Jesus Assists Two Courtesans 

During their sojourn in Rome, Ganid noted that Jesus refused to accompany him and his father, Gonod, to the public baths because of the sexual promiscuity that took place there. Ganid asked Jesus several times to share his thoughts about the relationships between men and women, but Jesus never seemed disposed to discuss these subjects atgreat length.As Ganid and Jesus strolled around Corinth one evening, two courtesans approached them. Knowing that Jesus was a man of high ideals who detested everything impure and evil, Ganid spoke rudely to these women to send them away.

After Ganid spoke to the women, Jesus said, "You mean well, but you shouldnot presume thus to speak to the children of God, even though they chance to be his erring children. Who are we that we should sit in judgment on these women? Do you happen to know all of the circumstances which led them to resort to such methods of obtaining a livelihood? Stop here with me while we talk about these matters."Both Ganid and the courtesans were astounded by these words. In the moonlight, Jesus said, "There lives within every human mind a divine spirit, the gift of the Father in heaven…which strives to lead us to God, to help us to find God and to know God." Jesus went on, "I can tell that these women have had really difficult lives, and they did not make their livings in this way by choice. In their despair, they thought they had no choice but to sell their bodies. Sometimes, men and women are confused about how to survive in this world filled with sin and selfishness. Do these women look wicked to you? Do they look mean?"

Embarrassed at his rude behavior, Ganid apologized, saying, "No, they do not. I hope these women will forgive me for insulting them."Then Jesus said, "I know that my Father in heaven has already forgiven them, and I also know that they have forgiven you for treating them with such disdain. Now, let’s all go to my friend Justus’s house for something to eat and help these good women make plans for a new life." The dumbfounded women followed them to Justus’s home.

As it was already late, Justus’ wife Martha was quite surprised to find Jesus and Ganid, accompanied by two prostitutes, at her door. Jesus begged her pardon and asked that he, Ganid, and "our new-found friends" could be fed. Jesus also suggested that Martha counsel the women on finding a better way to make a living. He said, "These women have had much trouble and could really use a friendship with good people like you. How willingly they will embrace the opportunity to show all the world — and even the angels of heaven — what brave and noble women they can become."

As Martha served the food, Jesus excused himself and Ganid, saying that the hour was late and that Ganid’s father must be getting concerned. He said, "We pray to be excused while we leave you here together — three women — the beloved children of the Most High. And I will pray for your spiritual guidance while you make plans for a new and better life on earth and eternal life in the great beyond."

Still, the women and Ganid were speechless, as was Martha. But Martha did everything she could to help these women. The older woman died soon after, with bright hopes of survival in the afterlife, and the younger woman worked for Justus and later became a lifelong member of the first Christian church in Corinth.