Imprisonment of Yochanan

CHAPTER 20

Yochanan rebukes Herod Antipas and his new wife Herodias in public for their sin, as it was not acceptable for a man to marry his living brother’s former wife. Herodias is furious that Yochanan spoke against her, and she demands that Herod arrest and execute him. Herod has no intention of executing Yochanan because he fears the people’s reaction. But to appease his wife and to see if he can convince Yochanan to stop offending the religious order, he orders his arrest. While imprisoned, Herod invites the Sanhedrin to question Yochanan so he can determine what to do with him. After Yochanan speaks against the dictates of the Sanhedrin, he is condemned and imprisoned at the castle of Machaerus, above the Salt Sea.

 1 After Yeshua had departed, Yochanan continued to preach and baptize in the area around Jerusalem and return home every night to be with his family.

 2 And it came to pass that Yochanan heard that Herod Antipas the Tetrarch had divorced his wife, daughter of Aretas of Petra, and married his niece Herodias, who had divorced his brother Boethus to marry Antipas; Yochanan reproved Herod Antipas and Herodias in public before many people for their sin, for it was not acceptable that a man should marry his living brother’s former wife in this manner.

 3 Now Herod was wroth with Yochanan when he heard that he had been rebuked by him, but he deferred to act rashly against him for he knew that Yochanan was highly revered by many of the common people, and fear of revolt was ever upon the mind of Herod.

 4 But it was not only for the words spoken against him that Herod was wroth with Yochanan, for Yochanan had also been preaching all manner of new teachings that were contrary to the traditions of the Hebrews; and his words were sowing great discontent among the religious leaders whom Herod depended upon for tactic support.

 5 However, Herod’s wife Herodias was furious when she heard of the words Yochanan had spoken against her, and she demanded that Herod arrest and execute him.

 6 The Tetrarch had no intention of executing Yochanan because of fear of the people, but to appease his wife Herodias and to determine if he could convince Yochanan to stop offending the religious order, he commanded Yochanan to be brought before him to give an account of his words.

 7 And it came to pass that Herod’s soldiers arrested Yochanan as he was walking with his disciples toward the Jordan, and they brought him to Herod’s court.

 8 Now Herod was considered a cunning fox and on this day, he gave evidence of why, for rather than interrogate Yochanan himself and perhaps incite the common people by word of this, he invited leaders of the Sanhedrin to question Yochanan.

 9 The court of Herod was a place of finery. Those in attendance wore their best clothes and costly perfumes, and most of the men were clean shaven, with short hair after the manner of the Greeks and Romans.

 10 But when Yochanan was brought before the court, he wore clothes crudely made of plant fibers. His dark beard was long, bushy, and uncombed, and his hair that fell to the middle of his back was pulled back and tied in a tail in multiple places with colored ribbons that was not a fashion of the Hebrews. He had a wild look about him that, combined with his stature, was intimidating to many who were present.

 11 The first person to speak to him was Shammai of the Sanhedrin, who was known for the strictness of his beliefs and his short temper. Herod had purposefully asked him to be the main interrogator of Yochanan to see if his grating style of questioning and knowledge of the religious laws and traditions would disturb Yochanan into saying things that could be held against him with the people.

 12 Shammai immediately got to his points and, staring icily at Yochanan, said, “It has come to our attention that you are teaching that which is contrary to the laws and traditions of our people; that you say that your baptism does away with circumcision; that you insinuate and perhaps even proclaim that some poor bastard child from Nazareth of all places is the Messiah; that you are teaching all manner of strange doctrines that are not in keeping with the laws and traditions that have been followed for generations upon generations. What have you to say about these serious charges?”

 13 As he did when he was a youth confronted by high religious authority, Yochanan laughed. It was a long and hearty laugh during which time Shammai became very red in the face because of his insolence.

 14 But before Shammai could demand that Herod silence Yochanan, he stopped laughing and answered simply, saying, “I am doing exactly as you have said. I testify that baptism taken with a repentant heart, with a life renewed and committed to the Celestine Light of Elohim, performed by someone with authority to act in God’s name, abolishes the ritual of circumcision, which thing does not change a person on the inside, but only on the outside.

