The Centurion's Tale

I am head of the crucifixion squad and we have three crucifixions fixed for this morning. We have to make sure it is all done properly, by the book, or we are in trouble. There has been a shortage of the right kind of wood to make the crosses because Pilate has ordered so many crucifixions lately we are running out! But I managed to get some recycled crosses from old Judas the woodman, there was a dinarias or two for me in the deal, but don’t tell my superior! One of the three we are crucifying today is a bit of a celebrity; they nickname him the 'King of the Jews'. He got right up the noses of the Chief Priest and his holier than thou mob. Jesus was giving them a bit of competition and they didn’t like it, they begged Pilate to dispatch him. Between you and me I don't think there was much of a case to answer, a flogging would have done as he was being a pain in their collective posteriors, but it is not for me to question my elders and betters, I just obey orders!

I take my helmet off to this Jesus fellow, he didn't scream protest when we nailed him to the cross, not like the two criminals on either side of him; it was almost as if he was courageously accepting a burden that had been placed upon him. You can tell he is a cut above the others.

We are just waiting around now for them to die. I was lucky enough to draw a lot for one of his garments, a nice bit of cloth; I think I will keep it as a souvenir

It is strange but when Jesus died everything appeared to go dark, just a trick of the light I suppose, but the vibes were very powerful. Maybe the things they claimed for this man are true; somehow I don't think we have heard the last of him! RJG