Then, without warning, a wondrous new thought struck him like a thunderbolt, dropping him to his knees. He would later describe the experience as a blinding vision of inspiration. For, in that pivotal moment, he recalled something the brothers of Lazarus had said and realized that Jesus might actually be worth more dead than alive.

Saul was a magician, after all!

Who knew better than he how to profit from resurrecting the dead?

With a wicked smile sprouting across his moon-shaped face, he yanked at the donkey’s lead rope and sped to find his comrades.

CHAPTER 54

The edge of ancient Palestine—33 A.D.

Ruth and Tabitha arrived at the coast under cover of night. In the morning, Tabitha gasped as the sun rose behind the ocean’s vast expanse.

They found Zebediah in his shop. When Ruth lifted her medallion, he whispered, “Welcome, Sisters. They sent word to expect you.” Looking over their threadbare robes, he asked, “Have you no other garments? It is cold on the water at night.”

When the women shook their heads, Zebediah disappeared into the back of his shop. He returned promptly with two robes of richly dyed silk. He then led them to his ship. “My men will see you safely to the far lands,” he told them. “The people there are wise and will protect you. I have given you something to take to them as a gift. I am sure they will make good use of it.” He pointed to the stern of the ship where there sat a newly crafted loom. He then helped the women onboard, kissing their hands in farewell.

But then, keeping his hold on Ruth, Zebediah asked, “And what of my son?” His face drew apart with trepidation. “He is well?”

Ruth shook her head. “I do not know his fate,” she said. “But, in enabling our escape, Judas acted with great honor.”

Zebediah nodded through a weak smile then released her hand.

As the wind caught the sails, the ship drifted into the sea. Ruth stood tall in the bow of the boat, draped in the brilliant silk robe. Remaining silent, she closed her eyes and opened her arms wide as if to embrace the entire world. Looking at her from behind, the sun shimmering along her outstretched arms, the ocean racing to meet her, Tabitha could not help but think that she looked like a great sparkling bird, spreading her wings.

CHAPTER 55

A desert at the edge of ancient Palestine—33 A.D.