The Centurion and the Crown of Thorns

by Chuck Antone, Jr

  Marcus could hardly believe that this woman in front of him was the mother of the Christ. When she entered the room he thought that maybe she was a sister of John’s or a friend of the family. But when Rae-dona called her Mary he was taken back. She was much younger then he expected her to be. He was thinking she must have been very young when she gave birth to Jesus.

  He heard the voice of Rae-dona. 'Marcus would like you, Mary, if you don’t mind, to tell him about the birth of Jesus and how the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled through you. I’ve heard the story before of course, but coming from you it will have special meaning for Marcus and me.'

  'Yes, I’ll be happy to tell my story. I never get tired of telling how Jesus, my Son, the Lord, came into this world.'

  Chapter 22

  'As a child we often heard the story of how some day a young virgin would give birth to the Christ child. Many of us pretended that it was one of us who would be chosen. But of course no one actually believed that it would be.

  'I was young when the angel Gabriel appeared to me. I must say I was frightened. I remember his words as if he was speaking them to me today rather than over thirty-three years ago. His exact words to me were, ‘Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.’ I wondered what he could possibly mean by that statement. He could tell I was nervous.

  'He called me by my name and told me not to be afraid, because I had found favor with God, and I would conceive in my womb a Son, and I was to call His name Jesus. I was confused and, as I said, in my wildest dreams I never once thought that I really would be the chosen woman to bear God’s Son. At that moment I was sure no one would believe it either, especially Joseph to whom I was betrothed.

  'He said that this Son would become great and that He would reign over the house of Jacob, and His kingdom would have no end. By this time you can imagine I was really shaken. I told the angel that this was impossible because I was still a virgin. He looked at me with much compassion and said that the Holy Spirit would come upon me and that the Most High would overshadow me, and the Child would be called the Son of God.

  'I was thinking that if this was all true, how I would be able tell Joseph? Marcus, engagements to the Jewish people are as binding as a marriage, so we were already considered to be husband and wife. Our betrothal was that binding, although we certainly couldn’t live together. When Joseph found out, he was ashamed and thought I’d been unfaithful to him. So he decided to send me away. This meant giving me a bill of divorce. It was an actual certificate saying, ‘This woman is not my wife, and I am not her husband.’

  'As you can imagine, I was so embarrassed by all this. But the angel called Gabriel had told me that my cousin Elizabeth, who was quite old, was also having a child -- a boy. So I traveled to see her, perhaps to make sure that the message from the angel was true. I’m not sure. Anyway, Elizabeth was expecting, and her child was John, who became known as John the Baptist when he was older. He prepared the way for my Son Jesus.'

  'I’ve heard of John the Baptist,' Marcus said quietly.

  'Well,' Mary continued, 'as signs of motherhood approached, and knowing that I had never had any relationship with a man, I received a mighty peace and comfort from God our Father in the heavens. And as the months passed by, I knew I was the one who had been chosen to be the mother of the Lord.'

  Marcus asked, 'What happened to Joseph? Did you ever see him again?'

  Mary broke out with a big smile. 'Oh yes, he became my husband and was a great father to Jesus.'

  Marcus asked, 'What made Joseph change his mind? How did you convince him that the child you were carrying was God’s Son?'

  'You can be sure, Marcus, it wasn’t me,' Mary answered. 'Although I was sure Joseph loved me, the confirmation had to come from someone else. One day, before Jesus was born, Joseph came to me and asked for my forgiveness for not believing what I had told him about the angel visiting me. He said he now knew that I was still a virgin. Of course I said yes I would forgive him, and I asked why he’d changed his mind.

  'He told me that in a dream an angel of the Lord came to him and said he must not be afraid to take me as his wife. You see, the angel told him the same thing that I’d told him about the Child that was in me, how He was there by the power of the Holy Spirit. The angel also confirmed to Joseph that His name would be called Jesus and He would save His people from their sins.

