You let me ever mother mother
there's a Roman soldier where's the
house of L kissed another worker I I
don't know this is the village of flower
each is it yes sir I've been too far
from guessing games where I find out
this you passed the streets a second one
back there run quick by the back way and
warn your father and third no the fourth
house it isn't
I'll get back it is sighs sweat
you're looking for ID sir
yes he's not in there sir left the
village two days ago there's no one in
there sir it's two things we shouldn't
stay here another moment who puts people
to them the room no are they when they
really going fast please at least wait
till we've had tax instead of rumors all
we've heard is mere gossip about some
rabbi having been put to death in.
Jerusalem a young rabbi in Galilee
how many men took that description more
than one remember my friend LTS kinsman
is traveling with the Nazarene surely
let us know if any trouble of the RISM
you fee have secured with all the others
you stay and greet the Roman swords not
me take my advice you'll scatter be
hoards too late
which of you is our theas I'm not not I
I I was just leaving if you'll excuse me
I am Elias and these men are merely my
guests for the evening Thomas said I
might find others meeting with you men
will say anything under torture I
we just stopped him for a moment
our interest is in God not in any revolt
against Rome and I'm here on my own
business not Caesars no cousin Thomas
has been too late in Jerusalem but he
found out I was travelling this way he
asked me to give you a message
my name is Cornelius welcome to my home.
Rachel water and linen for our guests my
dear then food and wine let me have your
helmet long journey over those mountains
and a dusty one
if I can look around this may be a Roman
trap
there now I feel better and the methods
from Thomas doesn't concern the Nazarene
name Jesus was he put to death was
simply curious that all my cousin had he
been arrested in one of the Galileans of
the pond one at a time one at a time
your cousin is free and a good health
sir all the Galileans close followers
that is all but one Judas Iscariot who
died by his own hand and the Galilean he
is dead he was he was crucified
no what reason waited to go on Thomas
said tell all you know leave out nothing
should we make ourselves comfortable two
months ago I was stationed to the north
beyond the sea of Tiberias which you
call Galilee there my band had the love
to capture a feeding murderer called.
Barabbas
remember levels of all I know I know you
heard of him as a patriot of the people
neither was that band but if you'd had
your outpost brutally massacred you're
on the centrist knife in the back you
well what at any rate we caught it him
we crushed his rebel army put him in.
Chains marched into Jerusalem for the
honor of being sentenced to death by the
procurator I gave my testimony and
listened as Pilate tried to question the
prisoner but Barabbas sneered the
governor refused to answer
and when sentence of death was passed
cursed as the soldiers led him off to
prison.
I was commended in order to stay in the
city with my men
until the end of the Passover feasts
century-long China's where on the Empire
did you drop from six months ago.
Carthage before that Alexandria welcome
to duty in the city how'd you know I
draw on that what do you think suggested
keeping you here to the procurator
maneuver to share is quarters with you
this way we'll take the shotgun to the
temple court yeah well they've changed
things around since I was last here
changed Uther look like a stockyard
bollocks of goats sheeps and pigeons for
sacrifices money changes tables over
there they wear until three days ago the
new young teacher a man from the north
drove them out single-handed
one man one man to be exact that man
Jesus bar Joseph from Nazareth and.
Galilee I think I've heard it you'd
arrived here four days ago you diverted
nothing else
oh there's Sunday morning I had a report
of trouble at the gate of the Lille
so I went down to investigate the next
thing I knew I was caught up in a crowd
shouting hail a messiah hail did Jesus
of Nazareth King of the Jews they threw
down their cloaks for him to ride oh he
was mounted on the donkey walking on the
carpet of robes and palm branches.
