An old preacher was dying. He sent a message for his banker
and his lawyer, both church members, to come to his home.
When they arrived, they were ushered up to his bedroom. As
they entered the room, the preacher held out his hands and
motioned for them to sit on each side of the bed. The
preacher grasped their hands, sighed contentedly, smiled, and
stared at the ceiling. For a time, no one said anything.
Both the banker and lawyer were touched and flattered that
the preacher would ask them to be with him during his final
moments. They were also
puzzled. The preacher had never given them any indication
that he particularly liked either of them. They both
remembered his many long, uncomfortable sermons about greed,
covetousness, and avaricious behavior that made them squirm
in their seats.
Finally, the banker asked, "Preacher, why did you ask us to
come?"
The old preacher mustered up his strength and then said
weakly, "Jesus died between two thieves, and that's how I
want to go."
