Scripture:
Matthew 27:32-56 and Philippians 2:1-11
Reflection:
If we know little about Pilates wife (see previous blog post), we know even less about the Roman Centurion who stood by the cross.
In the ancient Roman army, a centurion had charge over 100 foot soldiers in a legion (3-6,000 soldiers), so we know that he was a man with some rank. Promotion would have come by demonstrating his skill and bravery. He would have sworn his allegiance to the Emperor, and he was expected to drill, feed, cloth and command his men.
On a day to day basis, the centurion acted as a law enforcement officer, so he would deal with the lowest in society, as well as rub shoulders with, and protect, the rich and famous.
In Matthew 8 we read of a centurion who came to Jesus, pleading with him to heal his servant (vv.5-13). This man showed great humility and faith, such that Jesus commended him saying, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” We have no indication that this centurion was the same man who stood at the foot of the cross, but I do not feel it is unreasonable to think it was, when we consider the faith which Jesus saw in him here.
So, during one of his shifts, he finds himself overseeing the execution of Jesus. He had probably been in charge of the case from the moment Jesus was brought before Pilate, until the crucifixion is complete and the body removed. This was a high profile case at a very sensitive time in Jerusalem, so needed careful handling. He must not let the situation get out of control.
He witnessed the tortuous death inflicted on Jesus; He saw the humility and dignity with which Jesus endured it; He heard his humanity when he cried out, “I thirst.” He felt his agony when he shouted, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” He was amazed when he heard Jesus pray, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” But did he feel compassion? After all, he was a man hardened by battle, who had probably witnessed many crucifixions, and one who knew how to control his own emotions.
He seemed to weigh all he saw that day (and maybe remembered how Jesus had healed his servant?), and this man, a symbol of Roman justice and punishment, filled with awe and fear, spoke two sentences: "Truly this was a Son of God," (Matt.27:54) and “Certainly this was a righteous Man" (Luke 23:47).
His spontaneous words revealed something which was clear to him in Jesus: That this man was also God. His conclusion of the Deity of Jesus was his conclusion of all he had seen.
Sad to say, the religious leaders of the time had refused to see it, blinded by their desire to hold on to power.
Prayer:
Lord, We remember today, the pain and suffering of the cross, and all that you were willing to endure, so that we could be set free.
You paid the price, such a great sacrifice, to offer us the gift of eternal life.
Give us the vision of the centurion to see in you the Son of God, the righteous One.
Help us never to take for granted this huge gift of love on our behalf.
Thank you that we can say with great hope, “It is finished…” For we know what’s still
to come. And death has lost its sting. We praise you for you are making all things
new. AMEN
Songs:
The wonderful cross – Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman
My song is love unknown – Samuel Crossman
Food for Thought:
What do you think of Jesus?
When you read through his life and the account of his death, what conclusion do you
come to?
Pictures from: www.unsplash.com