The Official Writing Challenge
BACK TO
CHALLENGE
MAIN
INSTRUCTIONS
how it works
submission rules
guidelines for
choosing a level
ENTRIES
submit your entry
read current entries
read past entries
challenge winners
Our Daily Devotional HERE
Place it on your site or
receive it daily by email.


TRUST JESUS TODAY

  • Share
  • how it works
  • Submit
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of "A Man is Known by the Company He Keeps" (without using the actual phrase). (01/31/08)
Nothing but Riff Raff.


The Sanhedrin sat in conference discussing recent events in Jerusalem, “What do you think of the fact that Herod arrested the baptiser?” Councilor 1

“Are you surprised? He publicly accused Herod of adultery with his brother Phillip’s wife.” Councilor 2

“The problem is, John’s right you know, and the only way to avoid great scandal and political upheaval is to remove him from the scene.” Nicodemus.

“Yes! But he won’t be able to hold him indefinitely without a trial and then the fat will really be in the fire.” Joseph of Arimethea said.

“No problem! Herod had him beheaded,” Councilor 3

Simon interjected, “ We have a greater problem with John’s winebibber cousin, this Jesus of Nazareth, the carpenters son.” “He hobnobs with prostitutes and publicans and all manner of sinners, and yet he has been healing the lame, the blind and even lepers according to the grapevine. Why I heard the other day that Jairus’ daughter was certified dead but was later seen alive after Jesus and certain of his followers had visited. These rumors are causing a lot of damage.”

“What rumors Simon? I have reason to believe that these things are actually happening. Don’t you remember the man who was born blind,?" Nicodemus asked.

“Nothing has really been substantiated, when challenged the witnesses go to ground,” Simon replied.

“Hear! Hear!” Echoed the council.


Joseph of Arimethea said, “ We must not judge him too soon.”

“Are you and Nicodemus becoming his disciples as well?” asked, Caiaphas the High priest, “We may find, like Herod, that it will be better for us politically if this Jesus dies to save the nation. The Romans won’t tolerate another Jewish Messiah.”

“ Yes! We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, this man is obviously a sinner Look at the People he associates with; prostitutes, publicans, uneducated fishermen; all the riff raff of society.” Simon.

“It’s obvious that his magic is derived from Satan’s power. He casts out demons through Beelzebub, not our God!” Councilor 1

“We’ll need to be cautious; he is very clever, just look at some of the answers he has given” replied Annas, the High Priests father in law.

“Well are we agreed then? This Jesus of Nazareth is another imposter like the others and any riff raff blaspheming the name of God should die.”

The chamber echoed once again with “Hear! Hear!”

There was a tumult outside as Jesus of Nazareth approached the city on an ass and the people sang out, “Hosanna to the king that cometh in the name of the Lord!”

Jesus entered the temple and overturned the tables and opened the cages and pens saying, “Why do you make my Fathers house a house of merchandise?” “It should be a place of prayer!” The chaos that resulted had the temple guard drive Jesus and his followers out of the temple area for fear of a riot. There were great numbers in Jerusalem for the Passover and a riot could easily ensue.

Two days later the High priest and the Sanhedrin had their wish; Jesus died the death of a common criminal on a cross and his followers were scattered. This common riff raff was out of their hair,

Or was he?

Yet another three days and Jesus was seen to be alive again by his followers. It is reported that he was seen by over 500 at one time. As a result a new band of men continued the miracles and ministry of this new Messiah and today there are millions of people all over the world that follow this Jesus. They sing of their association with him, “I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold.” They are glad to be known to associate with him.

(630 Words)
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE

JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
This article has been read 869 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Laury Hubrich 
02/08/08
This was like peeking through the door to listen in on what was happening. Very creative. I think, I could be wrong, but I think that you went the anti-topic route. That will make you lose points in the ratings. I would highly suggest you join the message board. On there, members comment and talk about what the topics means and give each other advice. Also, please proofread your work or have someone else do it. You have talent, let it shine in a good piece of well-polished work!
Laury
Joshua Janoski
02/08/08
I really liked this piece. It felt as if I was there listening to the Pharisees plot against Jesus.

I think this story was conveying a message opposite of the proverb though. Regardless, I enjoyed the message that the author chose to convey. Good job!
Hanne Moon 
02/09/08
You did a good job on the back and forth dialogue in the meeting area of the sanhedrin. However, you probably should either read up on rules of punctuation and grammar, or get a buddy to proof your entries. There were a lot of glaring errors in that regard. Your choice of example of the topic is probably going to be considered anti-topic, because Jesus's association with prostitutes and thieves doesn't show the meaning of the proverb. You have a lot of potential and I would encourage you to keep writing!