A short story of a son’s struggle

Inspired by the pedagogue identified in Galatians 3:24.

This is a fictional short story meant to depict the meaning behind “guardian” in Galatians 3:24. I acknowledge it is not a perfect analogy. May you still find it aid in your pursuit of God.

This is the second part in this series on Galatians 3:24.

The first post is here.
This is the second post.
A third post is here.

From Tarnished to Redeemed: The Story of a Son’s Struggle 

As a Roman Senator’s son, I have found myself in the precarious position of breaking the law instituted by none other than my father. At first, I was unmindful of the severity. But my immaturity had a far-reaching impact that reverberated beyond my understanding still. Despite not meaning to, I have committed treason. And it is my fault; I cannot deny the guilt that weighs on me. 

Given the attention of my scandal and its subsequent trial that was ending with a death sentence, my father proposed an alternative to appease the court. At a tremendous cost to himself – and my brother, he purchased the Pedagogue: an enslaved individual the Senate held in its possession. I still cannot dwell on the cost my father and brother committed to paying. They gave all for me.  

My attention hastily swiveled to my newfound guardian – The Pedagogue. It was my father who bestowed this title upon him. No other name or moniker to hang upon his grim face. A devoted servant to the empire, he is unequivocally passionate about the intricacies of law – making him Rome’s go-to expert on legal matters. The Senate persistently summons his knowledge to explore the minute details of the law. Before I came to terms with his importance in my life, he seemed like a fastidious man who scuttled about for no apparent reason. 

Was it fate that the Pedagogue acted as my accuser and pushed for me to be executed? I shall never forget the nightmarish sight of him smiling; due to my father’s desperate plea, I had been granted a reprieve from death. It came at a terrible cost: I was being taken under his supervision while my father and brother committed themselves to the court for my reprieve.  

Since my execution was the initial verdict, I grabbed this chance to be under the tutelage of this hawkish miser. Following a Senate decision, I was promised freedom and restoration to my family and country if I endured the teaching of the Pedagogue until my eldest brother inherits from our father. Before anything else, my father and brother had the responsibility of fully compensating for all my wrongdoings per Roman law. 

The Pedagogue was an anomaly, a penny-pincher who knew the law bordering on encyclopedic. There was no mercy or compassion within him. He is emotionless, cold as stone, and complete in his punishments. At first, life with the Pedagogue was a terror. I was in stocks or paraded daily wearing a sign decrying my “shall not” of the day. All the while, he would quote the law. No commentary. No dialogue. Just law. Who would have guessed the sheer number of rules that exist? The Pedagogue’s impressive knowledge of each one makes it even more astonishing. 

But sometimes, I would hear whispers of my father’s work…and my brother’s. If the rumors were accurate, they have embraced many of those I wronged; adopted into my family as my brothers and sisters. My family is growing?! That is the rumor.  

The Pedagogue gives hints too. I wonder if he knows it. Indeed, he knows. Now I understand that the law was created to enable people like my father to seize this incredible opportunity. I swell in the pride of my father. Throughout the entire trial, my family remained unwaveringly supportive and faithful to me. Despite my tarnishing their good name, my father and brother keep me close.  

Even now, they are working. And that knowledge – that my family has not abandoned me but is working to redeem me – has made this tutelage easier. 

The End. 

I am Iz. I am a follower of Jesus, seeking to understand the world around me. I use my life experiences and struggles as a platform to reach out and help others, offering insight into how faith in Jesus overcomes any obstacle. I pray my blog will be a beacon of hope for you who face similar challenges. May this be an encouragement to you.