The Boy Who Would Become The Savior
mustapha umoru@umorumustapha596358
5 days ago
YOUNG CHRIST (Chapter 12)
Biblical Fiction
Copyrighted ©️
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The announcement came during morning assembly. Herod, standing tall and imposing at the front of the hall, addressed the students with an air of authority. His dark robes swayed as he raised his hands, commanding silence.
“To encourage growth and celebrate your unique abilities,” Herod declared, his voice reverberating off the stone walls, “we shall hold a school-wide competition. Each of you will have the opportunity to showcase your gifts. The best will receive a place of honor—recognition as the most exceptional student at the School of the Spirit.”
The hall erupted in murmurs, excitement tinged with nervousness. Herod’s eyes swept across the room, lingering on Jesus for a moment too long. A subtle smirk curled his lips before he turned away.
Jesus sat quietly among his friends, his expression calm. Peter leaned closer, whispering, “This feels like a setup. You know he’s trying to make you look bad.”
Jesus smiled faintly. “Then we’ll make it about something else.”
The school buzzed with anticipation as students began preparing for the competition. The courtyard became a hub of activity, with groups practicing their abilities and refining their talents.
Peter worked tirelessly, trying to master controlling his strength. Abigail meditated, hoping to receive a vision that would inspire her presentation. John focused on his eloquence, preparing a speech that would uplift the crowd.
Judas, meanwhile, kept to himself. Whispers of Herod’s influence followed him like a shadow.
Despite the competitive atmosphere, Jesus spent his time helping others. He offered words of encouragement, suggestions to refine techniques, and a listening ear to anyone struggling.
“You’re not even preparing for yourself,” Miriam pointed out one afternoon as she watched him coach a younger student.
Jesus looked up, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. “Sometimes, preparing others is the best preparation for yourself.”
—
The grand hall was transformed into a stage, with rows of benches filling the space for students, teachers, and special guests. Herod stood at the center, flanked by a panel of judges who were ready to evaluate each presentation.
“Let the challenge begin!” Herod proclaimed, his tone laced with anticipation.
One by one, students stepped forward to display their gifts. Some demonstrated their ability to heal minor injuries, while others showed remarkable feats of strength or agility. Abigail shared a vision she’d received, weaving a story so vivid that the crowd fell silent in awe.
Peter struggled at first, nearly toppling a pillar as he demonstrated his strength, but Jesus’ steady gaze from the audience helped him find his focus. When he lifted an impossibly heavy stone with controlled ease, the crowd erupted in applause.
When Jesus’ name was called, the hall fell into a hush. All eyes turned to him—some filled with expectation, others with doubt. Herod leaned forward, his expression one of barely contained anticipation.
Jesus stepped onto the stage, his presence calm yet commanding. He looked out at the crowd, then back at Herod.
“I’m here to share not what I can do, but what we can do,” Jesus said, his voice steady and warm.
Confused murmurs rippled through the room as Jesus invited Peter, Abigail, and a few other students onto the stage. He handed Peter a small stone, whispered something to Abigail, and gestured for the others to join hands.
“Together, we create something greater than ourselves,” Jesus said. “This isn’t about individual abilities. It’s about how we use them to lift each other up.”
The group worked as one, each contributing their unique gift to create something extraordinary. Peter used his strength to set the foundation, Abigail guided the group with her vision, and others used their talents to build upon the work.
The result was a breathtaking symbol—a tree made of light, its branches reaching toward the heavens. The crowd gasped in awe, the beauty of their combined efforts undeniable.
Herod’s smirk faltered as the students cheered not just for Jesus, but for everyone involved. His attempt to isolate Jesus as “ordinary” had instead highlighted his leadership and selflessness.
John stood, leading the crowd in applause. “That’s what true greatness looks like!” he shouted, his voice carrying through the hall.
Herod clenched his fists, his frustration barely concealed.
As the crowd dispersed, students approached Jesus, thanking him for his guidance and praising his humility.
“You could’ve easily outshone everyone,” Abigail said as they walked back to the dorms. “Why didn’t you?”
Jesus smiled, his gaze thoughtful. “What’s the point of standing out if it means standing alone? True greatness isn’t in being better than others—it’s in bringing out the best in them.”
---
Later that night, Herod met with Judas in the shadows of the school.
“He may have won their hearts today,” Herod said, his voice cold, “but no one is untouchable. We’ll find a way to bring him down.”
Judas hesitated, guilt flickering in his eyes. “I’ll do what I can.”
Judas walks away, the weight of his choices growing heavier with each step. Above the school, a single star flickered ominously in the night sky…
Happy Sunday everyone 😊