 15 And I tell you with words of great seriousness that Yeshua of Nazareth has come from Heaven to set men free and bring life everlasting. He is far more than the Messiah you seek. But you will never find his light if you continue to look only in dark houses.

 16 As to my doctrines, they are not mine, but those of Elohim; and if they are contrary to the doctrines that you teach, you would be wise to amend yours.

 17 So you see I have admitted to all you have accused me of, but in that you should not hold me, but let me go back to my wife and children; for though you are Sanhedrin, this is not a court established to decide matters of religion.

 18 This is the court of a small king acting for Rome, and I have done nothing against Rome. Therefore, set me free or face the eternal penalties of your own unrighteousness and unjust ways.”

 19 As protocol demanded, nobody interrupted Yochanan while he defended himself, but Shammai became so angry at the words of Yochanan that his face became intensely red and his eyes began to bulge.

 20 When at last Yochanan spoke his last word, Shammai fairly leaped off the dais and spat his words with great anger into Yochanan’s face, rending his clothes as he spoke.

 21 “Terrible blasphemer! Your words are poison! Let Herod throw you into prison until we convene a court of the Sanhedrin and put you into a pit where no man can ever again hear your evil words!

 22 I had thought before you spoke to question you further, but you are so condemned by the words that you have already spoken that my questions are pointless. You are so obviously opposed to the proper order that even a Roman ignorant of our ways could see it.”

 23 Then Hillel, the other Sanhedrin, stepped forward and put a kindly hand upon the shoulder of his associate and spoke to Yochanan in a calm voice, saying, “You have made some grave statements. Surely you know they can bring only misery upon you. But I would like to think that you can see the error of your ways, and if you repudiate your words, I am sure your future would be brighter.”

 24 Yochanan shook his head in negation, while looking steadfastly into Hillel’s eyes, “If I were to repudiate my words or actions I would condemn myself to eternal darkness. Do what you will with me. I have said what I have said and done what I have done, and though I ask to go home to my family, do not fool yourself to think that it is to be silent, to live as a whipped dog with his tail between his legs.

 25 Verily, I declare that until my last breath, I will continue to say what I have said and do what I have done, for I speak the truth and I act in the Celestine Light of Elohim. Therefore, what is man to me?”

 26 Shammai continued to rend his clothes in anger, but Hillel once again spoke calmly to Yochanan, saying, “I have listened to the fullness of your words, and now I would ask that you would listen to the fullness of mine.

 27 I know you believe the words you have said and the things that you teach to the simple people. And if your words are true, then of course, they would be worth dying for. But if you are in error, then to die for your words would be a travesty of your own life, brought about by your own misguided actions.

 28 Consider then the points that I will present. In them, perhaps you will discover that your words and teachings cannot be true.

 29 As you know, we have had the scriptures, the words of the prophets, passed to man from Elohim to guide us for generations upon generations. Even as far back as Father Abraham Elohim made clear all of the things he wished his people to do.

 30 Our ways are ancient; they are the same ways that Elohim gave to Abraham. They are the same ways that were followed by David and Solomon, Moses and Jacob, and all of Elohim’s chosen prophets. It is upon this common path that all have gone on to their reward in the hereafter.

 31 Let me ask you now, Yochanan. Has the unchanging God of all that is now decided to change his ways? Has the all-knowing God discovered something he did not know and needed to amend that which he has previously given? Has he created a Celestine Light where none existed before? Is not the very act or teaching of change, of different doctrines, by their own nature evidence of their falsehood?

 32 To say that the things you teach and do, which are contrary to the established order, are of God is to say that the Almighty changes his mind. And if Elohim is not unchanging, if he is not the same yesterday, today, and forever, then how could any man have faith in him? How could any man know that what he does today for God would have any merit tomorrow?”

 33 Yochanan looked upon Hillel with a smile and said unto him, “I also can see that you believe the words you say. And I appreciate that you have said them with gentleness and tried to sway me with logic not threats. Therefore, I will treat you similarly.

