ♪

♪ Walk on the water, ooh ♪

♪ You walk on the water, ooh ♪

♪ You walk on the water ♪

♪ Oh, child ♪

♪ You walk on the water ♪

♪ Got no trouble ♪

♪ You walk on the water ♪

♪ Oh, oh, oh-oh-oh ♪

♪ Walk on the water ♪

You, Gedera of the Sadducean persuasion, insist there is no resurrection of the dead.

The Holy Law of Adonai makes no mention of an afterlife.

It's right there in the songs of David.

David is not Torah.

According to the Doe of the Dawn...

- "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" - Yes. Yes.

But further down near the end.

"All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship;

before Him shall bow all who go down to the dust."

- I'm so tired of this line of reasoning. - And then here, in the Prophet Daniel.

"And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake...

some to eternal life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt."

I don't know how anyone can refute that.

Metaphorical language.

It's about Israel's national resurrection from being muddled amid the dust of the Gentiles.

"Awakening" refers to the coming of Messiah,

when Jews who love God's law will arise from their spiritual slumber,

while those who reject the Messiah will be put to shame and contempt.

Rabbi Gedera, how do you interpret the words "eternal life"?

Hayei Olam.

God's immutable law is eternal.

A life committed to studying Torah is a life centered on matters of eternal importance.

That's Hayei Olam.

How does the Sadducees' rejection of an afterlife

lead to more faithful adherence to Torah in practical terms?

Practicality is our entire agenda.

I would direct your attention to the words of the Fifth Book of Torah.

"You shall therefore be careful to do the commandment and the statutes

and the rules that I command you today."

God's will is that we carry out His decrees here, today,

not in some imagined next world, but this one.

The Pharisees' hyper-literal reading of the Prophet Daniel

is both dangerous and distracting.

If all your work is only to receive a reward in the afterlife,

it makes you blind to the realities of the one you're living in right now.

How would you respond to the accusation that the Sadducees' wealth and social status

make your interpretation all too convenient?

Your class is so comfortable in this life.

Why should you worry about the next one?

Ordinary Jews live lives of such discomfort...

that the hope of a better life in the resurrection

is what they have to cling to.

And you, Rabbi Zebediah, you decline the daily Sanhedrin feasts?

Gedera, you are to address his interpretation, not his status.

Hypocrites!

Both of you accused my supposed affluence of distorting my interpretation.

We are both provided for.

The point remains as much as you'd like to ignore it.

Yanni, please take over.

Rabbi Gedera...

- Yussif. - Brother.

What are you doing here?

This way. Come, come here.

I saw your name on the attendance for Sanhedrin, and I thought it was a mistake.

So did I, honestly.

You finally did it, leaned into your abba's wealth and connections.

I never thought I'd see the day.

Well, it's here.

Well, you could have used your inheritance years ago.

To do what? I knew nothing but scholarship.

I had to minister to our people first.

Setting aside my own jealousy, I imagine your abba was upset.

Yes, but his recent contribution indicates he's gotten over it.

That was something in there.

Do you think the Sadducees have a valid point?

The only thing I agreed with him on

was that you ought not to have brought his fortunes

into the argument.

Let the interpretation stand on its own merits.

Sensitive about money, are we, Yussif?

We both used whatever means necessary to lay hold of our seats.

You used bureaucratic triangulation, I used my abba.

- Why does my way sound worse? - What matters now is that we are both here.

The only question that remains is what we will do with our new positions.

Well, fair point.

Although, I thought I did know what I came here to do, and lately...

I'm not so sure.

- What has changed? - Hmm.

Let me show you around.

Well, we'll reach the Holy City by nightfall.

Well before night, if we keep a steady pace.

Should we plan to set up camp in the same spot that we did for the Feast of Tabernacles?

It's not a holiday. And the camp would draw attention.

- People are on the lookout for him. - What then?

An inn?

Same problem.

There's eyes everywhere, and documentation, records for visitors.

After Joanna's gift, we do have enough to stay at an inn.

Perhaps several, to spread us out and avoid suspicion.

We could put him in a disguise, use fake names?

Fake names? And violate the Eighth Commandment?

Ninth.

