Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/114

 “One was with him whom he loved,” said Lucius. “Didst thou not hear what he said to him from the cross?”

“I will seek him this night,” replied the centurion. “I have always held that men should worship according to the customs of the nation in which they dwell, and therefore I did not wonder that the Hebrews were incensed at one who desired to change their religion. I thought it dangerous to the empire that the Jews should have a king, and thus I justified his death. But when the gods interpose in earthquakes and in darkness at noon-day, it becomes us to obey the will which they so clearly interpret. I will not be satisfied till I know from the Jews themselves what Jesus has said and done; for no Roman, not the governor himself, understands who he was, or what he ought to have become.”

Before the centurion’s time for going forth had arrived, he received orders from Pilate to enter the city, and discover, if possible, what had become of the body of Jesus. This order suited well with the soldier’s purpose of seeking out the disciple John; and as soon as he