  'We both agreed it was to fulfill what the prophet Isaiah had spoken many hundreds of years before, when he said, ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son and they shall call His name Immanuel.’ Immanuel, Marcus, means God with us. The name Jesus means the Lord is salvation. These are Hebrew names. Joseph treated Jesus like He was his own. Joseph was a wonderful carpenter and all through Jesus’ young life Joseph taught Him his skills. Together they made beautiful furniture. The chair you’re sitting in is one of Joseph’s creations, and that beautiful table over there was made by him and the hands of Jesus.'

  Marcus had already noticed the furniture. He thought it must have been very expensive because every detail was perfect. He remembered when he came into the house he had thoughts that John and his family was financially very comfortable. But now he looked at the furniture with different eyes, knowing that the man he helped nail to the cross was the maker of such fine articles that adorned the household.

  Marcus looked at Mary, and was aware of a sweetness about her that was hard to define. Maybe contentment was a better word. 'May I ask,' he said, 'where Joseph is now?'

  There was sadness in Mary’s eyes and in her voice when she responded. 'Joseph is no longer with us, but I know we’ll all meet again.'

  Marcus didn’t have to ask what she meant by saying, 'all.' He was sure she meant her husband Joseph, and Jesus her Son.

  'I’m sorry,' Marcus said. 'I also now believe that we’ll all meet again after we leave this earth.' He changed the subject. 'I’m wondering, will I be able to see John soon? I’d love to talk to one of the disciples of Jesus.'

  Salome, who had been listening quietly, answered Marcus. 'Very soon, my son John will be here in the village square. He goes there every afternoon and tells the people about Jesus, and he teaches many things. A large group gathers there just about this time every day. The authorities aren’t happy about it, and they often cause havoc among the followers. Some of the Jewish leaders are afraid that we will riot in revenge for them plotting the death of Jesus, and the Romans want to keep everything peaceful.'

  Marcus nodded. 'You don’t need to tell me about that,' he said with a wry smile. 'The military are afraid of anything that could spark trouble. Stamp on it before it starts, that’s their philosophy. But I can't believe that the followers of Jesus could be even remotely seen to be trouble makers. I’m sure you’ll all be safe from the Romans.'

  'Well, my son never gives up,' Salome continued. 'You and Rae-dona must go and hear him speak, then come back for dinner and fellowship. You’ll be able to talk to John, and like I said, many of the believers know about you. Remember, Marcus, you’re a Gentile, and you’ve been the topic of much of our conversations since you spoke those words of revelation at the cross. Many of us will meet here later tonight, as we do every night. We’ve brought your name up in prayer so they’ll be delighted to meet you. And please, Marcus, be prepared to share what has happened to you since you’ve become a believer. Some of the followers of Jesus don’t believe that Gentiles can become true followers, but we know that’s not so. You’re the perfect example for them to see and hear.'

  'I’ll try to do that,' Marcus said, wanting to hide the nervousness in his voice. 'But please remember I’ve only been a believer for such a short time. I have never shared in front of a large group before.'

  'Don’t worry,' Salome said. 'Anything you share with us will bring happiness to our hearts. Just meeting you will bring joy to the group tonight as they hear and see that their prayers have been answered. Now the two of you go along and listen to what my son John has to teach the people.'
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  Chapter 23

  On the way to the village square, Marcus and Rae-dona talked about their time with Mary, the mother of Jesus. Marcus felt excited now he could see how two of his ten prophecies had been fulfilled, plus another that was not on his list -- the resurrection of the Christ.

  As they approached the square, the disciple John was already sharing with the crowd that had gathered. Marcus was surprised to see so many people. As he looked around, more were coming on foot to hear the teachings of John, forming a large circle.

  John stood in the middle of the circle, turning as he spoke so all could see the expressions on his face.

  Someone said to Marcus and Rae-dona in a loud whisper, 'I remember that man and his brother James up in Galilee, when we knew them as Boanerges.'

  John heard what the man in the crowd said, and a broad smile broke out on his face. 'Sons of Thunder. Yes, that’s what my brother James and I were called, But that was before we met Jesus.'

  He raised his voice as he looked around. 'Friends, if you want to see the change that Jesus can make to lives, just look at me.' He turned to Marcus. 'I’m not saying I’m perfect now, but the love of God in me has brought about the change that my family and friends are glad to see.'

