The Centurion and the Crown of Thorns

  When Marcus returned to his place by Rae-dona, he was aware that she had a different look about her as she smiled at him. She was still the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. That hadn’t changed. She was looking at him as if she was truly seeing him for the very first time. It was as if … as if … could it be possible? Were her feelings now the same as his about their relationship? He wasn’t sure, yet there was something different in her eyes.

  Rae-dona reached out for his hands, then put her arms around him and kissed him on his cheek. He felt ecstatic. It was a great beginning.

  He had been completely honest as he shared his testimony for the first time. The only thing he had left out was how he was falling in love with Rae-dona.

  Now he was wondering if maybe he should have mentioned his feelings toward her. After all, she was part of his new life. But then he remembered his request to God. 'Let the words that flow from my mouth be the words of your Spirit.' I guess the Lord is not ready for me to share my love for Rae-dona just yet.

  Marcus had no way of knowing that a spy was also there that evening, the same person who was at the crucifixion and at the village square that afternoon -- the one who not only saw the miracles of healing, but was also the one who watched Marcus pick up the crown of thorns the day of the execution.

  Chapter 29

  Marcus and Rae-dona spent the night at John’s home in the two separate rooms that had been given to them to rest that afternoon.

  The next morning, Marcus noticed how different the trip back to Rae-dona’s village was. On the way to John’s home they had talked and had an enjoyable time, but returning was so much more refreshing and comfortable. They agreed that they would be praying for the fellowship there and the threats from the solders and the Jewish leaders, and for safety for the believers.

  They were amazed how strong the believers were. Even though they had been threatened several times, they still continued to come out to hear John’s teaching. They would also pray for the disciple John and his household, for strength and God’s wisdom to fall upon them.

  They reflected on the time spent with Mary, the night of fellowship, Marcus’ testimony and the healings, especially the healing of the leper woman. They laughed together as Marcus shared how nervous he had been.

  Rae-dona wanted to encourage him. 'Marcus, you didn’t look nervous at all. You did a wonderful job and I’m sure everyone enjoyed it. I was surprised though, that you shared about the crown of thorns.'

  'I was a bit surprised myself. But I know it was what the Lord wanted me to do. Before I shared, I prayed and asked the Lord to be with me, and that the words that came out of my mouth would be the words of His Spirit. So I’m sure I said exactly what God wanted me to say. And look what great things our Lord did, to encourage the believers that He is still alive and performing miracles.'

  When Rae-dona smiled and reached over and touched his hand, a slight chill went through his body.

  Rae-dona said, 'Look, here’s the place where we stopped on the way to John’s house. It’s such a lovely place. Remember, it was our journey’s halfway mark? Let’s have lunch here.'

  Marcus agreed, and Rae-dona prepared the fish and bread that Salome and Mary had put together. They had also added some of the items of dried fruit left over from the fellowship meeting.

  As they settled down to eat, Marcus took out his list of prophecies. 'My next one is the fourth on this list. I know we’re not discovering them in the same order, but I wrote down, ‘Entry into Jerusalem.’ Please refresh my memory. What prophecy was that?'

  'I’m excited to tell you about this one, Marcus, because I was there. I’d gone to Jerusalem to finish my studies on fulfilled prophecies and those still to come. It was such an exciting day. Before I tell you about it, let me recite from what I’ve learned from the Scriptures.'

  Rae-dona closed her eyes as she repeated words she had learned as a child at school, and at the synagogue on the Sabbath. She laughed as she explained that her memory was much more convenient than a large scroll, because wherever she went, it went with her!

  'Let me tell you the words written by the prophet Zachariah. ‘Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold your King is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’'

  Rae-dona opened her eyes, a smile on her face. 'I heard about Jesus, and the things He was doing, and the miracles He was performing. Being someone who has studied the things to come, and seeing some of them fulfilled by Jesus, and having spoken to John, I was quickly convinced that He is the Messiah, the promised One.

