Rusty Smith

Eyewitness Rusty Smith

Zacharias, a young thug with a hot temper, and an inability to control his tongue was invited to attend his cousin's wedding in Cana. Not as a guest, but to serve as the wine steward. A guest named Mary overheard that there was no wine left for the celebration, she summoned her son Jesus. Water was turned into wine, much to Zacharias' amazement. Another encounter with Jesus, which made a leper whole, encouraged Zacharias to follow the Holy man. He eventually lost track of Jesus. His loss ended up as gain when he met a lovely widow named Miriam. Soon after meeting, they were married. Zacharias started up a small, successful business. Life was good! One day he heard that Jesus would be ministering nearby. He convinced Miriam to bear witness to the miracles of Jesus. After viewing two incredible miracles, Zacharias informed Miriam that they would give up their livelihood to follow Jesus until the end of their days. Miriam did not want to live on the road like a vagabond, even though she knew that He was surely sent by God, so she gave Zacharias an ultimatum. Follow Jesus, or continue to live a charmed life together. Zacharias chose Miriam. Miriam had always wanted to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem. When they arrived, a large crowd was gathered to greet the new Messiah. Zacharias was thrilled just to be in His presence once again. After partaking in the Passover Feast, he took a stroll and overheard Caiaphas plotting to eliminate the prophet who threatened his livelihood. He had to warn the man who had changed his life of the plot to have Him prisoned, or worse. It was too late. The stage had already been set to destroy the Son of God!