Focus on the Family's Radio Theatre

Focus on the Family: Last time on Focus on the Family Radio Theatre's presentation of The Luke Reports: The Hearts of Men.

Benjamin: I think you should go back to bed and try to rest and recover.

Luke: How can I when I have a guest?

Guest (Male): No one is coming.

Benjamin: Ah, then you are a believer.

Luke: I am, and I see trouble ahead for you, Luke. Your journey will only get harder.

Benjamin: Are you a prophet?

Luke: Ever since I met Jesus, I have had a gift. I know who you are. You are the holy one sent from God.

Jesus: Be quiet. Look, the great kingdoms of the world, and I am willing to give them all to you.

Guest (Male): Is it not right for the oldest amongst us to pass on knowledge and tradition to our youngest members?

Guest (Male): Knowledge and tradition we accept, but you were telling them about Jesus again, which we have repeatedly warned you not to do.

Guest (Male): Both of you astound me. An odd noise, a barking dog, and we hide under our tables.

Luke: I don't want to be the cause of anyone's suffering. And besides, it's late and I must find accommodation.

Benjamin: Accommodation, my friend? I am your accommodation. You must stay with me unless you're afraid.

Focus on the Family: Classic Adventure.

Guest (Male): The main event is a seven-lap contest between chainer, chariot, and four.

Guest (Male): I am the only person alive who can tell you the true fate of your mother and sister.

Guest (Male): I dare not endanger his life. Unforgettable drama.

Guest (Male): Eppie! Oh, gracious heavens, let's not have gone down to the stone pits. Eppie!

Focus on the Family: And stories that will touch your heart.

Guest (Male): Here, quick. There's a child in here.

Guest (Male): A child? All alone in a place like this? Mercy on us. Who is she?

Guest (Female): I am Mary Lennox.

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Guest (Female): All my life, I craved freedom and I craved love. In Jesus Christ, I have found both.

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Jesus: Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.

Blessed are you who are hated and cast out and mocked and cursed on account of the Son of Man. When that happens, rejoice, even leap for joy, for your reward will be great in heaven. Remember, your ancestors treated the prophets the same way.

Benjamin: Close your eyes, Luke. Can you imagine it? Jesus standing on the hillside addressing a great throng of people. Picture it in your mind.

Luke: I can.

Benjamin: Now hear the words. Radical words, words like no one has ever spoken before.

Jesus: Why do you worry so much about the speck in your neighbor's eye when you don't even notice the log in your own eye? How can you dare to say to your neighbor, "Let me take the speck out of your eye," when you don't see the log in your own eye?

You hypocrite! First take the log out of your own eye and then you will see well enough to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye. A good tree can't produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.

Each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns and grapes aren't picked from a bramble bush. So a good person produces a good treasure from a good heart, and the evil person produces evil treasure from an evil heart. It's what's in your heart that will determine what you say.

Luke: Yes, I know those words. There are times when it's easy for me to imagine that I'm there, hearing them for the very first time.

Benjamin: But isn't that how it is? They come at us as if we're hearing them for the first time no matter how many times we hear them. Even now, they hammer at the heart, sometimes breaking it into little pieces.

Luke: Benjamin, you say you didn't follow Jesus to Jerusalem because of your family responsibilities, but I get the impression that there's more to it than that.

Benjamin: Yes, I suppose there is. Before I answer that though, let me read something to you. They are the words of Jesus, which I wrote down the very day he spoke them.

Luke: Parchment?

Benjamin: I traded some clay pots for it. A week's work just for one piece, but I had to write down those words. Jesus told us a parable.

A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it around, some of it fell on a path and it was trampled on, and the birds came and ate it up. Some of the seed fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it died for lack of moisture.

Some of the seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked the life out of it. Some of the seed fell into fertile soil, and when it grew, it produced a harvest that was a hundred times greater than what had been planted. Let anyone who has the ears to hear listen to my words.

Luke: Do you know what Jesus meant by his parable?

Benjamin: Oh yes, I was with him when he explained it to us, his followers.

Jesus: Here is what the parable means. The seed is the Word of God. The ones on the path are those who have heard it, but then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts so that they won't believe and be saved.

The ones on the rock are those who hear the word and receive it with joy, but they have no root and believe for only a short time, falling away when trouble comes. As for what fell among the thorns, those are the ones who hear, but they go on their way and are soon choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life.

Their fruit does not mature. But the seed that fell into fertile soil, those are the ones who when they hear the word cling to it in an honest and good heart and with patience and endurance bring about a great harvest. No one lights a lamp and then hides it under a pot or puts it under a bed.

The light is put on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. For everything that is hidden will be revealed, and everything that is secret will become known. The light will show it all. So pay attention to how you listen. For to those who have, more will be given, and from those who do not have, even what they seem to have will be taken away.