  'A few days before Jesus was crucified I was walking near the Mount of Olives where a crowd was gathering. I went over, and to my great surprise I saw Jesus. He was so kind to the people who were following Him. From His being flowed this radiant force of love and compassion.

  'He looked over at me and smiled. I was instantly filled with His peace and love. There’s no other way to explain it. I joined the crowd and followed Him that day. I was hoping to see yet another prophecy fulfilled.

  'I heard Jesus tell two of His disciples, ‘Go into the village ahead of you; there, as you enter, you will find a colt tied on which no one yet has ever sat; untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, Why are you untying it? you shall say, The Lord has need of it.’

  'The two disciples returned with the colt just as Jesus had requested. They said that there had been some bystanders who asked them what they were doing. They spoke to them just as Jesus had told them, and they were given permission to take the colt.

  'When they brought the colt to Jesus they put their garments on it. Jesus sat on the colt and rode into Jerusalem.'

  Marcus looked up quickly. 'A donkey? Donkeys are animals of peace. Surely a king would ride into the city on a majestic horse, an animal of war.' He paused, deep in thought. 'So Jesus wanted to show he had come in peace. Yes, I get it now.'

  Rae-dona smiled. 'I’d not thought of it like that, but now I can see why Jesus chose the donkey and not a horse. People began to spread their coats on the road while others spread leafy branches from the fields. While doing this they were crying out, ‘Hosanna, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is the coming of our Father David. Hosanna in the Highest.’

  'As soon as Jesus was in Jerusalem He went into the Temple. He looked around and then departed with His twelve disciples as it was late.

  'Oh, what a wonderful day that was. It’s one I’ll never forget, even if I live to be very, very old. It will be forever in my memory.'

  'And then a few days later I helped crucify Him,' Marcus said quietly, almost to himself.

  'So now, Marcus, here’s another prophecy on your list fulfilled. Zachariah had foreseen this happening, hundreds of years ago. Even if you find it hard to believe the other prophecies, I know you’ll believe this one, because I was a witness to it.'

  All Marcus could say was, 'I do believe.'

  Chapter 30

  On their way home Rae-dona said she wanted to go over another prophecy -- one that Marcus had witnessed himself. She called it the prophecy of the divided garments.

  Marcus had mentioned earlier in the day to Rae-dona that when the soldiers were casting lots for Jesus’ garments he heard someone from the crowd say, 'Another Scripture completed,' and did she know what it meant?

  Marcus explained that first he needed to go to the city to his house to clean up and change his clothes. He promised he’d be back as soon as possible, and they could go over the divided garments prophecy, if that would be all right with her. Rae-dona, of course, said it was.

  *

  As Marcus started to leave, their hands touched, their eyes met, and they said their goodbyes for the time being.

  Marcus walked away smiling to himself, thinking that Rae-dona’s feelings must be the same as his about her. His smile grew bigger and bigger with each step as he was walking away from her.
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  As soon as he had changed, he intended to hurry back to Jairus’ house to see Rae-dona again. As he passed the empty house of Ametrius, Marcus has a good idea.

  He hid the crown of thorns in what he thought was a safe place in the yard behind Ametrius’ house, deciding that he would keep the hiding place secret. As he got closer to his own home he could see a message on his door. He quickened his steps, and as he reached his door he took the note down, reading it at the same time.

  to marcus the centurion

  report to tribune octavius immediately

  *

  Marcus thought about going to see him right then, but decided to go in and wash first, and put on his clean clothes. He would have to see Rae-dona and hear about the divided garments later.

  When he was through getting ready, and opened his door to leave, Cardius, a junior centurion and the leader of the village square attack, whom he knew wanted to take his position, was waiting for him with two of his men.

  'Greetings, my friend Marcus. Tribune Octavius is waiting impatiently for you. You’ve been away a long time. Where were you?'

  'I’ve been visiting some friends in one of the villages. I just arrived home, saw the note, and wanted to clean up before I went to see the Tribune. What’s so important that he’s sent two of his men to take me to him?'

