Freestyle Part 4

Part 4 of our Easter Freestyle Series
By Storyteller Julie Wilkinson

Enough is Enough

Jerusalem. The Temple.

The priest lifts the scroll, puts it away with the others, neatly, methodically, lined up on the shelf. He straightens an oil lamp. Brushes the fabric of his robe. Leaves.

He marches with long strides. Past the benches of the dove sellers, the tables of the money changers. His eyes rake their orderly rows, careful alignments. He allows himself a smile.

He moves rapidly, through the temple gates, into the courtyard. As he passes, people straighten, stand taller, shrink back, scurry away. But he notices not. Eyes forward. Feet in motion. Gait steady. Certain.

The words in his head match the rhythm of his steps. They call that man the Teacher.

 “… It is written in the Scriptures, ‘My Temple will be called a house for prayer for people from all nations.’ But you are changing God’s house into a hideout for robbers …”

He blinks, once, keeps walking.

“… I will not tell you what authority I have …”

His fingers twitch, imperceptibly, he keeps walking.

“… Beware of the teachers of the law …”

His pace quickens.

“… They like to walk around wearing fancy clothes … They like people to greet them with respect …”

A single drop of sweat beads on his forehead.

“… They love to have the most important seats …”

Fists clench.

“… They cheat widows and steal their houses … They try to make themselves look good by saying long prayers …”

Lips press together.

“… They will receive a greater punishment … The temple will be destroyed … Not one stone will be left on another …”

As he opens the door to his house, images flash through his mind. Tables overturned, benches flung aside, scrolls tumbled to the floor, a broken oil lamp, stones toppled. Cries. Chaos. Confusion.

The door falls shut behind him. His chest heaves. Enough is enough. This man must be stopped. 

Mark 11: 15-19, 27-33, 12: 1-12, 18-40, 13: 1-2, 14:1-2

Story first published on Julie's blog, The Hidden Spaces, April 2011