he said, "The time has now come, God's reign is near: repent and believe in the gospel."

On catching sight of Jesus from afar he ran and knelt before him,

I tell you truly," he said, to them, "there are some of those standing here who will not taste death till they see the coming of God's Reign with power."

On seeing him the whole crowd was thunderstruck and ran to greet him.

I tell you truly, whoever will not submit to the Reign of God like a child will never get into it at all."

As he went out on the road a man ran up and knelt down before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit life eternal?"

Blessed be the Reign to come, our father David's reign. Hosanna in high heaven!"

One man ran off, soaked a sponge in vinegar, and put it on the end of a stick to give him a drink, saying, "Come on, let us see if Elijah does come to take him down!"

Joseph of Arimathaea, a councillor of good position who himself was on the outlook for the Reign of God, ventured to go to Pilate and ask for the body of Jesus.