He's right, John. Lying is the ninth.

The order does not matter. Lying is lying.

Zee, you have a brother in Jerusalem.

- Yes, Jesse. - The last time I saw him, he was homeless.

That could have changed. He certainly did.

But I don't think his lodging would accommodate us all.

So does anyone have a rich uncle in the upper city or something?

Judas says we have enough to stay under a roof,

if we can just find a way to keep Rabbi's identity a secret.

And hide his presence from Jerusalem.

Has anyone tried to contact Nicodemus?

We do not know his heart or his intentions.

I spoke with him, John. He had an open heart.

Good morning.

- Shalom. - Good morning.

Shalom.

- Master, where would you like to stay? - The property of my friend, Lazarus.

- I thought he was in Bethany. - Correct.

So we will not go directly into Jerusalem tonight,

but we will stay over with Lazarus and his sisters.

And I'm eager to see my eema.

So let's get to the road quickly, huh?

How can I help?

Halt!

Jewish citizens.

Everyone remain calm.

Disarm yourselves and leave your bags. You're carrying ours now.

Under Roman law, a soldier can force a Jew to carry his things.

At random?

There is a legal limit. A maximum of one mile and no further.

- Quiet. - Hold this.

Master, this is humiliating.

We will comply, with dignity.

Here.

- Higher. Higher. - Pick it up, pick it up.

Don't trip.

Hold it higher. Higher.

What must it be like,

walking around all day with no metal weighing your head down?

Ever have helmet hair?

You too.

Here.

- I'll take that. - I'm not made of straw, Matthew.

- I can carry it. - Mary, please.

Hurry along, rats!

Rats with nice hats.

Move it, move it.

You'll be a soldier now.

- Master, let me take that. You should... - No, no.

It is no more unsuitable on my head than any of yours.

- We both know that is not true. - Thank you for your concern, Judas.

In the months since I last saw you in Capernaum, how have you grown in wisdom and stature?

Other than coming to your senses that you can leverage your family's wealth?

- Will you stop with that? - Fine.

But you're not the same impressionable Yussif that I knew in Galilee,

always struggling with your tallit.

I have become more committed, discerning and observant, Shmuel.

Who are the men we walked past at the entrance?

I thought you said you were observant.

I meant in worship.

Okay, so you're observant.

Now let's find out if you make observations.

I know what scribes are.

We also call them lawyers in the sense that they are chief authorities

on the sacred Law of Moses,

interpreters and arbiters of God's covenant with Israel.

They're not dressed as nicely as most lawyers I know.

It's an unpaid position.

They have a second job to support what they do here, free of charge.

Why work for no compensation?

In hopes of finding favor with someone influential in here

and securing a seat if one opens up.

- "Whatever means necessary." - Exactly.

What about them?

- Amethyst and topaz rings, popular in Greece. - Mm-hm. Mm-hm.

Athenian blue headdresses.

Hellenized Jews visiting from Decapolis?

Hellenized, yes, but not visitors.

- Herodians. - Oh, of course.

Supporters of the client king Herod Antipas, and by extension, Rome.

They hope to secure greater political influence for themselves

at the expense of the rest of Israel.

Very morally compromised, selfish, misguided.

- The zealots hate them. - Oh, they hate us too.

True. Everyone who isn't a zealot. Even them.

Payot. Seeing those less and less.

Following to the letter,

"You shall not round off the hair of your temple or mar the edges of your beard."

Devotees of the House of Shammai?

They're probably complaining about the Hillel acolytes right now.

But they are committed to Torah equally.

Only Shammai is more literal, while Hillel focuses on the broader principle.

The latest dispute?

Whether you should tell a bride on her wedding day

that she is beautiful even if it is not true.

I'm guessing Shammai says no because it would be a lie.

Correct, and Hillel maintains that a bride is always beautiful on her wedding day.

A bigger story of God and His people.

Be careful who you say that around.

I have a feeling about you, Yussif.

You weren't lying when you said you are observant. Discerning.

Shmuel?

Is something wrong?

Wrong?

Throughout history, men have called their age

"confusing times, troubled times."

Ours is no different, I suppose.

I can honestly say I'm glad you're here.

