(100) (100)
Jesus: Jesus:
Let us go away to aa solitary place where we can have peace. peace.
Peter: Peter:
Where?
Jesus: Jesus:
To the other side of the lakeo lake«
The disciples look at him in puzzled fashion. fashion. They do do not understand his reasons for for refusing the offer and they follow him reluctantly. reluctantly. Through another door they leave the house unseen. unseen.
·. .
•• •
And they go down to the shore and, and, boarding aa boat, boat, set out for the other side of the lake. lake. A A couple of fishermen. fishermen. Peter's wife and his mother in law arrive with provision. provision. •... ••
Peter. A A Roman patrol, patrol, making its Outside the house of Peter.
rounds, rounds, has suspicions the crowd is is holding aa politioal political .meeting meeting and the sergeant of the patrol forms forms aa guard around the place. place. At the sight of the Roman soldiers the revolutionaries slip away and soon after the other people disperse. disperse. •... ••
The boat on the sea. Jesus and 12 disciples. disciples. •. .• .•
crowd, looking for Some revolutionaries and aa part of the crowd,
Jesus and his disciples, disciples, go to the shore and see the boat some away. Many run along the shore, shore, following the boat, boat, though distance away. it beoause because it it was sailing round aa point. point. The unseen by the men in it revolutionaries, however, however, follow the path crossing the point. point. revolutionaries,
· .. ...
When the boat has rounded the point Jesus directs them to enter the bay and go ashore. ashore. They are some distance from the shore town. As when they discover the crowd of people coming out from the town. the ship ship approaches approaches the the shore shore the the crowd crowd sets sets up up aa great great shout shout _ the
(101 ) (101)
Voices: Voices:
Do Do not not go go away away yet. yet. Do Do not not leave leave us. us. We We have come come all all the the way way out out heue hem for sake. have for your your sake,
Jesus Jesus is is moved moved with with compassion compassion for for the the people people and and he he says says to to
the disciples disciples -the Jesus : Jesus:
They are as sheep having having no no shepherd. shepherd. They are
Addressing the crowd ashore he cries -Addressing Jesus: Jesus:
What will you that I I shall do unto you?
From the shore a voice out of the crowd is heard saying -
voice: A voice:
We have come out to question you on a certain matter. matter.
Jesus tells Peter to have the boat brought to shore. shore. Two of the disciples each take an oar and shove the boat along until it it is within aa few feet feet of the shore. shore. Then one of the diSCiples disciples casts is anchor. The boat is is now lying with its its broadside toward the shore anchor. Jesus is is standing in in the the stern where he oan can be be both Been seen and and Jesus
heard. heard. Ashore the the many people have have seated themselves themselves on on the the grass grass or Ashore on the the stone stone blocks. blocks. A A young young man, man, aa revolutionary, revolutionary, has has stood up up on on
one one of of the the blocks blocks and is is speaking to to Jesus Jesus -1. revolutionary: revolutionary: Jesus, Jesus, we we believe believe in in you. you. Your Your words words 1. are are divine divine and and you you are are working working mighty mighty miracles. miracles. You You are are working working by by word word and and authority authority and and through through some some invisible invisible power. power. We We believe believe that that you you are are sent sent by by God God to to accomplish accomplish many many things. things. We We want want you you to to be be our our leader leader and and to to use use your your power power to to free free us us from from the the Roman Roman hands hands and and then then to to become become our our king, king, the the king king of of Israel. Israel.
Many Many voices: voices:
Yes, Yes, we we will will make make you you aa king, king, our our king. king.
(102) (102)
Jesus Jesus does does not not answer. answer. All All of of the the disciples disciples are are looking at at expectantly. him expectantly. 2. revolutionary: revolutionary: 2.
Are Are you the the Messiah? Messiah? If If you are are tell tell US-in plain words. us in plain words.
Jesus does does not not answer. answer. Jesus
3. 3. revolutionary: revolutionary: Are you the the king we are are waiting for? for? Jesus decides to to answer -Finally Jesus Jesus: Jesus:
II have come to to establish the Kingdom of God on earth. of God on earth.
1. voice: voice: 1.
You have said that the Kingdom of God is in is near. near. Why Why do do you you then then hide hide here here in Galilee? Galilee?
3. voice: voice: 3.
Why do do you not go go to to Jerusalem?
2. voice: voice: 2.
Why do you keep it it secret?
1. voice: voice: 1.
Yes, Yes, why? why? Show yourself to to the world. world.
Again Jesus answered Jesus: Jesus:
is not yet come. come. My time is
4. voice: 4. voice:
Why do you hesitate?
5. voice: 5. voice:
This should not be put off. off.
6. voice: voice: 6.
How long will you keep us in suspense?
7. voice: 7. voice:
Yes, Yes, how long shall we be left in doubt? doubt?
These short remarks follow rapidly one after the other. other. There is is silence for a moment. moment. 4. 4. revolutionary: revolutionary: Then Jesus answers -
When will the Kingdom of God come?
(103) (103)
Jesus: Jesus:
The The Kingdom of God comes comes not with observation. vation. Neither Neither shall shall they they say: says Lo Lo here, here, or: or; Lo Lo there there -- for for behold, behold, the the Kingdom Kingdom of of God God is is within within you. you.
5. 5. revolutionary: revolutionary; Will you make us us free? free? Jesus: Jesus s
If you continue in my word, word, you shall know know the the truth, truth, and and the the truth truth shall shall make free. make you you free.
6. 6. revolutionary: revolutionary;
We We do do not understand what you mean. mean.
The The people look at at each other in puzzled fashion and the more Jesus speaks the more confused they become. become. Jesus; Jesus:
You have heard that "it it has been said, said, you shall love your neighbor you shall love your neighbor and and hate hate your your enemy. enemy. But But II say say unto unto you: you; love love your your enemies, enemies, bless bless them them that that curse curse you, you, you, do do good good to to them them that that hate hate you, and and pray pray for for them them who who despitefully despitefully use you. use you you and and persecute persecute you.
disdainfully. Some people of the crowd are laughing disdainfully. 8. voice: 8. voice:
(ironically) Shall we love also the (ironically) Romans? Romans?
Jesus refusing to notice the irony, irony, continues Jesus: Jesus:
You have heard that it has been said: said: an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I say unto you: that you tooth. I you: resist not evil. evil. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, mile, go with him two miles. miles.
9. 9. voice: voice:
Also if he is a Roman?
Jesus continues in a calm manner. manner. Jesus: Jesus:
And whosoever shall smite you on your right cheek turn turn to to him him the the other other also. also. right cheek
Already many have turned away because his words have dashed their hopes for a leader to free Israel. Israel. To those who remain Jesus
(104) (104)
says says -Jesus: Jesus:
All things whatsoever you would that All men should do you, do you even so do to you, to them: for this is to them; for is the Law and the Prophets. Prophets.
And Jesus makes signs to the disciples to weigh anchor. anchor. From Prom the the shore there comes comes aa last shout 2. 2. revolutionary: revolutionary:
Are Are you he that should come, come, the promised have we we to to look promised one, one, or or have look for for another? another?
There is is no answer from the boat. boat. The disciples give themselves to their task and, and, with strong strokes, strokes, send the boat through the water. water.
4. 4. revolutionary: revolutionary:
(to leader. (to 2. 2. revolutionary) revolutionary) Our lost leader.
The crowd that had arrived with great expectations is is bitterly The disappointed. In gloomy silence the people are are staring in the disappointed. the boat. boat. Then, Then, with much grumbling, grumbling, they return to direction of the town. town. the disappointment is is no less less among the disciples, disciples, who But the feel that Jesus' Jesus1 popularity has received aa serious blow. blow. Their feel seems to them more like aa flight. flight. The happy days days in departure seems
Galilee when Jesus was met with love and confidence on every side to an end and aa time of doubt and anxiety is is waiting for have come to the Prophet and his his disciples. the disciples.
We We leave the boat with the the dejected disciples and by means of the camera turns turns to to another another boat boat with two two fishermen fishermen aa panorama the singing. One leads off standing up and rowing in time with their singing. singing. After so so many measures he stops and the other takes in the singing.
(105) (105) up up the the refrain. refrain. The The scene scene of of Jesus Jesus and his his disciples disciples sailing away away dissolves dissolves softly into •• ••• •
aa new new scene scene representing aa close close up up of of the the Sabbath Sabbath lamp lamp in in of Nazareth. Nazareth. We We see see the the lamp being lighted. lighted. Synagogue of
·.. •..
During this this scene-shifting the the following is is heard -Commentary: commentary:
And Jesus Jesus went to to his his own country, country, and he came came to Nazareth where he had been brought up, up, and as as his his custom was was he he went to the Synagogue on the Sabbath day. day. •• ••• •
The The scene of the Sabbath lamp dissolves softly into aa new scene taken at the Synagogue. at the front front of the Synagogue. It It is is rumored that Jesus is in town and people are are waiting for him on the steps. steps * We We see see is fathers with their young sons and aa boy about twelve years old is fathers talking with aa group of old men with long beards. beards. They listen
attentively to him, him, answering his questions and correcting him when he is is wrong. wrong. When Jesus and his disciples arrive he sees among the people a who is is bent bent over. over. With With the the help help of of aa daughter she she is is led a woman who to the Synagogue. Synagogue. She has suffered eighteen years from a a spirit of infirmity and could in no wise lift up herself. herself. This is told by the daughter, daughter, answering questions from one of the disciples. disciples. Jesus who is listening to their conversation, conversation, takes pity on her and, and, approaching her, her, he speaks in an encouraging tone. tone. Jesus: Jesus:
Woman, Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity. infirmity.
(106) (106)
The woman does not realize at saying. at once the meaning of his saying. Therefore Jesus repeats Jesus: Jesus:
plague. You are are delivered from your plague.
Saying this begin this he lays his hands on her and wonderful things "begin to happen. happen. The woman, woman, who for for eighteen years has been crippled begins "begins to to regain her physical strength and at at the the same time the full full control of her limbs. To the surprise of herself and all limbs. To all the people who are are present she is is able to raise herself. herself. She cannot move for joy and is is overwhelmed with tears tears and emotion. emotion. is thought to have been aa (Her infirmity is contraction of certain muscular bundles. bundles. are not unusual Contractions of this this kind are in cases of hysterics and therefore curable by mental healing.) healing.)
The woman wishes to thank Jesus but does does not not find an opportunity of doing so so because the ruler of the Synagogue, Synagogue, who has has just come healing, . speaks in aa out of the the sanctuary and has witnessed the healing, friendly tone of mild reproach, reproach, saying The ruler: ruler: The
are six days days to work: in them thereThere are to work: fore fore come and be healed, healed, and not on the Sabbath day. Sabbat~ day.
The woman looks to Jesus for for help. help. He gives her aa comforting smile and answers the ruler Jesus: Jesus:
Ought not this woman whom Satan has bound lo, these eighteen years, 10, years, be loosed from this this bond?
The ruler: ruler: The
Yes, but not on the Sabbath. Sabbath. Her infirmity Yes, could be borne one more day. day.
Jesus: Jesus:
his ox or his Do not each one of you loose his ass from the stall and lead him away to the ass watering?