  Cardius gave no answer -- just a flicker of a cynical smile. They mounted their horses and rode the rest of the way in silence, the two infantry soldiers marching ahead to clear the way through the busy alleyways.

  Chapter 31

  'Marcus, it’s good to see you,' Tribune Octavius said in greeting.

  Marcus noticed that in spite of the friendly words, the greeting wasn’t as warm as the ones in the past. They had known each other since childhood, but had not been close friends because Octavius was five years older than Marcus. However, their relationship had always been a good one.

  Now that Octavius was Tribune, each had respect for the other and their meetings were always pleasant. But today, Marcus could tell there was something different.

  'I am glad Cardius and his men have found you and brought you here to me. I have not seen you for a long time, Marcus. Where have you been, my friend? I believe the last time I saw you was shortly before the crucifixion of those three trouble makers. What have you been doing with yourself?'

  There was an uncomfortable silence as Marcus wondered how he should answer. Then he said, 'I wasn’t aware that I had to report my whereabouts to you when I’m off duty.' His voice sounded harsher than he wanted it to be. 'I’ve not been guilty of desertion.'

  The return words of the legion commander were much harsher. 'You are a centurion in the Roman army and you should always be on call, ready to fight for Caesar and Rome. Marcus, I’ve enjoyed your company over the past years. I knew that some day you too would be a leader in our army and would give up your life for Rome if it was necessary. But I’ve been hearing rumors these last few days that cause me considerable concern. I’ve heard that you’ve become a follower of Jesus, the man they called the Messiah. I want you to give me an honest answer. Have you become one?'

  Marcus hesitated for just a second.

  Cardius gave a sneer. 'You see, Marcus, we’ve had too many messiahs. Each one has had a few followers, and we deal with each messiah quickly before they can cause mayhem. No messiah, no followers. You get it?'

  Marcus was unable to stay quiet. 'But Jesus really is the Messiah. The true Messiah.'

  'Is?' Cardius snapped. 'Is? The man is dead. You should know -- you helped crucify him.'

  Tribune Octavius signaled to Cardius. 'Be quiet a moment, Centurion. I’ll deal with this.' Octavius looked directly at Marcus. 'Some of His followers are saying He’s alive -- even though we all know He’s dead. Now this could cause trouble. You were missing, so in your place I’ve asked Cardius to investigate these followers of the dead man. Find out what they’re up to. Stop them meeting together in case they’re planning to revolt against Rome. And now it looks as though the news Cardius has brought me is true. You, too, are saying that the dead man is alive.'

  Marcus heard Cardius snigger.

  Tribune Octavius appeared not to notice. 'Marcus, if you side with the enemy, we can no longer depend on your loyalty. With your military skills you could become a traitor to Rome if you stayed in the army, a cunning spy for the Jewish resistance. You will have to give up your career. I’m asking for your resignation within three days, or you will be arrested and severely punished for dereliction of duty. You will be stripped of your title as centurion. It is a shame, as you were to take over my position of tribune very soon. No longer will you be part of Caesar’s army.' He paused and gave a long sigh. 'But there is a way out of this predicament. You can formally deny these charges.'

  Marcus felt in a daze. Part of him wanted to say that the charges were false. The other side, a strange side he thought, wanted to say, 'Yes, it’s true. I have become a believer of the Lord Jesus Christ, the One I helped to nail on the cross and crucify.'

  Marcus noticed that Cardius had a smile on his face, for now Cardius must know for sure that he would have Marcus’ men under him. He would be more demanding of the men than Marcus had been. He would run a tighter ship, and was clearly looking forward to punishing those who would not follow his instructions. He often boasted that he wanted the men to be afraid of him and his authority. He would let them know that it was he who got Marcus stripped of his title, forced to resign from his position in the Roman army.

  Many of these men respected and liked Marcus, so Cardius must know he would have trouble with some of them. But he was probably looking forward to that. He would rule over his soldiers with an iron glove. He looked as though he couldn’t wait to take over the men and punish the ones who would not follow him.