Luke: But what do those words have to do with you, Benjamin?

Benjamin: Wait, I'm not finished. I wrote down something else he said.

Jesus: Why do you call me "Lord, Lord" and do not do what I tell you? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. He is like a man who builds a house, digs deeply into the foundations on the rock, so that when a flood comes and the river overflows its banks, then the house will not be shaken because it has been well built.

But the one who hears my words and does not act on them is like a man who builds a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river bursts against it, it will immediately fall and great is the ruin of that house.

Benjamin: I told you that I didn't follow Jesus to Jerusalem because of my family, but that is a feeble excuse. No, the truth is, I didn't follow him because I was afraid. I was afraid of what following him would lead to.

I was afraid of the kinds of sacrifices I would have to make. So I came up with a reasonable excuse that I needed to stay here with my family. You can imagine my shame when the word came back that Jesus had been crucified. I thought again and again, I should have been there. I should have been there.

Luke: Benjamin.

Benjamin: You see, you have no comfort to offer to me. But that's all right. My comfort is from God who allowed me to see the risen Jesus.

Luke: You saw him after his crucifixion?

Benjamin: I was one of many around here who did.

Luke: You have to tell me about it.

Benjamin: I will, tomorrow.

Luke: What?

Benjamin: It's late, my friend. I'm an old man who needs his rest. Besides, we have a journey to make. There is a place, a very special place that I want you to see.

Luke: What place?

Benjamin: No, you must be patient. Morning will come soon enough.

Dina: Excuse me, please wake up.

Luke: What? What's wrong?

Dina: I'm a friend of Benjamin's, Dina. We met yesterday when you arrived.

Luke: Yes, I remember now. Is it morning?

Dina: Almost. I live next door. I heard noises outside and I think something's happened.

Luke: What do you mean?

Dina: Well, I saw Benjamin. I got the impression that he was going to take a walk in the hills. He does that sometimes, you know, to think or to pray. But before he left, he told me to give you a message.

Luke: What message?

Dina: Well, he said, "If anything happens to me, go to the house of Justin."

Luke: If anything happens to him?

Dina: He's a strange man. I never understand most of what he says. I thought he might be having another one of his fits, you know, a vision. But he walked on and then I saw him stopped by someone.

Luke: Who?

Dina: Well, I don't know. They disappeared into the shadows. I knew it would come to this. Nothing but trouble. I've been expecting it for years.

Luke: Now don't worry, I will go and look for him.

Guest (Male): I'm afraid you're already too late.

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Justin: So the old fellow is gone, is he?

Luke: Not gone, disappeared. I've searched everywhere for him around the town, the hills, the lake. He isn't to be found, which is very strange since he had made plans for us today.

Justin: Strange indeed, but then Benjamin is a strange man. Why come to me?

Luke: Well, he left me a message saying that if anything happened to him, I was to go to the house of Justin. You are Justin.

Justin: I know perfectly well who I am, but that doesn't explain why he sent you to me.

Luke: Well, perhaps it's because you're a Roman. You're a significant influence here, I understand.

Justin: A token influence. It's a holdover from my father. He loved this town and its people. Did you know that he built the synagogue for them?

Luke: Yes, I've heard. Your father also had an encounter with Jesus, if I have my information right.

Justin: Yes, he healed a servant my father was particularly fond of. I was a child, I don't remember it at all. Now, look, do you have any suggestion about what I can do about Benjamin?

Luke: Do about it? I don't think there's anything you can do short of hoping that he returns on his own two legs.

Justin: And if he doesn't? If he was hurt or murdered?

Luke: Oh, let's not jump to conclusions. The people of this town may be hotheaded at times, but I can't imagine them murdering Benjamin.

Justin: But he has provoked them.

Luke: Well, yes, he's done that. He goes on and on about Jesus. Not the sort of man you'd invite to a party, if you know what I mean.

Justin: Right, so we sit by helplessly.

Luke: Not at all. You're welcome to continue your search. I'll even lend you some of my servants. Benjamin is strange, but I have a soft spot for him. And when my wife returns, she'll be terribly dismayed to find out he's gone.

Justin: Your wife is friends with Benjamin?

Luke: Friends might be stretching it a bit. Acquaintances, you could say. She believes like he does.

Justin: In Jesus?

Luke: Oh yes, she could tell you a few things with that book you're writing.

Justin: I'd like to speak to her.

Luke: Well, she's in Caesarea visiting friends. She should be home in the next day or two. Come back and see her. I'm sure she'd like to speak with you. Now, tell me all the news from Rome. It seems like ages...

Justin: But with all due respect, Justin, I think I had better continue my search for Benjamin.

