Earlier that day, Mark was meticulously arranging the tables for the impending Passover feast, his movements precise and deliberate, when his father arrived on the scene. It was then revealed that Mark had experienced a vision three years prior, which had prompted their purchase of the current abode. The night before, he had another vision: the room being adorned for Passover, two men informing his father that the Teacher's hour was drawing near, and himself bearing a water jug – a peculiar sight, indeed, since fetching water was traditionally a task entrusted to women.
As Mark and his father made their way to Solomon's porch to immerse themselves in further sermon, they couldn't help but notice the graffiti inscribed on their house, declaring, "Jesus is the Messiah." This caused the father's heart to race with concern, fearing that it might expose their family to peril. He promptly instructed Mark to fetch water and scrub it off, a task that Mark eagerly embraced, recognizing how it aligned with his vision.
As Mark collected water from the well, Peter, John, and Thaddeus spotted him and, adhering to Jesus' directions, began trailing him back home. Their spirits were initially lifted by the sight of "Jesus is the Messiah" inscribed on his house, but their joy quickly soured as they watched him commence scrubbing it away. Nevertheless, they adhered to Jesus' instructions and approached Mark's father, informing him that Jesus had a query for him. Upon recognizing them and their request from his dream, Mark's father reluctantly agreed, urging Peter to exercise discretion.
With Thaddeus dispatched to fetch the others, Peter and John were ushered by Mark and his father into the upper room, where they were busy preparing the Passover feast (Mark 14:16). Mark was anxious to ensure that the bread and every other detail were up to par, but Peter reassured him, pointing out that the Son of God himself had directed them to this place and had bestowed upon him a dream.
Early in the episode, Big James becomes acutely aware of a shadow tailing him, soon uncovering Kafni as the orchestrator of this secret surveillance. In the square, he tracks down Peter, who is engrossing the masses with the Parable of the Faithful Servant, drawing from the scriptures of Matthew 24:45-51 and Luke 12:35-40. James discreetly alerts Peter to their unwelcome pursuit.
Returning to Phoebe’s abode, they find the other disciples engrossed in a frenetic effort to purge the house of leaven, meticulously preparing for the Passover Seder. Mindful of avoiding any mention of Kafni’s involvement, Peter, James, and John convey their apprehensions to Jesus regarding the suitability of Phoebe’s home for the sacred meal. Jesus, ever wise, instructs Peter and John to seek out a youth bearing a water jug and to trail him to his house, where they should request the use of his spacious upper chamber for their Seder (Mark 14:12-15).
As Jesus withdraws to pray, Peter assembles the disciples. Though relieved at the prospect of not having to toil over Phoebe’s home, they are seized with anxiety upon learning of Kafni’s collaboration with Roman authorities. Peter and John, deciding to take Thaddeus along, task him with returning to inform the others of the new location. The remaining disciples will then depart at staggered intervals, taking winding routes to ensure their safety en route to the upper room.
Obeying Jesus’ guidance, Peter, John, and Thaddeus find the promised upper chamber. While Peter and John set about preparing the Seder, John’s laughter echoes, a nostalgic reminder of their humble beginnings—a night spent fishing, culminating in their encounter with the Creator of all things. Reflecting on his journey, John confides in Peter his deepening understanding of Jesus, acknowledging that though mysteries still linger, one thing is crystal clear: Jesus bears a heavy heart over what lies ahead.
Meanwhile, the remaining disciples embarked on their journey to Mark's abode, either solo or in pairs. As they meandered through Jerusalem, each encounter served as a catalyst for vivid, monochrome flashbacks: Simon Z witnessed a pool of lamb's blood on the ground, evoking a memory of when he and fellow Zealots were besieged by Roman forces. Dispatching his comrades to safety through the rear exit, he resolved to sacrifice himself in battle, buying them precious time. Ironically, the Romans outmaneuvered him, encircling the escape route, locating his comrades, and slaying them before departing, mistakenly believing their mission accomplished. Left behind, Simon Z mourned the loss of his fallen comrades.