(107) (107) The ruler: ruler:
Certainly Certainly!i And a man may profane one Sabbath in order that he may observe many Sabbaths, Sabbaths, but there was no need of profaning the holy day in this case. case.
Jesus:J Jesus
(after a pause) pause)
You formalists formalists!i
as a bitter controThis discussion should not be thought of as versy. The ruler is a man of calm, calm, well-balanced mind, mind, speaking versy. quietly, conscious of having the Law on his side. side. On the other hand quietly, a bit of sharpness which it has not had the voice of Jesus has in it a before. before. The poor woman who has been healed does not know what to say
do or how to behave. behave. or do Among the people surrounding the two men opinions differ. differ. as aa pious and good man; Some agree with the ruler whom they know as man;
others are impressed by the miraculous healing of the woman. woman. Jesus, after his last words to the ruler, ruler, turns his back and Jesus, the Synagogue, Synagogue, followed by his disciples. enters the disciples. At this this point the the scene dissolves into -At
... •..
new scene scene representing the the table table with with the the scrolls. scrolls. We We see see aa new the hands hands of the the overseer take out out aa scriptroll. scriptroll. It It is is that of the the w at Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah. While the the Law had aa "roller "roller" at both ends, ends, the
rolls of of the the Prophets have aa "roller" "roller" only at at one one end, end, so so that that the rolls the lecture has has to to roll roll it it back again to to the the beginning. beginning. reader after the This scene scene again dissolves dissolves softly into This •• ••• •
new scene, scene, representing representing the the interior interior of of the the Synagogue. Synagogue. In In aa new
(108) (108)
the beginning only the platform with the pulpit and the chair for is shown. shown. Jesus receives from the overseer the the scriptthe preacher is
roll of Isaiah. Isaiah. He opens it, it, rolls it it out to Chapter 61, 61, and reads verses 1 and 2. 2. Jesus: Jesus;
"The Spirit of the Lord is is upon me, me, because he hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor* poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the captives, blind, at liberty them that are blind, to set at bruised." bruised."
He puts down the roll roll and then seats himself. all He puts himself. The The eyes eyes of all A hush of expectancy those in the Synagogue are fastened on him. him. A runs through the room. runs room.
manner. Then Jesus speaks in aa careful and exact manner. Jesus: Jesus:
This This day is is this this scripture fulfilled in your ears. ears.
at his his words While the the people wonder at words the the Pharisees turn to
each other and shake their heads. heads. at them and then he opens the roll of Isaiah again Jesus looks at reads and reads Jesus: Jesus:
"He hath blinded their eyes, eyes, and hardened "He their hearts, hearts, that they should not see with with their eyes, eyes, nor understand with their hearts and be converted, them." converted, and II should heal them."
Jesus hands the roll to the overseer. overseer. Then he rises. rises. There is aa tenseness tenseness in in the the atmosphere atmosphere as as the the feeling feeling is is general general that that Jesus Jesus is likely to create aa controversy. controversy. is
Again Jesus speaks -
(109) (109)
Jesus: Jesus;
He He that that believes believes in me, me, believes believes not not in me but but in him that that sent sent me. me. And he he that that sees sees me, me. me, sees sees him that that sent sent me.
The The hearers hearers are are looking at at each other: other: what what he he mean? mean? But Jesus Jesus continues unaffected. unaffected. Jesus: Jesus:
For For II have have not not spoken of of Father which sent me, he Father which sent me, he ment, ment, what what II should should say, say, speak. speak.
myself; myself; but but the gave me gave me aa commandcommandand and what what II should should
If If Jesus Jesus was was met with indifference before he he entered the the Synagogue, gogue, he he is is now becoming the the object of contempt. contempt. What is is the the meanthis boasting? boasting? ing of this
Among the the men we have noticed aa group of two or three devout Jews, Jews, ascetics, ascetics, who are are shocked at at the sayings of Jesus. Jesus. They are brothers. The most fanatical of them is is Jacob aa very short man. his brothers. man. is their mother who cannot restrain her tears. Together with them is tears.
Her two daughters try to comfort her. her. There is is aa short silence after the last words of Jesus. Jesus. Then a the congregation rises, rises, and after after him another, another, and then a man in the yet another. is about to burst. another. The storm is burst. 1. man: 1. man:
You have said you came down from Heaven. Heaven. We will ask your mother how that happened. We will ask your mother how that happened.
2. 2. man: man:
She is sitting over there. there.
3. 3. man: man:
Look, she is weeping. weeping. She is ashamed on Look, your behalf. behalf. your
4. 4. man; man:
You should have stayed at home like your brothers. brothers.
5. 5. man: man:
Yes, Yes, and have stuck to your last. last.
6. 6. man: man:
And left the preaching to the preachers. preachers.
2. 2. man: man:
And the healing to the doctors. doctors.
(110) (HO)
1. 1. man: man:
If you are yourself. are aa doctor - then heal yourself.
4. man: man: 4.
You need aa doctor yourself. yourself.
7. man: 7. man:
But aa good one. one.
Jesus has been "been standing silently while the insults are showered him. upon him.
The The last remarks are are drowned in aa wave of scornful laughter and after that there is is aa pause. pause. Jesus continues speaking Jesus: Jesus:
II tell you aa truth. truth. Many widows were in days of Elijah, Elijah, (when the Israel in the days heaven was shut up three years was years and six months,) when great famine famine was throughout months,) all the land. land. But to none of them was all Elijah sent, sent, save unto the the Heathen town Sarepta, unto aa woman that was aa widow. Sarepta, widow.
The The people are are angry and some curse him, him, but Jesus continues undisturbed. undisturbed. Jesus: Jesus:
And many lepers were in Israel in the time the Prophet and none of them of Sliseus, Eliseus, the was cleansed, cleansed, saving the Heathen Naaman was the Syrian. the Syrian.
all in the Synagogue when they heard these things are Now all wrath. Once again Jesns Jesus uses uses the sacred scriptures filled with wrath.
to defend his his own unholy and blasphemous demeanor and it is intolerable to the devout Jews Jews of Nazareth. Nazareth. What entitles him to act act as as aa religious teacher and Prophet? He is is mad; mad; there can be no doubt of it. it. The whole congregation cries out out indignantly. indignantly. They as they howl and stamp the the floor. floor. For aa while aa riot is curse him as quiets down for for aa moment as as the developing but the noise quiets the voice of Jesus is is heard crying -Jesus Jesus: Jesus:
you: no Prophet is is accepted in II say unto you: country. his own country.
(Ill) (Ill) Again there is a furious outbreak of which Jesus appears to Again notice. He leaves the platform quietly. quietly. It is clear take little notice. to him that here in his native town not only the Pharisees but
him. They are all outraged bebealso the common people are against him. out, heaping upon cause of his work and claims and they follow him out, abuse. him scorn and abuse. Outside the Synagogue a a great crowd gathers about him and
him. threatens him. 8. man: man: 8.
You say you have not come to destroy the Law, but but that that is just what what you you do. do. Law, is just
9. man: man: 9.
blasphemer. You blasphemer.
6. 6. man: man:
A false Prophet, A false Prophet, that's that 's what you are. are.
But to one side stood aa small group: group: the mother of Jesus and sisters. The mother and sisters are are weeping. his brothers and sisters. weeping. The
ruler of the Synagogue approaches them in order to give comfort, comfort, saying The The ruler: ruler:
is beside himself. He is himself.
Jacob: Jacob:
(hard-hearted) (hard-hearted)
The The mother: mother:
we only could lay hold on him. him. If we
is mad. mad. He is
The second brother, brother, who has has tried to force force his his way through The the crowd, crowd, comes comes back and says says the 2. brother: brother: 2.
get near him for for the the press press of the II cannot get crowd. crowd.
The ruler: ruler: The
Wait, I'll try. Wait, try.
The ruler approaches the the crowd surrounding Jesus Jesus and it it gives gives The before him. him. When he he gets gets close close to to Jesus Jesus he he says says -way before
(112) (112)
The The ruler: ruler:
Behold, Behold, your mother and your brethren seek for you. you.
And he answers -Jesus: Jesus:
Who is is my mother, mother, or my brethren?
And he looked round about on his disciples who were with him saying Jesus: Jesus:
Behold my mother and my brethren. brethren. For whosoever the whosoever shall shall do do the the will will of of God, God, the same is and is my brother, brother, and my sister, sister, and mother. mother.
The ruler looks at at Jesus in bewilderment and then returns to tears. Her two daughters care the mother who cannot control her tears.
for anger. for her. her. But James, James, the elder brother, brother, cannot control his anger. Pointing at at Jesus he shouts Jacob: Jacob:
That's the wilful, the way with you: you: defiant, defiant, wilful, and as as always always it it is is I, I, I, I, I. I. Now II say unto you be gone as as soon as as possiole, possible, you are no longer one of ours. ours. are
Voices from the crowd are are heard: heard: "Yes, "Yes, get off. off. Away with you." you.The people had taken the words of Jesus literally. literally. They could not do ked at do otherwise and consequently they were shoc shocked at his his apparent heartlessness. Therefore they shook their fists fists at at him. heartlessness. him.
A A man of of the the crowd mounts aa stone and shouts shouts -A voice: voice: A
There will will be no no peace in this this town so as this this man is is among us. long as us.
But Jesus is town, followed by the is already on his his way out of town,
(113) (113) disciples. disciples. The The crowd hastens hastens after after him. him. The The road out out of of his his native native town skirts skirts aa ravine. ravine. The The disciples disciples are busy talking to to people trying to to make them listen to reason and are explaining how the the words words of of Jesus Jesus were were to to be be understood. understood. For this this Jesus was was aa little apart apart from his his followers. followers. Suddenly he sees sees reason Jesus fanatic men who obviously have designs designs upon himself surrounded by fanatic him. He is is standing alone alone with his his back to to the the ravine. ravine. It It appears appears him. the plan of the attackers is is to to encircle him and cast him down that the headlong. Someone is is shouting -headlong. A voice: voice: A
Go to to your death -- you blasphemer. blasphemer. Go
Another voice: voice:
Yes, Yes, stone stone him. him.
Beside the road there is is aa large heap of stones. stones. Many of the attackers take up stones and are are about to throw them. them. But Jesus does not move. move. He is does is standing with arms arms outstretched and looking at stones. His at those who are are about to throw their stones. His calmness causes the crowd to become silent and one by one the men drop their stones. stones. IWhile While Jesus fearlessly moves toward his attackers they retire and there is is a a death-like silence. silence. Then Jesus leaves the town unharmed, but he harmed, unhurt, unhurt, and his disciples with him - n"but he passing passing through through the midst of them went his way". way". Now, Now, without interrupting the scene the camera turns and moves toward the stones - ending in a down-angle close up of the heap of ot stones. stones . After a while this close up dissolves softly into an immense puddle of water, water, the circumference of which exactly covers the cir-
.