Luke: Oh yes, but don't despair. I'll use what few resources I have to help. If nothing else, it's against Roman law for these people to harm or execute anyone. They know that.

Justin: They may know it, but do they care?

Guest (Male): Hello! What do you want?

Luke: I'm looking for a woman called Naomi. She wasn't at her home and I thought she might be working on the nets like she was yesterday.

Guest (Male): Why do you want her?

Luke: It's a private matter.

Guest (Male): Well, you'd better come aboard.

Luke: But she's here?

Guest (Male): Come below. Naomi? All right, what's all this about? Where is Naomi?

Caleb: Why do you want her?

Luke: It's not your business no matter how many times you push me.

Caleb: It is my business. I'm Naomi's son.

Luke: Well, you obviously don't get your manners from her. Tell me what you want with her. I am a friend of Benjamin.

Caleb: Benjamin?

Luke: Yes, and we were at your house last night.

Caleb: Oh, I don't remember seeing you there.

Luke: Well, how could you when you and your father were out fishing? Why would she invite you into our house? I'm writing a chronicle of the life of Jesus, and she was happy to talk with me about him.

Caleb: So you say.

Luke: And why would I lie? Is everyone in this town plagued by fear? What are you so afraid of?

Caleb: Who said I'm afraid?

Stephen: You stink of fear, my son. We all do. Now calm down.

Caleb: Father, he's looking for Mother.

Stephen: Is he? Are you hurt, my friend? My son hasn't caused you harm, has he?

Luke: No, not at all. My name is Stephen, and my inhospitable son is Caleb.

Stephen: All right, Luke. Why are you looking for my wife?

Luke: I thought she might know where Benjamin is.

Stephen: What makes you think she knows Benjamin?

Luke: They were at her house last night.

Stephen: Ah. Cast off, Stephen. Let's get away from the shore. It's safer.

Caleb: Yes, Father.

Stephen: Make yourself comfortable, Luke. It's a pleasant day for a boat ride.

Luke: Thank you, Stephen.

Stephen: Watch for other boats. I don't want prying eyes catching you with this stranger.

Caleb: Of course.

Stephen: Ah, it's beautiful, isn't it? I never tire of these waters. I attribute my good health to them.

Luke: And not to Jesus? Naomi told me about your experience.

Stephen: She did.

Luke: You're in excellent shape for a man who was once a leper. I should know, I'm a physician.

Stephen: Ah, then you'll be interested to know that I haven't been sick for a single day since I was healed.

Luke: Remarkable.

Stephen: God is good.

Luke: If that's true, then why do we have to sail out to sea to talk?

Stephen: A very good question, and one that you Gentiles might not understand.

Luke: Oh, and what does my being a Gentile have to do with anything?

Stephen: It's bound to be difficult for you to grasp our situation. We are ostracized and abused on all sides for believing in Jesus. Our livelihoods, our family's good name, our place in the community, even our lives, everything could be taken away. Oh, you don't know.

Luke: But I do. I have traveled with the Apostle Paul for many years now. I have seen what the Judaizers can do.

Stephen: You know Paul?

Luke: He is a good friend, and he has never compromised his faith nor his preaching of the good news of Jesus because of what others might do to him. Even now, he is in jail in Rome.

Stephen: Well, good for him. But where is his family? Where are those who may also suffer because of what he believes? Where is your family?

Luke: What are you saying?

Stephen: Luke, some of us are held hostage by our family love. I would suffer and die for my faith, but I don't think I could bear to see my son or Naomi suffer. I know what they would do to her.

Luke: So you are silent in order to protect those you love. You, Paul, Benjamin, those without family are free to speak and free to suffer the consequences. We are not.

And yet, the woman I spoke to last night was strong and showed remarkable courage. I don't believe your wife is afraid at all. Does she realize that you are holding back for her sake?

Stephen: We don't talk about it.

Luke: Perhaps you should.

Stephen: That's so easy for you to say. Look, I won't pretend to know what it's like to be in your shoes. I'm a stranger here. But I have to ask, what becomes of the truth when those who know it won't share it?

Weren't Peter, Andrew, James, and John just like you? Fishermen who were caught up in something bigger than they could understand, and didn't they risk everything to follow Jesus?

Stephen: Yes. You're right when you say that the first followers of Jesus were no different than us. They were with him, and yet they were not always so brave. They were afraid. Ah, there are the cliffs.

Caleb: We're coming up to the shores of Gerasa.

Luke: Why have you brought me here?

Stephen: Benjamin has a sister who lives in this area, not far from the lake. Perhaps she knows where he is.

Luke: Oh, there's more to it than that or you wouldn't have brought me all this way.