Nathanael caught sight of a woman hawking a seven-stringed Greek lyre, which transported him back to his days of intense preparation for his architecture exams. As the stress began to overwhelm him, the melodious tune of a lyre from an adjacent synagogue pierced through the air. Rising from his seat, he immersed himself in the woman's rendition of Psalm 130, finding solace in its notes. Shortly after, he received a missive from Phillip, who was assisting John in preparing the way, yet pined for his presence. Phillip, ever encouraging, exhorted him to persevere in his studies, believing that one day he would contribute to constructing the road for the impending King. In the present moment, the sight of the Temple invigorated Nathanael.
Andrew and Philip strolled through the cityscape when Roman soldiers commanded them to clear a path for the litter of a Roman elite. Their thoughts wandered back to Andrew's maiden voyage alongside John the Baptist's disciples. Recalling an incident where John rebuked Romans for uprooting trees to pave the way for a VIP, insisting that he too was straightening a path, albeit for One whom he deemed unworthy to untie His sandals (Luke 3:16). He warned the Roman soldier that the axe lay at the tree's root, threatening to prune any who bore no good fruit (Luke 3:9). The soldier, attempting to dismiss John's cryptic warnings, faced further admonition to cease extortion and be content with his rightful earnings (Luke 3:14). Reverting to the present, Andrew suggested to Philip that they resume fishing to meet their tax obligations, but Philip dismissed taxes as a mere human invention, devoid of significance in the Messiah's impending era. Andrew, protesting hunger, received a morsel of honey locusts from Philip (Mark 1:6).
Thomas watched in horror as a water jar toppled and shattered, triggering recollections of his final moments with his father. The narrative unfolded, revealing Thomas's father and uncles confronting a debtor, an altercation that escalated fatally. As Thomas recounted this, Roman soldiers burst in, knocking over a water jar and apprehending him. Amidst the chaos, his father assured him of his love and urged him to care for his mother.
As Matthew strides past a towering tax booth, his gaze falls upon a distressing scene: an individual spits squarely in the face of a tax collector. This degrading act stirs a vivid recall of Matthew's own first day on the job, when he suffered the very same indignity. Despite his plea for assistance to Gaius, the stern centurion stands firm, insisting that his involvement is warranted only in the face of genuine threats. To the meticulous and youthful Matthew, the spit is far from insignificant, yet Gaius remains unyielding, reminding him that such is the nature of the bargain he has embraced. However, when a client finally does pose a direct threat to Matthew, Gaius swiftly intervenes, ushering the aggressor away and revealing his plan: a driver will discreetly ferry Matthew to and from the tax booth, shielding him from further harm. Matthew expresses his gratitude while voicing his frustration at feeling alienated and misunderstood. Gaius acknowledges his plight but refrains from promising any special accommodations.
Meanwhile, Little James catches a glimpse of a Temple choir singing melodiously, and his mind drifts back to his graduation from cantor school. As his teacher distributes certificates, inquiring about each student's future plans, he is startled when James declares his intention to join the storied 288 in Jerusalem. Pulling him aside, the teacher solemnly explains that James' aspiration is unattainable due to the strict prohibitions, rooted in Leviticus 2:18, that bar individuals with physical deformities or disabilities from entering the priesthood—a regulation now extended to Temple choir singers and other public workers. He urges James to consider a position in a different city, such as Bethany, but James, undeterred, sets his course for Jerusalem. Along his journey, James finds himself unable to ignite a fire and is forced to huddle in his cloak amidst the forest floor, until Thaddeus appears, initially mistaking him for a lifeless form. Soon after, Jesus manifests, kindling a fire and inviting Little James to share his tale.
Later, nearly all the disciples have gathered in the Upper Room. John's eyes dart nervously as Roman soldiers draw near, prompting everyone to duck, though the soldiers merely continue on their way. Realizing Thaddeus is missing, the disciples are plunged into concern over his delay. Meanwhile, Judas, having concluded his meeting with Caiaphas, crosses paths with his sister, Devorah, who has come to Jerusalem for Passover. She reveals her participation in the joyous crowd that greeted Jesus with songs and palms, congratulating her brother for finally being proven right. Though unable to join her for the Seder or disclose his whereabouts, Devorah understands and harbors hope that the prophecies may be fulfilled that very night. Noticing his anxiety, she empathizes with the weight of his responsibilities, irony noted, remarking that because of him, the name of the Iscariots will forever be etched in history. She urges him to do what must be done.