You've done well.

Thank you, Rabbi.

Everyone!

Attention, everyone, please.

I have an entreaty to make.

I got you, okay? I got you. I got you, Matthew.

It's not that I'm humiliated.

I am.

It's that I'm so murderously angry they're doing this to him.

Mm-hm.

I've done this plenty.

It doesn't get any easier the next time.

Which one of you does this belong to?

Come on.

I never could have imagined a moment like this.

He said to submit.

So we submit.

The painful irony of some of his teaching.

You know what the holy men who perform the circumcisions say?

- What? - What?

Don't drop it.

"The pay is lousy, but we get to keep the tips."

Decanus, the sign is the mile marker.

In your entire lives,

I bet you've never been so grateful for the enshrined Roman law.

We know this has been an honor for all of you.

Stop here!

I said stop!

Your destination is that outpost a mile ahead, yes?

It is. But we're only permitted one mile.

By coercion.

There's no law against citizens assisting you the rest of the way of their own volition.

Come, my friends.

- But... - If anyone says anything...

say that we offered.

Rabbi, what are we doing?

Why would we just help Romans?

Judas.

Where did we meet?

At the sermon on the Korazim plain.

Good.

Whenever you are troubled, think back on my message.

Maybe let us take back the helmets so there's no confusion at the outpost.

If you like.

- Here. - Give me that. All right.

- Yeah, hand me that. - I'll take it.

I've got it.

Hey, if anyone forces you to go one mile...

Go with him two.

But we have gained new insight which calls for revisiting.

We all still mourn when we recall how the Governor Pontius Pilate

did so barbarously appropriate funds

from the temple treasury for the construction of the Bier Aqueduct

to bring water into Jerusalem.

And worse yet, we still grieve...

the lives lost of those who rose in protest to resist this provocation...

and were crushed...

dismembered, disemboweled...

and impaled on poles, made an example of for all,

that none should defy Pilate's designs for this city,

nor the means by which he deigns to carry them out.

Gedera, you do us harm by reviving this abominable anecdote.

We are still trying to heal.

It would be irresponsible to ignore the ways in which this cataclysmic bloodbath

may now prove instructive.

Instructive?

Credible intelligence has reached our ears

that the event was a source of pain not only to us but to Pilate himself.

The sniveling child has proven incapable of remorse.

Not when his job is threatened.

Emperor Tiberius was appalled, both by Pilate's stealing from the funds,

inexcusable, even by Roman standards,

and abundantly more so by the brutality with which he struck down our response.

What are you saying?

It would appear...

however improbable...

that we now want the same thing as Pilate.

- Is he losing his mind right now? - I have no idea what he is talking about.

Peace.

Pilate wants peace.

Or at least, Caesar does.

Emperor Tiberius Caesar Augustus is not fond of Pontius Pilate.

Exactly. Pilate's position as the procurator of Judea is on the line.

He was reprimanded and warned when he sent out troops to kill Galileans

while they were offering sacrifices in our temples,

and then given a second warning for the aqueduct massacre.

He was already too young and in over his head for this position,

and now he is officially on notice.

Then let's make something happen so we can get rid of him.

- Yes. - Uh, short-sighted, Zebediah, as usual.

- Ah! - I submit we take advantage

of his tenuous situation.

Take care of some things we've been putting off.

Such as?

Eh, that's for this governing body and its committees to decide.

We could suggest to Pilate...

a revolutionary leader is fomenting an overthrow for, say...

removing the Roman votive shields from the palace.

He does not take kindly to bribery.

What are his other options?

Yussif, hold your tongue.

- I have a seat. I'll use my voice. This is absurd. - Listen, I know what you mean. Come here.

I know you have things you want to achieve, but you're new.

No one knows you. You'll be shouted down.

Then where do I start?

Pick your battles.

What do you want to accomplish?

Whatever you came here for,

the key is to get on a committee of men committed to the same ends.

- What are the committees? - The entire range of Jewish interests.

There's a committee on Ritual Purity and Sacrificial Inspection.

Very practical.

Tithes and Treasury, Agriculture and Food Law,

Education and Labor, Sabbath and Festival Observance.

- It depends what you came here for. - I came to make a difference.

