Like As We Are

The author weaves together the lives of three boys from birth to age twenty-Jesus, the fictional character Samson, and Judas Iscariot.Jesus is born in Bethlehem, taken by his parents to Egypt to escape King Herod, and moves with them at age two to Nazareth. He enjoys childhood play and going with his grandfather to herd sheep. After overhearing gossip, his mother reveals his miraculous birth and Heavenly Father. He attends synagogue school, where he befriends the village waif, Micah....
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The author weaves together the lives of three boys from birth to age twenty-Jesus, the fictional character Samson, and Judas Iscariot.Jesus is born in Bethlehem, taken by his parents to Egypt to escape King Herod, and moves with them at age two to Nazareth. He enjoys childhood play and going with his grandfather to herd sheep. After overhearing gossip, his mother reveals his miraculous birth and Heavenly Father. He attends synagogue school, where he befriends the village waif, Micah. He is assigned chores at his earthly father's carpenter shop and becomes an apprentice following his schooling. Mary informs him of his Messiahship, and when he attends the Passover in Jerusalem at age twelve he remains behind to question the Temple rabbis. He falls in love with his best friend's sister, but, as the Messiah, surrenders his dream of marriage. When Joseph dies, Jesus becomes the family breadwinner. The family faces destitution following an invasion of locusts that destroys the village economy.Samson is born in Capernaum and brought to Nazareth when his father moves there to take over the leather shop after his uncle's death. Samson is an only child, doted on by his mother. His father is a devout Pharisee, and Samson becomes a strict adherent. Large for his age, he bullies those he doesn't like, including Jesus for befriending Micah. He wins the admiration of Jesus's younger brother James. After synagogue schooling, he moves to Jerusalem to become a student of Rabbi Gamaliel.Judas is born in Kerioth. His mother dies following delivery and, in his sorrow, his father rejects him. His sister pleads to take Judas, age five, to Jerusalem as a companion after she marries and moves there. Judas attends synagogue school. He assists Jesus when he is left behind in Jerusalem, and they keep in contact. Judas becomes fascinated watching the merchant Gershom make sales in the Lower City. He becomes an errand boy, then an apprentice, and eventually an employee. The childless couple invite him to live with them. After the wife dies, Gershom wills his house and shop to Judas.