The Day Death Died: A Holy Week DevotionalUzorak

The Centurion

READ

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. . . . And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!" Matthew 27:45, 50–54

Additional Reading: Mark 15:33–39; Luke 23:44–49; Zechariah 12:10; Revelation 1:7

REFLECT

During Jesus’ last days, the Gospel writers recorded unnamed soldiers and their participation in Jesus’ journey to the cross. Some mocked Him, spat on Him, struck Him, and stripped Him of His clothes (Matthew 27:27–31). The passage today is about one of the soldiers—a centurion. A centurion is a soldier in the Roman army who is responsible for commanding a century or a hundred other soldiers. This particular centurion was responsible for seeing that Jesus’ death sentence was carried out—a task that was probably not new to him. As part of his job, he must have witnessed much suffering and death. Jesus’ crucifixion was another ordinary day for him, until he saw the miraculous things that surrounded Jesus’ death.

There was darkness over the whole land, the curtain of the temple tore in two, the earth quaked, the rocks split, and tombs were opened. When the centurion saw these things, he was filled with awe (Matthew 27:54). At first, the centurion saw Jesus as an ordinary criminal whom he had to watch over. But when His death was followed by these extraordinary events, the centurion saw Jesus for who He truly was. As Matthew, Mark, and Luke record, the centurion declared,“Truly this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54); “Truly this man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39). In addition, Luke recorded that when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!” (Luke 23:47).

Scripture does not tell us whether or not the centurion repented, was saved, and put his faith in Jesus. However, it made him see Jesus as the Son of God and an innocent man—not an ordinary person. The centurion had witnessed the miraculous, and this led him to declare who Christ is.

Just like the centurion, others may be brought one step closer to Christ when they see extraordinary things happen. The miraculous makes Christ and the gospel more attractive to those who are far away from Him.

From the story of the centurion, we see how miracles are meant to point people to Christ. We are surrounded by people who, like the centurion, can be led to Jesus when they encounter the miraculous or extraordinary. When extraordinary things in our lives happen, it is for people to see, know, and come closer to Jesus.

RESPOND

• As we reflect once more on the miracles that surrounded Jesus’ death and resurrection, let this lead us to a declaration of who He is—the Son of God who led a sinless life and died for us, in our place. In your own words, give thanks to God and declare who He is in your life.
• Our goal is not just to experience miracles, but to experience Jesus Himself and grow in maturity and holiness. Pray that as God does extraordinary things in your life, you would have a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him day by day.
• Who are the people around you that can witness the miraculous work of God? Pray that God would reveal Himself to them in a personal way.