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Matthew 27:32-37. Crucified 16 Dec 2023

Mat 27:32 On their way out,
they came across a man from Cyrene, called Simon,
and enlisted him to carry his cross.
33 When they had reached a place called Golgotha,
that is, the place of the skull,
34 they gave him wine to drink mixed with gall,
which he tasted but refused to drink.
35 When they had finished crucifying him
they shared out his clothing by casting lots,
36 and then sat down
and stayed there keeping guard over him.
37 Above his head was placed the charge against him;
it read: 'This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.'

Excerpt from THE NEW JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1985 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

The "they", are the governor's soldiers. And those "they" supported Jesus with the painful events:
1) They immediately looked for someone to CARRY the cross of Jesus. Not to help Jesus carrying, but to carry the cross. That is what the text says.
2) They tried to give him wine with gall.
3) They sat with him ...

Prayer

Jesus, open my eyes to see where I can help.