A collection of short stories
about first-century people encountering Jesus
A companion to The Innkeeper's Wife.
In thirty years as a priest Zechariah has never been chosen to burn incense before the Lord until the day that leaves him speechless.
Jesus could have saved her brother’s life, but he didn’t come.
Can Martha still trust him?
“Go home,” Rabbi Nicodemus says as they bury her dead teacher,
but Mary will never go back.
Across Judea and Galilee, ordinary men and women meet Jesus of Nazareth at the most fragile moments of their lives—moments of longing, doubt, desperation, and irreversible loss. Some recognize the Messiah and are transformed. Others hesitate… or turn away.
In these short stories, LeAnne Smith Hardy brings the biblical world to life with emotional depth and historical texture, inviting readers to encounter Jesus through the eyes of those who stood at the crossroads of faith—and chose their path.
With stories for Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter and in between, this collection is suitable for teen and adult Bible classes and dramatic character sermons. Costumes welcome!
I Incarnation
The Scent of Incense (Luke 1)
In thirty years as a priest Zechariah has never been chosen to burn incense before the Lord until the day that leaves him speechless.
In the Sight of All Nations (Luke 2:22-40)
Simeon has a promise from God that he won’t die before seeing the Lord’s Salvation, but that Salvation looks nothing like what he’s been expecting.
Sages from Afar (Matthew 2:1-12)
The travelers who come to little Tirza’s father’s inn are dressed like kings, but what are these strange gifts they bring?
II God with Us
The Appointed One Comes (John 1:29-42)
Jesus’ cousin John wonders if he’ll recognize the one for whom he's been preparing the way before he takes a last message to the corrupt ruler.
Where the Wind Blows (John 3:1-21)
A new grandfather, Nicodemus wonders if the rules he has lived by are worth the effort until Jesus tells him how he can start over.
Everything I Ever Did (John 4:4-42)
A bitter Dinah finds someone at the town well who tells her everything she’s ever done—and still cares about her.
Heavy as a Millstone(Lk 5:17-26)
If people knew the truth, they wouldn’t be so eager to carry Kalev to Jesus to be healed.
Tassels (Mk 5:22-33)
After twelve years of suffering, she’s weak, penniless, and divorced. If only she could get near enough Jesus to touch his clothing.
Seen (John 9)
Shmuel has been “that blind beggar” his whole life, and he’s sick of not being seen.
Behind the Barns (Mark 10:17-22; Luke 12:16-21)
Boaz is preparing to tear down his old barns and build new when he meets Jesus. Will he change his mind after the prophet’s strange advice?
The Healer (Mk 7:24-30)
The popular healer’s people have cursed Baalot’s for centuries, but he may be her little daughter’s only hope.
Stripping the Grave Clothes (John 11)
Jesus could have saved her brother’s life. But he didn’t come. Can Martha still trust him?
The Dinner Party (Luke 7:36-50; John 12:1-11)
A prominent Pharisee and healed leper, Simon can pay his debt to Jesus and regain his status in the community, all with one dinner party, and then she shows up.
III The Passion
The Olive Grove (Mark 14:12-52)
It’s women’s work, but Jesus’ presence at young Marcos’s home must be kept secret.
Out of the Darkness (Mt 27:33-56; Mk 15:22-41; Lk 23:33-49; Jn 19:17-30)
It isn’t the first crucifixion Centurion Longinus has seen, but it’s certainly the strangest. Who is this man?
IV The Truth and the Life
The Garden (John 19:38-20:18)
“Go home,” Rabbi Nicodemus says as they bury her dead rabbi, but Mary can never go back to Magdala.
The Long Road Home (Luke 24:13-25)
“If only it were true,” Miriam says as she and her husband return home to Emmaus, and then the stranger joins them and changes everything.
On the Beach (John 21:1-23)
Jesus is alive, but fishing is all Peter knew before he met the rabbi. Now it’s all he has left.
Author’s Note
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