(114) (114) cumference of the water reflects of the the heap of of stones. stones. The The surface of of the one of for of those days days of of boisterous weather which are are typical for Palestine. the water Palestine. Heavy drops drops of of rain splinter the the mirror of of the which from time to lightning. to time is is inflamed by by flashes flashes of of lightning. Thunder is is heard. heard. This This first first scene is is followed by by aa short sequence of of rapidly changing scenes. The scenes. There is is aa Palistinean torrential downpour. downpour. The strong whirl-winds beat violently against the trees and houses. the trees and houses. The roads stand in in puddles. puddles. Floods of of water are are rushing away heaps earth, causing earth-slides, earth-slides, overflowing the of earth, the valleys and and inin-
the fields. by claps of of undating the fields. And And all all this this is is accompanied by and lightning flashes. thunder and flashes. this sequence the the following is is heard During this -
commentary: Commentary:
Jesus had up aa storm. by had stirred up storm. Despised by his the his family, family, and and in in open fight fight against the Pharisees, he withdrew from the Pharisees, he the Jews and and to the the Gentiles. Gentiles. And so we we meet him turned to And so him in the the heathen town of some time later in Philippi. The The earliest name of Caesarea Philippi. of so called because a the town was was Paneas, Paneas, so a for the the Greek god god Pan Pan was sanctuary for was erected rocks near the on the the rocks the town. town.
The last scene of of the the thunderstorm-sequence dissolves softly The
into ••.. •• s c e n e , representing r e p r e s e n t i n g the statue s t a t u e of of Pan in i n a niche hewn a new scene, i n t o the rock. rock. into of a panorama combined with a ttrucking r u c k i n g shot shot we By means of we move t o Jesus J e s u s and his h i s diSCiples d i s c i p l e s standing s t a n d i n g near t h e rock. rock. near the from Pan to of adversity a d v e r s i t y the character c h a r a c t e r of of Jesus J e s u s has changed, Because of
(115) (115) authority. especially with regard to his belief in his own divine authority. ~ new accent in his voice. voice. His disciples have remained There is a
hie own bebefaithful to him and their love and loyalty strengthen his himself. lief in himself. The thoughts of Jesus more and more center round a certain idea. idea. He remembers the words reaching him in the boat: boat: "Are you
- the promised one?" Thinking the question he that should come over again and again, again, he asks himself: himself: might he not be the One? and the disciples do their best to nurture the thought. thought. Little by little Jesus sees himself in a a new light: light: might he not be the chosen One, One, the Messiah? He has a a foreboding of the mission to which he is called. called.
Jesus is is sitting alone, alone, pondering. pondering. At At some distance the disciples, speaking in a a low voice, as to who ciples, voice, discuss the problem as is and what is Jesus is is his mission on earth. earth. the following dialogue We hear the -
John: John:
The question is: is: what is is Jesus to to himself? The
Nathanael: Nathanael:
is he to us? us? What is
Thomas: Thomas:
To me aa Prophet. To Prophet.
Peter: Peter:
More than aa Prophet. Prophet.
Matthew: Matthew:
God t s son. son. God's
Peter: Peter:
The Messiah. Messiah. The
Andrew: Andrew:
the Baptist said it. John the it.
Taddai: Taddai:
all his his miracles. And then all miracles.
Judas: Judas:
But why does does he he keep it it secret? secret? But
Jesus has has risen and and is is approaching. approaching. Peter tells tells them to to be be Jesus
quiet. quiet.
(116) (116)
Jesus sits down among the disciples. disciples. Suddenly he asks asks them a question -Jesus: Jesus s
Whom say the people II am?
The The disciples look at at each other, other, momentarily embarrassed. embarrassed. Then one of them answers Philip: Philips
Some say that you are are John the Baptist. Baptist.
thoughts. He just The face of Jesus does not disclose his thoughts.
listens. listens. Jacob: Jacob:
Some say Elijah, Elij-ah.
Thomas, Thomas;
And some Jeremiah. Jeremiah.
John: John:
Some even say that one of the old Prophets is again. is risen again.
Jesus nods but says nothing. nothing. He appears to be given thought to what his disciples are saying and particularly to have noticed is the Messiah. Messiah. Perhaps he is the fact that no one has said he is
also considering how many of the Prophets have been killed in the past. past.
Meanwhile: Meanwhile $ The first question of Jesus has been intended only to draw them out. objective. out. Now he comes to his real objective. at them intently and then he asks asks -After aa pause he looks at Jesus: Jesus:
But Whom say you that II am?
The disciples are silent some moments. moments. They wonder if Jesus discussing. has been aware of what they were just discussing. As As usual Peter speaks for for the disciples -
(117) (117) Peter: Peter;
We believe in you and are are certain that you We are the the Messiah. Messiah. are
The others others nod approval. approval. The Jesus, deeply moved and pleased, pleased, looks looks at at Peter and says says -Jesus, Jesus: Jesus:
Blessed are are you, you, Peter, Peter, for for this this has has been revealed to to you by my Father who is is in Heaven. Heaven.
all the disciples he adds adds -Then addressing all Jesusj Jesus:
But II say unto you that you shall tell no Messiah. man that I1 am the Messiah.
It is is aa great disappointment for the disciples to be forbidden Messiahship. They do not understand why it again to proclaim his Messiahship.' secret. Judas shakes his head. head. But the disciples shall must be kept secret. disappointments. Jesus speaks to them soon know greater disappointments. Jesus: Jesus:
I I have somewhat to say unto you. you.
intently, wondering what he will say to The disciples listen intently, them now. now. After aa pause he speaks Jesus: Jesus:
Yes, am the Messiah, Yes, I I ~ Messiah.
And after another pause Jesus: Jesus:
And I I know my destiny. destiny.
The disciples become tense and look inquiringly at Jesus, Jesus, who continues Jesus: Jesus:
It was foretold by Isaiah. Isaiah.
John: John:
(surprised) (surprised)
Isaiah?
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Nathanael, Nathanael, who knows knows the the Law and the Prophets by "by heart, heart, answers for Jesus, Jesus, quoting the fifth verse of the fifty-third chapter of for Isaiah --
Nathanael: Nathanael;
"He was was wounded for for "He for our was bruised for chastisement of our with his stripes we
transgressions, he our transgressions, iniquities, the iniquities, peace was was upon him, him, and are are healed.· healed."
nods, adding with an expression of sadness Jesus nods, Jesus: Jesus:
greatly... II too shall suffer greatly •••
A A great anxiety possesses the disciples as as Jesus Jesus continues -Jesus : Jesuss
... and be killed. killed. •••
All All this this sounds exceedingly strange to the disciples and one asks -of them asks
Andrews
all these things? things? Why must you go through all
Jesus: Jesus $
To God. To prepare the way' way for for the Kingdom of God.
Jacob Alphai: Alphai: Where will you suffer in this this fashion? fashion? Jesus; Jesus:
Jerusalem. In Jerusalem.
rises and says with great emphasis And he rises emphasiS -Jesus: Jesus:
But II shall rise again from the the grave as as the true Messiah. Messiah.
Lovingly he embraces the the whole group of disciples. disciples. Then he turns away and walks toward aa fountain head in the rock. the nearby rock. Here out of the disciples hearing he crouches down and drinks drinks the water. water. disciples, in whispered tones, tones, discuss the Meanwhile the disciples, his words. words. His prediction of his suffering is is aa hard meaning of his
(119) (119) blow to them because the idea of a suffering Messiah is in every
them. It is contrary to all the respect strange and unthinkable to them. exalted expectations which to the Jews generally are associated with the coming of the Messiah. Messiah. They try, try, in their own minds, minds, to resolve the paradox of a suffering Messiah but it is too much for them. them.
We listen to their comments Judas: Judas:
is madness. madness. This is
Simon Cananaer:What? GananaersWhat?
Judas: Judas:
To go to Jerusalem. Jerusalem.
Taddai: Taddai;
Even in his native town he was in danger. danger.
Thomas: Thomas:
How then will it be in Jerusalem?
Matthew: Matthew:
He will immediately come into conflict with the Pharisees. Pharisees.
Philip: Philip:
And then with the Sadducees. Sadducees.
Nathanael: Nathanael:
And sooner or later with the Romans. Romans.
Jacob: Jacob:
In Jerusalem he will be in more danger than in any other place. place.
John: John:
It is is hopeless, hopeless, an act It act of of desperation. desperation.
is aa short pause. pause. Then Andrew, Andrew, as as spokesman for for the There is
other disciples, disciples, speaks to to his his brother -Andrew: Andrew:
Peter, try and persuade him to to act Peter, differently. differently.
for aa moment Peter agrees agrees and, and, going to to Jesus, After hesitating for Jesus, speaks to to him before he rises rises from drinking the the water. water. The The eyes eyes of speaks the other disciples disciples watch him intently. intently. the Peter: Peter:
--.
Master, you must abandon this this idea of Master, death. suffering and death.
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Jesus raises his his head to to listen Peter: Peter:
Be Be it it far far from you, you, this this shall not he be
unto you. you.
After aa pause he continues Peter: Peters
You are are not to undergo any suffering, suffering, you are for. are the the Messiah the people are are waiting for.
Now Jesus rises and turns turns around looking at at him. him. In aa tone of authority, Prophets, authority, such as as might have been used by one of the old Prophets, says he says -
Jesus: Jesus s
me, Satan: Satan: you are are an Get you behind me, me, for you savour not the offence to me, things that be of God, but those that things God, but be of men. men.
Peter realizes that he has been unwise in seeming to to prefer an all all conquering Messiah to aa suffering Messiah and in humiliation bows his his head. head. he bows Jesus, with his last remark, remark, has made it it clear that he has But Jesus, the way of grief and suffering. suffering. He knows knows that death probably chosen the awaits him if he goes goes to Jerusalem. Jerusalem. But no fear fear can shake his his deterawaits mination. mination.
Now he, he, followed by Peter, Peter, returns to the other disciples. disciples. He all foolish wants them to understand perfectly and to be rid of all dreams, all all false false expectations and all all misinterpretations of the dreams, God. They have to learn that if he is is the suffering Kingdom of God. Messiah they must suffer with him, him, if they wish to to be his his disciples. disciples. as he says says Therefore he speaks to them in aa solemn tone as Jesus: Jesus:
me, let him If any man would come after me, deny deny himself himself and and follow follow me. me. For For whosoever whosoever
(121) (121)
will save his life shall lose it, it, and whosoever will lose his life for my sake, sake, the same shall save it. it. For what is a man profited, profited, if he shall gain the whole world, world, and lose his own soul? The disciples, disciples, their faces faces revealing their serious frame of mind, mind, listen to Jesus. Jesus. It is a hard truth they are being taught. taught. But all of them are fully committed to Jesus and they are ready
leads. to follow him wherever he leads. a milder tone Jesus continues In a Jesus: Jesus;
I I tell you aa truth: truth: there he be some standing here, here, who shall not taste of death, death, till they see the Kingdom of God. God.
The disciples could understand the words of Jesus to a a certain The point but they did not yet understand the profound meaning behind the words. words. are to rise and go on. Jesus indicates that they are on. The road Jesus and his his disciples travel on leaving Caesarea The forks at at aa certain point. Philippi forks point. runs northeast toward Mount Hermon. One branch runs Bermon. The other runs runs to to aa neighboring village northwest of Caesarea The
Philippi. Philippi. Jesus and his his disciples disciples follow the the road toward Mount Hermon. Jesus Bermon. •• ••• •
Another scene scene of Jesus Jesus and his his disciples disciples walking in the direction of of Mount Bermon. Hermon. •••
(122) (122)
Jesus and his disciples arrive in the vicinity of Mount Hermon. Bermon. According to aa plan they have decided upon Jesus takes takes Peter, Peter, John and Jacob and goes up into the mountain to pray, pray, leaving the others to await them at Water-carriers. at the foot foot of the mountain. mountain. A A well. well. Water-carriers. dogs watering sheep. sheep. Disciples take out their buckets. Shepherds with dogs buckets.
