Flavius Artemis the centurion page 24

 Flavius Artemis the centurion page 24 by ric gustafson

After reaching the Skull, Flavius ordered two of his soldiers to strip the two thieves. As they yelled in pain, their hands and feet were nailed to their crosses. Holes were dug into the ground. Their crosses were raised up and put into the holes. Jesus was also stripped. He groaned as his hands and feet were nailed into his cross. Over the head of Jesus a sign was put. It said ' Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews'. There was complaining by the religious about the sign. The sign stayed the same.

Flavius stared at the bleeding man. His respect and admiration for the man had only increased since he healed the ear of Malchus in the garden. He knew some of his men physically abused him. He had tried to minimize it as much as he could. He shook his head as several people around Jesus's cross were mocking him and yelling at him to come down from his cross.

Then a normal crucifixion routine happened.

" Let's divide his garments".

The other three soldiers agreed. They put down their spears.

Jesus sadly looked on.

Flavius picked up Jesus's clothing and put it in the middle of the circle. A soldier picked a robe like garment, one soldier his belt and another his sandals. A soldier picked Jesus's headpiece. 

Flavius picked up Jesus's tunic. Flavius was impressed how beautiful it looked.

" Let's not tear it". Flavius smiled. " It is without seam from the top".

One of the soldiers grinned. " Let's roll lots for it".

One of the soldiers smiled. " Does anybody have any dice?".

One of the soldiers reached into his pocket. " I do".

One of the soldiers yelled " seven wins". He threw the dice on the hard dusty ground. It came up 7. " I win". Flavius handed him the tunic.

They all stood up, picked up their spears and went back to work.

research help: ' The Murder of Jesus' by John Macarthur

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric