“And the people stood beholding” [Luke 23:35]

“And the people stood beholding”. The execution of Jesus was in public. God ordained it so. All and sundry gathered to witness the awful scene – soldiers, religious leaders, commoners and men of rank and even the two malefactors whom He predeceased by a few hours.
Jesus was atoning for the sins of the whole world and it was right that the people should stand beholding.
Where were those who acclaimed His triumphal entry only a week beforehand? Some at least must have been there. Was it they felt they could do nothing?
They could emulate the Centurion. He said, ‘Truly this man was the Son of God’. Your reaction when you stand beholding Jesus on the Cross is of more far-reaching consequence than you can ever imagine.