 34 You have spoken of the word of Elohim given to Abraham and the prophets who came after Abraham. But why have there been so many prophets? Why did Elohim not just reveal all the truth that man should live by to Abraham and after that there would be no need for God to speak again to a prophet?

 35 The scriptures say, surely God will do nothing save he first reveals his secrets to his servants, the prophets. It is plain that there must always be prophets; else it must be that Elohim no longer cares for the worthy people of the world, or there is no longer even one worthy person in the world and Elohim has withdrawn.

 36 And why do you think that everything you hold to be a dictate from God actually is what you think because it has always been so from generations to generations? How does that make it true?

 37 Verily, I declare unto you Elohim is a God of light, not darkness. Elohim is a God of reason, not illogic. Elohim is a God of love, not fear. Elohim is a God of forgiveness of the humble and repentant, not a God of punishments set in stone.

 38 Elohim is a father and a mother taking joy in the virtue of their children of spirit and giving them every word of light to guide their paths to greater knowledge and joy.

 39 Elohim is a spiritual brother, an ever-helpful guide to his younger and less-experienced brothers and sisters, helping them each day to live the greater light within them and become more than who they have been.

 40 This is the God I declare, and upon these foundations, I weigh truth from falsehood, not upon ancient words written on old skins, practiced by my ancestors whom I know not the men they were.

 41 And I would say that the Elohim I declare will resonate in the heart of any man open to the evidence of both his heart and head as to what God must surely be.

 42 But the God that you declare, a vengeful and angry God, demanding constant subservience and obedience to tiny points of law that confine one’s spirit instead of expanding it, blessing the Children of Israel but ignoring all others; this is a God I know not. Verily, this is not God.

 43 Men have taken the true nature of Elohim and perverted it so that God has become their creation, given to control the lives of people and make them subservient and obedient to the rulers of the land and religion.

 44 Nevertheless, there is much in the scriptures of our people that is true and good, and this I also declare. But I denounce that which is against the true nature of Elohim, for those are the evil teachings of men given to lead astray the Children of Light.

 46 That those false words have been inscribed upon the ancient scrolls of scripture and practiced for generations upon generations does not make them true, but merely evidence of the many sheep that have followed blindly, without thought of their own for all these generations.

 47 Elohim is unchanging that is surely true. But the God that I know and the God that you pay devotion to are not the same.

 48 I am sorry to say that you worship a divinity you know not, and you obey laws and traditions to suit man, not God.

 49 Yes, I am guilty of teaching doctrines different than the laws and traditions of our people, but I am not guilty of teaching doctrines different from the edicts or nature of Elohim; and by that distinction, I am justified in my words and actions.”

 50 Shammai was beside himself with anger at the words of Yochanan. He paced rapidly to and fro, anxiously awaiting his turn to speak. When at last Yochanan was finished, Shammai said unto him, “Never in all my life have I encountered such blasphemy. It is amazing that the Almighty hasn’t simply struck you down with a bolt from Heaven.

 51 Who do you think you are? Are you Moses? Are you anyone? No, you are just a poor, unkempt, unknowing piece of dirt who is so ignorant that it is my understanding that your food consists mostly of bugs.

 52 That is why all of your followers are poor, lowly people. Nobody of any knowledge or refinement would spare a moment to listen to the rantings of a savage from the wilderness who eats bugs!

 53 You call people to come to you in the wilderness; why? Do you think Elohim will come to the barrenness of the wilderness when his magnificent temple is here in Jerusalem? How foolish is that?”

 54 Turning to Herod, Shammai said, “Please lock this man in your darkest dungeon until we can convene a court of the Sanhedrin. I tremble to think of the damage he has already done to the minds of the simple people. He cannot be allowed to ever again be free to do more.”

 55 Herod stroked his bare chin and then directed, “Question him further and then I will decide.”

 56 Hillel stepped forward again to face Yochanan, “My friend has brought up a very valid point for you to consider. By whose authority do you baptize? By whose authority do you preach? By whose authority do you teach doctrines contrary to the law and tradition?

