The Treasure With a Face – Janeen Zaio

What would you do for the Ultimate Treasure?

Twelve-year-old Eli lives in ancient Israel and dreams of being a treasure hunter instead of his uncle’s metalsmithing apprentice. Uncle Shem is the kind of man who would tell Jesus that He walked on water the wrong way.

When Uncle Shem reluctantly sends Eli on a 120-mile journey to Jerusalem to deliver a fragile mirror, it seems like an impossible mission for a clumsy apprentice, but Eli resolves to not only redeem himself in the eyes of his uncle, but also to begin his life as a treasure hunter. He aims to find nothing less than the Ark of the Covenant! Of course, flames reportedly shoot out the bottom of the Ark, and people who touch it tend to die, but that’s not going to deter him.

Fortunately, a mysterious stranger, who seems to share a secret past with Uncle Shem, gives Eli a worn Roman artifact. Eli could never imagine how much he’ll appreciate the object during the perilous search for treasure. Enemies are waiting along the way and within Jerusalem’s imposing walls.

But Jesus just might be in Jerusalem too. Who other than the all-knowing Son of God might know where to find the ultimate treasure?