Brother James: Growing Up With the Messiah

by Chris Lambert

The name Jesus evokes very strong reactions in English-speaking Christians. It is actually the Greek translation of Joshua. I kept the original Joshua to stress his human side.

Wasn't one of Jesus' brothers named Joshua?

like my brothers. Joshua and Simon are up ahead with Joses, walking a few paces ahead of me. Jude and I are right in front of Dad,

check brothers' names

“I don’t know.” Simon and Joses turn to us and wait for us to catch up. They’re both really white. Joses’s eyes are big as plates. They walk on the other side of Dad. Joshua is beside Jude and behind half a step. We’re all walking really close to Dad. “So those men just stand there tied to the beam until they die?” “Yes.” “Why do they do that?” “Because that’s what the Romans do to criminals.” “Why?” “Because they’re Romans.”

a little confusing here? who is talking when? why "beside Jude and behind half a step"?

“God protects those who hold his grace in their hearts,” says Joshua. Everyone stops and looks at him. He’s only nine. We’re supposed to stay quiet unless they ask us something.

“So what did you guys think?” asks Jude. “I could hardly see anything.” “The noise,” says Joses.

I start to get really lost here...are they trying to sleep ... or remembering... of is this happening now?