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Jesus the Son of Man · Chapter

Sarkis, an Old Greek Shepherd, Called the Madman explained

In a dream, the old Greek shepherd Sarkis envisions Jesus and the god Pan sitting together in a forest, conversing and playing music.

What happens

In a dream, the old Greek shepherd Sarkis envisions Jesus and the god Pan sitting together in a forest, conversing and playing music. They share their wisdom about nature, with Pan speaking of earthly secrets and Jesus of growth and divine care. They exchange instruments, and Jesus plays a flute that evokes pastoral scenes and memories. They then play together, their music stirring both terror and peace across the world.

Themes in this chapter

  • Nature and the Divine

    The dream portrays Jesus and Pan in harmony, with nature as a meeting ground for the divine and the mythological.

Characters to notice

  • Jesus

    Appears in a dream, conversing with Pan and playing a flute, symbolizing harmony between nature and the divine.

  • Sarkis

    The dreamer, an old Greek shepherd, who witnesses the encounter and is deeply moved.

Key passages

  • “In a dream I saw Jesus and my god Pan sitting together in the heart of the forest.”

    I dreamed that Jesus and my god Pan were sitting together deep in the forest.

    Sets the scene of the dream.

  • “And Jesus said: 'Good brother, you have the glade and the rocky height in your reeds.'”

    Jesus complimented Pan, saying his music captured the essence of the glade and the rocky heights.

    Jesus acknowledges Pan's connection to nature.

  • “And their music smote heaven and earth, and a terror struck all living things.”

    Their combined music struck heaven and earth, causing terror among all living beings.

    The power of their music is overwhelming.

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