THE STORY OF
“Josie!”
“Coming, Mama.”
“Josie, I need you to watch Rebecca and Ruth while I go to the well. I thought I had enough water, but I’m going to need another jug full. They should stay asleep. But if they wake up, you need to be here so they won’t be afraid or get into mischief.” The twins were only three years old and were taking a late morning nap because they loved to wake everyone up at dawn!
“Okay, Mama. I’ll stay right here until you get back.”
“I know you will, Josie. Thank you.”
Josie was only seven years old, but he knew that his mama depended on him — and that made him feel good inside. He knew that Jesus had gone fishing with his buddies, but he wondered where his other two brothers were. He looked out the window and, as usual, James was sitting in the garden daydreaming. He was two years older than Josie but spent most of his time thinking and planning instead of working. Jude was busy picking cucumbers.
The whole family was working today to get everything ready for their big trip. Each year they went to visit their Abba’s brother in Jerusalem for Passover.
Josie knew that many of their neighbors and relatives from Nazareth would also be traveling, and they would see them along the way. It would be like a camping trip with lots and lots of friends.
Jewish men were required to attend three holy days in Jerusalem each year. Josie’s Abba went alone for the other two festivals, but for Passover, Abba’s entire family got together at Uncle Obed’s and Aunt Rachel’s home.
Josie was so excited — not only for the journey, but for the three days of playing with his cousins. He was trying to count how many cousins would be all together, when his mama returned.
“Josie, thank you for watching the girls. Now go down to the barn and see if you can find the sacks that we use to pack supplies on Pete. Bring them to me. We need to make sure they don’t have holes in them if we are going to pack all this food I’m cooking.”
Josie raced off toward the barn. He loved to help, and he thought he knew just where to find the sacks that Mama needed. Sure enough, the sacks were stacked right where he expected, but when he picked up the ropes, he found that mice had chewed them to pieces. He carried the sacks and the pieces of rope back to the house to show Mama.
“Josie, you know the way to Uncle Zeke’s, don’t you?”
“Of course, Mama.”
He knew the way, but it was a long walk. They lived on the opposite end of Nazareth — but there was no way to get lost since there was just one long street.
“Do you think you and Jude could take Hulda and Hilda over there? They will need to be milked twice a day and I don’t want Uncle Zeke to do that much walking.” Josie assured her that he and Jude could handle the goats just fine.
“Jude, go with your brother and listen to Josie. You boys stay on the road. The goats will follow you as long as you stay on the road. On your way back, stop at Abba’s shop and ask him to bring home some fresh rope for Pete’s bundles. Can you remember all that? Stay on the road, ask Abba to bring rope, and come straight home. We’ve got lots to do before sundown.”
“Yes, Mama,” they said together.
Josie and Jude headed to the barn. Jude was only five years old but could handle the goats almost as well as Josie. “Let’s take a small bag of grain, just in case we need to bribe them,” said Jude.
“Good idea.”
Josie opened the pen and the goats seemed happy to see the boys. They followed them without any problems. The boys talked to them and scratched their ears, and all went well — until it didn’t.
They were about halfway to Uncle Zeke’s when suddenly the boys saw a group of Roman soldiers riding on horses coming down the road. They were coming fast, and Josie and Jude just barely had time to jump out of the way. They were safe, but the goats discovered the pasture and began to graze.
Josie offered them a handful of the grain they had brought, but the goats just ignored the boys. They much preferred the tender green plants and they just kept right on munching. Josie and Jude pushed and pulled and begged and pleaded, but nothing that they tried could get the goats to budge.
Finally, Josie and Jude sat down on the side of the road. Jude began to cry, and Josie was about to decide that they should go tell their Abba.
About that time, a neighbor walked by and asked the boys what was wrong and if he could help. Josie pointed to the goats and told him their story. The kind neighbor chuckled, “Jude, stop your crying and come see what I’ve got.” He led the way to his back yard and into his garden. There he picked two large cucumbers. “Do you know what goats love better than grass?”
Both boys were smiling now because they knew how hard it was to keep the goats out of the garden. The boys thanked their neighbor, then ran quickly into the field to bribe the goats. Sure enough, once Hilda and Hulda realized that the boys had cucumbers, they tried to get a second bite. But Josie and Jude ran fast, and the goats chased them all the way to Uncle Zeke’s. After the goats were safely in the pen, they gave them the last of the cucumbers. That’s a trick they would have to remember!
