Could He Be (part 7)

(This fictional story based on the gospel narratives began on blog post 3-5-18).

  Passover was near and Gil traveled with his family towards Jerusalem. Jerusalem somehow seemed different this year. Although it has always been a busy city, a distinct uneasiness seem to linger in the air. After they found their accommodations, Gil began to help with the Passover preparations and Bartosz excused himself to go to the temple. 
  Bartosz was relieved Gil had stayed back.  Something was going on. He could feel it. Tension was everywhere. Bartosz  greeted some friends just outside the Temple. After the initial greetings, Bartosz suspicions were confirmed. There was an anger in the conversation that made Bartosz very uncomfortable. All the anger was pointed at one man-Jesus the Nazerene.
  "Something needs to be done about him!" sneered Alonzo.
"He is a danger to all of us!"
"The people are confused by his acts of magic," added Yoshiv.
  "He shows no respect to us!" uttered Leland.
  "His teachings are blasphemous ! Preaching forgiveness of sins! No one but God can forgive sins! He acts as if he is above the Law confusing others and performing works on the Sabbath. Did you see the crowd shouting his praises as he entered the city?" scoffed Alonzo.
  "And have you noticed the number of sinners entering our synagogues as if they were even worthy?" declared Leland.
"I know Caiaphas has had enough!"
  "Is he planning something?" asked Bartosz.
"Something....but I’m not sure what. He only said that a man who surrounds himself with sinners should be careful. Sinners are loyal only to themselves. They can be swayed," answered Leland.
  "What does that mean?" Bartosz questioned.
"I don’t know, but he said it with anger and confidence as if he had something in the works," explained Leland.
  Bartosz saw his friend Nicodemus silently step away from the conversation. Bartosz waited a few minutes and then looked for Nicodemus in the temple.
  "Nicodemus, my friend, it is good to see you again," expressed Bartosz. Nicodemus forced an uneasy smile and embraced Bartosz. "My friend, I sense you are as uncomfortable with all this talk as I am," said Bartosz.
  "Bartosz, I do not like what I am hearing. That conversation was more tempered than most that I have heard recently.  I am very worried," Nicodemus admitted.
  "My nephew has been following Jesus.  Should I be concerned for his safety?" asked Bartosz.

  "Jesus has made some enemies here.  It might be wise for your nephew to keep some distance for the time being.  Let us see if things can calm themselves down.  Hopefully Caiaphas will not do anything rash."

(to be continued....)

-Susan