  Rae-dona gave Marcus a big nudge. 'Please keep quiet,' she whispered.

  'That wasn’t me. I didn’t say anything,' Marcus protested loudly, and everyone around laughed at Marcus’ embarrassment.

  'Friends,' John continued, joining in the laughter, 'there is no one here who is perfect. I’m certainly not perfect. If we claim that we are perfect, that we never do anything wrong in God’s sight, we’re fooling ourselves, and Jesus isn’t our friend. Remember, I’ve known Jesus from the beginning of His ministry. I’ve made mistakes, boasted, said things I’ve regretted, but He’s always forgiven me and He always will. Jesus will forgive you too. We all have a lot to learn. When I’m together with the other disciples, Jesus comes to us and explains that His death on the cross was to pay the debt we owe God for everything we do wrong, for our sins. That means there will be no punishment for any of us if we trust in what Jesus has done on the cross.'

  A young woman standing next to Marcus was about to ask a question. John spotted her partly raised hand, and asked her what she wanted to know.

  Marcus could see the woman blush slightly as she said, 'I know that Jesus is alive now, but are you absolutely sure that He is the Son of God, the Messiah, the Christ?'

  'The young woman here has asked a very sensible question,' John said, nodding. 'Some of you don’t know me very well, and I want to remind you that the words I’m speaking are true. I’ve lived with Jesus. Seen Him and touched Him, witnessed His many miracles. I’ve not only heard Him speaking, but He’s taught me and the other disciples many things. Too many things to tell you now.

  'One day I promise I’ll write an account of what’s happened in the last few years.' He smiled. 'Of course, I won’t be able to write about everything I’ve seen and heard. I don’t think there’s enough room in the whole world for all the things I could tell you about Jesus! Who knows, maybe I’ll even write some letters later, reminding you in your meetings of the things I’m telling you now. Is that what you wanted to hear?' he asked pleasantly.

  The young woman said it was exactly what she wanted to hear, and the crowd murmured in appreciation.

  Marcus sensed that Rae-dona, like him, was taking in each word John spoke. She had a look of contentment, and the sides of her mouth had lifted up in a smile of wonderment. He didn’t want to interrupt her thoughts, so he looked back at John. It seemed that in those few moments, even more people had gathered around.

  'It is the blood that Jesus shed on the cross that gives us forgiveness as a free gift, as long as we ask for it,' John continued. 'Jesus died not only for the sins we remember, but also the sins we may have forgotten. So take note of this, my beloved followers of Christ: we are all people who have sinned. If we say that isn’t so, we make God a liar and His Word isn’t living in us.'

  Just about that time, everyone heard the thunderous sound of men running.

  John said, 'Quickly, get away from here. I’ll be back at the same time tomorrow to tell you more about our Lord.'

  Before everyone could disperse, solders arrived holding whips and clubs, shouting angrily at the remaining crowd, 'Jewish trouble makers! Leave here at once or you will all be arrested!'

  Marcus noticed that some of the men who were shouting were normally under his command. They were being led by Cardius, an officer he had trained personally, and was next in line to take over his position when he was promoted. Marcus turned away so Cardius wouldn’t see his face. This whole thing was a mystery. Why would Roman soldiers be attacking peaceful followers of Jesus Christ like this?

  Cardius provided the answer as he addressed the bewildered crowd. 'Tribune Octavius does not want any gatherings by the supporters of the trouble-maker we crucified. We have enough Jewish fanatics as it is, causing riots. Disperse! Disperse immediately!'

  Rae-dona saw the fear in Marcus’ eyes, and put her arm around him and kept her face close to his to shield him from the soldiers who were now passing by with harsh laughter and the sound of hatred in their voices as they threatened the followers of Christ. There was much confusion as people ran everywhere. Some of the ladies screamed and picked up their children, running for a place to hide.

  Suddenly a woman from the crowd cried out, 'My son, my son, where are you? Judah! Judah!' Then came a scream of panic.