Now they needed to stop by Abba’s shop to ask him for rope, then their job would be done. They wondered if there would be any time to play today since there was so much work to be done.
Abba said that he would bring the rope with him and reminded them to go straight home as Mama would need lots of help.
When they got home, Jesus was busy packing skins filled with olives and olive oil. Everyone enjoyed eating bread dipped into the olives and oil for their breakfast. It was perfect for an on-the-go breakfast while they were traveling.
James was busy packing vegetables into the sacks. Rounds of bread were cooling on every surface and Josie thought it looked like a feast day. Mama quickly put the younger boys to work packing almonds and raisins. She was packing a skin with pickled fish for dinner on the road.
The little girls were playing contentedly in the middle of the chaos, and Josie noticed Mama was giving them raisins to keep them happy.
The walk to Jerusalem would take six or seven days depending on the weather and everyone’s health. Then they would stay with Uncle Obed and Aunt Rachel for three days to celebrate the Passover. Because it was mostly downhill on the way home, it would only take about five days to return.
It was a great sacrifice for the Jewish families to close their businesses and leave their farms and gardens for so long, but that’s what they did each year because that’s what the Jewish Law required.
About an hour before sunset on Friday, Mama began to wrap the bread with cloths. She and James began to set all the supplies into piles so that they could use the table for the Sabbath meal. Jesus started the fire in the backyard and began to fry the fish he and his friends had caught that morning.
When Abba arrived home, he praised each boy for their help with preparations. He brought a supply of rope for the sacks, and he brought a sturdy walking stick that he had carved for Mama. He kissed her tenderly and she assured him it would help tremendously for the hike. They had a lively meal, but soon everyone was yawning after such a hard day’s work.
As a family, on Saturday morning, they went to the synagogue for worship. Abba worshiped with the men, but Jesus helped Mama with the twins and his younger brothers. He admitted to Mama that it was hard to worship with a wiggly three-year-old in his lap.
The afternoon passed slowly as everyone was thinking about the upcoming trip. The boys played quietly in the backyard and entertained their sisters.
Just before sundown, Abba called the family together. He gave each boy a chore to complete. He told them they would only have a few minutes of dusk after the Sabbath ended.
He encouraged them to work quickly just as soon as the sun went down, but before it became too dark to work.
When everyone had finished their chore, they would eat a late supper and go to bed soon, because they would need to be up very early for the trip.
Jesus was assigned to pick all the apricots that were ripe because he was the tallest. James and Jude were to pick any vegetables that were ready in the garden. And Josie was assigned to help Mama set out the bread and cheese for their late supper.
When they all had finished their tasks and Joseph had lit the candles, they enjoyed their last supper at home for a while. Abba assigned each boy a chore for the morning and then everyone headed to bed.
It was still dark when Mama called the boys to get up. They discovered that Pete was already packed with all the food and bedding, and Abba had strapped some baskets on Pete’s back for the girls to ride in. The boys added their blankets to Pete’s sacks and joined the family for a quick breakfast. Mama worked on getting the twins dressed and fed while Abba made sure Pete’s load was secure. When they shut the door to their little house, Abba led them in prayer that God would protect them on their journey.
The road was pretty deserted when they first started out, but soon Josie began to recognize several other families from Nazareth. Some families walked faster and some slower, but they were all headed to Jerusalem for the same reason. They had a long way to walk each day, but it felt relaxed. They were busy walking, but it was different because there was time to talk and sing and play games.
Sometimes Josie walked with his friends from school, sometimes with one of his brothers, and sometimes with one or both of his parents. He spent some of his time walking with his cousins, and some time entertaining his sisters.
James and Josie gave the twins piggy-back rides to help them keep up when they were tired of riding in the baskets. And Jesus often let Jude ride on his shoulders when he got tired of walking. Josie felt so happy inside because usually everyone was so busy. But this trip seemed like one of the most special times of his life — and they weren’t even to Jerusalem yet!
At sunset, they would set up camp where they could find water nearby and join whatever group was already there. Just about everyone along the way was traveling to Jerusalem for Passover even though they were from many different villages all over Galilee.
They made a lot of new friends, and there were always other kids around to play with. After dinner each night, the group would sit and talk and sometimes sing songs before falling asleep under the stars.
On Thursday night, the group they camped with was feeling confident that they would reach Jerusalem before the Sabbath began at sundown on Friday. But Friday ended up being a harder day than Abba expected.
