Jesus the Son of Man · Chapter
Susannah of Nazareth, a Neighbour of Mary explained
Susannah, a neighbor of Mary in Nazareth, recounts the crucifixion of Jesus and the profound grief and strength of Mary.
What happens
Susannah, a neighbor of Mary in Nazareth, recounts the crucifixion of Jesus and the profound grief and strength of Mary. After Jesus's death, Mary returns to Nazareth, and Susannah seeks comfort from her after her own son leaves for the sea. Mary speaks of Jesus as a 'seafarer' and consoles Susannah with the idea that women are forever the womb and cradle, not the tomb. The chapter also recalls Mary's journey to Jerusalem to witness Jesus's arrest and crucifixion, her unwavering faith, and her final words to Jesus on the cross.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Sacrifice
The chapter vividly portrays the physical and emotional suffering of Jesus and Mary, and the sacrificial nature of his death.
Humanity and Divinity of Jesus
Mary's reflections on Jesus as both her son and a divine being highlight the tension between his human and divine natures.
Love and Forgiveness
Mary's unconditional love for Jesus and her forgiveness of those who caused his death are central to the chapter.
Characters to notice
- Mary
The mother of Jesus, who displays profound strength and faith during the crucifixion and later consoles Susannah.
- Jesus
Crucified, he speaks to Mary and John from the cross, and is remembered by Mary as a 'seafarer'.
- John the Beloved Disciple
Present at the crucifixion, Jesus entrusts Mary to his care.
- Susannah
The narrator, a neighbor of Mary, who seeks comfort from Mary after her own son leaves for the sea.
Key passages
“My son, who is not my son; man who once visited my womb, I glory in your power. I know that every drop of blood that runs down from your hands shall be the well-stream of a nation.”
Mary acknowledges Jesus as both her son and a divine being, and recognizes that his sacrifice will give birth to a new people.
Mary's speech at the crucifixion, blending maternal love with spiritual insight.
“Woman shall be forever the womb and the cradle but never the tomb. We die that we may give life unto life even as our fingers spin the thread for the raiment that we shall never wear.”
Mary comforts Susannah by explaining that women's purpose is to nurture and give life, even if they do not directly benefit from their labor.
Mary's consolation to Susannah, reflecting on the role of women.