Page 546 - Bible History

THE PASS N AND DEATH OF RIST 519
Savior. When ey heard that Pilate had refused to change the title on the cross, they became all the more bitter. They were afraid that the people might think that Jesus had some right to be called the King of the Jews. They therefore sought to prevent this by show­ ing that they, the leaders of the people, who ought to know better than anyone else, were co inced that He was not King of the Jews.
One of the robbers who was hanging by the side of Jesus began to curse and swear at Him, saying, ''If good
Thou be the Christ, save Thyself and us.'' But the other robber rebuked him. "Hast thou no fear of God?" he said. "We have received the just reward
for our deeds; but this man hath done no evil." Then he said to Jesus, ''Lord, remember me when Thou shalt come into Thy Kingdom." "Amen, I say to thee,'' Jesus answered, ''this day thou shalt be with
Me in Paradise.''
The friends of Jesus had forsaken Him. They did "S
not dare come near the foot of the cross, where the beh thy
Pharisees and chief priests were gathered, because Mother" they were afraid something might happen to them.
But four there were who were not afraid. Boldly they pushed their way through the crowd and stood beside
the cross. These were Mary, His Mother, and her sister, John, the disciple whom He loved, and Mary Magdalen. Looking down from the cross, Jesus saw His Mother and John, His beloved disciple, gazing up at Him in pity and in love. Tenderly He spoke to Mary. ''Woman,'' He said, ''behold thy son.'' Then He spoke to John, ''Behold thy Mother.'' John under-
th