The girls were getting tired of riding in the baskets. Abba put Jude on Pete and he and Mama carried the girls most of the way. The road was becoming much steeper and Pete seemed to go slower than ever. He couldn’t be persuaded to walk faster even though his burden was getting lighter every day after each meal.
Gone was the leisurely walking and sweet fellowship. Josie felt like he was being shoved along by the crowd and occasionally, Abba would have to grab him to keep him from being pushed out of sight. Everyone felt pressed by the crowds. They stopped often to rest, and were surrounded by vendors selling water, wine, fruits, and vegetables to the weary crowds.
By early afternoon, Abba spotted a good camping site and declared that it was time to stop for the night. Josie was relieved to be off the road, but also sad that they would not get to spend the Sabbath with their family in Jerusalem.
The boys helped Abba unpack Pete and they all began to relax. The girls were able to run around and stretch their legs without fear of being crushed and Jesus discovered a small stream not far away.
Jesus and James got permission to go fishing and Josie and the younger kids started collecting firewood. Everyone agreed it was the best tasting fish they had ever eaten.
While they were eating, other families began setting up camps around them and soon a large group had formed to celebrate the Sabbath together. All day on Saturday, the children played quietly, and the grownups visited and rested.
As expected, Sunday morning found the roads completely clogged with people. It was almost sundown before Josie and his family arrived at Uncle Obed’s home in Jerusalem. Abba’s younger brother and sister and their families had arrived a few hours earlier. There was noisy chaos as everyone was laughing and hugging and getting reacquainted. They were so glad to have the trip behind them and to be able to stay in one place for a few days.
Passover that year began on Monday night at sundown. The entire family prepared all day on Monday for the Seder feast that night. The men and older boys were going to a nearby farm to pick out some lambs for the feast.
Abba had already told Jesus and James that they would go with him, but he gave Josie his choice. He told him that they would pick out a lamb and then kill it. Josie decided he wasn’t quite ready to see that and his Abba assured him that that was okay.
He stayed and played with his other cousins and helped keep Jude and the girls entertained. The women were all busy cooking and preparing for the special meal that would happen soon after sundown.
That night, Uncle Obed led the Passover Seder meal, just like it was happening in all the other Jewish homes. Because Jude was the youngest attending the Seder, he got to ask the beginning question, “Why is tonight different from all other nights?” Then Uncle Obed told the story about the first Passover that happened over 1500 years earlier.
“Israel was held in slavery by the Egyptians. God sent Moses to tell the Pharaoh, Egypt’s king, to let the people go free. When Pharaoh said, ‘No way,’ God sent nine bad punishments on the Egyptians. But Pharaoh still said, ‘No way!’ So, God told Moses to tell the Israelites to kill a lamb and put the blood of the lamb on their doorway. God protected the Israelites because they obeyed him but punished all the Egyptians very severely. The Egyptians decided it was time to let the people go. And that’s when Israel moved out of Egypt and became a great nation. So, every year Jews celebrate the Passover to remember when God’s punishment passed over them because of the blood of the lamb on their door.”
It was a very special night and more special because Josie’s family could be all together.
The next morning the men were going to the temple to offer a sacrifice. Jesus wanted to go but was reminded that he wasn’t allowed in the men’s area of the temple until he turned 13. He would have to wait one more year. So, he watched as his Abba and uncles and older cousins went to the temple.
Jesus asked his mother if she would take him to the temple. She said that she planned to go that afternoon with the women, but she would need him to watch the girls. Josie could tell he was disappointed.
Josie wondered how different next year would be when Jesus would be 13 and could make his own decisions. He wondered if Jesus would camp with the family or even come for the Passover. It would be his choice because he would legally be a man. Josie didn’t want to be all grown up — at least not yet — and he wasn’t sure how he felt about Jesus being grown up either.
It was good to be with his cousins, but secretly Josie was looking forward to the journey back home. The trip here had been very special with everyone together and so relaxed. He was getting tired of all the noise and chaos of having 20 cousins and eight adults cooped up in one house.
The three families from Nazareth had decided to stay one extra day to try to avoid the crowds. Even though Passover lasted for a whole week, many would only stay for the Seder meal and leave on Tuesday or Wednesday.
So early Thursday morning, Pete and the other donkeys were packed. The three families thanked their hosts and with lots of tearful goodbyes began the slow journey out of Jerusalem and back on the road to Nazareth. Leaving Jerusalem was crowded, but not nearly as bad as the uphill journey coming in had been.
