← All chapters

Jesus the Son of Man · Chapter

Jotham of Nazareth, to a Roman explained

Jotham of Nazareth writes to a Roman friend, contrasting the Roman conception of life through conquest and rule with the spiritual kingdom of Jesus.

What happens

Jotham of Nazareth writes to a Roman friend, contrasting the Roman conception of life through conquest and rule with the spiritual kingdom of Jesus. He emphasizes that Jesus was a man, not a god, and that his power lies in the spirit, not in armies or ships. Jotham predicts that while Rome will fall, it may be revived by Jesus's spirit if it humbles itself.

Themes in this chapter

  • Spiritual vs. Political Kingdom

    The letter contrasts the Roman political empire with Jesus's spiritual kingdom, emphasizing the latter's enduring power.

  • Humanity and Divinity of Jesus

    Jotham insists Jesus was a man, not a god, yet his words carried a divine quality, highlighting the mystery of his nature.

Characters to notice

  • Jesus

    Described as a simple man who came without armies or ships to establish a kingdom in the heart.

  • Jotham

    The author of the letter, a follower of Jesus, who contrasts Roman ways with the spiritual path.

Key passages

  • “He was not a god, He was a man like unto ourselves; but in Him the myrrh of the earth rose to meet the frankincense of the sky; and in His words our lisping embraced the whispering of the unseen; and in His voice we heard a song unfathomable.”

    Jesus was fully human, yet his life and words bridged the earthly and the divine, revealing a profound spiritual depth.

    Highlights the theme of Jesus's humanity and divinity.

  • “We who follow the spirit shall sweat blood while journeying after Him. But Rome shall lie a white skeleton in the sun.”

    Followers of Jesus will endure great suffering, but Rome's empire will eventually crumble.

    Contrasts the suffering of the faithful with the fall of political power.

Read this chapter freeBook page