It is a Friday. A man who people thought would be king, is now walking through the streets carrying a cross on his way to Gethsemane to die. The crowd cries out, spits on him, and yell in anger.
Finally, the man arrives at the hill. His body is spread
out on the wooden beams. One hand is gripped firmly as a nail is pounded into
his flesh. This process is continued with his other hand and his feet. Then the
cross is lifted up so that all can see the man. Above the man's head is a sign
that says, "This is the King of the Jews."
Time passes as the crowd watches, waiting for him to die,
waiting for some kind of miracle. The soldiers stand waiting to quicken the
process to death if needed. The man hears a voice above the din. "Aren't
you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" This came from one of the criminals
on the cross.
On the other side of him, he hears another voice,
"Don't you fear God, since you are under the same sentence? We are getting
punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has
done nothing wrong." The man then looked at Jesus, "Jesus remember me
when you come into your kingdom.
Jesus, who was the man on the middle cross replied,
"I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
There were two thieves on the cross. One mocked Jesus
and, in his pride, expected Jesus to save himself and him. The other, humbled
himself and knew he was getting what he deserved. He asked Jesus to save him.
Which thief are you?
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