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 have sent me to say to You: 'Come, because You alone can cure him'." - "Tell them not to worry. This is not a disease that will cause his death, but it is for the glory of God, 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 said, Jonah! Your thought is a wise one. Many rabbis would envy you it." Jesus said to him, before adding: "You are quite right. Imitate your bees, and your soul will become a rich beehive full of precious virtues, and God will come to enjoy it."[5]
He will give Jonah as an example to a Judas at the ultimate stage of the temptation:
"It is already a great thing if he can read a few words… And yet… His words could have been uttered by my lips and my speech would not have seemed to be foolish."[6]
His Name
Jonah means "Dove". Historical reference: the prophet Jonah.