When George Nixon Briggs was governor of Massachusetts, three of his friends visited the Holy Land. While there, they climbed Golgotha’s slope and cut from the summit a small stick to be used as a cane. On their return home, they presented it to the governor, saying, “We wanted you to know that when we stood on Calvary we thought of you.” Accepting the gift with all due courtesy and gratitude, the governor tenderly added: “But I am still more thankful, gentlemen, that there was Another who thought of me there.”

All types of people were represented in the crowds at the cross. There were the reckless ones who gambled for the garments of Jesus. They mocked and spat upon Him, rejecting His love and sacrifice. The doubters were there, starting their taunts with their characteristic “if.” Those who were familiar with Jesus but faithless were there. They remembered His promise of resurrection but thought its fulfillment impossible. The religious ones were there, talking about salvation but rejecting the Saviour: “He saved others; himself he cannot save” (Matthew 27:42). The “seeing is believing” crowd was there. They promised to believe if He would come down from the cross.

Jesus died for all. His salvation is offered to all, regardless of previous failure or background. He changes doubters and down-and-outers: And such were some of you: “but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:1 1).