The streets were filthy, just like every other town they had passed through. There were goats and pigs swarming the place, and the rare prize heifer laid her dung on the roadside as well. Women were jostling each other in the market, men were laughing loudly in taverns, children played silly little games in the alleys. It was a typical city, overcrowded and cacophonous.

Jesus sighed softly, wiped the sweat off his brow, straightened his robe. He had to look presentable. His message wouldn't be heard unless he looked like what they wanted. Otherwise, he wouldn't be spared a glance. Tall, almost gangly, with black curly hair and olive skin, the so-called messiah was nothing to look at. Homely handsome in a quiet way, with an unsurpassed skill with words and flawless character. That was Jesus. Nothing more, nothing less. How he came to be called the Son of God was unknown, even to him, but nothing he could do would displace that image.

He rounded a bend in the marketplace, calmly ignoring the chaos around him. There was only one thing he was looking for in the marketplace, and it was certainly not a bolt of silk or ripe fruit. Of course, first he had to cut through the swarms of people.

Even those who barely knew the man called Messiah would understand the broad grin that suddenly spread across his face. Finally, what he sought! With a soft and confident chuckle, Jesus heightened his pace, moving through the throngs with a surprising grace for his tall and thin figure. It was not all so difficult, for the reputation of Jesus had preceded him, and some gave him a wide berth.

So with great ease, Jesus virtually snuck into a tent, creeping up behind one woman who was bargaining over a bushel of wheat. "Greetings, Mary," he whispered softly as he put his arms around the waist of the woman he loved.

Mary Magdalene whirled to face Jesus, smiling. Though her lover might not have been the most handsome man at the marketplace that day, she was the most radiant creature alive in his eyes, and she saw him in the same light. Her dark eyes were laughing, and she gave him a soft smile with herfull lips.

"Greetings, Jesus," she replied softly, leaning into his embrace and allowing him to plant a kiss on her lips. Even in the crowded, busy market, everyone turned to stare. It was a sight that most could not have imagined; the man who was called the Son of God kissing a woman in the middle of the market!