·.. ...
Jesus and the mountain. the three disciples on their way up the mountain. •... ••
Jesus and the three disciples climb to the top of the mountain. mountain. While Jesus as pray, the disciples as was was his custom, custom, goes apart to pray, lie down under aa tree to rest. are tired rest. After the long climb they are and heavy with sleep. sleep. ••.• ••
The mountain. mountain. At At some distance from the sleeping disciples Jesus is praying. is standing with his face face turned toward Jerusalem and praying. His eyes are are fixed as as on aa vision in the distance -- maybe he sees his Father in Heaven. Heaven. are sleeping. sleeping. Suddenly aa brilliant light shines The disciples are faces. They awake and see Jesus in his his transfiguration. transfiguration. upon their faces.
His His garments are are incredibly white. white. His His face face too is is changed and light. The disciples are are filled with shining from aa great inner light. amazement. They do do not know whether they dream or if wonder and amazement. are really looking upon Jesus. they are Jesus.
They get exceedingly excited as as aa white cloud passes between Jesus. When it it has moved away they see two men standing them and Jesus. as being with Jesus which they have no difficulty in recognizing as Elijah. A A divinely beautiful music. Moses and the Prophet Elijah. music. At the the sight of these the disciples become afraid and cling At
(123) (123) other. They see Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus and to each other. - (Michelangelo). (Michelangelo). they hear them speaking Moses: Moses:
Verily you are the only Son of God and chosen to to establish establish His His Kingdom Kingdom on on Earth. Earth. chosen
And Elijah goes on -
Elijah: Elijah:
And strength will be given unto you for is to come. come. all that is
To the disciples it appears that Moses and Elijah are about
leave. It occurs to the rather bewildered Peter that maybe they to leave. can be persuaded to stay. stay. Partly rising he speaks to Jesus -
Peter: Peter:
Master, it is is good for here: and Master, for us to be here: tabernacles? one for let us us make three tabernacles; you, Moses, and one for for Elijah. you, and one for Moses, Elijah.
There was no answer and as as Peter was speaking a a bright cloud Jesus, as as well as as Moses and Elijah, Elijah, to be hidden came over causing Jesus, disciples. They did not know what to say or or do do and they from the disciples.
were sore afraid. afraid. Out of the the cloud came aa voice, voice, saying Out the FATHER: FATHER: GOD the
This is is my beloved Son in whom II am This well him. well pleased: pleased: Hear Hear ye ye him.
the disciples heard the the voice of the the Almighty speaking When the to them they became frightened and fell fell on their faces. directly to faces. After the the voice there there was was silence. silence. The The disciples disciples did not not know After for how long because they feared feared to to lift lift up up their faces. faces. But But finfor finthe voice of of Jesus Jesus saying -ally they heard the Jesus: Jesus:
Pear not. Fear not.
(124) (124) Then the the disciples raised their heads. heads. The The cloud had drifted off and when they lifted up their eyes they saw no man save Jesus only. His appearance was only. His was as as usual. usual. Then he approached them saying •Jesus: Jesus:
Arise. Arise.
When he reaches the disciples he addresses them once more, more, saying Jesus: Jesus:
You shall . tell no man of the things you have seen... seen •••
Jesus continues speaking as as they descend the mountain but his words are audible. are not not audible. A A new cloud appears, appears, and all all four four of them are are hidden from the audience. audience. (It is is said to be characteristic of Mount (It Hermon and the surrounding country for suddenly, generally in a clouds to appear suddenly, a minutes, and they . disappear as as quickly few minutes, as they come.) come.) as
Dissolve to the next scene. scene.
... ...
A A close up of aa short dagger, dagger, hidden in aa chest. chest. We We see the it out out from its its hiding-place. hand of aa young man take it hiding-place. the scene-shifting the following is is heard. heard. During the Commentary: commentary:
Apparently the Jewish people groaned in silence under the yoke of their cruel Roman oppressors but deep beneath the surface smouldered the hatred that resulted in numerous guerrilla attacks and in continuing revolts. revolts.
The camera follows follows the hand with the dagger as as it is is lifted
(125) (125) and glides backward at at the same time. time. Finally We We see see the whole room. room. The The young man with the the dagger in his his hand has has risen from the bed and is noise. is trying to leave the the room without making any noise. His His father is is sleeping in the the same room. room. He awakes awakes from his sleep is surprised to see his his son about to leave the the house so late and is in the the night. night.
The son is is aa young, young, fanatical fanatical patriot, patriot, belonging to the most aggressive faction of the revolutionaries: revolutionaries: the "sicarii", "sicarii", so called after the "sica". the name of the the short dagger "sica". The The father whispers The father: fathers The
Is it it to-night? to-night? Is
The The son: son;
Yes. Yes.
The father: fathers The
And you must go? go?
The son: sons The
Yes, father. father. II must. Yes, must.
The father has risen too. too. He He blesses his his son, son, saying The -
The The father: fathers
Be careful. Be careful.
The son nods, nods, smiling confidently, confidently, and then slips away. The away. the door ajar the the father looks after the the son for for aa long Keeping the time. time. to the next scene. Wipe to scene. •... ••
the revolutionaries meet this Somewhere in aa lonely ravine the
night in order to to carry out out aa special task. task. Our young man from the is just arriving. preceding scene is arriving. is delivering the the address to the the 30 or 40 Their leader is 40 young
(126) (126)
men who have gathered about him. him. The The leader: leader:
Long ago, ago, men, men, we we determined not to serve the the Romans Romans nor to submit to any slavery; slavery; therefore let us us willingly accept the punishment that awaits awaits us us if we we are are to fall fall into Roman hands alive. alive. For my own part II had rather be dead if II cannot be free. free.
A A loud applause breaks out. out. The The leader makes makes aa sign for for them to be silent and once more he addresses the the men, men, saying The The leader: leader;
Everybody knows has to do? do? knows what he has
Voices: Voices:
Yes, yes. Yes, yes.
The leader: leader:
Nobody is is in doubt? doubt?
Voices: Voices:
No, No, no. no.
The The leader: leader:
Well, then let us us get to to work. Well, work.
The place. The meeting breaks up and the conspirators leave the place. A war song. A song. to the the next scene. Wipe to scene. •••
A mountain pass. pass. The same same night. A night. A wooden bridge crosses aa cleft in the mountains. mountains. The Jewish A this bridge which is is of strategic patriots have decided to destroy this to the Roman army. army. For this this reason the the Romans keep watch importance to
over the bridge day and night. night. At At each end of the bridge, bridge, where men are a are stationed, stationed, there is is aa fire fire and on one side of the bridge is is a tent for for the officer of the watch. watch. Suddenly the the bridge is is overrun by the the Jewish guerrillas. guerrillas. For aa few moments fierce fighting takes place which results in the killing of all all the Romans except the charge, and also some of the Jews. Jews. Some fall fall on the officer in charge,
(127) (127) bridge, some on the rocks bridge, some of bridge, on the rocks at at the the ends ends of of the the bridge, of them are are flung into the the deep. deep. When the the fighting is is over and and the the Jews have picked up up their dead the the bridge is is set set on on fire. fire. Then they leave the place. A bugle-signal. An bugle. the place. A bugle-signal. An answering bugle. Without moving the a the camera the the scene dissolves softly into a scene showing the fire, the bridge at at the the very moment when, when, consumed by by fire, it falls falls down. down. It It is is time for for the the watch to to be and the it be relieved and the troops arrive, arrive, having come up up hurriedly. hurriedly. Roman soldiers, soldiers, on fresh troops far away, away, having noticed the the fire fire and and smelled the the smoke, smoke, have duty far out the the alarm. alarm. On On the the rocks near the the bridge they find one one of sent out of insurrectionists, forgotten by his companions. companions. The The Roman the Jewish insurrectionists, by his at him him and and notice that he he is is not not dead. dead. Then they pick soldiers kick at
him up. up. He He might be be useful during the the investigation. investigation. Wipe to scene. to the the next scene. •..• ••
t o r t u r e - c h a m b e r of of the t h e Romans. The young Jew whom whom the Roman A torture-chamber s o l d i e r s have picked a t the the b r i d g e is i s subjected s u b j e c t e d to t o a "third "third soldiers picked up at bridge i s sitting, s i t t i n g , the upper part p a r t of of his h i s body degree" examination. He is s e a t without without back support. s u p p o r t . Two-three Roman soldiers soldiers naked, on a low seat t h e doors. Two Two executioners, e x e c u t i o n e r s , one on each side s i d e of of him, are holding holding at the h i s outstretched o u t s t r e t c h e d hands firmly firmly while the t h e examiner, sitting s i t t i n g in i n front, front, his i s cross-questioning c r o s s - q u e s t i o n i n g him. is
The examiner:
Who were the others? others? Who Tell me some of Tell me some of their t h e i r names? names? One of them? One is of your them? leader? Who Who is your leader?
A clerk is is ready to to put put down what the the prisoner might possibly A up to to now now he he has has not not betrayed any any secret. secret. The The examiner, say but but up examiner, his stubbornness, stubbornness, signals to to aa third executioner who irritated by by his who
(128) (128)
is is standing behind the prisoner, prisoner, aa flaming torch in his hand. hand. He applies the torch to the back of the a the young Jew who sets sets up a piercing cry scene. Wipe to the next scene. •... ••
The The same interior as as the the first first scene of this this sequence. sequence. The are sleeping. sleeping. From Prom far far away the noise same young man and his father are
of spiked sandals marching up the pavement is is heard. heard. The father first. He sits up and listens. listens. He knows knows only too well what awakens first. this sound at at night-time means. means. Now he hears the distant sound of this sword*s hilt hilt hammering brutally upon upon aa door. door. It It is is opened and and aa aa sword's is heard shouting words words of command. command. The sound of weeping rough voice is ears. There is is aa short pause and crying comes to his listening ears. the sound of the marching feet feet is is heard again, again, then during which the voice, but this this time much hammering upon aa door and the commanding voice, nearer. Now the young man also awakens. awakens. It It is is clear to him at at once nearer. is happening. happening. He He rises. rises. His His father also rises and embraces his what is son. The sound of of the soldiers' is approaching. approaching. The father son. soldier~' sandals is closely. Without doubt the soldiers are are coming to holds the son closely. house; they are knocking now. now. With aa look of determination their house; the son embraces his father, father, smiles courageously, courageously, and opens the door. The soldiers seize him and fetter him. him. For aa moment the the father door.
stands in the door looking after his son through eyes blinded with tears. Then he shuts the door. door. A A plaintive weeping is is heard through tears.
the door. door. Wipe to the next scene. scene.
... ...
fortress. Seven or or eight of An underground vault in aa Roman fortress.
