Chapter 22 - Page 310 - Shanha Talks To Jesus

   Reverend Morris and Jim knew what was happening and prayed as the events unfolded.

   Spectators watched as soldiers drove spikes through Jesus' hands and into the cross. When Francis saw the first nail go into Jesus' hand, she told Shanha not to watch anymore. Fran turned her head away and held Shanha close to her. Reverend Morris, Jim, and Jackie also refused to watch the crucifixion. Tears ran down their cheeks as they prayed. The village people could see agony and pain on the Lord's face as the large spikes broke through his bones and pinned his ankles to the wood of the cross. They felt uncomfortable, watching what was happening to Jesus and the two thieves.

   After the cross of Jesus was shoved into a hole, it stood tall between the other two crosses. Jesus was secured to the standing cross only by the nails through his hands and ankles. His body sagged helplessly from the cross. A sign was nailed at the top of the cross, containing words that mocked Jesus: This is Jesus, King of the Jews.

   The village people didn't know how powerful Jesus was. If he had asked, ten thousand angels would have come to his rescue. "Father," Jesus said instead, "forgive them, for they know not what they do."

   Soldiers behind the cross were gambling for Jesus' clothes. People around the cross mocked him. "He saved others," they yelled, "let him save himself, if he be Christ, the son of God."

   The congregation heard Jesus saying, "My God, my God. Why hast thou forsaken me?"

   The ancient people in the vision thought Jesus was calling to Elias. They yelled, "Let be, let's see if Elias will come to save him."

   A man secured a sponge to a reed and filled the sponge with vinegar. He raised the sponge with vinegar to Jesus' lips, for him to drink.