-Hello and God bless my readers. You don't have to review this, but if you have any questions than I promise I will reply to you. I wrote this because I felt like God was directing me too. Laugh if you like, but this is what I believe, and it's your choice as to how this story affects you. I believe it was meant for you to read this. Somebody died for me, for you, for everybody...and was resurrected. I may not understand all the details, but Jesus Christ, my savior, bled on the cross, and rose again. And thats all I need to know.
Info About "Written On the Cross"
-The first part is taken from Matthew, Chapter Four (Holy Bible, New International Version)
-Naruto's involvement in the story originates from a British play.
-All dialogue spoken between Jesus Christ and Satan is actual scripture. EVERYTHING Jesus will say in the story will be from scripture (things he actually said).
-This is not meant to be a full length story-only a few chapters (three at the most).
Disclaimer: I have no right to any of Naruto...and most certainly do not take credit for any of the Holy Bible.I didn't write either!
Written On the Cross
(Chapter 1)
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."
Matthew 16: 24
"For God so loved the world that he gave up his only son, so that whoever believe in him will not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:16
AD 31
"If you are the son of God, tell these stones to become bread."
Two men, one standing and the other kneeling, stood in the center of a dessert far away from all forms of life. The air was hot, and stuck inside your mouth. As if the burning air was trying to dry up your insides. The sun was piercing, and aimed on the pair below, perhaps in a brutal attempt to scourge one of them. If the heat bothered the two in the least, their clothing and countenances suggested otherwise. The man standing was tall and slender. He appeared out of place for the time and era. A long dark cloak, without a single dirt smudge, billowed around him. He seemed ethereal.
The other was quite opposite. This man's garments were ragged and a beige color. They appeared to have been worn most frequently. His hair was auburn, and long and unruly. The skin that his clothes could not cover was tanned a golden brown. His stature suggested that he was humbling himself...but not to his companion. His eyes were closed in pensive thought.
"Son of man, turn these stones into bread," The man standing spoke with a mocking tone. His face was pale and fair like the falling of fresh snow, and his eyes were a brilliant blue; however, there was no compassion, no kindness in their depths. Long, silky black hair fell down his face in almost angelic locks. It was only right that a treacherous angel camouflage his wickedness with beauty.
For the first time of their conversation, the man bent with his eyes closed spoke.
"Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from God's mouth." His voice was of gentleness, and it's deep tone was soothing. It was righteous.
For a brief moment, fustration broke through the amused expression of the ivory-skinned figure. He turned his body and began walking gracefully away-arms remaining crossed. The scenery swirled, and in an instant the two were on top of a stone temple.
"If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' " He snickered at the end, and his voice sang with poisonous honey. He swayed his arms as if to laugh at the man before him; however he did not move from his bent position. He stayed still with his eyes closed.
"It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' " The bitter laughter ceased and the dark-haired man's face shown disgust. He snapped his fingers. In the blink of an eye they were transported to the peak of a high mountain.
No longer hot air, but icy wind surrounded them; however, neither shuddered. The fare man squatted down next to the other. His hands reached to tightly grab the man's head.
"All this I will give you," he said with desperation leaking into his words, "if you will bow down and worship me." Glimpses of large amounts of money...exotic women...delicious food...sophisticated clothing...big crowds shouting praises, all that the world could offer, flashed through the other's mind. The man finally opened his eyes to reveal brown orbs with a truthful and pure shine. His expression was fierce.
"Away from me, Satan!," He stood up from his crouched pose. The man, Satan, backed away in fear. His temptations had been unsuccessful. "For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' "
Shining light was approaching. So bright, he had to shield his vision. He knew what was coming. They, his X comradeswere coming. He would take his leave. His objective had failed.
(Time Skip...a local carpenter's shop in Jerusalem)
"Naruto bring me some water...and bread." A blonde headed boy popped up his head from under a table. Saw dust fell from his hair, and he put down the hammer.
"Sure, father." He smiled big at his father, and walked to the container that held their water. He knew that the heat and working were not good for his father's health. There were no doctors nearby, so there was hardly anyone that could help if his father were to get terribly ill. He carefully gave his father, Arashi, the canteen. Arashi wiped the sweat from his brow, and put down his tools.
"Thank you Son," he drank two deep gulps-some droplets running down his neck. He handed the water container back to Naruto, who helped his father up.
"Well, my boy, I think that's enough for today." He ruffled his son's equally sun-bleached hair.
"I'm glad...my stomach is aching." Arashi covered all the tools and new merchandise, and locked the door.
"Let's be quick to return home. I'm sure your mother has something prepared for us." Arashi and Naruto laughed at his joke. Naruto's mother, Anko, was not well suited in the kitchen. Mind you, she did try, but the majority of the time the result was less than satisfactory. Usually, the meals were a combined a effort of Anko, Arashi, and Naruto.
"We made very good time today, Naruto. I'm sure we'll receive a good payment for those tables for the temple." Naruto hopefully nodded in agreement with Arashi. They were mere peasants, even though both Arashi and Anko worked.-Arashi being a carpenter, and Anko tending to the fields of a local Temple Lord. A long silence elapsed between them. Not until they reached their humble home did they speak again, when Anko rushed out the front door to great them-her long dark brown hair flying from it's tight bun.
"My boys!" she gave each of them a tight hug, "Oh my boys...how was work? Good I grant. No matter, I found a solution...Arashi you must hear...but first get along into the house. Food is on the table." Naruto inwardly giggled. His mother was always one to look for cheap and easy ways to earn some money. The threesome trudged together into the household. Homely as it was, it still was comfortable. At the prospect of food Naruto bounded to the wooden table that he and his father had built. He knew from the appearance of the delicious dinner that his mother must have had Aunt Kurenai cook it. He ignored his mother and father bantering, and opted to enjoy this usual supper of rice, potatoes, and beef.
"So, my dear wife, what is this solution you speak of?" Arashi folded his arms, and prepared for her suggestion.
"I, husband, was returning home, and heard a man in the marketplace speaking of a need he had, involving carpentry. I went to inquire his request, and he told me that he Pilate and Herod were searching builders to construct crosses for them." She pulled out a rough piece of parchment from her clothes with information of measurements scribbled onto it. Arashi almost considered it...but he really did not want to engage in such a dirty business.
"Anko, I'd rather not. Find some other man." He turned around to head for the table, but Anko's hand on his shoulder stopped him.
"Arashi listen to your wife. This will be a excellent way to acquire a few much needed funds. Don't you agree?" Arashi nodded his head as a "no" and shook her hand off; however, he knew that it was not the end of it. Anko was a very persistent woman.