- Everyone says that at first. - And then what happens?

I'm trying to help you.

Yussif, you come from a prominent business family,

and yet you chose to work among the common people in rural Galilee

where there's no room for intellectuals like us.

But at some point, you decided to move on from your youthful, righteous posturing.

- It was not posturing. - Youthful idealism.

- You decided to grow up. - Don't insult me.

Do you lean toward Hillel interpretations due to contact with Nicodemus?

Did your time with Nicodemus have the opposite effect on you?

None of those committees sounded very interesting to me.

There are short-term assignments too.

There is a select committee on Temple Renovation.

Liturgical Reform, Reclamation of Beersheba at the Southern Border.

- Beersheba? Part of Edom, right? - Yes.

We all want the whole land of Israel as God promised,

but these men are especially hung up on a passage from the time of the Judges

that describes the borders of Israel, from north to south, as "From Dan to Beersheba."

They want to take it back, restore the original borders.

Well, I cannot think of anything more tiresome or futile.

I can.

Preservation of Davidic Artifacts for the National Archive,

Investigation into the Authorship of Job.

Theorization of Fulfilled Late Babylonian-Exilic Prophecies,

Historical Accuracy of the Books of Judith and...

Wait. What was the one about Babylonian prophecies?

Ah, it's academic.

Well, a proposed list of prophecies from the time of Nebuchadnezzar II

that may have been realized through the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes

and which ones are yet to be fulfilled.

That one.

Really?

Mm-hm.

You suddenly seem very sure.

I am.

Well, let's get you an introduction.

- So, Jesus. - Yes?

When you said go another mile, it's actually three...

including the two to come back and get our stuff.

It's a miracle it's still here.

That's right.

I'm very proud of you.

I know how hard that was for you.

But you all did so well.

Now, on to Bethany.

Uh, Rabbi?

Judas, how are you feeling?

I'm exhausted.

I'm still not used to life on the road, being an evangelist.

Oh, yeah?

Give it time.

And I'm tired too.

We're almost there.

You can see it up ahead.

- Have you been to Bethany? - Yes.

Uh, actually, I wanted to ask you.

While you spend time with your eema,

I was wondering if it would be all right for me to visit an old associate in town?

- Old? - Uh, former associate.

Ah.

He took me on as an apprentice after my father died.

Sounds like an important person.

Not more important than you. Don't get me wrong.

It's okay, Judas. I understand.

By all means, go and see him.

But let's wait until after supper, huh?

Yeah, yeah.

Wait for it.

Jesus!

You're here!

I think we're at the right place.

At last! Come, come. All of you, this way.

Hi, Mary.

Adonai in heaven.

And why is my dearest Martha hiding in the house?

My Lord.

Oh, Rabbi. Please pardon the state of the house.

- I... - It's fine.

What is the meaning of this?

You barge in here unannounced with these people?

Our Martha, distressed?

Lazarus, we were just passing through and thought we could...

And you thought this was an inn, huh? Do you know how busy I am?

The nerve.

We were just passing through and thought we could crash, but I guess I thought wrong.

Oh, we got him.

- How are you? - It's so good to see you, my friend.

So good to see you.

- You should have seen your faces. - Gotta keep them on their toes.

Jesus, what can I get you? Water, olives, wine?

Uh, something better than all of those.

Something better than those?

- Such an eema's boy. - You know me.

She went to the woods to pick berries.

Ah.

- Alone? - I try.

I really do. But you know how she is.

I know. She's impossible to hold down.

Honestly, she's the only one in this household who knows which berries aren't poisonous

and where to find the tastiest ones.

She's had a lot of practice.

- Lazarus, go get her. - Why? Mary's here.

It's fine. It's fine. She'll be back before dark.

- Let's just all sit, huh? - Yes, of course.

You must have had a terribly long journey. Please.

Come, join us.

- Smells delicious. - Oh, thank you.

Over here.

Zebediah.

This is Yussif, son of Arnán.

Ah, yes. Recently appointed, I hear. Congratulations.

Thank you, Rabbi.

It was of note to see your name show up on the list out of nowhere.

- I wouldn't say... - Let's cut right to it.

