The Man on the Next Cross

Many would have followed this ONE. They would have taken the sword and driven the hated Romans from their land. No one could have stopped this ONE. HE had power beyond all imagination.  Power to slay with but HIS spoken word. Yet Hespoke of love. He said, "..., love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you,..." and, "No one shows greater love than when he lays down his life for his friends." (ISV) So instead of leading a Great Army to victory and winning the world he was beaten almost to death and a crown of thorns was placed on  his head. He walked a lonely walk down the "Via Dolorosa." carrying a heavy cross.  They stripped him of his clothes and then nailed him to the cross to die.  It was for our sins he took this shame upon himself. So instead of becoming Ruler over the whole world he choose to die the death of a common criminal. A death HE did not deserve but we do. Who is this ONE? His name is Jesus Christ.