Jonah of Bethany, the messenger
This servant of Martha succeeds the old man Ishmael in taking care of the hives of Bethany.[1] This nearly illiterate peasant is a man of trust. He is indeed entrusted with going to urgently announce, and in secret, the onset of the agony of Lazarus to Jesus.
He will ride at full speed to accomplish his Mission which will seem to fail:- "They sent me to tell you: Come, for You alone can heal him."
- "Tell them to stay calm, it is not a deadly illness, but it is the glory of God so that His power may be glorified in His Son."[2]
Character and Appearance
A graying head.[3]
Apostolic Journey
Former disciple of John the Baptist. He went to the Jordan Ford to purify himself there[4]. He shows a sharp spiritual depth in listening to Jesus and contemplating his bees:"Well done, Jonah! You had a wise thought. Many rabbis would envy you." Jesus said to him, before adding: "You really speak well. Imitate your bees, and your Soul will become a rich hive, full of precious Virtues, and God will delight in it."[5]He will give Jonah as an example to a Judas at the ultimate stage of the Temptation:
"It is already much if he can read a few words... And yet... His words could have been on my lips without my Master's word seeming foolish."
His Name
Jonah means "Dove". Historical reference: the prophet Jonah.
Where is he mentioned in the work?
EMV 543 EMV 544 EMV 545 EMV 582