I was sure we had a revolution on our
hands but I was jammed so tightly in the
mob I couldn't get out to let the guy he
rode up at the temple gates looked at
them with tears in his eyes and went
away just like that just like that and
believe me I would delighted to see him
go the next morning he was back here in
the temple courtyard storming at the
changes in cellars for turning a sacred
place into a thieves den they scattered
before him like rats you know he's a man
of courage well I wouldn't call it money
changes of valiant sort of enemy why
don't mean just for baiting them but for
having the nerve to come back here he
must realize that the high priest can
stand no such opposition the very stone
which the builders rejected has become
the hair off corner what's wrong they go
to a chiral over and see what's
happening this was the Lord's doing and
it is marvelous in all we know that you
are true and do not regard the position
of men but truly teach the words of God
is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or
not a very choice trap
if he says pay the entire crowd turns
against him don't pay an IRS to the
trees will come to eat your answer
should we play them or should we not or
put me to the test because of your great
authority and wisdom bring me a corn
whose likeness and inscription is on it
why Caesars render to Caesar the things
that are Caesar's and to God the things
that are gods
do baddies no Roman the de Jews meant of
his cut better go back to Galilee or at
least get out of Jerusalem Arabia cuffs
for twisting their beds are to courtyard
lawyers no no for preserving the peace
that Augustus demands of this province
I know you make a point of ignoring
politics but this sovereign state of.
Israel is a vast steaming cauldron ready
to boil over if it does we all be
scalded wine without trouble of you no
need for armies we'd be slaving on a
farmer putting away in a mine personally
I prefer the Empress salt it's fed me
and I bled furred but if I have to breed
again I prefer doing it for profit or
glory not to cover up another man's
stupidity such as marrying a lady from
the purple mm well almost from the
president might have bought Pontius a
governor's throne but it didn't give him
a Statesman's mind he's still a soldier
always will be
what's the matter with that you've been
out in the Desert Sun far too long not
me
I have said in the Statesman before
adding a soldier commander any day when
trouble starts a soldier crushes it fast
he doesn't dick win argue till the
enemy's entrenched in the best positions
if it was years ago we had a cohort at
every 10 mile post I'd agree the Empire
has grown too large a troop to spread
far too thin we 28 legions to control
the world 3 in Britain 5 on the Rhine 9
spread the length of the Danube and 11
split from Dacia through Arabia in Egypt
to Carthage in Spain and we've won only
one in all Judea
well this is it Thank You bed I had your
trunk brought over make yourself at home
that bed looks good we can't rule
through crushing power anymore my friend
in these times we need the help of such
local potentates as we can drive and use
you mean Herod as Herod was before his
libertine living cost in the scanty
respect and obedience he had now we
appoint the high priest manipulate
through the temple
unfortunately this present one Caiaphas
is more greedy and grasping than his
father-in-law underscores so I've heard
but there must be a limit to leave it in.
Israelites patience show them a leader
that'll stand up to this Caiaphas and
the called when we really boiled don't
think Caiaphas doesn't know it perhaps
it might be better if the Nazarene did
leave the city if he doesn't Caiaphas
may feel forced to silence sermon maybe
the Nazarenes followers will rise up to
protein Oh
but enough of this gloomy croaking it's
time to die and I know what is not far
away the lamb is cooked with Wow
my men were given the honor of God in
the palace where the procurator was
staying during his visit to Jerusalem
although I was kept busy with routine
matters I was unable to put Longinus
predictions from my mind I kept thinking
of the Nazarene I guess that's why one
off-duty moment I acted on impulse wait
you aren't you the man I saw the temple
court standing by the silent a serene
yes to me
you're one of his followers what's your
name Thomas Thomas ah tell him for his
own good to leave Jerusalem at once
understand I understand but I don't feel
to it that I'll order him to go where's
he staying in Bethany way up there
when's he coming down the hill at
sundown we're meeting for the Feast of
the unleavened bread I'll be on duty
then give him the message as I told you
tell him it's a Centurions command I'll
tell him
Thomas
yes let me know what he does that is how.
I came to know your cousin now I learned
later the things which transpired that
night their meeting place was in an
upper room and even then the Nazarene
must have known was still lay in the
future.
I have earnestly desired to eat this.
