This fast-paced novel sheds new light on the story of Jesus and his times. You will meet: JESUS, who was born,lived and died as a Jew; who drew on his Jewish tradition; who taught the love of man and God; and who saw himself as the Messiah. JUDAS, who believed in Jesus from start to finish; who became trapped in a political power-play; and who still believed desperately that he was helping Jesus bring the New Heaven and the New Earth into being. BARABBAS, head of the Zealots, who believed in violence against Rome. MARY MAGDALENE, a prostitute, who offered Judas her kind of love, while he offered her a different kind of love. CAIAPHAS, the High Priest, who was under total control of Pontius Pilate, the Roman procurator. RABBI GAMALIEL, head of the Sanhedrin, who would not deliver Jesus, or any innocent Jew, to death. PONTIUS PILATE, who saw Jesus as a threat to Rome, and schemed his death. Rolf Gompertz, an observant, practicing Jew, who fled Nazi Germany with his parents, says: "I wanted to create understanding between Jews and Christians, so we may live together, side by side, respectful of one another, in dignity and peace."