(129) (129) insurrectionists, among them them their their leader, leader, are bound bound fast in the insurrectionists, stocks, waiting for judgment judgment and death. death . stocks, The leader speaks to his companions -leader: The leader:
We have acted as men, men, and we will die as as men. men. We are not afraid to die. die. Life without liberty is not worth having. having. Do any of you think it is?
others: The others:
No, no. no. No,
The leader turns to one of his companions, companions, saying --
leader: The leader:
You, You, Rabbi, Rabbi, pray for us. us.
The Rabbi offers a a prayer. prayer. The others answer: answer: Amen. Amen. Then the leader starts singing a lively, joyous Jewish hymn a lively, and the others j oin in. in. Some Some non-Jewish non-Jewish prisoners prisoners listen listen with with join
surprise. surprise. The song continues during the the following three scenes but The
little by little it away. it fades fades away. scene. Wipe Wipe to to the the next next scene. •• ••• •
hill outside the the town is is the the place place of of execution. execution. Seven On aa hill or eight eight crosses crosses are are raised and the the insurrectionists are are nailed or to the the crosses. crosses. The The crosses crosses are are evenly spaced and and form form aa curbed to line. The The vultures vultures (or (or the the crows) crows) are are circling above above the the crosses. crosses. line. Two or or three three slaves slaves are are seen seen cleaning the the place place of of the the remains remains of of Two the last last gang gang of of crucified revolutionaries. revolutionaries. the
Wipe Wipe to to the the next next scene. scene. •••
(130) (130)
A A single cross cross in close up. up. A A panorama from the the foot foot of the cross to the top with the vultures (or the crows) about. crows) circling about. •... ••
A A large heap of human bones and skulls -- reminding one one of the Russian painter Vereschagin's famous painting. famous painting. The The slaves who are outside the scene throw the remains they have picked up on the heap. heap. This This scene which is is the last scene of the insurrectionistsequence dissolves softly into •... ••
aa new new scene, scene, representing little little boys boys and and girls girls playing "wedding" on the market place of aa village. village. The boys are playing "wedding" boys are flutes and the the girls are dancing graciously. graciously. At At the the beginning we flutes the girls dancing -- maybe only two of them -- then the see only the is gliding backwards and we see the boys and the other camera is girls. By means of aa panorama the camera turns turns toward the the opposite girls. marketplace. Here Jesus is is sitting surrounded by his corner of the marketplace. disciples. Though Jesus has just arrived people already are are gatherdisciples. his teaching. teaching. The The majority of them are are women. women. Some of ing to hear his Jesus, bringing young children with them, them, that they them approach Jesus, Jesus. His His disciples try to drive them away, may be touched by Jesus. away, saying saying disciples: Do not bother the Master. Master. Leave your The disciples: children at home. at home. They have no understanding. standing. this, he is is displeased and says says to the disWhen Jesus sees this,
ciples -
(131) (131)
Jesus: Jesus:
Suffer the little children to come unto me, me, forbid them not: not: for of such is is the Kingdom God. of God.
He puts his hands upon the children, children, pushed forward by the mothers to receive his blessing. blessing. He takes the other little children
also, blessing them. them. up in his arms and puts his hands upon them also, While this is is happening the sound of the flute-playing little boys and the girls with whom they are playing "wedding", "wedding", is heard
in the background, background, though subdued. subdued. As time passes the people gathered around Jesus increase in number. number. Also some Pharisees have come in order to to debate with him. him.
One of them asks asks him 1. Pharisee: 1. Pharisee:
Is Is it it lawful for a a man to put away his wife?
inquiringly, as as if he does not Jesus turns turns to the questioner inquiringly, mind. For this reason the quite understand what the Pharisee has in mind. in, saying -other Pharisees join in, 2. Pharisee: Pharisee: Can he send her out out of of the house... 2. house ••• 3. Pharisee: Pharisee: 3.
...if finds some unseemly thing in in her? her? ••• if he finds
Jesus Jesus answers them with aa question Jesus: Jesus:
What did Moses Moses command you? you? What
2. Pharisee: Pharisee: Moses suffered to to write aa bill bill of of divorce2. divorcement and Bend send her away. away. ment Jesus nods nods and looks looks Significantly significantly at at the the Pharisees as as if if to to Jesus ask: Yes, Yes, and do do you know why Moses Moses did that? that? ask: he says says -Speaking aloud he
(132) (132)
Jesus: Jesus:
For the the hardness of your heart he Buffered suffered to put awayJOUr away your wives. wives. But But from the the you to beginning it was not so. so.
Now it it is is the Pharisees who do do not quite understand what Jesus has in mind and they look at at him perplexed. perplexed. Jesus continues Jesus: Jesus:
Have you not read that from the beginning world, he created man when God created the world, and woman as as male and female? female?
Nathanael who always is is proud of knowing the Scriptures by heart is is happy once more to display his knowledge and quotes the 24th verse of the the 2nd chapter of the Book of Genesis Nathanael: Nathanael:
"Therefore shall aa man leave his father and his his mother and shall cleave unto his wife, flesh." wife, and they shall be one flesh."
Jesus nods nods in the affirmative, affirmative, adding Jesus: Jesus:
are no longer So they are flesh. flesh.
t wo two
but
0o nn
e
But the Pharisees will not yet admit the validity of his argument. ment.
1. 1. Pharisee: Pharisee:
That is "rue enough with .."one one flesh", is ttrue flesh", but if the man no longer cares for wife, for his wife, what then? then?
2. Pharisee: Pharisee: 2.
has found aa woman he likes better? Or if he has
4. Pharisee: Pharisees 4.
In that case man and wife are no longer "one flesh". flesh".
3. Pharisee: Pharisee: 3.
Is Is it it not better then that they separate?
4. Pharisee: Pharisee: And that the man be permitted to divoroe divorce 4.
his wife? his wife?
These words of the Pharisees follow each other rapidly. rapidly. Jesus listens and when they have finished their argument he answers them •-
(133) (133) Jesus: Jesus:
What God has joined together, together, no man shall asunder. put asunder,
2. Pharisee: Pharisee: 2.
According to the Law the man is allowed to will. send off his wife at will,
Jesus rises and speaks with an authority which discourages the
more. Pharisees from answering anything more. Jesus: Jesus:
And I I say unto you: you: whosoever shall put away-nis wife, wife, except except it it be be for for fornication, fornication, away~~his and shall shall marry marry another, another, commits commits adultery: adultery: and and whosoever whosoever marries marries her her which which is is put put away away and does commit commit adultery adultery too. too. does
Among those present are many women and they are pleased by this interpretation of the Law, Law. One of the women says to him -
A A woman: woman:
is the womb that bare you, you, and the Blessed is breasts that you have sucked. su~ked.
With a a side-glance at at the Pharisees Jesus answers Jesus: Jesus:
Rather blesses are they that hear the word of God, God, and keep it. it.
The camera turns again to the little boys and girls who are playing "Wedding" "wedding" and the the scene ends ends with the showing of aa boy and several girls girls dancing. dancing. The The sound of flutes flutes which has has been subdued becomes louder. louder. The final final scene of of the children playing "wedding" "wedding" dissolves dissolves The
softly into. into. •••
new scene, scene, very short, short, representing aa close close up up of of the the top top aa new
of of aa pomegranate tree tree (or (or another fruit fruit tree) tree) in blossom. blossom. This This dissolves into into -scene again dissolves •••
(134) (134) aa new new scene scene showing aa path path through aa field field outside outside the the village. village. The sound of the flutes flutes of the children who are playing "wedding" furnishes but almost imperceptibly the furnishes aa background for for this scene, scene, "but flutes flutes are replaced by aa distant choir of little children singing the same tune and in the same rhythm. rhythm. At At both sides of the path through the field pomegranate trees fruit trees) are growing wild. (or other fruit trees) are wild.
Along the walking, leading his camel. camel. the path aa young farmer is is walking, Prom the other direction comes comes aa girl, girl, at at pitcher filled with water From shoulder. They greet each other as as they pass. on her shoulder. pass. We We will name
Joseph. them Mirjam and Joseph. When they have passed each other the young man turns around turns around. around. She is is aa virgin and very and calls the girl who also turns fair to look upon. keeps her veil in place with her teeth so fair upon. She keeps be seen through the split which that her nose and eyes can hardly be
has been left open. open. face to face; face* then she speaks. For aa moment they stand face speaks. Joseph: Joseph:
me, II pray you, Let me, you, drink a a little water from your pitcher. pitcher.
Mirjam lets her pitcher down upon her hand and gives him a drink. drink. There is is another moment of embarrassment and the he speaks again. again. Josephs Joseph:
are you, Whose daughter are you, tell me. me.
Mirjam: Mirjam;
II am the daughter of Jotham, Jotham, the son of
Joseph: Joseph:
is your name? What is
Mirjam: Mirjam:
Mirjam. Mirj am.
Amalek. Amalek.
(135) (135) He repeats her name in aa musical tone of voice. voice. It It is is easy to see that he likes it. it. She returns the pitcher to to her shoulder and is is about to leave when he asks.Joseph: Joseph:
When shall we meet again? again?
Mirjam: Mirjam:
Ask my father. father.
Joseph: Joseph:
II will. will.
She continues on her way home without glancing backward. backward. He joins his camel but continues to look after her. her. The The camel is is laden with sheep skins. skins. Suddenly, Suddenly, surrendering to an impulse, impulse, he takes out out aa skin, skin, aa beautiful white one, one, and running after the girl he calls her by name. name. She turns around and for him. him. When he reaches her he shows her the skin, skin, saying waits for Joseph: Joseph:
This is is for for you... This you •••
He pauses. pauses. Then he he rolls rolls up the skin and puts puts it it under her He arm, saying arm, -
Joseph: Joseph:
are all all fair. You are fair.
turns around again and starts out once more for for her home. She turns home. has returned again to to his his camel and taking it it by the bridle He has it in the the opposite direction. begins leading it direction.
The scene dissolves softly into new, very short short scene, scene, picturing some some beautiful branches branches aa new, the top of aa pomegranate-tree in full full bloom. bloom. This scene again from the
(136) (136)
dissolves dissolves softly into into
...
•• •
new scene scene in in Mirjam Mirjam's father's house. house. aa new 's father's
Joseph has has come to to demand Mirjam in marriage. marriage. He He is is talking to her father father and mother. to mother. Joseph: Joseph:
And now if you will will deal deal kindly and truly with me, me, tell tell me; mej and if not, not, tell tell me me -whether God has has led me me in the the right right way, way, that II may take take your daughter to my wife. that wife.
at him and then at at his wife and says says -The father looks at father: The father:
All God. All things things proceed from God.
nods approvingly, approvingly, adding The mother nods mother: The mother:
We uannot bad. cannot speak to you good or bad.
father: The father:
We We will call her and let her speak for herself. herself.
The mother again nods approvingly and calls the daughter, daughter, who enters. She and Joseph greet enters. gre~t each other. other. Then the father asks his daughter. daughte.r . The father: father:
Will you marry this man?
With a a calm voice and without changing the expression on her face Mir j am answers answers -Mirjam Mirjam: Mirjam:
I I will. will.