Passover with you before I suffer I tell
you I shall never eat it again until it
is fulfilled in the kingdom of God
blessed art Thou O Lord God King the
world who hath brought forth bread from
the earth
take eat this is my body given for you
this do in remembrance of me
blessed art thou Lord God of the world
who hath created the fruit of the vine
drinky or Abyss for it is my blood of
the New Testament which is shed for you
and for many for the remission of sins I
tell you I shall not drink again of this
fruit of the vine until that day when I
drink it new with you in my father's.
Kingdom
but behold the hand of him who betrays
me is on the table for the Son of man
goes as it has been determined
but ball to the man by whom he is
betrayed master who do you mean but none
of us were d'etre you master how can you
doubt our loyalty I'd never do such a
thing even as they were affirming their
loyalty there was one who slipped out to
betray him
why didn't the others stop him because I
didn't suspect him but the Nazarene had
just said he would be betrayed I know I
know
but as Thomas explained it to me each
man loved jesus so dearly the very
thought of it rail seemed impossible
besides the one who went out was so well
trusted he had been chosen to keeper
their purse and they may have assumed
that he was going to pay for the food
they'd eaten or a bomb asleep or Thomas
thirdly they were all eager to assured
Jesus their loyalty even argued as to
which of them would be foremost as his
follower but the Nazarene was displeased
by their rivalry who has followed him
longest answer me that who for sipped
the most I could have been a wealthy man
did you leave a home and serve Him serve
I did no my children I children the
kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship
over them
and those in authority are called the
defectives
but not so with you brother
let the greatest among you become as the
youngest and the leader as one who
serves but which is the greater one who
sits a table or one who serves is it not
the one who sits a table but I am among
you as one who serves
you are those who have continued with me
in Michaels
as my father appointed the kingdom for
me so do I appoint one for you Simon
Simon behold Satan demanded to have you
that he might sift you like wheat but I
have prayed for you that your strength
may not fail
and when you have turned again
strengthen your credit turned again I
have not turned away.
Lord I am ready to go with you to prison
and to death I tell you Peter the
will not crow until you three times deny
that you know no master no not I never
would I deny you
when the supper was ended Thomas said he
led them out to a nearby garden called.
Gethsemane wait here
and pray that you may not enter into
temptation
you
father if thou art willing remove this
contract
nevertheless not my will but thine be
done
Peter so could you not watch with me one
hour watch and pray that you may not
enter into temptation master
spirit indeed is willing
but the flesh is weak behold the hour is
ahead the Son of Man is betrayed into
the hands of sinners
master
shooters
would you betray the Son of man with the
kiss that's the man as I said had no
knowledge of these happenings until
later but I wasn't the only one
kept unaware of caiaphas moves at night
while the city lay sleeping yet Jesus
brought to Anna's home where a Catholic
chosen section listen questioned him
till daybreak in a hospital yes you're
sure that you followed me where the
soldiers in the courtyard well they have
no right to do that
our laws provide for trial before the
whole Sanhedrin openly in the temple
next rules trial in the dead of night
that's not justice it's mockery be that
as it may.
Caiaphas did it no wonder all the decent
people of Israel have turned against him
but he's a better thing than being
conquered but being betrayed by one of
your own my first knowledge of what it
occurred came just the day bro when had
he agreed on his guilt they brought him
to the palace where Pilate was staying
they wouldn't enter the judgment Hall
themselves some religious business about
not defiling themselves by entering a.
Gentiles house during the Passover so I
had the task of waking the procurator
and telling him what they sought needed
to say he wasn't in the best humor when
he came out
good morning your excellency if a matter
weren't enough such urgency hi we regret
urgently having interfered but it will
only take a moment us man you've brought
to me of what is he accused he incited
the people to riot in the very courtyard
of the temple even claims to be the
Messiah the Christ the Son of God he
encourages his followers to heal him as
the king of all the Jews
he's affairs are yours not Rome's taken
judge him according to your laws we have
excellency and founding deserving the
death
all we ask is your endorsement of our
fine if he were not guilty we wouldn't
have brought him to you
waiter.
