Both Simons and Matthew accompanied Jesus. He'd asked them to tag along, as they'd be meeting "some very important people."

Simon Z struggled with Jesus' words. "Love your enemies." Love Herod? Love the Romans? He'd still been trying to let go of his training, but his sica still called out to him at times. "If they ask you to go for one mile go for two miles." Two miles?! He almost pulled his dagger on the last legionary who did it.

Now, Simon could see some black-robed Pharisees approaching: Shmuel was noticeably absent.

Jesus smiled. "Shalom to you. Surprisingly, you are here to greet Me."

Yusuf smiled awkwardly. He remembered the incident at Zebedee's house. "We are actually here on urgent business. A centurion of the garrison has a dear servant who's sick."

Jesus looked a bit shocked. "You want Me to help a Roman?'

The other Pharisee nodded. "Believe it or not, he's a God-fearer. He loves our nation. Our synagogue came from his purse."

Simon Z snorted. "He uses our taxes to build our synagogue. I presume he's a friend, Matthew?""Leave him alone!" the other Simon looked angry.

"You're defending him after-"

"Boys, let's go to the house."

Now even Matthew looked shocked. He knew from the little of Jewish Law he'd paid attention to that Jews couldn't enter a Gentile's home, much less a Roman garrison. But all three went along anyway. After all, Jesus was their Rabbi.

They were just about to enter when some Romans who Matthew recognized came into view.

Gaius acknowledged Matthew with a curt nod, then spoke. "The centurion sent me and Marcus to say that You shouldn't trouble yourself. He thinks himself unworthy to have you being a pagan and all, which is why he wasn't here, though I tried to tell him it was-"

He paused, noticing how uncomfortable everyone looked. "The point is, he believes You can just give the word and it'll be done. As a fellow centurion, he answers to Quintus, and his company answers to him. They, like his lad, are at his beck and call."

Now Jesus looked even more stunned. "Are you hearing this? Not even in Israel have I seen such faith."

He turned to Gaius. "Tell your friend that his request is done according to his faith."

The primi ordine and Marcus gave a short salute, then hurried back to barracks: shouts of joy rang out from the fort.

Simon couldn't hold his disgust. "You know how many of our people he's cheated through his taxmen and You heal his slave?"

He turned to Matthew, as Simon bar Jonah motioned. "No offense."

Surprisingly, Matthew nodded. "None taken. I was surprised as well."

However, Jesus wasn't happy with Simon's attitude. "Remember how I said that no one buys their way with Me by special skills? No one will buy their way into Adonai's kingdom by being Jewish. As a matter of fact, when that kingdom comes, many pagans will dine with Abraham, and many of our brothers will be kicked out and wail and grind their teeth."

He put his arm on Simon's shoulder. "I want them, just as much as I wanted you. You and the others will tell the rest of our group what you heard."
Simon Z nodded and did the same to Matthew, and the three Apostles hugged Jesus. It was stranger and stranger, but he couldn't see himself anywhere else.