Joseph a k e s a sstep t e p forward r a c e l e t s on Joseph ttakes forward and puts puts two gold gold bbracelets Mirjam's a r r i n g on her f a c e . ww Mirjam's hands and "an "an eearring her face. Her father and mother bless her. her.
(137) (137) The scene dissolves softly into
.. .
•• •
aa new new scene scene representing another another close-up of of the the blooming branches of fruit fruit trees. trees. And these blooming branches dissolve softly into •• ••• •
aa new new scene scene of of aa blooming young young bride bride waiting for for her her bridebridegroom. The The bride is is Mirjam. Mirjam. Her mother and her two sisters are groom.
busy arranging her bridal garments. garments. The The door has been shut to prevent too curious friends friends and room. Now and then someone knocks at neighbors from entering the room. saying: "She is is not the door but the two sisters turn them away by saying:
ready yet." yet .• " father's house Mirjam has has been seated on a In aa room in her father's a platform where she she sits sits like aa princess on aa throne. throne. She does does not appear to to be be very comfortable however, however, in her bridal garments and position. The bridal garments cover her up from in her elevated position. to toe. toe. On her arms arms are armlets. armlets. From Prom the the bridegroom she has head to received, according to custom, custom, aa sum of money in gold and silver, received, silver, are fastened on her headkerchief. headkerchief. Other and aa part of these coins are coins are are knitted together forming aa heavy necklace. coins necklace. at the door. door. One of the sisters asks asks who .. Again someone knocks at it is is and then turns turns to to the mother, mother, saying it The sister: sister: The
It It is is Sarah and the other girls. girls. They would see Mirjam before they go to meet like to see the bridegroom. bridegroom. the
to let the the girls in. in. With the The mother gives her consent to room. All of them have lamps in door ajar ten girls slip into the room.
(138) (138)
their hands. hands. Chattering and with cries of joy and admiration they are jewelry. are fussing about the bride and fingering her garments and jewelry. Mirjam patiently sits through it it all. all. At At length, length, their curiosity satisfied, satisfied, they light their lamps and leave the room, room, laughing and talking. talking. The mother and sisters fasten the bride's veil and put the room in order for wedding. for the reception which is is to follow the wedding.
·.. ...
The The 10 bridesmaids are are on their way to meet the bridegroom, bridegroom, according to the custom of that day. day. All All the virgins carry their lamps. lamps.
These lamps consist of aa small oval container for for the oil with a lip a lip for for the the wick at at one one end end of of the the oval oval and and aa handle handle at at the the other other end. end. At At the under side of the container was was aa hole SO so-.I that the lamp could be be fixed on aa long wooden pole and borne aloft. aloft. •... ••
b r i d e ' s chamber. Mirjam Mirjam is i s still s t i l l sitting s i t t i n g in in her elevated elevated The bride's s t i t c h e s to make in in the wedding gown. position. The mother has a few stitches plaintive childish childish tone the bride says -In a plaintive Mirjams Mirj am:
am hungry. I am
fruit One of the sisters gives her aa piece of bread or some fruit
while the other lifts up her veil. veil. ••.. ••
The bridesmaids stop at group, at aa cross road. road. The leader of the group, Sarah, says says Sarah, 1. virgin: virgins 1.
We had better wait here. here.
(139) (139)
Near the intersection is is aa watch-tower, watch-tower, located in aa vineyard. vineyard. has aa roof covered with leaves. leaves. The lower par of the The tower has
tower is bridesmaids. is open and provides shelter for for the bridesmaids. During the beginning of this this scene the following is is heard Commentary: commentary:
And Jesus Jesus likened the Kingdom of Heaven unto their lamps lamps unto the the ten ten virgins virgins who who took took their and and went went forth forth to to meet meet the the bridegroom. bridegroom. Fine of them were wise, were wise, and five five were foolish. took their their foolish. They They that that were were foolish foolish took lamps, But the the lamps, and and took took no no oil oil with with them. them. But wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. lamps.
The ten virgins make themselves comfortable at at the base of the watch-tower. watch-tower. But the five five wise virgins decide to to put out their down. We We hear them talking among lamps in order before they sit down. themselves 1. virgin: virgin: 1.
II think II will fill now. fill my lamp now.
6. virgin: virgin: 6.
(surprised) Have you some extra oil with (surprised) you? you?
1. virgin: virgins 1.
Of course II have. have.
2. virgin: virgin: 2.
I. So have I.
3. virgin: virgin: 3.
It It was was the prudent thing to do, do.
7. virgin: virgin: 7.
ÂŁ I have no extra oil. oil.
8. virgin: virgin: 8.
Nor have II. _.
9. virgin: virgin: 9.
Oh, it it will not be long. Oh, long.
10. virgin: virgin: 10.
II hope not. not.
After aa while the five five wise virgins have filled their lamps and all all the the virgins sit down. down. The lamps have been removed from their poles and placed on aa convenient board above the heads of the virgins. virgins.
(140) (140) Some of the girls yawn. yawn. It It is is late and the virgins become sleepy. sleepy. 4. 4, virgin: virgin:
II am sleepy. sleepy.
1. virgin: virgin: 1.
Then sleep. sleep.
2. 2. virgin: virgin:
We you. We will awaken you.
The girls relax and soon they are dozing and nodding. nodding. •• ••• •
The The bride-chamber. bride-chamber. At At last the bride is is ready to receive the visitors. The door is is opened wide and the crowd of impatient friends friends visitors. in. Exclamations of joy, congratulations, and cries of amazerush in. joy, congratulations, are heard. heard. During all all this this Mirjam sits unmoved, unmoved, silent, silent, and ment are eyes. From time to to time she smiles staring ahead with unseeing eyes. stiffly. Someone begins singing the merry rhythmical, rhythmical, hymenial stiffly. song. A A single voice leads off and other voices repeat the refrain. song. refrain. is soon bathed in tears tears as as becomes aa Palestinean bride. Mirjam is bride. are captured by the rhythm of the the song. Little by little the girls are song. body, head, head, feet feet and arms arms in time to to the Involuntarily they move body, song. One One by one they leave the room and, and, outside in the the open air, song. air, chains, dancing to to and fro fro with one one another, another, clapping they form two chains, singing. Certain parts of the song are are emphasized their hands and singing. handelapping. by loud handclapping. We have followed the singing and dancing girls outside; outside; but We is still heard, heard, mingling with the song and the song from the house is
the handclapping of the girls. girls. The camera is is moving backwards, backwards, and the sound of the song is slowly fading away. away. The scene dissolves softly into
.. .
(141) (141)
aa new scene showing aa close-up of of the the watch-tower and the virgins' virgins' lamps placed side by side. side. Three of the lamps, lamps, belonging to the foolish virgins, virgins, have already burned out and now the fourth and the fifth lamps also burn out. out. During this scene the faint sound of song from the bridal house mingles with the distant music and song accompanying the approaching bridegroom and his followers. followers. During the following scene the sound of the approaching bridegroom increases in force. force. As As soon as as the fifth lamp is is gone out this short scene
dissolves into •... ••
aa long shot, shot, covering the the road, road, the the watch-tower and the the 10 sleeping virgins. virgins. According to custom aa friend of the bridegroom is is riding or running before the procession to make known that the is approaching. approaching. In this this case the forerunner is riding bridegroom is donkey, crying on aa donkey, Forerunner: Forerunner:
comes. Go Go you out to meet The bridegroom comes. him. him.
sleep. Sleepily they reach The 10 virgins awake from their sleep. lamps. The five wise virgins trim the wicks and quickly for their lamps.
fasten the lamps to the wooden poles. poles. five foolish virgins are startled at at seeing their But the five out. One of them appeals to the wise virgins for lamps burned out.
help 6. virgin: virgins 6.
us of your oil. Give us oil.
The wise virgins refuse. refuse.
(142) (U2) 1. 1. virgin: virgin;
Not sOl so* lest there be not enough for us and rather to to them them that sell, and you: you: go go you you rather that sell, and yourselves. and buy buy for for yourselves.
2. 2. virgin: virgins
But make haste. haste • .
3. 3. virgin: virgin:
Maybe you can be back in time. time.
The five wise virgins go swiftly in the direction from which the bridegroom is expected. expected. The five five foolish virgins run back to the village hoping to find the shopkeeper awake. awake. •... ••
The procession of the bridegroom on the road coming toward the camera. camera. Joseph, Joseph, the bridegroom, bridegroom, is riding on aa richly bedecked camel. camel. He is surrounded by friends friends some of whom are riding on donkeys. All of them carry lamps or torohes. torches. Passers-by have joined donkeys.
the train and the whole procession is is shouting, shouting, singing and playing instruments. The women are waving their hands. musical instruments. hands. A A Rabbi and come out from aa house. his disciples oome house. •... ••
five wise virgins with their lamps burning come to meet the The five bridegroom. They welcome him by waving their hands and moving their bridegroom.
lamps up and down. down. ••.. ••
Close-up of Joseph on his lofty seat returning their greetings. greetings. ••.. ••
behind, when entering the narrow The procession seen from behind, street. Men, Men, women, women, and children oome come out from the houses village street. walls, watching the bridegroom and greeting or stand on top of the walls, him. The five five virgins have been placed at the head of the procession. procession. him.
(143) (143) This scene dissolves very softly into • • ••• •
shop. The a new scene showing the interior of aa merchant's shop. five foolish virgins have succeeded in waking up the shopkeeper
wife, who are refilling their lamps and lighting them one and his wife, one. We only see the heads of the five girls, girls, the tops of the by one. lamps, and behind them the sleepy and sulky wooden poles with the lamps, shopkeeper's face. face. When all the lamps have been lighted the virgins
shop, and we follow them, them, moving the camera upwards so leave the shop, lamps. They are hopping up and down in a that we see only the five lamps. lively fashion. fashion. During this scene the song and music of the procession becomes at the end of the scene it has died away. fainter and fainter and at away.
This scene of the five foolish virgins and their lamps dissolves softly into •... ••
aa new scene of of the the bridal-chamber. bridal-chamber. Mirjam is is still sitting in her elevated position covered with her veil which is is so heavy it practically conceals her. her. She is is all all alone. alone. Then Joseph enters the room followed by her father and mother. mother. While the father and the mother remain in the background Joseph approaches Mirjam and greets her. her. The camera moves in for for aa close-up of the two of them. them. He tries to to peer through the veil as as he he speaks to to her -Joseph: Joseph:
You have eyes dove. eyes like aa dove.
Mirjam; Mirjam:
You have hair like aa raven. raven.
Joseph: Joseph:
Your teeth are are like aa flock flock of sheep. sheep.
Mirjam; Mirjam:
Your beard is goats. is like aa flock flock of of goats.
(144) (U4) Joseph: Joseph:
Beautiful is is your face faoe and sweet is is your voice. voice. You have milk and honey under your tongue. t ongue.
These remarks are said quite simply and without any sentimentsentimentality. ality. Indeed, Indeed, there is is aa strain of humour and self-irony. self-irony. Both of them know they are quoting the Song of Songs. Songs. When Joseph pronounces the word "tongue" "tongue" aa knocking is is heard at at the door. door. It It was customary for for the door to be closed as as soon as bridal as the invited guests and those who had taken part in the "bridal procession had entered. entered. Mirjam's mother nevertheless is is going to the door when Joseph motions to her to wait and he himself open the
goes to the door. the door. Joseph: Joseph:
(at (at the the door) door) Who is is it?