I have heard many men examined question
more than a few myself but if a Nazarene
had guilt or evil in his nature
I couldn't detect it nor could Pilate
are you a king then you say I am the key
to this end was I born and for this
cause I came into the world that I
should bear witness for the truth
everyone that is of the truth hears my
voice truth what is truth.
I find no fault in the man but he has
stirred up the people very significant
disease in himself all over Judea from
here to Galilee generally you need.
Galilee oh yes he comes from Nazareth
then he comes under Herod's jurisdiction
not mine.
Centurion yes your excellency
had the prisoner taken to the Tetrarch
but excellent.
Harrod asked him a hundred questions but
the Nazarene gave him no answer he
demanded that Jesus perform a miracle
for his amusement Jesus held his silence.
Herod had him robed in purple to be fit
your kingship he said and ordered me to
take him back to the governor
little as I knew the man and hard as a
soldier fro must be my heart went out to
him.
I reported all that it happened to the
governor and again he went to the.
Nazarenes accusers
you brought the man to me is one who
incites the people I questioned him I
found no fault in him no guilt and the
things of which he was accused no nor
did Herod the prison has done nothing to
merit death I will have him chastised
and then released no no he thought no
wrong in the man no guilt and yet he
ordered him to be flogged perhaps it was
to save the Nazarenes life that Pilate
thought a flogging would appease them.
Pilate the governor he speaks for the.
Emperor since when as a rough justice
been betrayed to appease the men of a
conquered land perhaps I do our governor
and injustice yet I feel that he was
more eager to Humble Caiaphas than to
help an innocent man be that as it may
he made another attempt you're all
familiar with a custom of releasing a
prisoner to the people at the time of
the feast yes we know well after Jesus
had been flogged they brought him before
the governor once more the soldiers have
made him a crown a crown of thorns you
have heard how many things they have
witnessed against him
they say you call yourself the son of.
God who are you from where do you come
why don't you answer don't you realize I
have the power to release you or crucify
you
you could have no power at all against
me except it were given you from above
therefore he that delivered me to you
has the greater sin bring the proof
if you release that man you are no
friend of Caesars.
I bring him before you so you may know
I'd find no fault in him behold man
my custom as a teach Passover I will
free a prisoner to you will you have me
release for you the King of the Jews
what then shall I do with Jesus called
Christ.
I am innocent of this man's blood see to
it yourselves release Barabbas and so.
Pilate back down once more but he had
one final taunt for Caiaphas and his
cohorts
he ordered a sign for the Nazarenes
cross saying this is the King of the
Jews
barri hung on the cross those who had
persecuted him came to mock him
go down from the.
Father forgive them they know not what
they do you are the Christ save yourself
save us
do not fear God you who are condemned
you and I are condemned justly
we have received the due reward of our
deeds but this man
he's done nothing wrong
Jesus.
Lord remember me when you come into your
kingdom
apparently I say unto you the day you
shall be with me in paradise
when my hours of duty ended I could not
keep away I made my way to the hilltop
and found my friend Longinus in charge
he still lives
as we stood watching the Nazarenes
mother came up the hill accompanied by
her sister and two other sons followers
woman behold
bye son behold thy mother.
I waited and watched I wanted to leave
but I couldn't the seventh hour pass and
the eighth
thank God
my god I have you mistaken.
Oh
Bob into by ends
I commend my spirit
this
you
that evening a wealthy man Joseph of
arimathea came to the procurator asking
permission to place the Nazarenes body
in his own new tomb pilate granted the
request no sooner had the man left
however then Caiaphas messengers came
shouting protests it seemed the Nazarene
had made predictions of rising from the
grave and they who feared him in life
were now suspicious that his followers
would steal his body and claim his
forecast fulfilled so to humor him.
