Ishmael the steward of Johanan
Entrusted by Johanan to watch over Jesus, he first receives favorable orders:
"He said to me: 'If the Rabbi of Israel should come, let Him stop in my fields and let Him speak to my servants. They will do more work for us, because He teaches only good things'."[1]The fear of the disasters that befell his neighbor Doras plays a part! Jesus advises the steward:
"[...] moderate his orders, because you know how burdensome in actual fact is the work of a man in the fields and you are well-liked by your master. But it is better for you to lose his favour and your position, rather than lose your soul."[1]This is what will happen later. Indeed, Johanan radically changes his attitude towards Jesus and gives orders accordingly. Meanwhile, the Steward has converted:
"Woe betide you if you love my enemy and if you allow the servants to love Him. I do not want my land to be anathematised by receiving that cursed man’. But now that I know Him, how can I consider that order just? I said to the master: ‘Last year you spoke differently, but He is always the same’. He beat me a first time. I said: ‘I am not a slave, and even if I were, you would not be in possession of my thought. My thought judges Him to be holy Who you say is cursed’."[2]He decides to leave his master.
He is the one who comes to announce that the Grandfather of Marjiam is dying.
Apostolic journey
His name
Ismael (Ishma'el) means "God hears". Historical reference: the son Abraham had with Hagar, the Egyptian servant. This Ismael was supplanted by Isaac.
Where is he mentioned in the work?
GRM 109 GRM 432 GRM 443