 57 You are not a priest; you have not attended any of the schools of rabbinical study. Nobody has given you authority to do any of the things you do or say any of the things that you say.

 58 You declare things to us, but by what right; by what authority; by what power can you teach us? We are the Sanhedrin; we hold judgment over Israel; we determine what is right and what is wrong. You are an empty wine skin, and you have nothing to give.”

 59 Turning to Herod, Hillel said, “I agree with my colleague. Put him in prison. We will convene a court to give you all the justification you need to appease the people who follow him.”

 60 Now Herod had been fascinated by the exchange of words between Yochanan and the Sanhedrin, and he spoke encouragingly to Yochanan, “For a man of no training, you have spoken well, but I fear I must imprison you, for their points seem to hold weight.

 61 As this is a religious matter, I will leave it to their courts to decide your fate. But I will give you the opportunity to speak again this day. What have you to say?”

 62 Yochanan stood before them all uncowed, and he said unto them, “By whose authority do the Sanhedrin hold judgment over Israel? Where and when did Elohim give that authority to them? You can answer, but you cannot say, for any answer would just be a meaningless justification without merit.

 63 But I declare unto you that I do speak for Elohim. My words are not mine, but Elohims. My teachings are not mine, but Elohims.”

 64 “Are you saying you are a prophet of God?” asked Hillel.

 65 Yochanan answered, “I am not a prophet as the prophets of old who heard a voice or saw a vision while they slept and, in the morning, did the best they could to remember their fading dreams of the night.

 66 Nor am I an enfeebled old man who hears God and speaks truth, only to be too weak to protest when my teachings are perverted by self-serving priests and scribes, as it has been done oft times with prophets of ancient days.

 67 When I tell you I teach the true doctrines of Elohim, it is not from vague dreams but because I know Elohim as one man knows another.

 68 Verily, I declare unto you I have walked with Elohim and I have spoken to him face-to-face.

 69 I teach what I have been taught by the creator of the light, and if teaching what I teach condemns me, it condemns you far more; for my pain will be brief, but yours shall be for all eternity.”

 70 Hillel came up to Yochanan, and there was pity in his face. He considered that Yochanan must be insane to say the things he did. And he said quietly to him, “The scriptures say that no man can see God face-to-face.”

 71 Yochanan answered him, “The scriptures you use are so full of the words of man that anything can be proved from them. You say it is written that no man can see the face of God, and so it is written.

 72 But it is also written that Father Jacob spoke to God face-to-face and wrestled with him at Peniel.

 73 It is also written that Moses and Aaron and Nadab and Abihu accompanied by seventy Elders of Israel saw God and ate and drank with him. So do not speak to me of what is written, as it is most often used to control the ignorant and trod down the people; not to lift them up. And as you can see, I am not ignorant.”

 74 Hillel threw up his hands in frustration and said unto Herod, “He is intractable. I implore you. Take him from our sight until we call for him again.”

 75 Then Herod ordered his soldiers to take Yochanan gagged and covered, so not to be heard or seen by the people, to the castle at Machaerus, above the Salt Sea. And he was taken away that very day.

 76 Notwithstanding the fact that he had imprisoned Yochanan and that his wife hated him, Herod was fascinated with him, and while he was imprisoned at Machaerus, he came to visit Yochanan on three occasions to have discourse with him.

 77 During these visits, Yochanan beseeched Herod to let his wife and disciples visit him in prison, and Herod’s heart was softened toward Yochanan.

 78 His disciples, he forbade, but Herod did allow Yochanan’s wife Martha to visit him in prison as she desired, and she came to live in the hills near the palace in company with her children and five of Yochanan’s disciples and their wives and children.

 79 Though Herod had secreted Yochanan away to the castle at Machaerus, by allowing Martha to visit and some disciples to encamp near the palace, it became known among the people that Yochanan was imprisoned at Machaerus.

 80 Upon learning this, some people from Jerusalem and Jericho and other towns, never great in numbers, began to come to the springs near Machaerus, and the disciples of Yochanan baptized there and taught the people in the manner that Yochanan had taught them.