Assia: Captivating 1st Century Biblical Novel (Servant Siblings)

Assia: Captivating 1st Century Biblical Novel (Servant Siblings)

In a clash of calling and future, Assia must choose to stay or follow her heart. Assia bat Joseph’s hope was restored when Jesus’ resurrection declared him as the Messiah. His promise to return and establish his kingdom filled her with anticipation. But as the weeks stretch on, impatience grows among his followers and her own family. Plans to return home excite Assia, who eagerly looks forward to reuniting with her betrothed. Yet, the warnings Jesus left behind to remain in Jerusalem leave her heart in turmoil. Faced with a choice between the life she has long awaited and the promises of a returning Messiah, Assia must decide where her true path lies. Experience the renewed hope of centuries of promise as Assia is torn between her betrothed and her Messiah in Assia , Book 3 of the Servant Siblings series. "I love this author and these books. I never read Jennifer Jennings prior to starting this series but I'm now a committed fan. These are relatively short reads (easily finished in 2 days if not less). She brings characters to life, vividly interpreting Biblical times and scripture." ★★★★★ from Mae Clair Dear Reader, I'd like to take a moment to introduce this fictionalized family of Jesus before you dive into their stories. There are some things you might encounter in this series that don't perfectly align with traditional viewpoints. First, remember you discovered this book in the fiction section. The story's primary duty, as with all fiction, is to entertain. While doing so, my writing attempts to shed light on Scriptural truths and show God's work in our lives in the context of history and ancient culture, but these do not make it Canon. Second, remember that simply because one sect of Christianity holds a certain viewpoint, doesn't make it the only correct one. There are many traditions of all sects that are based on human interpretation and bias that don't find solid footing in Scripture. I am not speaking of doctrinal theology clearly laid out in God's Word, but those viewpoints and practices unique to sects that are merely traditions. It is often a delicate task for a Biblical Historical Fiction novelist to separate modern views from historical facts, ancient culture, and Biblical truth. I'd like to offer a few considerations based on research that might rub against modern views in this series.   One of those viewpoints is that Joseph and Jesus were carpenters. Some of us have vivid memories of sermons and dramas depicting Jesus working exclusively with wood. While not completely outside the realm of possibilities, the truth of their profession may more accurately align with what we would call a "handyman." The Greek word tektón appears only twice in the New Testament and encompasses a more general career of "craftsman." One Biblical reference is to Joseph (Matthew 13:55) and one about Jesus (Mark 6:3). Both of these references are found in the story of Jesus' denial in Nazareth. Both also speak of his familial relationship with his mother Mary, his four named brothers, and "all of his sisters." These people became the primary focus of this series. This word was later translated as "carpenter" by people who had a plethora of fantastic wood available and who used wood in prominent ways in their time. The fact is that during Jesus' days in Nazareth, wood was scarce and what was available would not have made suitable building materials outside of shelves, doors, or tables. Almost everything else was made of stone. As the Jewish population was reaching the heights of its legalism, stone became the most prominent building material. They preferred stone to wood because wood absorbed impurities while stone did not. There have also been archaeological discoveries that reveal a stone quarry near Nazareth, which contained a workshop where stone items were produced on-site. A city called Sepphoris was also within walking distance of Nazareth and was undergoing mass stone building projects during the years of Jesus. These seem to point to a culture more focused on stonework over wood. Does that mean Jesus never worked with wood? Absolutely not. But these discoveries paint a picture in which Joseph, seeking to care for a family of at least nine people, might have focused his skills more on stone and taught his sons to do the same. This family might have had expanded skills in building design, woodwork, masonry, and more. The second viewpoint is a much more delicate and highly debated one. Though I have no room here (or desire) to debate centuries' worth of viewpoints and traditions, I would like to address one person who might step into a different light in this series. While imagining the family surrounding Jesus, I had to come to decisions about his mother, Mary. Studying under Protestant teachings, I know views on Mary as I understand them significantly differ from those of other Christian sects. My goal in developing Mary as a character was not to paint in her light of a certain sect, but to sho