Stephen: I'm concerned about Benjamin as well.

Luke: Why?

Stephen: Because we heard about the trouble when we returned home last night.

Luke: Trouble?

Stephen: We were told that Ishmael and his gang were on the march and might confront Benjamin. They'd seen you both at our house. So we took Naomi away from Capernaum and sent her to a relative in Chorazin.

Luke: But you didn't think to warn Benjamin.

Stephen: We couldn't. His house was being watched the entire night.

Luke: Then he is dead.

Stephen: Not necessarily. He's resourceful and has his places of solitude. Perhaps he's gone to one of them. His sister would know where they are. Stay here with the boat.

Caleb: As if I'd leave it.

Luke: Which direction?

Stephen: This way. It's quite a hike to get around the cliffs, but Deborah is not far beyond. Do you know this area?

Luke: I know of it.

Stephen: Jesus came here after the incident with the storm. Two things happened.

Luke: Oh, what were they?

Stephen: There was a man who had been seized by a demon. He ran naked among the tombs and had such incredible strength that he was able to break the bonds of the many types of shackles that people used to fasten him down.

Those of us who fished in this area knew him and feared him. We could see him running along the shore shouting obscenities at us. He was there when Jesus stepped off Peter's boat. We watched and wondered what would happen. The man saw Jesus and fell down before him, shouting at the top of his voice.

Legion: Why do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don't torment me!

Jesus: Stop where you are. What is your name?

Legion: Legion, for we are many! But we beg you, do not send us back to the pit where we will be punished.

Jesus: And where will you live?

Legion: Send us into the herd of swine on that hillside. Allow us to enter them.

Jesus: You may go.

Stephen: The pigs rushed into the lake and drowned. It was a terrible sight. Then the herdsmen figured out what had happened and ran to the city telling everyone.

Luke: I can imagine how they reacted.

Stephen: Can you? I expected the people to come out praising God for what Jesus had done. But no. They saw Jesus and the man he'd healed and they were afraid. So afraid, in fact, that they begged Jesus to leave.

Luke: And what did Jesus do?

Stephen: He ordered us all back into our boats and we returned to Capernaum.

Luke: And what became of the man, the one who'd been healed?

Stephen: He asked Jesus to allow him to be a disciple, but Jesus told him no.

Jesus: Go home and tell everyone what God has done for you.

Stephen: And he did.

Luke: What happened to him after that? Does anyone know?

Stephen: Yes. You're about to meet him. He's Jeremiah, the husband of Deborah.

Jeremiah: Caleb, welcome!

Stephen: Peace to all here.

Jeremiah: This is a pleasant surprise.

Stephen: Sadly, it may not be so pleasant once I explain why we've come. Jeremiah, Deborah, this is Luke.

Luke: Greetings to you both. Have you heard from Benjamin?

Deborah: No, why?

Stephen: He has disappeared.

Jeremiah: That's nothing. He's always disappearing. It's his way. You know that, Caleb.

Stephen: No, there's more to it than that. We understand that Ishmael intended to take some sort of action against him.

Jeremiah: Ishmael and his thugs are more bark than they are bite. Yes, they rough people up, but they wouldn't go so far as to kill anyone. He has wandered off into the hills as he often does.

Luke: Can you tell me exactly where he might have gone? If he really is safe now, we may have a chance to warn him not to return to Capernaum for a while.

Deborah: He'll never heed that warning.

Luke: Well, I must try. I've searched the hillside around the town. Where else might he be?

Jeremiah: Have you been to Bethsaida? Did you speak with Malakai?

Luke: Who's Malakai?

Jeremiah: Benjamin's closest friend ever since Jesus healed them both.

Luke: Malakai was also healed by Jesus? There are so many of you.

Jeremiah: Of course there are! You can't swing a stick around the Sea of Galilee without hitting someone who knew Jesus. Give Malakai a chance, and he'll tell you all about it.

Luke: What is the best way to get to Bethsaida from here?

Stephen: My boat. We'll follow the shore north.

Focus on the Family: Next time on Focus on the Family Radio Theatre, The Luke Reports continues.

Guest (Male): I'll curb nothing, old man. Go away.

Luke: Can you help?

Guest (Male): The question is, will I help?

Guest (Male): We have only five loaves of bread and two fish. Unless you want us to go and buy food for five thousand.

Guest (Male): To be a follower of Jesus leads to the ways of the pagans.

Luke: Benjamin was here?

Guest (Male): He was, but how? The door is locked.

Guest (Male): What kind of man willingly lays hands on the dead? Barbaric.

Focus on the Family: The Luke Reports: The Hearts of Men is a production of Focus on the Family. For Focus on the Family Radio Theatre, I'm Dave Arnold. Thanks for listening.