- Where did you get the money for your seat? - Zebediah!

My family owns a prominent construction business in Jerusalem.

Land ownership would be one thing, but construction?

How vulgar.

Yussif!

That was the chair of the Prophecy Fulfillment committee.

What's so vulgar about construction?

They think the new buildings are a blight on the city's aesthetic.

Gedera. That was a marvelous speech on Pilate you gave today.

So will you support me?

Let's schedule a lunch with you and my colleague Yanni.

- This is Yussif, son of Arnán and... - I know Arnán.

He built my home.

Which rabbi sponsored your application?

Annas, son of Seth.

A fellow Sadducee. Hmm.

I won't bother asking why he sponsored a new member from the rival party.

I already know the answer.

We are all sons of Israel, though we may disagree on particulars.

The next time you see your abba's old friend, Annas,

tell him I want to talk about his sons' booths.

They've been buying up market stalls on Mount of Olives

even before they're listed as being for sale.

I want to know who his contacts are.

I may have to sing Caiaphas a song about Annas' son-in-law

and a certain slave-beating incident.

He'll know what I'm talking about, I assure you.

You want me to threaten him?

This way, Yussif. We have so many people to meet today.

Gedera, let me know about lunch.

Speaking of lunch, let's eat. I'm exhausted.

- I'm exhausted. - Over here.

That's interesting.

The horses love it.

How is your vineyard holding up?

It's been especially dry as of late, but we're managing.

What's the going day rate for waterers and pruners?

Why? You need a job?

Not working for you, that's for sure.

Same as carpentry.

- Come on. - Yeah.

- A denarius? - Yes.

- I'm disappointed. I thought you were shrewd. - I'm a generous man.

That you are.

That reminds me of a story.

Is everything all right, Martha?

I'm fine. Just, um...

I've got it. Carry on.

She's... Please, continue.

Okay.

The kingdom of heaven is like the master of a house

who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.

After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day,

he sent them into his vineyard.

Ah. You make it sound so simple.

And going out about the third hour,

he saw others standing idle in the marketplace.

And to them he said, "You, go into the vineyard too.

And whatever is right, I will give you."

So they went.

Thank you.

Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same.

And about the 11th hour, he went out and found others standing.

He said to them, "Why do you stand here idle all day?"

They said to him, "Because no one has hired us."

He said to them, "You, go into the vineyard too."

When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman,

"Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last up to the first."

So when those hired at the 11th hour came, each of them received a denarius.

Now, when those hired first came,

they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius.

And when they got it, they grumbled at the master of the house saying,

"These last worked only one hour,

and you've made them equal to us who've been here all day in the scorching heat."

But he replied, "Friend, I am doing you no wrong."

Did you not agree with me for a denarius?

Take what belongs to you and go.

I choose to give to this last worker the same.

Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?

"Or do you begrudge my generosity?"

So, the last will be first and the first, last.

Wait. Hold on.

The ones who worked the hour were paid a full denarii?

That's 12 times more than what they were owed.

Sounds to me like the owner of the vineyard was getting cheated.

- Is the kingdom of heaven unjust? - I get it.

I'm happy to be last.

Through earthly eyes, I suppose it looks unfair.

But I didn't say the kingdom of this world.

I said of heaven.

It's a different calculus,

where people are not measured by what they deserve.

Thank you. This looks delightful.

Would have been better if I didn't have to do it all alone.

- Better? - Yes, better.

More befitting of someone as important as you.

It seems you didn't notice my sister has left me to serve alone.

From the moment you got here, she hasn't done a thing to serve you.

She's completely ignored everything I've been doing to make all of you comfortable,

and it's clear that she's not going to notice how hard I'm working on her own.

The only thing that could change it is if you tell her to help me.

Martha, Martha, please, sit down here with me.

How can I sit? Only half your followers have been served.

We can discuss this later.

I'm sorry.

I know, but I want the others to hear this.

There is nothing to be embarrassed about.

You've done a wonderful thing.

You are anxious and troubled about many things,

and it is not for nothing.

Hospitality will always matter, and I am grateful for what you have done.

It's what you deserve and more.

Your intention is well-meaning,

but only one thing is truly necessary.