  People gathered around the mother who held her small son in her arms, crying, 'Judah, wake up. O God, please don’t take my son. He’s the only child we have.'

  Marcus and Rae-dona ran to where the crowd stood surrounding the mother. The boy now lay on the ground, with his mother sobbing and asking God to protect him from death. Marcus guessed that the boy was about the same age as Antony. As he kneeled down beside the boy, he knew that the crown of thorns in his bag could heal the son of the mother who now was silently praying for him. She was asking God for a miraculous healing to take place, for the boy had such a serious head wound that he was clearly dead.

  Marcus felt unsure what to do. If he took the crown from his bag, and the word got around of its power, the Roman authorities would come quickly and take it away from him. He knew their system well -- he was part of the system. He looked at Rae-dona hoping for an answer, but she seemed confused, as if to say, 'I don’t know what you should do either.'

  Without even thinking about what he was doing, Marcus took the bag from his shoulder and put it at the side of the young boy. Then he carefully placed his hand inside the bag and placed his other hand on the boy’s chest. He felt the warmth of power flow through him to the boy. The boy stirred. Everyone fell silent. The boy opened his eyes and looked into the eyes of Marcus. Marcus picked up the boy and handed him to his mother.

  The mother, seeing no wound to the head, cried out with disbelief that such a miracle could have taken place. With joy in her heart, she shouted out for all to hear, 'My God, my God, thank You for returning my son to me. You are the mighty and powerful God, the one and only God.'

  Then turning to her son, she asked, 'Judah, my son, what happened?'

  The boy stretched as though coming out of a long, restful sleep. 'When the solders came I was sitting on that rock by the side of the road as you requested, mother. But the donkeys around me became frightened by all the soldiers running through the streets. One of the donkeys started to jump, and it kicked me on the head.' He felt the back of his head. 'I don’t understand it. There’s no hurt from the kick, but it hurt a lot at the time. The next thing I knew I was looking into the eyes of a man.'

  The mother kissed her son, hugging him tightly. 'Thank you, my friend. You saved my son’s life.'

  But when she turned to face Marcus, he and Rae-dona were no longer there.

  'Where is the man who saved my son?'

  Everyone looked around, but no one could answer her question. Tha
t is except for John. He had watched the whole thing and saw Marcus and Rae-dona slipping away before the boy’s mother could thank him. He knew the woman who was with him. He recognized her as Jairus’ niece. But he didn’t know the man who had been standing with her in the crowd. He thought he looked familiar, but wasn’t sure where he had seen him before. He had a feeling it was some time during the crucifixion of his Lord.

  Chapter 24

  Marcus and Rae-dona hurried back to John’s home, uncertain if anyone had noticed that Marcus had his hand in the bag when he touched the boy. He felt excited that the power was released and that the boy was now alive, even though with that massive head wound he had been so obviously dead.

  Marcus hoped that no one would be at the house to question him about how he saved the boy, and why he had not stayed around to receive the thanks from the mother. But if anyone had noticed the miracle, surely they would be followers of the Christ.

  Maybe the time had come to tell others about the crown of thorns and its power. But if not, he would just have to pray and trust he and Rae-dona could keep it a secret between themselves. But he was told that the group that would be meeting tonight had been praying for him. Maybe they needed another miracle.

  What Marcus did not know was that there was someone there at the village square who had recognized him, and was watching every move he made. Someone who was there during the execution, someone who saw him pick up the crown from beneath the cross with his sword and sling it over his shoulder. Someone who was sure that the crown was in the sack that Marcus had his hand in when the boy mysteriously recovered, even after he had been dead.

  Chapter 25

  When Marcus and Rae-dona arrived back at John’s home, Salome and Mary greeted them at the door.

  'Come in,' they said, both talking at the same time.

  Then Salome said, 'We were on our way to hear my son John teaching, when the soldiers ran by us in military formation. They were laughing and shouting about how scared the people would be when they got to the square. We hurried back home, and with the few of us here we got down on our knees and prayed for the safety of those who were attending the meeting. We’re so sorry this happened. Are the two of you all right?'