  Marcus studied the ruthless look in Cardius’ eyes. He started to worry about the men who used to be under his own authority, but quickly he came back to the problem at hand -- the question from Octavius. But before he could answer, there came another blow from the legion commander.

  'Marcus, we have heard from a reliable source that you took the crown of thorns that was on that trouble maker’s head. Is it true that you took it home with you? Why is that, Marcus?'

  Marcus deliberately said nothing, using the time for a quick prayer.

  'Be careful how you answer, my friend. Our source also reports that you used it in some sort of magical ceremony to heal a young boy in the village you say you were just visiting, and that last night it even healed a leper. By my orders a man has been following you. What are your comments on these matters?'

  Again, Marcus said nothing, aware of an eager look in Cardius’ eyes. Cardius seemed to be enjoying himself as Tribune Octavius spoke again.

  'I warn you once more, Marcus, you must be extremely careful how you answer. And by the way, we’re confiscating the crown of thorns -- as the soldiers call it. You must turn it over to us immediately. If it is true and it does possess power to heal, we want it here with us, so we can use it to heal our sick and wounded men. We can ransack your home in our attempts to find it. Where is it? Tell us where you have hidden it. Remember, Marcus, it does not belong to you. It was made by Roman soldiers, so it belongs to Rome.'

  Chapter 32

  Marcus experienced a panicky feeling inside, unsure how to answer the questions. Did the crown really belong to Rome? One thing he knew for certain was that he was not giving it up without a fight. He had to look and stay as calm as possible. He sent up a quick prayer asking God for His guidance and wisdom.

  'I’m waiting for your answer, Centurion.'

  The Tribune sounded impatient. Marcus could tell he wanted a reply to his question immediately, if not sooner.

  Marcus still didn’t give an answer but sent up another prayer to his new God. 'Please, Lord, I need Your help. Please tell me the answer to give, or a way out of this situation.'

  It didn’t take long for his God to answer. The building started to shake a
nd rock on its foundation. The Tribune and Cardius ran for shelter, neither of them caring what happened to Marcus.

  Marcus looked up toward the heavens, as if looking at God, and said, 'Thank You, Father. You do answer in mysterious ways.'

  Just at that time he heard a voice shouting, 'Marcus, quick, this way!'

  He turned to see his friend Ametrius urgently signaling for him to follow. Without hesitation Marcus took off and followed his friend though a back way. There were very few people around as most had already run to find shelter.

  The shaking of the earth seemed to stop just as quickly as it began. Ametrius had Marcus’ horse waiting, along with his own. They mounted and rode quickly away. When they were far from the city they stopped and rested.

  Marcus asked, 'Why were you there, Ametrius? I thought you were away with your family. What brought you back into the city? Is Antony all right?'

  'I was walking in my in-laws’ village with Antony and Justina, when I ran into one of your men. He asked me if I knew where you were, because he said Octavius was looking for you. It seems he’s been searching all over, as you were in serious trouble. I asked him if he knew why, and he said, ‘I’m not sure, but they seem to think Marcus is a traitor. They want information about something he took at the foot of the cross of that Jewish man they crucified.’ He said you were a good centurion and he couldn’t believe you would be a traitor. He said if I knew where you were, I was to warn you that they were looking for you.

  'So I went straight to Rae-dona, and she told me you’d come back here to Jerusalem to change and bathe. I figured you must have gone to your own house. I got there just as Cardius and his men were escorting you away. I followed and saw them taking you into the Tribune’s quarters. I started to pray, asking God to somehow intervene. All of a sudden the earth shook and the walls started crumbling. And there you were. What happened, Marcus? Is it because you’ve become a believer?'

  'Yes that, and they’ve found out about the crown of thorns. As well as wanting my resignation from the army, they want me to surrender the crown to them so they can use the power for themselves.'

  'Where is it, Marcus? You’re fortunate you didn’t have it with you when you were talking to Octavius. Do you still have it?'