107 King on a Cross

John 19:16-27; Luke 23:26-43; Mark 15:21-32; Matthew 27:32-44
TBC 2, Chapter 107
The large crowd now cheered as Pilate released the criminal Barabbas and ordered that Jesus be crucified. Roman soldiers then led him away. Criminals who were crucified were forced to carry the crossbar on which they would be hung. It was a narrow pole, more awkward than heavy. But Jesus was so weak after being scourged that he could not carry it. Just then one of the soldiers saw a man named Simon, who was arriving from Northern Africa for Passover.

“You there,” he shouted, “stop!”

Roman soldiers were permitted to stop anyone if they needed assistance in carrying out their orders, whether they needed to use someone’s horse, or—as in the case of Simon—have them carry something. So Simon carried the crossbar.

Jesus trudged behind two criminals also sentenced to be crucified. Simon walked behind, the crossbar on his shoulders. A large crowd followed them, including some women who were weeping for Jesus. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 107, for the rest of the story.)
​​Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors.​

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Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: Evil reigns when convicted criminals are released while innocent heroes are villainized. But God’s plan will prevail. . . .
     A promise to cling to: “One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’
               “But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?  We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’
               “Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’
               “Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’ ”  Luke 23:39-43 NIV
     A praise to fill you: This Must Be the Lamb  Michael Card     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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