Through Mary's Eyes by Claire A. Patterson M. Ed

Author:Claire A. Patterson M. Ed. [Ed., Claire A. Patterson M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781449721725
Publisher: WestBow Press
Published: 2011-08-17T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIX

A WINK AND A SMILE

John arrived home the next afternoon.

At the age of thirty-three, he was the youngest of the original twelve apostles and was the same age now that Jesus had been when he died. At this moment however, he looked much older. He had been sleeping out in the open for several nights and was covered with dust and grime, and he hadn’t eaten a warm meal for a week. His long, brown hair was stringy, and his beard was bushy with some grey beginning to appear. His light-brown eyes, usually full of light, looked dull as they reflected the dark circles underneath. His outer cloak was filthy and torn in several places. As he came into the hut, he shed his cloak in a heap by the door and rushed to hug Mary. As they ended their embrace, Luke and Barnabas took turns welcoming their brother with hearty hugs.

John went outside with the men to wash his hands and face. As he dipped his hands in the bowl of water Barnabas brought over to him, Luke told him what had happened to Mary—her hunger and thirst and her fall. Luke also told him of his desire to leave for Caesarea as soon as possible to help Paul.

While the men were outside, Mary prepared a meal with all of the remaining food in the hut. There was a big bowl of warm gravy for dipping the bread she had baked yesterday, three kinds of fruit, and a bowl of nuts.

With sad eyes, John entered the hut, gave Mary another tender hug, and sat down. Before he could speak an apology, Mary patted his hand and said, “I am fine. I have a few cuts and a swollen knee. But it is nothing. Now enjoy your meal.”

All four of them sat around the table, held hands, and prayed in thanksgiving for John’s safe return. They asked God to protect Peter and Paul and all others traveling in the name of Jesus. Then they enjoyed the hearty meal and one another’s company.

While they ate, John explained that he had been able to find Mark a few days’ travel from Rome. Mark had promised to find Peter and arrange for his release from prison, so John had headed straight back to Ephesus.

When the meal was completed, Luke and Barnabas reluctantly stood up to leave. Luke made John promise three times that he would not leave Mary alone.

Mary asked Luke and Barnabas to bow their heads as she put a hand on each in blessing.

She spoke these words in a strong voice, “It is my heart’s desire that you should live your lives in great peace and joy. Too many of my children allow their fear of what the future might hold to diminish that joy and peace. My little ones, if you give your hearts completely to my son and trust in him without doubt, you have absolutely nothing to fear. If you allow fear and doubt to creep into your hearts, Satan will use that fear against you.

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