(The following is a fictional story based on the gospel narratives.)
Gil quickly made his way towards the synagogue. As he approached the synagogue he notice a crowd of people just to his right. Gil frowned. He had a feeling this may have something to do with Jesus the Nazarene. Gil had been warned by his uncle about him. Bartosz, Gil's uncle, was a well respected Pharisee and had always been an important figure in Gil's life. Bartosz didn't think very highly of this new teacher who associated with sinners. Gil couldn't help but be a little curious about this Jesus. What exactly was so special about him anyways? Perhaps he would just stop for a minute to see why this man got everyone so excited.
Gil wanted to dislike Jesus, as did his uncle, but he couldn't. Gil could find nothing wrong with Jesus' teachings. In fact, as he listened to Jesus, Gil felt a deep desire to love God even more. Jesus spoke as if each one of them was truly loved and important to God. Jesus went into the synagogue and the crowd followed, so Jesus continued to teach. Gil managed to position himself much closer to Jesus as he taught. As Jesus was teaching, a man walked over. His body began complusing as he began screaming, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--The Holy One of God."
What happened next absolutely stunned Gil. Jesus commanded this unclean spirit to come out of the man--and it did! The man stopped convulsing and became completely at peace. He then sat down and listened to Jesus teach. Gil kept looking at the man and then at Jesus. Was this the trickery Bartosz warned Gil about? It certainly didn't seem like a trick, the man appeared completely different--healed. What did the voice scream......I know you are the Holy One of God? Could this be true? Could he be....the One? Could the Messiah actually be in their midst? Gil felt goosebumps on his arms and on the back of his neck. Gil continued to stare at Jesus as one thought kept crossing his mind. Who are you Jesus?
