Jesus opened his ears. In his time among the shepherds, he had learned how to listen large. How to thresh the sounds that forebode danger from the night’s ceaseless symphony. Beneath him, the ewe struggled to unburden herself. But something was wrong. She had strained against the new life inside her for several hours without success. Her eyes stared wide, her tongue draped along the dirt.

The wolf howled again. Closer this time. Frightened by the sound, the ewe kicked at the air and bleated repeatedly. As Jesus restrained her, he noticed a shiny black hoof, a rear one, protruding from her opening. A pearly sack sheathed its hock. Jesus took in a quick breath.

The lamb was coming out backwards!

He would have to act quickly if he was to save both lives.

But what should he do first?

On two separate occasions, Solomon had asked Jesus to assist him while he righted a crooked birth.

But he had only watched, not participated!

The young shepherd knelt slowly, swallowing down his rising panic.

Solomon and his men sat about the fire, their bellies rumbling. Their patience dwindling.

Having heard Peter’s report, they broke into quarreling. The men had grown more short-tempered than usual due to the fact that their food was running low. It having been over two weeks since they had visited a village to replenish their supplies.

Gazing into the dark, Akbar said wistfully, “The boy is too stubborn for his own good.”

The others nodded.

Just beyond the circle of the firelight, Judas sat alone smoking a pungent and debilitating herb, his head wobbling after each tug on the pipe.

Leaving the men to their arguments, Solomon rose from the fire and went to his friend. When he approached, the inebriated shepherd hissed, “He should have arrived by now.”

Solomon nodded and wrung his hands.

Judas threw down his pipe with a growl. “I will go find him,” he said.

“No,” Solomon commanded, pressing his staff down on the shepherd’s shoulder. “That would only make the situation more dangerous,” he whispered. He looked behind them to make sure the others had not overheard.

Judas frowned. “Then send Rahim. Or Mathias. Send someone!”

Solomon raised a hand. “I cannot ask another shepherd to risk his life,” he said. “If I did, it would raise suspicions.” He glared at Judas. “I would have sent you. But you are in no condition to help anyone.”

Judas’s eyes flew open. Solomon’s words had struck him like a fist. Ashamed, he snatched up his pipe and staggered into the dark.

Solomon’s head fell at his departure. He wished he had held his tongue. He knew Judas to be loyal and trustworthy beyond question. His past actions had repeatedly proven his valor. Which was why, when the time was right for Jesus to undertake the final segment of his journey, Solomon had decided it should be Judas who escorted him through its perils.