[G] Miryam, you had mentioned that after Yeshua departed Nazareth, he sought out John.
[M] Yes, we had heard that this cousin had been true to causes of his father, Zechariah. I do not believe that I had related that his father was of the priestly class of Abijah. As a young man, John learned well of our faith traditions. I do remember that, in addition to our language, he knew ancient Hebrew and was also well spoken in the dialect of the Greeks.
I believe that John was 27 years of age when his parents passed away. It was his father who died first. Then after just three or four Shabbath, my darling cousin Elizabeth followed. I did not become aware of the loss until quite later. Back then, especially between two small and distant villages, news was slow to receive. You know Gabe that is changing, especially among the young people, so anxious are they to learn events, and so quickly.
That which I am about to discuss may seem unclear as it has been so many years. I believe these thoughts were shared with me by daughter, Lydda.
I had known John since birth, seeing him often during our sojourns to Yerushalayim. Some had said that he was strong of mind and obstinate. John may have been impatient with others, but only in matters of our faith. In all other circumstances, he was a most kind and gentle person.
Uncomfortable with restrictions that prevented him from sorting out the purpose of his life, John had left Ain Karim, seeking isolation in the eastern deserts. Later, under guidance of HA-SHEM, he ministered making known the coming to the Jewish people of their long awaited Moshiach. John was like a herald, preparing those who hungered for a message of hope and salvation, purifying them by water from pools and streams.
Yeshua, taking his leave of me, traveled far to the south. He encountered John preaching near Behtabara at the river called Jordan. As part of his destiny, Yeshua asked for blessings in the name of the Most Holy One and then, by the hand of John, he was immersed in the waters of the river. Yeshua then took refuge in the wastelands to the north, a time of prayer and reflection on his commitment.
Now totally dedicated to the single purpose of proclaiming the message of love and deliverance, Yeshua was destined to raise our people, Yisroel, out of their mundane existence.
He then journeyed to Lake of Gennesaret. There, at Kefar Nahum he sought out, prayed with, and asked of some young fishermen if they might be of sorts to follow his guide to a full unity with Adonai. Andrew bar Jonah and his brother, Simon, were the earliest to accept that challenge.
Gabe, it is time now for me to pray. In just a little while if it is pleasing to you, we shall continue, as there is so much more to tell.
[G] That is fine. I shall take a walk about the village. Shalom, dear Miryam.