Chapters 16-20 Summary

Jerusalem is clothed in green, has driven the scapegoat into the desert, overflows with the blood of sacrifices, and stinks. After a few days of piety, pilgrims turn to prostitutes. Nauseated, Jesus hurries through, keeping his followers away from Peter's friend, Simon of Cyrene. They have washed to enter the Temple when Jesus staggers, seeing a fiery, menacing angel, and flees, convincing Judas that he is too squeamish be the Messiah. Jesus' half-brother, Jacob, a Pharisee, is seen writhing in religious ecstasy. Andrew and John shield Jesus from the man who is hunting this family disgrace. In the grove at Gethsemane, Jesus revives. Andrew describes John the Baptist as another Elijah. They descend into an Inferno, are again refreshed in Jericho, and continue to the lifeless Dead Sea. Andrew wants to introduce Jesus, but Jesus prefers to go alone. Judas insists...