7. virgin: virgin: 7.
We girls. We are the five five other girls.
8. virgin: virgin: 8.
Our lamps went out. out.
9. virgin: virgin: 9.
Open for us, please. us, please.
is firm. firm. But Joseph is Joseph: Joseph:
Only they that were ready went in with the marriage. to the marriage.
The girls: girls:
Forgive us. UB.
Joseph: Joseph:
No, do not know you, you, because you did No, II do the hour. not know the hour. •• ••• •
Outside. The door has been shut upon the five five foolumvirgins. foolish virgins. Outside. house. We We follow them, them, Disappointed and weeping they leave the house. the five five lamps. moving the camera upwards so that we see only the lamps. as if they were hanging their heads. This time they look tired and as heads.
This scene dissolves very softly into •••
(145) (145) a new scene of the grounds and garden of the home of the bride. bride. By means of a followshot combined combined with a trucking-shot we are
like. Most of the guests able to get some .idea idea of what the feast is like. outside. Only the old people prefer to remain indoors. indoors. For stay outside. rooms. them mats and cushions are spread on the floors of the rooms. Outside, according to custom, custom, the men and women have been Outside, groups. divided into two groups. a little out of the way The bride 'is is led by her mother to a place where the other young women and girls have gathered. gathered. Among the girls we recognize the five wise virgins. virgins. They will not be content until they can satisfy their passion for dancing. dancing. Their bare feet are already tripping. tripping.
The men are sitting on mats or standing in groups scattered trees. Servants are carrying wine and here and there under the trees. guests. We notice that dishes with refreshments around among the guests. present. some Pharisees and scribes are present.
In one place some young lads are trying their strength by lifting heavy stones. stones. The moving camera stops in front of the most interesting group, group, one gathered about Jesus. Jesus. He had been honored by being invited the one wedding. He He was sitting on aa bench under aa tree surrounded to the wedding. his disciples and other guests. guests. (It (It was was rather usual for for scholars by his to be be invited to to weddings and other festivals). festivals). and their disciples to ÂŤJoseph has has been telling the the people what he said to to the the five five Joseph virgins. He He is is just finishing his his remarks remarks -foolish virgins.
(146) (146)
Joseph: Josephs
No, II would not let them in. in. No,
Jacob: Jacobs
You taught them aa lesson. lesson.
Andrew: Andrews
For their thoughtlessness. thoughtlessness.
Jesus has listened to these remarks of Joseph. Now, as Joseph. Now, as he begins to speak everyone listens attentively Jesus: Jesus s
Verily, Verily, II say unto you: yous the Kingdom of God can be likened unto virgins, (Jod can be likened unto those those ten ten virgins, Watch therefore, for you know neither the Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man day nor the hour wherein the Son of man comes. comes. He He comes comes at at an an hour hour when when you you think think not. not. Be Be you you therefore therefore ready. ready.
These words of Jesus must be placed as as soon as as possible after we have witnessed the five five foolish virgins being refused admittance. admittance. The disciples smile approvingly. approvingly. They appreciate the way Jesus teaches from the incidents of every day life. life. •• ••• •
The young women have somewhat satisfied their passion for dancing. Most of them now sit down on mats or low stools so placed dancing. as to form aa circle. circle. Each of them takes aa turn at entering the as dance. The bride also takes her circle and doing an improvised dance. turn. lively, rhythmically; rhythmically; she is aa perfect harmony turn. Her body moves lively, of beauty and grace. grace. The girls around the circle are either singing tambourines aa vase of clay with or playing their oriental type of tambourine: its opening. opening. The girls girls drum on the the skin aa sheep-skin stretched over its
with their fingers and the palms of their hands. hands. ••.• ••
The door from the courtyard opens and four slaves appear carrying aa sedan.·chair. sedan-chair. Two other slaves open the door of the sedanalights. He is dressed in rich clothes, clothes, emchair and aa young Jew alights. shirt, and aa cloak in beautiful pattern colors. broidered linen shirt, colors.
(147) (147) On armlets. On his his arms arms are are golden armlets. Mirjam's Mirjam*s father father has has run run to to meet meet this this rich youth and bid him God religious. (Jod speed. speed. He He is is aa wealthy man and also also is is exceedingly religious. Possibly he . There he is is the the ruler of of the the Synagogue Synagogue. There is is no no pride or him. He He has has heard of of Jesus, Jesus, his his teaching and self righteousness in him. his "mighty works", works", and he he has has longed to to meet him. him. Having learned his Jesus is is in town he does does not not want want to to miss miss the the opportunity of that Jesus to him. him. meeting him and paying honor to
Mirjam's Mirjam»s father receives him most respectfully. respectfully. father: The father:
Jerusalem. II thought you were in Jerusalem.
The rich The youth: youth:
II have just returned ago. have just returned an an hour hour ago.
father: The father:
are welcome. You are welcome.
The rich youth: youth:
II was told Jesus Jesus was here. was told was here.
father: The father:
Yes, he has honored my house. Yes, house.
While the father is is taking the rich youth to Jesus the music and song from the dancing girls is is heard. heard. During the conversation between Jesus and the rich youth the music and song is is subdued. subdued. After having exchanged the usual courtesies the rich youth explains the real nature of his visit by asking The rich youth: youth:
Good Master... Master ••• Good
Jesus interrupts him. him. Jesus: Jesus:
Why call you me good?
If the address "Good Master" Master" is not to be interpreted as flattery it must at least have appeared strange to Jesus because
(148) (148)
the word "good" "good" was only used in prayers offered to God. God. For this reason Jesus continued Jesus: Jesus:
There is GOD. is none good but one, one, that is, is, GOD.
The rich youth does does not answer. answer. He takes note of the mild reprimand from Jesus who, on. who, with aa nod, nod, encourages him to go on. The rich youth must be considered as as one, one, who, who, in utmost sincerity, is is striving to perfect himself. himself. By nature he is is the resincerity, type, aa seeker after truth, truth, and one who is is constantly flective type, his own heart. heart. The question he asks asks Jesus has been searching his
selected after much thought. thought. The rich youth: youths
What shall II do do that II may inherit eternal eternal life? life?
AccOrding Law", According to tradition "nothing else was was good but the Law", so so it was was quite natural for for Jesus to answer Jesus: Jesus:
If you will enter into eternal life, life, keep the commandments. keep the commandments.
The rich youth: youth:
Which? Which?
Jesus: Jesus:
do no murder. murder. You shall not You shall do commit adultery. steal. commit adultery. You You shall shall not not steal. You shall not bear false witness. You shall not bear false witness. Honor Honor your father and mother -- and you shall love your neighbor as yourself. as yourself.
The young man answers with simplicity and honesty. honesty. youth; The rich youth:
All these things II have kept from my All youth yet? youth up. up. What What lack lack II yet?
is pleased with this this confident yet sincere reply and he Jesus is
looks upon the young man with affection. affection. But he is is able to see into his heart and he realizes what is face is lacking. lacking. The young man must face severe test. test. aa severe
(149) (U9) Jesus: Jesus:
If If you you will will be be perfect, perfect, go go and and sell sell what what you you have have and and give give to to the the poor, poor, and and you you shall shall have have treasure treasure in in Heaven. Heaven.
Jesus pauses pauses before "before continuing -Jesus Jesusj Jesus:
And me. And then then come come and and follow follow me.
The The meaning of of this this is is clear. clear. Jesus Jesus invites invites the the rich rich youth to to become one one of of his his disciples, disciples, but but only on on condition that that he he first first forsake forsake all all his his riches. riches. In return Jesus Jesus promises promises him treasure in Heaven. Heaven. But But there there can be no no discipleship unless unless he he is is willing to his riches. sacrifice his riches.
The The young man is is troubled. troubled. He He did come expecting to be found followers of Jesus, Jesus, but he did not expect to worthy of joining the followers be told anything like this. this. He studies the face face of Jesus to find out if he really means all he has said but Jesus does does not move; move; rather he waits patiently. patiently. It is is a a hard thing the rich youth has been asked to do. do. He rises, rises, deeply grieved. grieved. On leaving Jesus he says The rich youth: youth: Truly I I believe in you. you. but I I must give thought to to the the matter. matter. thought
sedan-chair, accompanied by Then the rich youth goes to his sedan-chair, 1 Mirjam s father. Mirjam's father. The slaves carry him to his hie home. home.
Jesus had no doubt about this manj man; he was not fit for the
GOD. And when the rich youth has gone Jesus looks about, about, Kingdom of GOD. saying to his disciples -Jesus: Jesus:
that have riches How hardly shall they that into the the Kingdom Kingdom of God. God. enter into
(150) (150)
The disciples and the Pharisees are astonished at his words
and one of the disciples points out Taddai: Taddai:
If he gives away all his property, property, he will " be a burden to his family. be family.
The Pharisees also spoke up 1. Pharisee: 1. Pharisee:
It is not even lawful to give away all one's possessions. possessions. oneÂťs
2. 2. Pharisee: Pharisee:
No, No, that is true} true; only a a fifth at at most might be used for almsgiving. might be used for almsgiving.
Jesus does not hear this as as he is is absorbed in his own thoughts Jesus: Jesus:
It is is easier for a a camel to go through the eye of a a needle, needle, than for a a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of GOD. GOD.
The disciples and those who are are listening are are astonished beyond measure at at this saying. saying. They look exceedingly perplexed and asks Jesus one of the disciples asks -
Jacob: Jacob:
Who then can be saved?
was quite quite natural for for aa Jew of that day. day. AccordThis question was to the the traditions poverty (and illness) illness) was was considered as as a ing to a sin, and riches riches were were consequently punishment from God because of sin, as aa reward for for good behaviour. behaviour. Jesus Jesus does does not answer looked upon as
directly Jesus: Jesus:
No servant can serve two two masters, masters, for for either No he will will hate hate the the one one and love love the the other; other; or he else he he will will hold to to one, one, and despise the else other, (with emphasis) serve GOD other. emphasis) You cannot serve and MAMMON. MAMMON.
The Pharisees continue the the discussion. discussion. They know that that they The have the the Law on on their side side and and it it is is their duty to to defend the the Law have
(151) (151) by attacking attacking Jesus. Jesus. by Pharisee: 3. Pharisee: 3.
Why do Why do you you teach teach against against the the Law? Law?
1. Pharisee: Pharisee: 1.
Law and and life life is is aa whole. Law whole.
2. Pharisee: Pharisee: 2.
In destroying destroying the In the Law Law you you destroy destroy the the Nation. Nation.
Jesus Jesus does does not not heed heed the the Pharisees and continues his his own thought thought which is on a much higher level than theirs. theirs. He turns to his discipdisciples saying --
Jesus: Jesus:
therefore Therefore lay not up for yourselves treastreasures on earth but in Heaven. Heaven. For where your treasure is, is, there ~here will your heart also. be also.
