“May he then take Israel’s sins upon him, that we may be set free through his blood. Who brings him into our hands?” “One of his disciples, who stands outside.” “Fetch him in.” John, later known as the “Evangelist,” was brought in, and Caiaphas began to examine him. “What do you say concerning your teacher? Has he transgressed the law of Moses?” “He has fulfilled the law.” “But what new commandment has he introduced into our holy law?” “Love one another.” “Did he say he was the King of the Jews?” “The Master said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world.’” “Has he not made children rebel against their parents?” “The Master said, ‘He who loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.’” “Did he not say that one has a right to neglect one’s duties as a citizen?” “The Master said, ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.’” “Did he tell labourers to leave their work?” “The Master said, ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy-laden.’” “Did he say that he would conquer the world?” “The Master said, ‘In the world ye have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’” Caiaphas was weary: “According to all that I have heard and perceived, this man has not answered a single question.” “The Master answers in spirit and in truth, but you ask according to the flesh and the letter. We are not the children of one spirit.” “I don’t understand.” “He has sent me to preach good tidings to the poor, to heal the broken in heart, to preach deliverance to the captives, to give sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” “What you speak in foolishness, young man, can neither bring credit to you nor to your teacher.” “Woe unto you when men praise you, and he who departeth from evil maketh himself a prey.” Caiaphas turned to Annas: “This is not the man who will deliver the Galilaean up to us.” “They have sent another one--Listen! Is your name Iscariot?” “No; my name is John.” “Then go in peace, but send us Iscariot instead. But wait! Give us in two words the teaching of your Master regarding the meaning of life.” “Death is a gain for the righteous,” answered John without stopping to think. “Is life not itself...?” “Through death ye shall enter into life.” “We have heard enough. Go.” But Caiaphas repeated to himself, as though he thought he would understand those words in his own mouth better: “Death is a gain for the righteous.” Now there arose a clamour from the market-place and the hall of justice. Annas and Caiaphas went out upon the battlemented walls to find out the cause. Levites were standing there, and looking down. “Has he been taken?” “He has already been seized as an inciter to insurrection, because he bade his disciples to sell their garments and buy a sword.” “Have they found them with weapons?” “They have found two swords.” “Then he is already condemned.”