We kneel at the cross of Jesus tonight.

We are there with thieves who were crucified on either side of Him; one jeering and one repentant.

We are there with passersby. Some were morbidly curious. Some mocked. Some gossiped. Some didn’t care. And some wondered.

We are there with Roman soldiers; soldiers for whom this was not their first tortuous execution and wouldn’t be their last. They were just doing their job.

We are there with his mother, Mary. How often had she prayed for His safety? Worried over His health? Cautioned Him to be careful? She knew Him as her son.

We are there with his friend, John, the son of Zebedee. The beloved disciple. A sincere believer. A true and trusted friend.

We are there with the women who had seen to the disciples’ needs during Jesus’ ministry: Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James and Joses, and Salome. They had given their time and effort. One had been delivered from evil spirits and the resulting distress. They all demonstrated courage in remaining by Jesus.

We are there with the chief priests, scribes, and elders who perhaps were jealous, did not believe He was God’s son, and who mocked Him.

We are there tonight. Which one are you?

Image: putfaithfirst.blogspot.jpg; Luke 23