Season 2, Episode 4 - The Perfect Opportunity

Season 2, Episode 4 starts with almost 10 minutes of watching the history of two brothers with only music as background. One, Jesse, is handicapped from childhood and, as an adult, sits by the Pool of Siloam trying to get into the stirring waters in hope of a miracle healing. The other brother is Simon, or "Z" as he becomes known so as not to confuse him with Simon, who will later be known as Peter. Z trains as a Zealot assassin and is dedicated to overthrowing Roman rule. At the start, we see him training for his first mission to assassinate a high-ranking official during the Feast of the Tabernacle. During his time in Jerusalem, Z finds his brother and, well, it isn't exactly a sweet family reunion.

We also meet an Roman "spy" who is watching the Zealots and is waiting for this assassination to unfold in Jerusalem so he can arrest, an arrest that will undoubtedly lead to crucifixion, those involved.  

Meanwhile, back at the Apostles ... they are preparing for the Feast and talking about their past experiences with celebrating the Feast of the Tabernacle. There is still friction between them. This friction highlights that Jesus doesn’t choose just one kind of person, one kind of personality, one race, one political persuasion, or one particular anything. Jesus called a tax collector, a zealot, fisherman, and women, and asked them to work together for His kingdom ... of course, it's not different today. I admit seeing them celebrate the Feast makes me wish that was on our liturgical calendar. 

There are some really heartbreaking scenes in this episode. It starts with seeing the men on their crosses, displayed as a warning for those who might consider causing problems that would displease Rome, at the entrance to one of the gates to enter Jerusalem. First, Z sees it, realizing he might very possibly end up there if something goes wrong with his mission. But so much worse is when Jesus sees them outside the gate before He and those He brought with Him enter Jerusalem.   

Jesse's story is also heartbreaking. He has waited years for a miracle, hoping to be healed by the waters and never makes it into the pool. Jesus has come to Jerusalem to heal Jesse, who He tells the others has been there the longest and doesn't belong. After Jesus heals him, He tells Jesse to pick up his mat and walk. This is when you view what, to our eyes, seems preposterous. An observing Pharisee doesn't care so much about the miracle, but he is really upset at Jesus telling the man to carry his mat on Shabbat. Please! 

Z does not go through with the assassination and, seeing his healed brother, goes in search of the one that healed him. He had to give up his plans, even though he isn't sure exactly what he's ponying up for. His brother believed healing could only come through the pool, but Jesus showed him what he needed was Him. There are so many times when my head tells me that I fully understand that all I need is Jesus, but how many times do I look for another way thinking I'm the one who has got to fix it?