Conversation Among Two Pharisees

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"This spectacle disturbs me," Amos says.  He looks out over the crowd gathering at the gates to the great city.

"They are simple minded," the elderly man beside him replies.

"But I've heard things... about this one."

"How often have they walked upon this soil.  How often have they told us to change our ways.  The people think a man like that can raise up an army and send the Romans from our city.  Is there a benefit to riots... or war."

"I don't suppose so."

"Amos, you are young.  You experience the world with a lack of wisdom.  Your life has a certain degree of comfort, as does mine.  Insurrection against the powers that leave us to live this life... would harm none but those who profess the faith.  The Romans would see us as one united group of rebels.  The nation would perish and the temple will be leveled."

"And what about them?"

"The simple minded gnats.  They excite themselves with tales of miracles."

"I have heard of a few."

"Tricks."

"And his teaching, where does he get his knowledge."

"Perhaps he has been taught, but surely not by one of our class."

The crowd below erupted in chants of Hosanna.  Amos felt a stirring as the itinerant from Nazareth rode through the gates on a barrowed donkey.

"They cut down palms," the elder says. "They claim he is of King David's lineage."

"It's possible.  Don't you think.  He spoke to Simon."

"And he forgave sins... rather vile sins."

"No one can forgive sins but God," Amos' voice lacks conviction as he speaks the words.

"We need to question him," the elder adds. "He has made claims that might be blasphemous."

"You mean to bring him before the Sanhedrin?"

The elder gives a curt nod.

"Not during the festival," Amos responds.

The elder shakes his head. "This one, like the all the others will be forgotten.  The crowds will seek a new Messiah to fill them with warm thoughts about their status in life.  We will let them have their feast, then we will find him away from the crowds."

"But we will only ask questions?" Amos clarifies.

The elder gives another nod of his head.  He turns away from Amos.  Hosannas filter out from the gathering.  The celebration has increased in size.  Amos feels a chill of uneasiness.  Sooner or later, one of these Messiahs will be who he claims.  The Sanhedrin will play this man for a fool, while it is possible that they are the real fools.



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