The best way to serve me is to pay close attention to my words.

That is the priority.

That is what your sister has chosen.

It is a good portion...

and it will not be taken from her.

Taken?

Your food, the servings.

They're wonderful,

but they'll pass away with the rest of this world.

My words, they'll never pass away.

Mary has chosen to feast on something of eternal value.

I want you all to hear this clearly. I do not rebuke Martha.

Acts of service are beautiful.

Action is good.

You're doing what you thought was expected of you.

And what you do is valuable.

And Mary probably could have helped a little.

But listen.

I don't want you distracted from being able to be present with me

and the friends that I have brought.

I'm inviting you to something that is better.

To sit at my feet, listen carefully to my words,

and devour them as a meal more nourishing than actual food.

That said, I definitely don't want to waste Martha's amazing food.

So, if you all got the lesson, let's all thank her and eat.

Well done!

Thank you.

- Thank you, Martha. - Wonderful, Martha.

Mm.

Divine.

That word coming from you?

Um, I like divine.

I will bring in the rest, Andrew.

I'll help you, Lazarus.

What is that bright flavor in the bread part?

I snuck a little bit of mint and lemon into the dough.

- Brilliant. - All right. Who didn't get any?

You just had one.

No. Over here first. Over here, first.

It was a small, small piece.

I'll fight to the death.

I'm sorry.

- Give the small one to Little James. - They are all the same size.

Hey, I've been pushing the cart all day, and I feel that...

I've been pushing the cart.

Hey!

Hey! Hey! Hey!

My son!

Eema.

You're really here.

You're really here!

Yes, but, um...

there's a grave problem.

- Why? What happened? - I don't know what to do.

It could ruin the whole night.

They've, um...

They've run out of wine.

- Oh, what ever will we do? - I haven't a clue.

- Uh, Rabbi? - Hmm?

- Oh. I'm sorry to interrupt. - Not at all.

Uh, you said after supper.

- Is now a good time? - Yes. Please, give your friend my best.

It's very nice to see you again, woman.

- Shalom. Shalom. - Shalom. Shalom.

Mm.

- It sounds like a party in there. - It certainly is but, uh...

- Let's not go in just yet, huh? - All right.

- Come with me to the well. - The well?

- Your hair needs washing. - Oh, does it?

I think it's pretty good, actually.

So, are you enjoying your new home in Bethany?

It's not home, but I think both of us know

neither of us can go back to Nazareth.

Hmm.

- Do you miss it? - Nazareth is just a place.

And after the way they treated you...

But Abba's tomb is there.

My thoughts dwell in the land of the living, not the dead.

Hmm. Is Lazarus taking good care of you?

Too good.

If it were up to him, I'd sit inside all day,

shaded from the sun and doted on by Martha like the queen of Sheba.

I had to put my foot down and insist he let me contribute,

collecting seeds and berries.

So I've heard.

- Ow. Eema... - Oh, hush. You're fine.

- I see your hair still knots like it used to. - I see you're still not as gentle about it.

You got your strong hands from me, don't you forget it.

As long as you don't lick your thumb and wipe my face again, I'll be fine.

- Mm. - Uh-oh.

Mm. No need. You lucked out.

Thank goodness.

This reminds me of when things were simple.

They weren't always simple. We struggled.

Some nights your father and I would have to make a decision

which one of us would eat.

I know.

It was important to learn the uncertainty of poverty.

My followers...

they are poor in another sense.

Their way of understanding, of listening, of faith.

Destitute, I'm afraid.

That bad?

They ask for earthly things,

positions of prestige on my right hand and left, in glory.

They take offense when I show humility and deference to the powers of this world

instead of, I don't know, turning the Roman soldiers into pillars of salt.

They're only human. What did you expect?

Also human.

Darling, I changed your swaddling cloths when they were soiled.

Believe me, I'm aware.

What grieves me is the, uh...

yes, the very human feeling...

that no one understands this.

By no fault of their own.

They're simply incapable.

I speak the words of my Father in heaven

and the religious leaders call it blasphemy and plot against me.

Some people just generally take it the wrong way.

My own followers say they agree,

but then they... they act in a way

that makes it seem like they've never absorbed a word that I've said.

