In The Bronze Bow, how do the beliefs of Rosh and Jesus differ?
Both Rosh and Jesus are seen by the villagers as men opposing the Roman rule over Israel. However, they are extremely different in their beliefs and methods. Rosh is a bandit living in the hills; he has been active for a long time, and people are accustomed to his rhetoric about eventually leading an army to rout the Romans. However, his excursions are always for theft and intimidation, and despite his words he never actually takes steps to move on Rome. In fact, he avoids confrontations with Roman soldiers because, as Daniel realizes, the Romans are content to allow Rosh his banditry as another method of keeping the villagers scared and dependent.
Suddenly words were echoing in his mind. "For each one of you is precious in His sight." Not scripture, but the words of the carpenter. That was what had confused him. Rosh looked at a man and saw...
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a thing to be used, like a tool or a weapon. Jesus looked and saw a child of God.
(Speare, The Bronze Bow, Google Books)
When Jesus comes to the village, Daniel expects that he will use his great charisma and apparent supernatural powers to lead a revolution. However, Daniel soon realizes that Jesus is working towards changing hearts and minds; he is not trying to foster a violent rebellion, but instead trying to spread love and peace through the region. Jesus believes that since all humans are God's children, then peace will come through mutual love and understanding, not through war. This shows how Rosh is simply a user of people to his own ends, while Jesus attempts to enlighten people how to better themselves and others.
References
Compare and contrast the beliefs of Jesus and Rosh in "The Bronze Bow".
Rosh is a Zealot, which means that he wants to rid Israel of the Romans and establish once again a Jewish kingdom, as in the days of David and Solomon. He will go to any means to achieve this, even to the extent of risking his life.
Jesus also wants to establish a kingdom, yet not a kingdom as Rosh envisions. His kingdom is beyond mere distinctions of Jewish/Roman. It is one of peace, not violence. It is one of bringing all people together rather than, as Rosh would do, driving people out of this kingdom. But like Rosh, he is willing to risk his life in the process.
How do Rosh and Jesus exhibit leadership in The Bronze Bow?
Rosh and Jesus show leadership qualities in entirely different ways. Rosh leads by the power of his reputation and by giving orders. Jesus, on the other hand, leads through his example of love.
The difference between the two men's leadership styles is exemplified by this quote:
"Rosh looked at a man and saw a thing to be used, like a tool or a weapon. Jesus looked and saw a child of God."
Men are drawn to Rosh because he is a charismatic figure, and his prowess is legendary. He is allegedly forming a band of warriors to drive the hated Romans out of the land, and fighters flock to him because they share the same desire, that their land shall be free. Rosh is a poor leader, though, because he has no feeling for the men in his band. Rosh leads by commanding his men, and by plotting strategically to meet his ends, such as when he used Joel as a spy in Caparnum. The problem with Rosh is, he really cares more about himself and his agenda than he does about his men and the Cause, and as time passes, people see through his charade and turn against him.
Jesus, on the other hand, preaches a message of love, and leads by example. He travels the country, healing the sick and those broken in body and spirit. Jesus has come
"to preach good news to the poor...to proclaim release to the captives...to set at liberty those who are oppressed."
To the frustration of many who are waiting for a leader who will form an army to secure their liberation from the Romans, Jesus preaches about an inner freedom, and communicates a message of kindness and love, even towards those who are sworn enemies; even towards the Romans themselves. Men are not sure why they are drawn to Jesus, but drawn they are, because his words are true. Jesus leads through the power of the Spirit, reaching out in charity to touch men's hearts.
Compare Rosh's and Jesus' views of men in "The Bronze Bow".
Rosh sees people as a means to an end. He is obsessed with his objective of releasing the Jews from Roman rule, but he has no concern for individual people except for how they can help him achieve his goals. He plunders the crops of the Jewish people, the very ones he professes to be helping, and steals their livestock to meet his own needs. Rosh avoids unnecessary interaction with others, and to him, life is cheap. When Joel is captured while trying to carry out his orders, Rosh is unconcerned, cynically refusing to allow his men to attempt to rescue him because "he was stupid enough to get caught" (Chapter 18).
In contrast to Rosh, Jesus is intimately concerned with the welfare of the people. He preaches a message of tolerance and love for everyone, Jews and Romans alike. His message has all the more power because he leads by example, tending to the needs of the poor and the sick even when he is exhausted. When Jesus realizes that a crowd of thousands that has followed him to hear him speak is hungry, he performs the great miracle of feeding them by multiplying the loaves and fishes in one simple boy's offered lunch. Daniel, who has been tutored by Rosh, is tormented because, although he is drawn to Jesus's message, he cannot let go of the extreme animosity he feels for the Romans. It is only after Jesus comes to his house and cures his sister Leah that Daniel finally accepts that Jesus's way of love is stronger than Rosh's philosophy of hate.