The Roman Centurion

Today I want to share with you a blog I read about another character in the bible that had a life changing experience at the cross, the Roman Centurion. (North Hixon Church of Christ)

“The Roman soldiers were professionals in execution. Like thousands before and after Jesus, they marched the Son of God to “the place of the Skull” where He was to suffer a vicious, embarrassing death. The Roman soldiers were instruments of cruelty and pain. It was the Roman soldiers who scourged Jesus (Matt 27:26). It was the Roman soldiers who put the robe on His back, who fashioned the crown of thorns and beat it into His skull (Matt 27:28-31). They mocked Him as the “King of the Jews.” They spat upon Him. They treated Jesus like one of their low-life victims.”

“When we look to the Roman soldiers at the scene of the cross, we see two very different pictures. On one hand you see the soldiers gambling for Jesus’ possessions. According to tradition, the guards were given the possessions of the condemned. Jesus didn’t have much, but they were happy to get whatever they could and they unknowingly played their role in the fulfillment of prophecy.”

“In looking at the gambling soldiers, you have to wonder how many today are following in their footsteps? “What’s in it for me” has become our national cliche. Much of modern religion seems to be built upon the creed that we are happy to be Christians provided the Provider provides. We put some cheep prices on the love of God and the blood of Jesus when we play games at the foot of the cross. “If God loved me… I wouldn’t be sick…I’d have a job…I’d have more money…my family would be happy… and seeing this the Savior must cry.”

“On the other hand there’s the Centurion’s confession. On a normal day, this centurion would be commanding a hundred of Rome’s finest fighting men. But on that day he was supervising a death squad. No doubt he had seen men die. He had heard their despair as pain overtook their resolve. He had heard them curse their executioners, their father and mother, and the day they were born. No doubt he had heard them curse God.”

“But on that day he heard the Son of God. He heard the Savior offer forgiveness to the mob, and hope to a thief. He heard the cry of victory and the prayer of faith. Had the Centurion seen Jesus raise the dead, walk on water, or give sight to the blind? I don’t know. But he saw Jesus die. He heard the Victor’s cry. He felt the earth quake and stood in awe of the blackness that replaced the noon day sun. For the Centurion the evidence was overwhelming and the conclusion was obvious: “Truly this man was the Son of God” (Mark 15:39). Two groups of soldiers – one was focused on self gain and possessions, the other on the Lord who was slain.”

Years ago we were given a old wooden cross, a small book about Lent and different articles that would be placed by the cross each week to remind us of the events leading to Easter.

This week’s Lent message is: “As Jesus hung on the cross, nearing death, the soldiers gathered around the cross dividing his clothes by casting lots. Place this die at the base of your cross to remember how you have been willing to gamble with your future. He is the One who clothes you with love and peace.”

We get the same choice that the Roman Centurion had. Will we choose to gamble and take our chances in this life for our eternal destination or will we see all the signs, the fulfillment of prophesy, hear the words of Christ and make the decision that He is the Righteous Son of God, the Lord and Savior of our life?

My Prayer

Father, there are so many things in this world that point to who You are. Your Word declares the truth and many before us have born witness that You are the Risen Lord. I pray we choose the sure thing, You. For those that choose to gamble, I pray that this Easter season they will be like this Roman Centurion who had lived life apart from You, but on that day, He saw. He heard and he was changed. In Jesus name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

Joshua 24:15

“But maybe you don’t want to serve the Lord. You must choose for yourselves today. Today you must decide who you will serve. Will you serve the gods that your ancestors worshiped when they lived on the other side of the Euphrates River? Or will you serve the gods of the Amorites who lived in this land? You must choose for yourselves. But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord. “