It was a pleasant day, and everyone seemed to be happy to be back on the road. Since it was downhill, Pete was more cooperative, and the families spread out. They had agreed to camp together the first night and had already chosen a particular spot in a pleasant valley, so there was no need to make sure they stayed together.
The older boys asked if they could run ahead. Once again, it felt like vacation. Josie was pleased that James seemed to spend more time with him than usual. He was glad Jesus was having fun with his older cousins, but he missed him. Josie and James tried to make the trip easier for Jude whose short legs tired out quickly even going downhill. And the twins seemed content to ride in their baskets if someone would stay close and talk with them.
One by one the families arrived at the planned campsite for the night and began to prepare dinner. It had been a much easier journey down the mountain, and everyone wanted to talk about the things they had seen and heard while in Jerusalem.
But Mama and Abba were becoming concerned that Jesus had not joined them, and dinner was almost ready. Josie could see the worry on Mama’s face. His Abba was beginning to ask around if anyone had seen Jesus. When every family replied “no”, the grownups began to gather and try to determine where they had last seen him. No one could remember seeing Jesus since the night before in the backyard at Uncle Obed’s house.
After several minutes of intense discussion, it was decided that Abba and Mama would return to Jerusalem together and that the children would go home with their cousins. The group would deliberately travel slowly so that maybe Jesus and his parents would join them by tomorrow night. But if not, of course, Josie’s aunts and uncles would care for them.
Josie’s uncle gave them a lantern and a skin of oil. Abba and Mama quickly threw together two small packs for bedding and food, kissed the children goodbye, and started back up the mountain they had just climbed down. It would normally be too dangerous to travel at night, but the roadside was so filled with campers that it seemed safe.
Josie lay awake for a long time looking at the stars. Nothing bad like this had ever happened to his family. He couldn’t cry earlier, but now that Jude and the girls were asleep, he couldn’t stop his sobs. James moved over closer to him and held his hand. Josie was pretty sure that James was crying, too, but they must take care of their family now. What if Mama and Abba never came back?
But the next thing Josie knew, the sun was peeking over the mountain, and it was time to get breakfast and back on the road. The uncles helped James and Josie get Pete’s sacks strapped on securely. Then they continued their journey down the mountain, every step taking them farther from Jerusalem. Josie felt that his heart was being torn in two.
He wanted to go back to be with Mama and Abba and Jesus, but he knew he had to be obedient. Occasionally a tear escaped as he worried about his parents and brother. James and Josie took turns leading Pete and let Jude ride him as much as he wanted.
The aunts took care of the girls. And since they had decided to delay as much as possible, it was an easy day and would have been fun except for the situation.
They stopped early that night to prepare for the Sabbath. The grownups were trying to keep the brothers from worrying, but everyone was concerned about a 12-year-old boy alone in Jerusalem. Outwardly they kept assuring the boys and themselves that the absent trio would probably join them sometime tomorrow.
It was harder to go to sleep on Saturday night because no one was tired after the Sabbath. They had rested all day and played quiet games with the cousins. They had even waded in a stream and caught some tadpoles.
Rebecca and Ruth were too young to be worried and were delighted with all the attention of their cousins. Josie was glad that they weren’t crying for their mama — because he knew that if they started crying, he might just join in!
Sunday morning was a mixed blessing — it was good to be on the road again instead of sitting still, but it also meant another day further from Jerusalem. It was a long day. And one long day turned into another. Now there were very few people on the roads, and they could make good time.
Josie overheard the grownups discussing who would keep them when they reached Nazareth. It was decided that the three boys would go to their uncle’s house, while the two girls would go with their aunt. Josie felt like his world was falling apart.
On Wednesday night they made camp for the last time. Everyone was tired and Josie was in no mood to play. He ate his supper quietly and intended to just crawl into his blanket and cry — when shouts began to ring out. Jesus came running into the camp and scooped up his three little brothers all in one big hug. Mama and Abba followed. Everyone made room and found food and water for them. Questions would have to wait for the travelers to catch their breaths.
Abba motioned for Jesus to join him and they stood before the curious group. Abba said, “Jesus stopped to help a group of people and he lost track of time. We are proud of him and hope you will accept his apology.” Jesus then looked around at each person in the group and offered his apology for worrying them.
Josie knew that there were things that he didn’t understand. He knew he was proud of his big brother, but he always wondered what really happened.
Do you think that maybe 30 years later he read what Mr. Luke wrote about that event and said, “Oh, now I understand!”
Mr. Luke wrote in his manuscript:
After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.1
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