One of the books from the Thomas Jefferson Education recommended reading list. The tells the tale of Artaban, a Magi who was supposed to accompany the Three Wise Men to greet the son of G-d when they saw the star shine brightly in the Heavens. However, Artaban is delayed when he stops to help a sick man in his path. After the man is healed, he tells him to go to Bethlehem where the child has been born and not to Jerusalem. Artaban has sold everything he owns except his horse and provisions to buy three jewels to give as his present sees the need of this man and gives him the sapphire. Artaban arrives in Jerusalem a few days after his fellow Magi have left and the child has been taken elsewhere for his safety. Artaban's life continues in this manner for 33yrs. Always a step behind Jesus because his love of his fellow man leads him to help all that he can in any way he can. At last he is in Damascus on the day that Jesus is to be crucified. Before he can see his savior tho, a young girl runs into him escaping the guards who would put her into slavery to pay her family's debt. He gives the last gem to her and is struck by a falling brick. He lays in her arms as he hears the voice of G-d telling him "Verily I say unto thee, Inasmuch as thou hast done it unto one of my brethren, thou hast done unto me". Thus his journey ends, different than that of his fellow Magi but perhaps the most worthwhile of all.
This is an absolutely incredibly telling of this story. Rich in description of all sorts. In the beginning it's all about describing the external things but as the story progresses, it's about his journey and the despair that haunts him and the choices that tear at him. A short story but incredibly powerful with a message that should be heard by all.
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