What does the centurion's reaction teach about witnessing Christ's power and authority today? Setting the Scene at Calvary “When the centurion and those with him guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified and said, ‘Truly this was the Son of God!’” (Matthew 27:54) What the Roman Officer Saw • Three hours of darkness (Matthew 27:45) • Jesus’ loud cry and purposeful surrender of His spirit (v. 50) • The temple veil torn from top to bottom (v. 51) • A violent earthquake and opened tombs (vv. 51-52) All of it shouted divine intervention—and it broke through a hardened soldier’s skepticism. The Centurion’s Confession of Faith • His declaration is immediate and public. • He uses covenant language: “Son of God.” • He speaks as a Gentile outsider, showing the gospel’s reach beyond Israel (cf. Romans 1:16). Mark records the same verdict (Mark 15:39); Luke adds, “Certainly this was a righteous man” (Luke 23:47). Three eyewitness accounts underline the moment’s importance. How the Moment Models Witnessing Today 1. Power Grabs Attention • God still uses undeniable works—hearts changed, prayers answered, truth confirmed—to draw observers (Acts 2:43). • Authentic witness begins with what God has clearly done, not with polished arguments. 2. Authority Becomes Obvious • Jesus displayed authority earlier to another centurion (Matthew 8:5-13). Now, at the cross, that authority reaches its climax (Matthew 28:18). • When Christ’s lordship is seen, the only logical response is confession (Philippians 2:10-11). 3. Outsiders Can Become First Proclaimers • The soldier was a pagan career officer, yet he spoke before many disciples found their voice. • Expect God to use unexpected people—coworkers, neighbors, even former critics—to speak truth once they encounter Christ’s power. 4. Witness Flows from Awe, Not Obligation • “They were terrified and said…” The fear of the Lord produced bold speech. • Genuine awe still fuels effective testimony (2 Corinthians 5:11). Practical Takeaways • Point to concrete works of God you’ve seen—specific answers to prayer, transformed lives, unexplainable peace. • Don’t underestimate the impact of crisis moments; people often recognize Christ’s authority when their world is shaken. • Welcome and equip new believers quickly. The centurion had no training, yet his first words glorified Jesus. • Remember that Christ’s power is most vivid at the cross and empty tomb; center your witness there (1 Corinthians 1:23-24). |
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