The Tunic (Part 14)

(The Tunic is a fictional story based on the Passion of Jesus. The story began on post March 18, 2019.)


  "Mama, Mama! I'm back!", yelled Remus as he approached the house.  Livia came out of the house smiling, eager to see Remus. She was very surprised when she saw the two woman with Remus.

  "Remus you haven't gotten yourself into any trouble, have you?," asked Livia.
  Remus laughed, "No, Mama.  I helped them carry their water to their house and they rewarded me with some delicious bread.  We brought some for you, too!"
  "Hello, my name is Martha and this is my sister Mary.  We were very fortunate to cross paths with your son today.  He was very kind to help us."
  Livia smiled as she introduced herself, "I'm Livia.  Please come inside."  As they walked inside Livia told the sisters, "We have just recently moved here. It is just a temporary arrangement.  You are the first neighbors we have met."
  "Where are you from?" asked Mary.
  "Rome, originally," answered Livia, "but we have been living in Jerusalem for over a year now."
  "Oh, is that were you met Jesus, in Jerusalem?" asked Mary.
  Stunned, Livia did not know how to answer.  Why did these woman think she knew Jesus? Livia bit her lip for a minute.
  "It's okay, don't worry.  We are friends of Jesus, too. Remus told us that both of you were  healed by Jesus. Please share your story with us.  We would love to hear it!"
  Livia quickly looked at Remus for an explanation who was completely oblivious to Lidia's stare and apprehension.  He was busy enjoying the bread. Lidia had no idea who these woman were or if it was even safe to talk to them. She could almost sense Cato's disappointing stare and his warning to be quiet.  Livia nervously looked at the sisters wondering what she should say.  "Well... I think it would be rude of me to just start talking about myself...You are the guests, please tell me about yourselves."  Lidia wondered for a second if she had successfully dodged their question.
  Martha and Mary loved to speak about Jesus and eagerly began to share their story.  Martha began, "Well Mary and I live down the street with our brother Lazarus," she paused for a moment to see if Lazarus name meant anything to Livia. " Lazarus was just recently very, very ill.  We sent word out to Jesus that he was in need of healing.  We waited.  Lazarus grew weaker each day and then...."  Martha wiped a tear from her eye and Mary reached over and gently squeezed her hand.
  "It is okay, Martha.  He is back with us."
  "Yes, I know, but it is still very difficult to remember that moment."  Livia felt slightly uncomfortable as if this moment was too private to be sharing, yet she desperately wanted to know what happened. Martha took a deep breath in and then clasped her hands over her heart as she let the words unwillingly escape, "He died."
  Livia gasped.  "Oh, I'm so sorry..."
  Martha shook her head and said, "Don't be.  It was a part of God's Plan. God allowed Lazarus to die, so that Jesus could bring him back to life!"
  Livia's eyes grew wide as she tried to understand what Martha was saying. In an instant she remembered Cato speaking of Jesus bringing a man back to life.  "Oh, I can't believe this," Livia thought to herself, "Is Lazarus the same man Cato was referring to?"
  "Jesus came four days after we had placed Lazarus into his tomb.  In the midst of us all mourning, Jesus came and I met him on the road. I remember His words vividly.  He said, 'I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies,  and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?'  I told Jesus that I believed that he was the Christ, the Son of God! I then quickly went to find Mary back at the house.  Together we showed Jesus Lazarus' tomb. The stone was rolled back and Jesus said in a loud voice,'Lazarus, come forth!'  And Lazarus walked out of the tomb still wearing all his wrappings!  Jesus brought my brother back to life! I was filled with incredible joy!"
  Livia could feel her heart beating with joy as Martha spoke each word. "Please tell me more," Livia begged.  "I want to know every detail!"
  Martha and Mary took turns telling Livia everything about Lazarus' death. Livia couldn't believe the close relationship the family had with Jesus. Both woman could repeat everything Jesus had shared with them. Hours passed before any of them even noticed.  Livia hung on every word the women spoke.  She desperately wanted to know everything about Jesus.  He was even more incredible than she had imagined.
  "Livia, please, tell us how Jesus healed you and Remus," Mary asked politely.
  Livia wasn't sure she should share her story.  What would Mary and Martha think of her if they knew her husband had been one of the Roman soldiers which had crucified their dear friend?  Livia knew she could learn so much more from these two.  Both of them believed without a doubt that Jesus, too, had been resurrected.  After all Jesus himself had said, "I am the Resurrection and the life!"  Livia thought quickly.  "I would love to share our story, but I"m afraid I must begin my chores before my husband returns.  Could we get together again soon?"
  "Yes.  We would enjoy that!  Next time you will tell us all about your encounter with Jesus!" said Mary.

(to be continued....)

-Susan