Pyrrha gave orders for a God replaced
the tomb
it was very kind of you to to take the
time to tell us I wish we could have
seen more of the Nazarene while he lived
even though he was not the Redeemer of
the scriptures still he was a wise and
gentle man a great teacher his death is
a real loss he is not dead but you said
he was crucified but he died on the
cross I did how can you say that that
he's not listen my friend long China's
drew the duty of guarding a Sepulcher on
the last night of the week I went with
him his meat inspection
well I better go no father
do you mean to stay here with your men
orders I thought you knew
no Caiaphas I did he assumes all
soldiers can be bribed well I've done
how to job to the Empire me too more
than I foresaw when I received my first
pilum iglesias that's a long time back
for both of us long time thought of
marches company skies
you know something life when a follow
one's all might not be so embarrassing
in Tuscany or Umbria well the valley is
a poem I remember the grapes man what do
you tell together yours tremble that was
all no no thank you
I figure I don't know one was shining
robe so brighter I was dazzled in I
little never bleed this you'll have to
but all your men tell the same story get
them ready I'll go with you perhaps I
should lead one or more of my men here
the God what an empty tomb
as I learned later from Thomas the woman
of Magdala bearing oils and spices to
anoint the body came to the tomb while
the dawn mists were still in the ground
finding the stone rolled his side and
the sepulcher empty she believed the.
Nazarenes body had been stolen by his
enemies
she ran back to the city in tow Peter of
her discovery together with John they
hurried back the tomb John ran a hit but
on reaching a door and seeing the empty
tomb he dropped to his knees overwhelmed
by grief
you
why didn't the guard stop him
could they permitted them to wonder
where do they remove the grave cloth how
could we understand the thinking of men
who would do a thing like that
you
come we must go tell the others you go
Peter you and John I want to stay here.
Foreman fire you wave you whom do you
seek you thought they have taken away my.
Lord sir if you have carried him away
tell me where you have lady and I will
take him away Mary
ask
do not touch me for I have not yet
ascended to the Father but go to my
brethren and tell them I am ascending to
my father in your father to my god in
your God the resurrection rumors spread
and so one afternoon
now then whatever you may say is for my
curiosity not pilots sit down you're not
under arrest I I've heard wild tales
about the nazrin well having been seen
alive is there any truth to it there are
those who say he has risen from the
grave you know a who claimed to have
actually seen him yes.
Oh a woman Mary of Magdala a man named.
Claire force and his friend who walked
with him on the road to Emmaus and ten
of those who with me have traveled
constantly with him these past three
years they've actually seen him talk to
him so they say and you do you believe I
I don't know I was away when he appeared
to them I didn't see it myself I'll be
honest man oh yes I'm sure they believed
they saw him but all my life I've been
called doubters skeptic until I see him
with my own eyes see the nail holes in
his hands but the wound in his side I
I'd like to question the others can you
arrange it I think so we stay in the
upper room of the house where we
observed Passover Feast if you will come
there tonight
I'll be damned a Roman centurion he
asked to come for his own interest not
as a soldier who otherwise you shouldn't
have told him where to find us would
have been safer if we could have met him
somewhere Matthew put the bar on the
door holy disgusted man may have spoken
with sincerity but if he hasn't I think
we should leave here quickly we can go
to Lazarus home at least for the night
well that's the first place they've
looked for us I wasn't be satisfied with
what you told him surely that should be
enough because I could only say they say
they have seen but I have not but if
you'da sure him that you believe the
master had risen I I could not say that
unless I see in his hands the prints of
the nails and place my fingers in the
mark and my hand in his side I will not
believe be with you
Thomas come to me
put your finger here and see my hand
put out your hand and place it at my
side
do not be faithless but believing
my lord in my car have you believed
because you have seen me
blessed are those who have not seen and
yet believe
Cornelius
he lives I've seen there is no doubt
when I am just now in the room he took
my hand and placed it on his wounds
didn't you see him
who must have passed him on the stairs
stairs
his role your masters robe brushed my
arm my friends you can cease discussing
the teachings of a wandering rabbi and
start worshipping the risen son of God
it was no mortal man that Thomas and the
others followed no leader of a small
group or one land he was a leader of all
men a victor not over mere human enemies
but over death itself with all that has
left me of life I shall tell his story
Jesus lives
he's the hope the only hope of all
mankind.
I know
I beheld his.
Oh.
Why this way