We return for a a moment to the scene of the dancing girls, girls,
finishing with a a close up of aa tambourine, tambourine, played by a a girls hands. hands. The scene dissolves softly into •... ••
close-up of of aa wooden-rattle. wooden-rattle. The The close-up close-up dissolves dissolves into into aa aa close-up scene of of an an open landscape not not far far from aa village. village. We We are are new scene facing aa hill-side. hill-side. From the the other 'sside of the the hill hill we we hear aa noise noise facing ide of
and voices yet. voices although no no one one appears appears as as yet. The noise noise is is that that of of the the wooden-rattle and and the the voices voices are are The
those those of of husky men men shouting shouting -Voices: Voices:
Unclean, unclean. unclean. Unclean,
The noise noise of of the the rattle rattle as as well well as as the the voices voices come come nearer nearer and and The then three three or or four four miserably miserably dressed dressed creatures creatures appear, appear, carrying carrying then earthen jars, jars, pots pots and and mugs, mugs, which which they they place place on on the the crest crest of of the the earthen hill-side. All All the the time time they they are are making making no no inconsiderable inconsiderable noise noise hill-side.
(152) (152)
with aa rattle and shouting: shouting: unclean, unclean, unclean. unclean. After having deposited their possessions the men retreat behind the hill-side and are again hidden from view. view. From Prom our side of the hill two or three women now appear. appear. Some are young and some are old and they carry vessels with food and pitchers of water. water. They ascend the hill-side and place plaoe the food mugs, after whioh which they hurry back to the into the jars, jars, pots and mugs, baok to place plaoe from which they have come. come.
Immediately after this the noise of the rattle and the husky voices is is heard and again the men appear from behind the hill -voioes lepers. They sit down to eat the food their relatives they are ten lepers.
have brought and we have the opportunity of studying them close at hand. hand. skin, more or less studded All of them have dry and glistening skin, specks. Some of their faces faces are disfigured by bails, with white speoks. bails, as as peas or hazel-nuts, hazel-nuts, sometimes in clusters like grapes. large as grapes. the throat, throat, the gums, gums, the With some of them the mucous membranes of the nose, and the eyes eyes have been attacked by the disease. disease. On one of nose, corroded. them the tip of the nose to the nasal bone has been oorroded. out. Another is is bleary-eyed and Another has lips that have swelled out. fourth is is almost almost toothless. toothless. In In others others fingers fingers and toes toes are are stiff aa fourth crooked. and crooked. specks of Spread through the black hair of some of them are speoks hair, or white specks without hair. white hair, hair. violently. Their bodies tremble and shake violently. to live outside These poor wretches were banished and forced to
(153) (153)
villages. They were forbidden to approach other perthe towns and villages. feet, and if the wind blew in the sons at a distance less than six feet, hundred feet. feet. The leper was direction of those they approached: a hundred looked upon as a living dead. According According to the book of Leveticus looked mourning - for himself. he had to put on mourning himself.
While the ten lepers are eating, one of them - apparently their "leader" - suddenly rises and shades his eyes as he stares fixedly at a group of men approaching approaching from some distance. distance. We listen as he speaks to the others -2. leper: leper: 2.
What is it?
leper: 1. leper:
Is not that Jesus?
leper: 3. leper: 3.
The Prophet?
leper: 1. leper:
Yes. Yes.
4. leper: 4. leper:
Surely, it is. is.
They are all looking intently in the direction of Jesus and his disciples. disciples.
1. leper: leper: 1.
He_ could make us clean. clean. He
5Âť leper: leper: 5.
If he would, would, yes. yes.
1. leper: leper: 1.
If we believe, believe, he will. will.
6. leper: leper: 6.
I believe. believe.
7. leper: leper: 7.
II too have faith in him. him.
9. leper: leper: 9.
I. So have I.
8. 8. leper: leper:
Let us go and ask him. him.
10. 10. leper: leper:
Yes, oome. come. Yes,
approach Jesus and They cross the crest of the hill-side and approaoh his disoiples. disciples. But they do not forget to use the rattle and to
shout: unclean, unclean, unolean. unclean. shout:
(154) (154) When they get near they fall "leaderft fall on their faces, faces, and their "leader" lifts up his voice and says -1. 1. leper: leper:
Jesus, us. Jesus, Master, Master, have mercy on us.
The disciples have involuntarily drawn away from the lepers as they came near but when they see Jesus step forward they realize that aa miracle is is going to be performed. performed. The lepers are on their knees and their faces faces are lighted with hope and expectation as as they wait for aa word from Jesus. Jesus. He speaks to them even as as they carefully keep the distance ordained by the Law. Law. Jesus: Jesus:
way, and show yourself to to the Go your way, priests, and offer for your cleansing priests, those things which Moses commanded. commanded.
rise, at first aa little uncertain, uncertain, but after aa The lepers rise,
few
as he bid them and leave the place to go in the minutes they do as village. So great is is their faith in Jesus that direction of the village. healing. they go away before they are certain of their healing. compassion. Jesus and his disciples look after them with compassion.
While Jesus and his disciples are leaving the place one of the disciples asks the question -Jacob: Jacob:
How or by what sin has this come to them?
Nathanael: Nathanael:
It is is an old saying that leprosy is is a It foul tongue. chastisement for aa foul tongue.
head, saying Jesus shakes his head, Jesus: Jesus:
YOb
Think you that these men are sinners above all men because ecause they suffer suoh such things?' things?
(155 ) (155)
The learned Nathanael answers him saying Nathanael: Nathanael:
There is another old saying that "not the serpents kill but the sin". sin".
Jesus: Jesus:
And I I tell you: you: nay. nay. They are not sinners men. above all men.
disoiples continue on their way. way. And Jesus and his disciples
••• Now we follow the lepers going on their way to the priests. priests. They feel as if a a new life has been given to them. them. On their way they pass a a pool of stagnant water. water. Acting upon a a sudden impulse, impulse, that seems common to them all, all, they walk over to the pool, pool, fall
e see on their knees and bend forward to look at their faces. faces. We T
the faces faces in the water and not aa trace of the horrible disease is left. They look at each other and then look at their hands. left. hands. The
white specks have completely disappeared. disappeared. The
excitement• They ten lepers are beside themselves with excitement.
at the same time, time, stretching their hands toward laugh and weep at Heaven. Heaven. them, aa Samaritan, Samaritan, rises up quickly and runs away in One of them, i
the direction from which he has just come. come. in surprise. surprise. Then one of them, them, The other nine look after him in his hands with water, water, says says -filling his 9. leper: leper: 9.
face. II will wash my face.
leper: -.2. leper: ')
yet. Not yet.
9. leper: leper: 9.
not? Why not?
8. leper: leper: 8.
It It is is forbidden. forbidden.
2. leper: leper: 2.
Until the the priests have pronounoed pronounced you olean. clean. Until
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village. Now all nine of them rise and go toward the village. Some men have come out of the village and they throw stones . at them, sinners". them, shouting: shouting: "Get you gone, gone, you Godless sinners". But B~
the lepers speak to the villagers -- and their ~oices voices are
no more husky -2. leper: leper: 2.
Leave us in peace. peace.
3. leper: leper: 3.
clean. We are clean.
4. leper: leper: 4.
Look at our faces. faces.
5. leper: leper: 5.
Listen to our voices. voices.
10. 10. leper: leper: 1. leper: leper: 1.
Jesus has healed us. us. Go and call the priests. priests.
The villagers are convinced that the lepers are speaking the them. Some of them go to truth and they stop throwing stones at them.
the village and call the priests. priests. •... ••
feels the The Samaritan has left the others because he feels
compulsion to express his gratitude to Jesus for having healed him. He runs baok back to the hill-side and finding Jesus and his dishim. ciples, he falls falls "on his face" face" at the feet of Jesus, Jesus, saying -Ciples, Samaritan: Samaritan:
thanks... II have come to give you thanks ••• for health and healing ••• for help in hopehealing... less need. need.
is moved at the sight of this man who has delayed his Jesus is Jesus. In meeting with the priests and his family for the sake of Jesus.
reply to these words of gratitude from the Samaritan Jesus says -Jesus: Jesus:
Arise, and go your way. way. Your faith has Arise, made you whole. whole.
(157) (157) Samaritan rises, rises, leaves the place plaoe and hurries back to to The Samaritan join the others and to to show himself to the priests. priests. join But Jesus looks inquiringly i nquiringly at his disciples, disciples, asking -
Jesus: Jesus:
Were there not ten cleansed? But where are Butwhere the nine?
The disciples shrug their shoulders, shoulders, unable to give any
answer. answer. In intercalated intercalated scenes we have seen a dozen priests and as many levites come out of the village to meet the nine lepers and prepare the ceremony by which the lepers regain their position in the community. community. Now the Samaritan appears and at the same time a a pigeon-dealer cages, two pigeons in each cage. cage. The Samaritan is with ten small cages,
treated in the same way as others. as the others. row, the upper parts of their The nine lepers sitting in aa row, naked, have their head shaved. shaved. Their beards also are shaved bodies naked, off and the the priests pass from one to to another giving each aa careful off to verify the the fact fact that they really are are healed. healedÂŤ It It is examination to examination. just like aa modern physical examination. A young priest draws the attention of an older priest to to a on the the crown of of the the head of of one one of of the the lepers. lepers. white speck on priest: What What is is that? that? Young priest: The old old priest studies studies the the white white speok speck and and then then he he says says -The l.old priest: priest: That That is is nothing. nothing. It It is is an an old old leprosy. leprosy. l.old
(158) (158)
Another old priest takes takes this this opportunity to to teach the young priest and pointing at at the speck he enlarges upon the explanation of the the older old priest, priest, saying -2.old priest: priest: Look, Look, there has been raw flesh but "if the the raw raw flesh flesh turn turn again again and and be be changed changed unto white then he is clean". unto white then he is clean". As soon as as all all the lepers have passed the the inspection satisfactAs
orily the the ceremony of cleansing begins. begins. "running" water have been placed Earthen vessels containing "running"
on the ground. ground. Some pieces of cedar wood, wood, scarlet and hyssop are put put into the water. water. Now one of the older priests approaches the first of the the lepers. lepers. A A Levite, Levite, with one of the cages in his hands, first hands, takes out aa pigeon and hands it it to to the priest who kills it. it. We do takes
not not see see this. this. We only see drops of of blood dripping into the water and coloring it. it. Then the priest sprinkles the water seven times upon the the leper. leper. Now the the Levite hands hands the other pigeon out out of the to the the priest who, who, after having dipped it it in in the water, water, lets cage to it go go free. it free. this sequence is is aa close-up of of the upThe last scene of this at the the moment when he frees frees the stretched hands of the priest at pigeon. By means means of aa sideways panorama the camera glides to to the pigeon. at the moment when he 100ses looses his pigeon hands of the next priest at and so so on on to to the the end end of of the the row. row. Then Then aa soft soft dissolve. dissolve. -- and (It is is thought by some that the the leprosy (It in the Bible is is not not always to mentioned in be identified with genuine leprosy which he must be considered almost incurable. incurable. Through the centuries leprosy has been aa for many other skin common-denominator for it but but have diseases which are much like it if they are not other causes and which -- if
(159) (159)
oared cared for in the right way - show symptoms leprosy. Many of very similar to those of leprosyÂŤ these other skin diseases are even said to have been cured suddenly by mental healing. healing. Quite likely a whole village at times has been afflicted with a disease of this kind). kind).
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