On his way to Galilee, Jesus and his disciples saw a man sitting on the side of the road. The man appeared troubled and was weeping. Jesus approached the man and sat beside him.
As he continued to weep, Jesus put his arm around the man and drew him close. So the man leaned against Jesus and began to weep even more.
Jesus' disciples approach them and said, "Rabbi, who is this man to us? Why should his troubles concern us so?"
"The weight of a mountain lies on this man's shoulders, " said Jesus, "a weight so heavy that he is not able to bear it any longer. It is for this reason that our paths have crossed. Where else are would we to go at this moment? For you, the Kingdom of God lies in Jerusalem, in the streets where all can see and praise awaits you. For you, the Kingdom of God lies in Rome, beholding a great military victory. For you, the Kingdom of God lies in a destination. Somewhere we must go to. But I tell you the truth. The Kingdom of God is here, in this moment, lifting the burdens from this man's shoulders and carrying it for him. The Kingdom of God is here and now."
At this, Jesus' disciples were amazed and said nothing more. They sat down with Jesus and the man and asked Jesus to teach them more about the Kingdom. They also made a fire and prepared a meal to share together.
Jesus said to them, "Are you still unsure of what I have told you? There is nothing more you need to know of the Kingdom of God, but what you see here. You're questioning and doubts only delay us."
After they shared a meal together, the man looked at Jesus and said, "Lord, I see the Kingdom of God. It is at hand and I believe in the words you speak. I will follow you."
Jesus looked at the man with compassion. "You do believe and you will follow. But for now, my path is not your path. Leave your burdens here. Go and reveal the Kingdom of God, just as you have seen it, for where you go, the Kingdom will be."
Immediately, the man got up, picked up his cloak and went on his way, praising the Lord and declaring the Kingdom of God.
Jesus' disciples said nothing, but left this place, also praising God and declaring His Kingdom in it's fullness."
