Neighbors puzzled, shocked over death

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

NAZARETH -- A mixture of stunned amazement and surprise greeted the news here that a native, Jesus, the son of a local carpenter, has been executed in Jerusalem.

People expressed even more shock over the rumors, spread by some of his followers in Jerusalem, that he has risen from the dead.

"Is that the carpenter's son?" asked a villager when pressed by a reporter.

"He grew up in that house over there," pointed the elderly man. "He was a good boy who studied the Torah and regularly went to the synagogue like everyone else around here. This is devout Jewish territory. Somehow, the carpentry business wasn't enough for Jesus. He took off and started preaching about three years ago. He was only back once since that time."

Return to town

Other neighbors recalled vividly Jesus' return to Nazareth a few years ago, when he preached at the local synagogue. His speech, they said, angered some in his hometown.

Many came to see Jesus perform miracles, such as those he had reportedly performed throughout the countryside, only to come away disappointed.

"He could be a healing presence, especially to those who were hurt or troubled or poor. But to those full of themselves, he could really get on their nerves," recalled Sara, a woman who identified herself as a friend of Jesus' mother. "I suspect that's what probably happened up in Jerusalem. I just worry about what all this has done to Mary [Jesus' mother]. She's a fine woman, you know."

Doubter

While the townsfolk here generally admired Jesus' religiosity, they expressed shock over the resurrection rumors which have stirred Jerusalem.

"I doubt anyone with that kind of power could come from this rinky-dink place," said one disgruntled shopkeeper who claimed to be having a hard time making ends meet in this tiny, provincial village. "I'll believe that when I see it."

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