by Joe Snyder
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Jerusalem, April 19, AD 30 — The young prophet, Jesus, met violent death on bleak Golgotha Hill this afternoon, after Governor Pilate yielded to the mob demanding his death. This reporter sent a story to his editor after making an investigation of the events leading up to the tragic death of the 33-year-old teacher. Jesus was arrested about midnight by Roman soldiers. They were led to the Garden of Gethsemane by Judas, who had once been a follower of the Nazarene.
As they approached Jesus, Judas hailed him as "Master" and greeted him with a kiss, thus identifying him to the soldiers. He was taken before the High Priest Caiaphas and other dignitaries, where he was questioned. Witnesses were unable to produce any evidence to back up their charges, but in desperation he was charged with blasphemy. Later he was bound and taken before Governor Pilate where he was charged with sedition. However, no proof was produced and Pilate found him "not guilty" when he stated he was the "Son of God."
Pilate intended to release him, but an angry crowd began shouting "Crucify Him" and Pilate, unable to control the situation, gave in, saying: "I am innocent of the blood of this just person; see to it yourselves." Jesus was then taken into a room full of Pilate’s soldiers. They stripped him of his clothing, forced a crown of thorns upon his head, then knelt before him in ridicule as "King of the Jews." He was then stripped of his robe and severely scourged before starting for Golgotha, the execution site.
A bystander told this reporter that Jesus had not gone too far when he fell under the weight of the wooden cross. Longinus, a Roman officer, commanded a heavy-built spectator to help carry the cross. I learned later the man, a Negro, was called Simon who lived in North Africa and was in Jerusalem with a caravan of herbs and spices.
The crucifixion took place early morning and two thieves were executed with Jesus. I noted that a sign on Jesus’ cross bore the words "King of the Jews," written in Hebrew, Latin and Greek. Judging from the crowd, it was obvious it was far larger than the ones in the temples inside the city walls. There was much wailing and tears poured out as in a torrent. Those I questioned gave the same answer: "He went about doing good, and we do not understand what could have arisen to cause his painful and untimely death in this despicable manner."
Among the grief-stricken who remained with Him during the ordeal were His aunt, Mary, sister of His mother and wife of Celophas; Mary, the mother of Jesus; Salome and Mary Magdalene. Before his final, tortuous breath, he asked his young disciple, John, to take care of his mother. One follower who was at the foot of the cross when Jesus breathed his last, heard these words: "It is finished. Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit."
The body of the slain prophet was taken from the cross before sundown; removed to a tomb in The Garden of Joseph of Arimathea. The latter had gone to Pilate that afternoon to request that the body be given burial there, which was granted. This experience will be with me forever. In all my years of reporting I have never witnessed such sorrow and grieving by so many. Ironic, too, is that Judas died two days later as he attempted to hang himself. Apparently the rope broke from the weight of his body and he fell to the ground, causing his stomach to "burst asunder."
The tomb of Jesus was subsequently found empty, the stone rolled aside from the tomb. Followers are running the streets shouting: "He is Risen!" I am convinced a wondrous event has occurred here.