A Conversation
The following was adapted from the book The Fifth Gospel, by Adriana Koulias. This is not a fully direct quote of the book. The message it conveys is my own. ~Anthony
One day, at the age of 15, Jesus of Nazareth was walking with Gamaliel, the grandson of Rabbi Hillel. Always impressed with Jesus’ knowledge and wisdom, Gamaliel asked him, “in all you have learned, what have you found to be the most important teaching of all?”
Jesus stared in silent contemplation. He finally turned to Gamaliel with a stern countenance.
“I have learned that whatever is made by a man will one day turn to dust, like the tables my father builds; that all that begins in the world must have an end. But I also know that there exists something that has no beginning, and no end.”
“What is that, Jesus?”
“Truth, master Gamaliel. That is what lies behind all that is made. And it does not change from person to person, from aeon to aeon, but lives above all things and exists before a man can know it … this truth belongs only to God.”
“And what is man, among these truths?”
“Man is truth and falsehood combined. In a man’s heart there is wisdom but all too often he refuses to reflect upon it. He abuses his intellect and uses false logic and laws of his own making to usurp all knowledge of his responsibility to God.”
“And what is that responsibility, my son?”
Jesus did not hesitate to answer, “To love others more than self. To bring healing to those who are without and who suffer in this world of pain. It is the highest law of God.”
“Surely our sacred laws reflect this, don’t you think?”
“Master Gamaliel, you have always been good to me. You have taught me much since that time in the temple two Springs ago. I have always felt that I could be honest with my feelings with you. Now is no different, yet I hesitate because I do not want to disrespect nor hurt you or your faith.”
“Do not fret about such things, Jesus. You may be truthful with me. You may trust that whatever is in your heart cannot break the bond between us. Please, go on,” Gamaliel responded with a sense of earnestness.
“Your laws and codes are surely filled with radiance and beauty that shines forth from the words on the page. But what I see in my experience with most of the elders – but not in you, master – is, well, only shadows of the truth exemplified in their lives. Their actions are but forgeries of the true reality that God has intended for man.”
Gamaliel held back the sudden feelings of resentment. Upon reflection, he could not discern within himself whether these feelings were conviction or anger. Breathing deep, he responded with a question, “I cannot stand in defense of others’ actions, for I myself have experienced this with my brothers. Perhaps, then, do you see a time when the Church will not only hold the truth, but act upon such truth wholly and completely – toward themselves and their flock?”
Jesus, sensing he had offended Gamaliel, hesitated before answering. “What I see in the future, master Gamaliel, is the truth, as written, will be refashioned to suit the leaders of all churches in all faiths. This clouding of the truth will even infect those whose hearts are truly pure, thinking that what they preach is God’s truth but it will only be the Wolf in sheep’s clothing. The time of the Church will end, master Gamaliel. It is inevitable, yet this is where hope is alive. Mankind’s consciousness of his own soul will once again awaken. Divine law cannot be usurped.”
Gamaliel’s heart sank, for he could not deny within himself that Jesus’ words held sway over what his intellect wanted to believe.
Gamaliel did not respond to this last comment. The two, man and boy, resumed their walk through the streets of Jerusalem in silence…