Why I Would Have Killed Jesus and You Might Have Too by David Nelson

Author:David Nelson [Nelson, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781666711585
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
Published: 2021-09-08T18:20:36+00:00

chapter 4

Maximus Gallus

My name is Maximus Gallus, but people call me Max. I’m here to tell you about a disobedient troublemaker. He looted, encouraged violence, and doomed many with his contempt for law and order. Although he was a miracle worker, he represented everything wrong with the world. Fortunately, Jesus of Nazareth was crucified for his crimes.

I’m a proud Roman citizen, a soldier, and a family man. I have a beautiful wife and eight children. My dream is to move up the ranks to become a centurion. My brothers, my father, and even my grandfather all served Rome as soldiers. My grandfather and oldest brother paid the ultimate price. I offer my service to honor their legacy. Too many people have already forgotten the great sacrifices our soldiers have made. I would die for Lord Caesar in a heartbeat.

My fellow soldiers respect me because I care more about law and order than anyone. For me, this is personal. My oldest brother, Cato, was an incredible centurion. Many years ago, he was doing security in Jerusalem during Passover. This is a holiday when Jews celebrate how their God allegedly freed them from slavery in Egypt. Things are so much better these days. They are so lucky to live under Lord Caesar, yet some of them are never satisfied. A report came to Cato that a Jewish rabble-rouser was claiming to be a king. This so-called “king” started with a protest, which quickly turned into a riot, as they usually do. Those people make me so angry. Cato quickly ordered many of those seditious rebels to be crucified. Then a gutless Jewish thug snuck up and stabbed my brother in the stomach, then slipped away into the crowd after murdering my hero. I honor Cato every time I catch some lawless rebel or violent thug.

My story can’t be told apart from my centurion, Decimus. I still remember the day I met him. I was standing in formation with the other soldiers, waiting to meet our leader. Soon a giant of a man trudged toward us. He wore the typical armor with a silver helmet, topped with red feathers. He was barrel-chested with curly black hair and a full beard. As he approached, his intensity struck fear into our hearts. He swept his beady eyes back and forth, demanding our complete attention.

“I am Decimus,” he said, his voice rumbling like thunder. “I am your centurion. You are under my authority. You will do exactly as I say.”

Decimus stared down a soldier. “Fetch me a cup of water,” he demanded. The poor man looked confused for a moment and then sprinted to find a cup. Several soldiers laughed, but that stopped the moment Decimus glared at them.

Next, he strutted in my direction. My knees nearly buckled in fear. He was so close that I could feel his breath on my cheek as he sized me up. “Soldier, what is your name?”

“My name is Maximus Gallus, sir, but you can call me Max.”

“Is that right?” Decimus said, laughing.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.