45 The young man followed The Teacher into the
city. "Lord," he asked, "do I need a wife?"
46 "Every man needs a wife," insisted The Teacher. "Do not worry. She
will teach you what you need to know."
47 The others laughed and The Teacher raised his hands. "Do not laugh,"
he snapped, "at the misery of others. It is shameful to him that he
does not know what it is to touch a woman. Do not make merry at his
suffering. " And the others fell silent.
48 Now as he spoke in the temple, a young soldier rose. "If you are The
Chosen One," he asked, "the one who shall lead our people to glory, why
do you not raise your army, go forth, and conquer our enemies?"
49 "Oh, foolish man! " answered The Teacher, "Do you not know that the
cost of war is high for both the victor and the looser? If we went to
warring, how many of our widows would cry? How many of our mothers
would weep? That gained by the blood of others will eventually be lost.
Remember, the more warlike a people, the more cruel and vicious their
enemies become. Live in peace with your neighbors. Faith cannot be
spread with the sword, only sorrow.
50 Defend your land. Seize the enemy only when you must, and when you
do treat his widow and her children as your own daughters."
51 Now many were disappointed, for they thought The Promised One would
be a great warrior and lead their land in victorious battle. But he was
not what they had expected. The Teacher of The One stayed in that city
for several days, ministering to the people. Then, he journeyed on to
the capitol.
52 There, the crowds were overwhelming.” The Priest of Priests greeted
him, but was not