Step back to Ancient palestine, and ask: What could a cynical, non-conformist dry-goods salesman, a disgruntled blacksmith, and a musing mendicant all have in common? The answer: Down deep, they all seek something better.
The non-conformist, Manaheem, Herod's truth-seeking foster brother, is hired by Herod to foment an insurrection against Pontius Pilate, whom he distrusts. Manaheem recruits the blacksmith, Barabbas, to be the insurrection leader, to the dismay of Barabbas' Godly but fearful wife (when he finally tells her).
The mendicant, an unfortunate but pensive young man named Timotheus, joins with an older beggar completely unsympathetic to his musings.
Pontius Pilate sees himself as a weak ruler, but his wife pushes him to be stronger and to even take over Herod's territory.
Manaheem re-unites with his former wife, Claressa. In need of more money, after much soul searching, he tries twice to blackmail Herod, losing Claressa in the process. Will he win her back?. John the Baptist preaches to Herod and looses his head.
Barabbas, also in need of more money, turns to robbery, enlisting the aid of the two beggars. Timotheus hesitates and almost turns back, but then decides to go along. Will the result be riches or disaster?
Of Such Is The Kingdom is a work of literary fiction subtitled ‘A Novel of Biblical Times in 3 Parts’, and was penned by author James M. Becher. Generally suitable for readers of all types, with the exception of a few violent scenes, this sweeping epic work takes on the historical ambiance of the Roman era and combines it with literary considerations that bring biblical times and stories to life. The central conflict of the novel focuses on Herod’s foster brother, Manaheem, a wayward non-conformist tasked to foment an insurrection against Pontius Pilate. The people he recruits for this ominous task have their own quests to undergo, and their own struggles to endure.
A combination of powerful Christian fiction and compelling historical intrigue and drama, author James M. Becher has created a work which will suit many different tastes and approaches. The central plot with Manaheem and Barabbas showcases two very different men who find themselves in dire times, steeped with political intrigue and facing their own trials during the last days of Jesus Christ. Alongside this, many other figures are featured and given excellent character development to create a holistic view of ancient Palestine and its nature as a powder keg of intolerance and blood. Becher recounts some gory action moments superbly well and mediates these with tender, emotive scenes where his characters are put to the test to find their own deeper purpose. Overall, Of Such Is The Kingdom will satisfying readers on many inspiring and interesting levels.
Of Such Is The Kingdom is a fictional novel based on Biblical truths. James Becher has artfully taken the events surrounding Jesus' time here on earth and told what could have been from each characters perspective. The story has a powerful message that has clearly been displayed throughout the novel. Mr. Becher takes you through a wide range of emotions from beginning to end. As you turn the final pages having just been taken through Jesus' last days on earth, you are left not only feeling grateful for what He's done for us, but also hopeful and joyful, knowing that the Gospel of Jesus Christ affects and changes the lives of all who hears it. This is a great novel that I'm sure you will enjoy!
Beneath every human beings virtues and foibles, a singular hunger lies waiting for a revelation which will create a powerful direction that supercedes all other human goals. James M. Becher takes the reader back to the lifetime of Jesus Christ, into the homes, conversations, and deeds of ordinary and extraordinary individuals who were so deeply affected by the birth of this man.
Meet Manaheem, Herod's foster brother, who on one hand attempts to influence history by helping his brother to unseat Pontius Pilate, the Roman Procurator, and on the other hand who knows there is something more to life than the grasping machinations he plans and which his brother carries out.
Observe Pilate, the ruler who holds a most undesirable position of authority in a world so unlike the Rome he loves and whose spiritual wife attempts to influence her husband from committing acts sure to doom his political career and damn his all too human soul.
Watch Timotheus, a beggar, who is deeply affected by Jesus' appearances but whose openness is constantly redirected by his companion, Lucas's, desire for more money.
Finally, meet Barabbas, a simple blacksmith who is engaged to carry out a coup against Pilate and who turns to robbery after the political plot fails. On the one hand he is portrayed as any ordinary crook but on the other hand has the same innate needs that will promise less futile struggling and more peacefulness and security. The man whose death sentence replaces that of Barabbas continues to haunt him so much that he follows the condemned prisoner's path and demise to its very last moment.
Earthly plots fail and the horrendous dying process Jesus experiences, accompanied by a desperate plea to God, compassionate words, and a moving surrender to his mission, affects everyone involved in this momentous event.
Read this book to discover the fictional yet all too probable, and powerful, effect of one man sent to speak to the heart of every human being within this novel and those who read it.
Very nicely written, J. M. Becher!
