T
he rabbi from the school of Shammai could only watch in what for him could only be described as a shock of revulsion. He now had all he needed. It was time to report to his colleagues.
His report to the Sanhedrin was cold and unforgiving. He spoke of Jesus as if he were demonized. As if he were the Enemy himself. He spoke of Jesus in profoundly accusative terms.
“And the very next Sabbath after he cultivated a friendship with the publican,” he continued, “I saw him cavorting in the wheat fields. His lemmings actually began to harvest the grain for themselves — on the Sabbath, mind you — rub it of its hulls and consume it right there in the fields.” Asher became animated. “When Youssef here asked him . . .” At this point Youssef cut in, “I asked him plainly why they were doing what was obviously unlawful on the Sabbath? And do you know what this fool said?” Youssef paused as if waiting for an answer from the Jewish leadership. None came.
Asher again took the lead, “He referred to that obscure passage in the first book of Samuel where David and his soldiers ate of the hallowed bread . . .”
“And he couldn’t get his facts straight,” chimed Youssef, “He said it was in the days of Abiathar the high priest when in fact it was Ahimelech. Open and see for yourself. If he were of God he would know his Scriptures better.”
Asher glared at the younger Pharisee and continued, “And then this false prophet said that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” At that, Nicodemus, who had been listening to Asher’s report, chuckled. His mirth did not go unnoticed.
“I see little that is amusing,” spoke one of the rabbis. “This man may be dangerous.”
“You haven’t heard the worst,” continued Asher. “His arrogance is unfathomable. He actually said, and this is a direct quote, ‘The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.’ Did he not use these exact words, Youssef?” Youssef nodded an enthusiastic affirmative.
