In what ways can we emulate the centurion's acknowledgment of Jesus in our lives? Glimpsing the Scene “ When the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, ‘Surely this man was righteous.’ ” (Luke 23:47) A hardened Roman officer watches Jesus die. Something about the darkness, the earthquake, the Lord’s words, and the manner of His death pierces the soldier’s soul. He responds with open praise and a clear confession. What the Centurion Did • Observed the evidence in front of him • Let the facts move his heart, not just his mind • Spoke up—publicly and immediately • Gave God the glory instead of taking credit for insight • Called Jesus “righteous,” admitting Christ’s innocence and holiness Ways We Can Follow His Lead 1. See with Spiritual Eyes • Ask the Spirit to keep our hearts soft (Ezekiel 36:26). • Regularly read the Gospels, lingering at the cross until we are moved again (John 19:35). 2. Let Truth Touch the Heart • Knowledge alone puffs up (1 Corinthians 8:1); truth embraced transforms. • Pause after Scripture reading—What does this reveal about Jesus? How should I respond? 3. Give Immediate Praise • “Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together” (Psalm 34:3). • Praise breaks the inertia of indifference and centers us on Christ’s worth. 4. Confess Christ Publicly • Romans 10:9—“If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ … you will be saved.” • Look for natural moments to speak of Jesus at work, at home, online. Silence protects comfort; confession advances the kingdom. 5. Acknowledge His Righteousness—and Our Need • 2 Corinthians 5:21—He became sin so we could become God’s righteousness. • Daily repent of self-righteousness; rely on His finished work, not ours. 6. Stand in Awe of the Cross • Philippians 2:8–11 shows Christ’s humiliation and exaltation; worship follows naturally. • The centurion responded to the crucifixion itself; so should we. Regularly reflect on the cost of our redemption. 7. Break Barriers and Labels • A Gentile officer confessed what many Jewish leaders denied (Mark 15:39). • Refuse to let background, culture, or peer pressure silence your witness. Practical Steps for Today • Morning focus: begin the day by rereading Luke 23:44-49; thank Jesus aloud for His righteousness. • Mid-day check: share one cross-centered truth with a friend or coworker. • Evening reflection: write down where you saw God’s righteousness displayed and praise Him for it. Encouragement from Other Confessors • Simon Peter—“You are the Christ” (Matthew 16:16). • Thomas—“My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). • The thief on the cross—“Remember me” (Luke 23:42). Their words, like the centurion’s, were brief but life-changing. Ours can be too. Living the Centurion’s Confession • Keep the cross central. • Let wonder drive worship. • Make confession a lifestyle, not an event. In doing so, we echo that soldier’s shout across the centuries: “Surely this man was righteous!” |
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