The Boy Who Would Become The Savior
mustapha umoru@umorumustapha596358
1 month ago
YOUNG CHRIST (Chapter 13).
Biblical Fiction
Copyrighted ©️
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The day began with a palpable sense of excitement as the students gathered for their most challenging group exercise yet. The teachers had announced that the task would test their cooperation, quick thinking, and courage. In the training field, a simulated obstacle course awaited—a maze filled with traps, challenges, and illusions designed to push them to their limits.
Peter was eager, almost too eager. He clenched his fists as he stood among his classmates, his fiery determination evident. He wanted to prove himself—not just to the teachers or the other students, but to Jesus.
“Remember,” Jesus said quietly as the group huddled together before starting. “This isn’t about being the strongest or the fastest. It’s about looking out for one another.”
Peter nodded, but his jaw was tight.
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The whistle blew, and the team entered the maze. The walls were high, made of shifting stone that seemed to breathe and move, creating an atmosphere of unease. Abigail, using her visions, led the way, guiding the group through the first few traps.
“Stay close,” she called, her voice steady despite the tension.
Peter took the rear, his eyes darting around, scanning for danger. His muscles were taut, ready to spring into action at the first sign of trouble.
As they turned a corner, the floor beneath them crumbled, revealing a pit filled with swirling shadows. A younger student, Ezra, panicked and slipped. Peter lunged forward, grabbing Ezra by the arm and pulling him back just in time.
“You need to watch where you step,” Peter said, his voice gruff but not unkind.
“Th-thank you,” Ezra stammered, his eyes wide with fear.
Peter gave him a curt nod before moving on, his heart pounding.
Further into the maze, the challenges became more dangerous. A series of swinging pendulums threatened to knock them off a narrow ledge. Peter volunteered to go first, his strength and agility allowing him to navigate the obstacle with relative ease. He turned back, calling out to the others, “Step where I stepped. I’ll catch you if you fall.”
One by one, the students crossed, Peter steadying them when they faltered.
The group reached the final challenge: a collapsing bridge suspended over a deep chasm. The teachers had designed it to test both teamwork and individual resolve.
As they began to cross, the bridge groaned under their weight. Stones fell away, tumbling into the darkness below. Abigail froze midway, her fear paralyzing her.
“Abigail, you have to move!” John shouted from the other side.
“I—I can’t!” she cried, her knuckles white as she gripped the rope railing.
Peter didn’t hesitate. He ran back onto the unstable bridge, his movements swift and purposeful. Reaching Abigail, he knelt beside her.
“Abigail, look at me,” he said, his voice firm but calm. “I’ve got you. Trust me.”
She nodded shakily, and Peter lifted her into his arms. The bridge trembled violently, the ropes beginning to snap.
“Go, Peter!” Jesus called, his voice carrying above the chaos.
Peter sprinted toward the other side, the last planks of the bridge crumbling beneath his feet. With a final leap, he landed on solid ground, Abigail safe in his arms.
The group erupted into cheers, but Peter barely noticed. His chest heaved as he set Abigail down gently, relief washing over him.
Later, as the group rested outside the maze, Peter sat apart from the others, staring at his hands.
Jesus approached, sitting beside him. “You did well today,” he said softly.
Peter shook his head. “I wasn’t thinking. I just acted. It could’ve gone wrong.”
“But it didn’t,” Jesus replied. “You saved her because you cared more about her safety than your own. That’s strength, Peter—not in proving how powerful you are, but in using your strength to protect others.”
Peter looked at him, a flicker of understanding in his eyes. “So, it’s not about being the strongest?”
Jesus smiled. “No, Peter. It’s about love and sacrifice. That’s what true strength looks like.”
As the group walked back to the dorms, Peter felt a weight lift from his shoulders. He no longer needed to prove himself to anyone—not even to Jesus.
Abigail walked beside him, her gratitude evident. “Thank you, Peter,” she said quietly.
He nodded, a small smile on his face. “Anytime.” He stood taller, his journey of growth far from over but firmly underway…
