would have to start examining them all over again. Either way, after the CIA agents checked the sphere in DC, and they examined the Harvard stone, she would have her answer.
Another potential roadblock was that, even if they found the directions to the tomb, they had no way of knowing if such directions would still be relevant today. Ancient texts frequently mention landmarks which are unrecognizable today or no longer exist.
Yet, if they did find the stone—and the directions—the possibility existed they would not only find the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, but they would reach the end treasure as well: the earthly objects of Jesus Christ .
The thought of such a wondrous discovery brought a mild shiver. Suddenly, a sneeze overcame Jade before she barely had time to cover her mouth.
“God bless you,” Diaz said.
“Thank you,” Jade said with a nod.
Tolen spoke, “It’s interesting that the origin of the word bless is from the English word bledsian , which means ‘to consecrate with blood.’ In essence, when you say ‘God bless you’ to someone, the literal meaning is, ‘God bathe you in blood.’ ”
Diaz stared at Tolen with a raised eyebrow and a disgusted frown.
Jade found herself suppressing a laugh at Diaz’s expression.
Tolen flicked an overhead cabin light on, turning toward Jade. “Isn’t it true Jesus is only mentioned in two pieces of literary work in the first century?”
“I’m not the biblical archaeologist. That was Dr. Cherrigan. But yes, according to what I’ve read, Jesus of Nazareth is referenced in the Bible, of course, and also by the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus.”
Tolen nodded. “It’s interesting that Josephus wasn’t born until 37 AD. In a single paragraph, he mentions Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, thus confirming his divinity. Oddly, no writer before the 4 th century makes reference to Josephus’ text.”
“And what does that mean?” Diaz said in an irritated tone, inclining his head.
Tolen continued. “It’s interesting if you consider Flavius Josephus was an orthodox Jew, yet he strongly upholds the Christian ideology with this one paragraph. Strange that Josephus would make such a brief mention of a figure who was considered so prominent.”
Diaz’s face colored. “Are you not a Christian?”
“We’re not here to discuss my beliefs, Inspector Diaz. I’m simply mentioning the facts.”
Diaz stared at Tolen incredulously. “These so-called facts…you don’t believe Jesus existed?”
“I only mentioned the evidence as it has been cited.”
“You’re asserting that Flavius Josephus, the historian, made up the information about Jesus? Is that what historians in America do? Make up history?” Diaz asked with rising agitation.
“Actually, I think Josephus was an intelligent man who penned only factual information,” Tolen responded in an even tone. Jade was intrigued at how he remained calm in the face of Diaz’s growing anger, but even she was unclear what point Tolen was trying to make.
Diaz shook his head in confusion. “Then, Señor,” he half smiled, “you have just contradicted yourself. If he only wrote the truth, and he mentioned Jesus in his writings, then there is your evidence that Jesus existed!”
“I agree with you.”
Tolen’s response surprised both Diaz and Jade. Diaz gave a confused smile. Jade watched as Tolen offered her a furtive gaze. At that moment, she realized the other shoe was about to fall.
Tolen went on. “The fact is, the first person known to have quoted Josephus’ text related to Jesus was Bishop Eusebius about the year 340 AD. The hyperbolic language in this single paragraph—such as the use of the word ‘divine’ and ‘foretold’—was incongruent with the Jewish historian’s style of writing. This has led some scholars to conclude that Flavius Josephus’ tome had been altered, possibly by Bishop Eusebius, and the reference to Jesus was integrated hundreds of years after the
Rebecca Hamilton, Conner Kressley