I Appeal To Caesar!

The gathering appears to be for a religious purpose, especially prayer for the sick; many of those present are obviously sick or lame and friends and relatives are helping and supporting them. One of the last to arrive is a poor, decrepit man being carried in on a litter by four friends; then, one of the friends departs. * * * * * The priests scrutinize the scene. They are not close enough to hear, but they still can evaluate this movement of people arriving for spiritual help in their Temple! The flow through the Courtyard’s two tunnel entrances and also the Royal Portico entrance has now reached some three hundred people; it now appears that most who are coming have arrived. Annas whispers to Caiaphas, eyes still glued to the assembling people: “Where are the apostles or leaders of the Jesus people—who’s in charge and responsible for this?”

Caiaphas, lost in his bewilderment, says nothing; his

eyes wide with terror and concern.

A young man stands up and begins to speak. . . . (“Who is this ?”)

There . . . is . . . something . . . familiar . . . about

him . . . .

Both priests straighten from their crouched positions! They stare in unbelief and then look askance at one another.