Tag Archives: Crucifixion

As the Roman soldiers are lifting up the cross, there is another figure helping. If you look closely, you will see a man at Jesus’ feet wearing a blue painter’s beret.  He is obviously not a character from the first century.  So who is it?  Continue reading →

There’s an old story about a little girl who proudly wore a shiny cross on a chain around her neck. One day she was approached by a man who said to her,

“Little girl, don’t you know that the cross Jesus died on wasn’t beautiful like the one you’re wearing? It was an ugly, wooden thing.”

She was surprised by the stranger’s affront.  But then quickly replied: Continue reading →

Many people in Jennie Hussey’s circumstances would have looked for a way out.  A way of escape.  A way of relief.   But not this woman. Not Jennie Hussey.

When friends and neighbors came to visit and cheer up Jennie, they were received with her radiant smile and spirit of joy.  No griping.  No grumbling.  No complaining.  But an attitude of encouragement that both amazed and lifted her friends.

For most of her life, this 5^th generation Quaker  lived in the same New Hampshire farmhouse as her ancestors. For decades Jennie worked tirelessly as she cared for and attended to the needs of her helpless, invalid sister.

How did she do it?  Why did she do it? What was Jennie Hussey’s secret?   Continue reading →

It is said that he grew disillusioned with the war’s progress.  Distrustful of its leaders.  Doubtful of its cause. Continue reading →

It was Friday.  And the Jews were preparing for the Passover feast.  Behind the scenes their rulers had captured Jesus.  Tried him at night and pressured Pilate to sign the death sentence.

For the Roman soldiers it was another day at work.  Standing guard.  Keeping peace.  Carrying out orders.  And executing criminals.

The Roman army was composed of 25 legions of soldiers with 6,000 men in each legion.  These were broken down into cohorts, maniples and centuries.   This Bible says he was a centurion, a commander of a 100 man division.

For this Roman soldier his assignment on this Friday began like any other.  But ended like no other.  Either in his life.  Or in history.  He had the responsibility of guarding Jesus.  Most likely he was given charge of overseeing and executing the crucifixion. Continue reading →