Followers report rabbi has risen from dead

(This is 1 of 4 articles imagining how a newspaper might have covered the death and resurrection of Jesus.)

JERUSALEM -- Jesus of Nazareth, the controversial rabbi crucified by Roman soldiers two days ago, has risen from the dead, according to his followers.

A Galilean fisherman named Peter, who has emerged as the leader of Jesus' followers, said that several disciples who visited Jesus' tomb this morning found it empty. The shroud which had covered the body of their leader was lying on the ground, he said.

According to some accounts, the risen Jesus appeared to several followers, including Mary Magdalene, from whom he allegedly expelled seven demons, and another woman identified only as "the other Mary."

Lightning strikes

"All of a sudden there was a violent earthquake and a flash of lightning, and the huge stone which had blocked the entrance to his tomb was rolled away," said a Roman guard who had been stationed at the tomb lest Jesus' disciples try to steal his body and proclaim that their "Lord" had miraculously resurrected from the dead.

"Then this creature dressed in a robe whiter than snow appeared on the stone," the guard continued. "He said to the women, 'You must not be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here. He has been raised, just as he said.'

"Then the creature instructed the two women to tell the other disciples the good news. But, as the creature turned to leave, another man appeared to them and said, 'Peace be with you.' The women fell at his feet and worshiped him. They obviously thought it was Jesus."

Short career

The story of the resurrection of Jesus brings to a climax the fascinating, albeit short-lived, public life of the 33-year-old Jewish preacher from Nazareth who was the son of a carpenter-builder there.

The itinerant rabbi's three-year apostolate of preaching and healing attracted not only hundreds of followers, but also the attention of some Jewish religious leaders and Roman authorities who feared his influence and resented his sometimes stinging diatribes against what he called their "hypocrisy."

Last week, the authorities crucified him on Golgotha in Jerusalem, hanging him between two thieves. He was buried in a tomb belonging to Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy Council member and suspected secret follower of Jesus.

Rumors

As rumors spread throughout the area, neither Joseph nor most of the apostles were available for comment. Authorities said many of them had gone into hiding following Jesus' arrest, fearing that they, too, would be crucified.

Unconfirmed reports alleged that many disciples had gathered early this morning to discuss the news of Jesus' appearance to the women and await further appearances.

"They believe that the Lord has fulfilled his promises to them, that he would not leave them behind forever," said the mother of one of the apostles. She asked not to be identified. "They're beginning to believe that his death was a sacrifice; his resurrection, a victory over sin. I think it will be a long time before this story dies. People like my son who knew Jesus well believed in him, loved him, trusted him. He was like God to them."

(4/5/07) [[In-content Ad]]