THE TOMB By Stephanie Landsem
Once again, Stephanie Landsem had me hooked from the first page of her new biblical novel. It is the story of Martha—the sister of Mary and Lazarus. We all know how Jesus resurrected Lazarus from the dead, but the Bible doesn’t tell much about the life of this family. Landsem explores the question; what if Jesus was Martha, Mary and Lazarus’ cousin? How would they respond to the hostilities against Jesus and him being the Messiah?
Martha has a huge secret. If the people of Bethany knew what she had done, they would no longer hold her in high esteem and call her holy. She would be stoned to death for sure. Living with her secret and being unmarried has Martha worried for seven long years. With their father dead and buried, Lazarus is the head of the family. He promised his father on his sickbed to do what is right for Martha. Surely that means to find her a good husband. When he discovers that he is sick and perhaps dying, he agrees to a betrothal between Martha and a Pharisee called Simon. He believes Simon is just and upright and forgiving, and will surely take Martha and her secret into his house and be a good husband to her.
On the shores of Galilee, a young man is possessed by demons. They have tormented him for seven years; they invaded his mind so that he no longer knows who he is. During brief lucid moments, he sometimes remembers that someone is waiting for him – but he has no idea who it is.One day, Jesus and his disciples pass the lake and find him. The demons tremble and call him Son of the Most High God. Jesus frees the young man from his demons and tells him to go to his family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done to him.Soon, he remembers that his name is Isa, but as far as he knows he doesn’t have any family. Of whom was Jesus speaking? About a week later, he remembers Martha – but will he find her before it is too late?
I could easily imagine myself in Bethany among Martha’s family and friends. I felt her heartache and doubts – the anxiety that Lazarus is dying – the desperation to be betrothed to a man she despises – Jesus not coming in time to heal Lazarus – Isa coming back too late. How will she ever be free and happy again?
Excellent writing by a very talented author who knows how to spin a fascinating tale around several happenings during Jesus’ time on earth – and keep the reader spellbound throughout the whole book. Highly recommended!
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