Back in October, I introduced the idea of telling stories as a means of exploring and, perhaps, better understanding the stories we find in scripture, and began with a short story about Peter -- if you didn't get a chance to read it then, I'd invite you to have a look (there is also a more detailed explanation of the rationale behind this approach).
Today, we continue that series..
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No! The governor's shoulders drooped. Don't you know who I am? Don't you know what I must do to you now?
"My kingdom..." The man's words hung like weight around the governor's neck.
He'd done everything he could, given the man every possible opportunity to escape the fate that those two little words had all but rendered certain, but there would be no turning back now. Rome would tolerate no rival -- especially not one from this disgusting corner of the empire that seemed so empty of any value and yet so full of men who would rule it.
His mind wandered to the other two who'd been slated for execution. Thieves, yes, but not just any thieves... rebels, too. The air was full of rebellion; the streets trembled with unrest. These would certainly not be the first to be crucified and, by the look of things, would likely not be the last.
Then, there's this fool. The room snapped back into focus, just as the man was saying something about "truth."
Truth? You want to talk about truth? The only truth that matters here is that Rome will crucify every man, woman and child in this hell hole you call home, if you don't learn your place. Do you understand what you're up against? Augustus, the very son of god, has conquered the whole of the known world. His enemies have been brought to ruin; his glory knows no equal; and you -- you poor, worthless beggar -- you think you can even hint at being a king and not be crushed under the full weight of his power? Just who--
He'd have continued in that internal tirade were it not for the smile the began to break out at the corners of the man's mouth.
At once, the governor felt as though he were being squeezed between two worlds. Outside, the raucous crowds hungered for spectacle and blood, threatening violence if denied. Inside, this pitiful beggar, this madman, breathed his own death into the room, seemed to smile at the thought of it.
And suddenly... suddenly, it seemed both -- the crowds and the man -- intended to walk the very road the governor had been trying so desperately to avoid.
You... want... to die?
