An old preacher who is dying 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 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 the 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 like either one of them.

They both remembered his long, uncomfortable sermons about greed, covetousness and selfish behavior that made them squirm in their seats. Finally, the banker said, “preacher, why did you ask us to come?’ The old preacher mustered up the strength and then said weakly, “Jesus died between two thieves and that’s how I want to go.