Publisher's Synopsis
Jesus, or 'Yeshu' to everyone, is growing up in tough circumstances. His world-changing ministry, many years later, will reflect such an empathy for the poor and oppressed. Everyone knows not to mess with the Empire, and its soldiers don't hesitate to remind the people of his village. The law is whatever they say it is.
Despite this daily oppression, he remains hopeful, pining for the chance to do... something. Anything that will win respect for his father, his hero, but a man who is much maligned in their village. When he finally gets the long-awaited chance to accompany his hard-working father on a cross-country trip, Yeshu is excited about all the possibilities. Leaving their family at home, the boy and his father head off into the open country. Life is not always joy and rainbows, as Yeshu soon learns, after mere hours on the road. Together, they do what they can in the face of awful surprises, often at the risk of life and limb. All along the way, the Empire tightens its grip on them and their people. But, through each travail, they persevere through a burgeoning faith, growing respect for each other and the heart-warming support of their fellow sufferers. But iron sharpens iron, and the metal's true quality is revealed when the fire is hottest. When finally pressed, their backs against the wall, Yeshu finds a way to finally bring honor to his father, even as that man is shocked at the true cost.
