Of Such Is the Kingdom Parts I and II—Christ and the Roman Empire

“Oh, Barabbas!  How could you ever have done such a thing?  It’s not at all like you.  It’s not like the Barabbas I know.”

“I’ve asked myself that question a million times since.  I’ve excused the killing of the soldier in the rebellion as part of the insurrection attempt.  But perhaps one killing softened me to be able to kill again.  Oh, Deborah, I feel terrible when I think about it.  I was so happy to be free, but now that I’m here and thinking about what I’ve done, I know I don’t deserve my freedom.  I’m a robber and a murderer.  How could they have chosen me to release?  Why didn’t they choose him?  He didn’t do anything worthy of death?”

“Who?  Who are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about the Nazarene who claimed to be king.  I believe his name is Jesus.”

“You mean Jesus the prophet?  The children and I went to see him to see if he could tell us when you’d be home.  He didn’t make any specific prophecy, and yet I found his words very comforting and enlightening.”

“Well, he’s the one who should be free--not me!  And they’re crucifying him now.”  Suddenly he stood up. “Deborah, I’m going to mount Calvary.”  He started toward the door.

“But, Barabbas, why?  You just got home.  Why are you going out already?”

“I must go, Deborah.  I must see this man who is taking my place.”

PART II CHAPTER 19: CRUCIFIXION

Even so must the son of man be lifted up, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

---Jesus (john 3: 14b-15)

The dreary road to Calvary

Was trod that day by figures three

Who crosses bore

Whose weight wore sore

Upon their backs

Then one did fall

And someone from the crowded scene

Was called to bear the cross

Of him, the Nazarene.

“Why don’t they get someone to carry our crosses too? Maybe if I faked a fall too--.  I mean, who is he, someone special?”

“Oh, be quiet, Lucas!”

And on they trudged.

Around them formed a multitude so great;

And women mourned

And wept for him who’d been their help of late.

“Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children; for if they do these things in a green tree, what shall they do in a dry?”

Timotheus marveled at the power of these words and at the magnificence of a man who, though facing death, was less concerned about himself than he was about those around him.  What kind of man, indeed?

The pain from the spikes was excruciating.  But as Timotheus gazed upon the stranger’s sores, his own pain seemed strangely to lessen or to grow less important.

Behind them sat the soldiers

Who gambled for his clothes;

Before them knelt his faithful followers few;

Around them surged a crowd of angry faces of his foes;

And from those mouths, sharp, bitter

And most scornful phrases flew.

“Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

But their railing did continue,

Lucas adding his voice too.

Timotheus was pensive, but unmoved until Lucas started on him too.  Maybe Lucas was right. Surely this stranger was just like anyone else.  All other belief must have come from a deluded imagination.  Alas, there was no hope now of his finding true peace and happiness.  He had lived a miserable life. He must die a miserable death, reconciled to the fact that there is no real peace or happiness to be found.

But just then he sighted a new but familiar figure there among those at the foot of the stranger’s cross.  It was, of all people, Barabbas.  Timotheus was deeply moved at the sight of the big brute upon his knees.

Suddenly Timotheus’ sins swarmed before him.  Then, he thought once more of this Nazarene – of all he’d heard of him and all he’d heard him say.  It seemed suddenly to fit.  Could this man be the promised Messiah?  Surely he must be.

From the throng came an upsurge of cutting quips, and one from Lucas: “If you be the Christ, save yourself and us!”

That was too much! It was time for Timotheus to stand.  “Lucas,” he groaned reprimandingly, and as strongly as he could, “Don’t you fear God, seeing that you’re in the same condemnation?  And we, indeed justly.  But this man has done nothing wrong.”

Lucas at last was silent.  But, as good as it felt to mouth those words, Timotheus was not yet satisfied.  There was still something missing– something, which he was sure this stranger alone could supply.  If he was a king, then he must have a kingdom.  And if he was the Messiah, he could offer the forgiveness and the peace Timotheus so longed for.  Fixing his eyes upon him, Timotheus pleaded, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

The Nazarene smiled at him.  It was a warm, radiant smile that made him feel all at peace inside.  “This day,” he said, “You shall be with me in paradise.”

Timotheus’ face relaxed.  “In paradise!  At last!” he thought, “I’ve found it at last!”