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"The
Gardener"
Biblical Palestine.
JESS,
a traveller heading for Jerusalem, is weary
after days on the road. He is chased by
some bullying Roman soldiers including MAXIMUS.
On
the run from the Romans, he stumbles in
on a wedding in Cana.
JESS meets BEKKY, 12 years old, and finds
out that JESUS, a guest at the wedding,
has apparently turned the guests’ water
into wine. BECKY introduces JESS to JESUS.
JESUS suggests that JESS should follow him
as a disciple. JESS is uncertain as he has
just met JESUS.
JESS travels to JERUSALEM and takes up a
job as gardener for JOSEPH, BEKKY’s
father.
On their way back to Jerusalem from delivering
a letter to JESUS in Bethany, JESS and BECKY
are accosted by MAXIMUS, the Roman Guard.
BECKY tells JESS and MAXIMUS of JESUS’
miracles that she had witnessed – the
loaves and the fishes; and how JESUS made
her walk on water.
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| Joseph
has a word with Jess |
MAXIMUS
is arrogant and dismissive. JESS is also
doubtful and accuses BECKY of having a crush
on JESUS.
JESS buys a new coat with the bonus JOSEPH
has given him.
JESS visits the temple and witnesses JESUS
overturning tables angrily.
JESUS enters Bethlehem on a donkey with
the crowds tearing off branches before him.
BEKKY tells JESS to come and join the crowds.
JESS misunderstands, seeing JESUS as the
one who will defeat the Romans by force.
JESS is frustrated by JESUS’ pacifism
when he expects him to lead a violent revolution
against the Romans.
At
Gethsamene, JESUS is betrayed and arrested.
JESS tries to stop the arrest, wielding
a Scyth, but, again to JESS’ frustration,
JESUS does not resist.
JESUS is crucified and his body put in a
cave and guarded by Roman soldiers, including
MAXIMUS. JESS is disillusioned, angry that
JESUS did not put up more of a fight.
JESS is in his shack sleeping when, at dawn,
he is awoken by a flash of brilliant light.
JESS investigates and finds MAXIMUS crying.
MAXIMUS tells him that he saw JESUS rising
from the dead. MAXIMUS tells JESS that he
does not want to be a soldier anymore.
JESS gives MAXIMUS his coat. MAXIMUS is
transformed by events as is Jess. Love has
changed them both.
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