What will it take for them to understand?

Son?

Bitter.

What?

It's a bitter answer to a bitter question.

Hmm.

You speak in parables.

I do, at times.

Remember when your father taught you how to cut a dovetail joint?

Mm.

He didn't do it by telling you a story.

He put his hands on your hands,

wrapped your fingers around the tools, and guided you.

Cypress, oak, sycamore.

These obey the master's hands.

But human hearts...

that's another story.

Well, it doesn't hurt to try.

Being direct, I mean.

I tried it recently.

I told them exactly what was going to happen. It didn't even register.

Hmm.

The human desire to avoid difficult news...

sometimes makes one deaf.

True.

You'll figure it out.

Come on, let's go inside.

- I want to see how Simon is doing. - Well, for starters, he has a new name.

Oh, really?

- Mm-hm. - Like Abram to Abraham?

Kind of.

- You're still doing that old trick? - Hades and Styx!

How did you get in?

The key was still under the fennel plant.

You know, it's a best practice to change the locks

and switch up the hiding places of keys after terminating an employee.

I didn't terminate you. You quit. I never thought I'd see you again.

Did everything fall apart?

- We're just passing through Bethany. - Oh.

- Make yourself at home. - Oh, sorry, I...

I should have knocked.

What is home for you these days?

We're nomadic. Mostly camping.

Your rabbi does not have a home base?

Capernaum, I guess.

If you can call any place we haunt a home.

We're strategically displaced from Capernaum for the time being.

Too much attention.

I heard his fame and infamy are spreading wildly.

Shouldn't he be amassing an army,

not getting run out of backwater towns in the north country?

I'm newer than the others, so...

- My opinion doesn't count for much. - He could learn a lot from you.

He clearly does not understand the importance of perception in business.

Business of any kind.

His image among religious leaders is a problem. They're threatened by him.

Not just religious leaders.

I heard one of his followers was murdered by a high-ranking Roman.

- True or false? - That was a terrible, tragic accident.

It was the praetor himself.

He was punished and demoted for the incident.

They kill one of our citizens and they get a stern talking to.

Can you imagine if we laid a finger on one of them?

I mean, we're going to find out because that has to happen pretty soon, right?

I assume.

Judas?

Look, Hadad...

he's the Messiah, no question.

He heals people. He works miracles.

His teachings are like nothing anyone's ever heard before.

- You said so yourself, remember? - So why don't you sound convinced?

I remember that he did not take up a collection.

That crowd was enormous.

He had every ear, every heart,

and therefore held all the strings to every purse.

- All he would have had to do was ask. - They would say that's what makes him great.

No one can call him a charlatan or a con man.

- Which is more than I can say for myself. - For needing to eat?

I admit.

I...

I don't understand what we're doing or why we're doing it. I...

Or why we're not moving much quicker. I...

I'm trying to learn.

In the meantime, I'm...

Hey, I'm not starving.

You were always skinny even when we were eating like kings, so how would I know?

Do you have savings?

I try to be careful with how I apportion out money.

I keep some aside for a dry spell, but they're so frequent...

- What do you mean "I"? - They put me in charge of the financials.

- Did you learn nothing from me? - I've tried to forget.

Sorry. I'm...

I'm grateful for the apprenticeship, but...

But now I'm trying to use what I've learned to help the group.

And are you being compensated for your specialized skill?

There is another with exquisite skill in bookkeeping, but he won't go near it.

- He was a tax collector. - Guilty conscience.

You're one to talk.

If you are the only one qualified and willing,

then you deserve a stipend for your specialized work.

Like the Proverbs of Solomon say,

"Woe to him who makes his neighbor serve him for nothing and does not give him his wages."

That's not Solomon.

It doesn't matter who said it. The principle stands.

You also know how to invest prudently.

It's just good business to take a small portion

and put it in a bank where it can collect interest.

Jesus has a parable about that, actually.

- In favor of interest? - Yes, very.

Then you have all the confidence to know that you're doing what he wanted you to do.

I didn't come here for advice, Hadad.

Then why are you here? Outside of looking confused.

At a turn, holier-than-thou and embarrassed.

