Take Nothing

He glanced at the road ahead of him. The sun was high in the sky and the air was hot and dry. He’d been walking for hours and what little bit of water he had left in his skin when he walked out of the town gates was gone, save for a few drops that were bound to be as hot as the wind washing over him. Holding his hand above his eyes to shade them from the burning sun overhead, he followed the gravel-and-dirt road that stretched out in front of him to a faint outline on the horizon. Then he looked down at the thick layer of dust covering his feet and sandals, at the tattered cloth that covered him from shoulder to ankle, and finally, at his empty hands.

"Take nothing for the journey--no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt."

As Teacher had commanded, he was indeed traveling light. Glancing up at the sun and then back to the horizon he estimated he could make the next town by nightfall.

Hours ticked away as thought after thought and prayer after prayer drifted through his mind and across his lips, giving thanks with each step, each crunch of the rock and dirt shifting beneath his weight. Sweat trickled from his forehead and down his cheek, be he seemed not to care. His focus directed at reaching the next town before night, he ignored the heat of the day and thought of cooler breezes and shade filled with the sounds of victorious singing and celebration.

The short walls of the next town began to rise ahead of him and the road became less empty as those going to and from the small village went about their business. Most paid him little attention, though some eyed him cautiously. Perhaps it was the smile on his face, or maybe his appearance was a little more road-ragged than expected. To those who looked his way he smiled and wished many blessings upon them. Some smiled. Some sneered. Some merely stared. When he asked if any had heard of the Messiah, most simply laughed or looked at him as if he were mad.

Reaching the town gate, his progress became hindered by two guardsmen who quickly rose from their paltry seats in the shade to bar the way past the gate. “State your business.”

            “I’ve come to tell the Good News! I’ve come to bring healing to those in need!” He said.

“What good news? One of the guardsmen asked.

“What healing?” The other queried.

“The Messiah has come and has given me the power to heal in his name! I must tell everyone who will listen!”

The two guardsmen glanced at each other and smiled. Without a word, they nodded to one another and took a step closer.

The guard to his left asked, “Why don’t you tell us all about your messiah, and we will spread the word for ya? That way, you can move on to the next town and won’t have to waste your time here. Okay?”

Frowning slightly, he closed his eyes for a brief moment then opened them again. “Will you allow me in if I am in the company of someone who lives here?”

Rolling his eyes, the guard standing to his right said, “Listen. If you can get anyone in this town to invite you into their home, we will not only let you in, but we will walk behind you proclaiming your good news all the way. Deal?”

His frown shifted up into a broad smile. “Deal.”

(To be continued…)