here were many different types of people in the crowd on that Sunday in Jerusalem. Some were there to pay honor to the Son of David. Others hoped this man was the Messiah who would set them free from the Romans. Some were simply curious.

Some were doing their job, like this soldier. He was likely assigned to watch the crowd for outbreaks of violence, for thieves and pick pockets, or to keep an eye on this man who attracted so many people.

Was this soldier present when Jesus was flogged? Did he roll the dice for the clothing of Jesus? Did he nail him to the cross? Whoever he was, he was still a Roman soldier: a man who had signed a 25 year contract to fight and kill for the Roman Empire.