You are angry, Judas.

Yes!

My understanding is shaken.

I know nothing except that he is the one true Messiah...

and the future king of Israel to sit on David's throne.

And he called me.

And called you with a purpose.

Until you figure out what,

you can at least make sure that you have resources

to keep the mission going,

so that when he takes this Davidic throne you speak of,

you are the natural choice to be Secretary of the Treasury under his regime.

I...

I didn't think that far ahead.

They gave you complete fiduciary responsibility.

Stop waiting for permission to better the ministry or to make adult decisions.

They all need to grow up, you need to get paid, and he needs to lead.

If you truly believe Jesus is the future king of the Jews,

then help him act like it.

That's what he's got you there for.

The session is adjourned.

Been quite a couple of days, hasn't it, Rabbi Yussif?

Learned a lot?

- I've mostly learned I have a lot to learn. - Everybody starts somewhere.

I'm still not one of the 72 like you. You'll catch on.

Take heart. Tomorrow's session will not be as excruciating.

Everyone needs to get home before Shabbat sundown.

Rabbi Lehad! Rabbi Yussif, come.

I never got the chance to introduce you yesterday.

This is Lehad, son of Ethnan.

He chairs the Select Committee on Reclamation of Beersheba

and Southern Border Reform that I told you about.

It's an honor to make your acquaintance, Rabbi.

I'll decide if the honor is all mine

by deciphering through my famous "either, or" questions.

- Yes, very famous indeed. - Oh, what are they?

Haddock or sea bream?

- Uh... - Just go with your first instinct.

Bream.

Rope sandals or bridle leather?

Rope.

- Hillel or Shammai? - Hillel.

- Why? - I sat at the feet of Rabbi Nicodemus.

The Teacher of Teachers, feared by all, even Shammai,

even if he won't admit it, and respected throughout all the land.

He's been away on a research trip for several weeks.

Was he a special guest instructor at your Hebrew school?

You seem a little young for that.

He was visiting Capernaum where I was interning.

Why did you choose Capernaum?

To be among the Galileans, the common people, away from my family house in the upper city here.

Very noble. I'm impressed.

It calls to mind the story of Samuel going to Bethlehem

to anoint one of the sons of Jesse the next king of Israel.

They hadn't thought David worth bringing in for Samuel to see.

You'll be surprised what you find in the small, obscure places.

Indeed.

Rabbi Shmuel tells me you're interested in redrawing the southern border of Israel

to encompass the city of Beersheba.

That's right.

To honor God's original promise of the land borders, north to south,

"From Dan to Beersheba."

Might be difficult to attract much enthusiasm for such an agenda

when we have so much going on with Rome, don't you think?

We have a strategy.

Beersheba may not seem like an urgent matter to many in the Sanhedrin,

but we know what will get their attention.

The death of Jesus of Nazareth.

I'm sorry?

- Surely you've encountered him in Capernaum. - We have, but...

He's making enemies everywhere for good reason.

There is a group in Tel-Dor that sent a delegation to Jerusalem

to lobby for his deposition and prosecution.

I had not heard there were citizens moving to prosecute.

They claim his actions led to the death of a man's daughter.

They're definitely moving to prosecute.

He makes Jerusalem nervous,

and someone in Pilate's confidence is said to have been at an event

at the Decapolis in which he broke bread with heathens.

Rome is taking him seriously now.

If he is arrested or even punished by death due to our efforts,

it will draw attention to our cause.

Forgive me.

I'm a bit surprised at how casually you're speaking of the ending of a life.

Aren't capital punishments only allowed in temple grounds?

When was the last time the Sanhedrin carried one out?

He has also claimed to be the Son of Man.

The politics of our decisions aside, this is no innocent man.

Blood on your hands does not always equate to wrongdoing.

Sometimes the results can be just.

If this Nazarene continues his efforts, the nation will practically thank us.

That was too many olives. I need to slow down.

- This is for you. - For me?

- Yes. - Really?

- Look here, huh? - Thank you.

- You're all good? - Yeah.

- Need help with anything? - No, I'm good. Thanks.

- I'll be back. - All right.

All right, Eema. Oh!

- You take care. - You too.

I love you.