What can we learn from the centurion's response to Jesus' crucifixion in Matthew 27:54? Setting the Scene - Matthew 27:54 records the reaction of the Roman officer and his soldiers at the very moment Jesus dies: “When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified and exclaimed, ‘Truly this was the Son of God!’ ” - These men had watched the entire crucifixion: the darkness (v. 45), Jesus’ final cry (v. 50), and the earth‐shaking signs (v. 51–53). Their declaration punctuates the narrative and invites us to consider what genuine recognition of Jesus looks like. What the Centurion Saw • Supernatural darkness (v. 45) • The temple veil torn in two (v. 51) • A violent earthquake splitting rocks (v. 51) • Tombs opening and saints later appearing in the city (v. 52-53) • Jesus’ composed yet powerful final cry (v. 50; cf. John 19:30) These cumulative signs left the soldiers “terrified,” a word also used of the disciples in Matthew 14:26 when they saw Jesus walking on the water. Holy fear overtook hardened military men. The Centurion’s Confession - “Truly” (alēthōs) signals a settled certainty, not a guess. - “Son of God” recognizes divine identity, echoing the Father’s voice at Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:17) and transfiguration (17:5). - Mark 15:39 reports the same confession; Luke 23:47 adds, “Surely this was a righteous man.” Taken together, the officer sees Jesus as both righteous and divine. Key Lessons for Us Today • God speaks through undeniable evidence – Through creation (Psalm 19:1), miracles (John 20:30-31), and judgments (Revelation 15:4), God makes Christ’s identity unmistakable. – The cross is the supreme revelation (1 Corinthians 1:18-24). • No one is beyond the reach of grace – A Gentile, part of the execution squad, becomes one of the first to confess Jesus after His death. – Acts 10 shows another centurion, Cornelius, receiving salvation, underscoring that “God does not show favoritism” (Acts 10:34-35). • Saving faith includes reverent fear – “They were terrified” points to healthy awe, a theme echoed in Philippians 2:12-13: “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you.” – Such fear leads to worship, not paralysis (Hebrews 12:28-29). • True recognition leads to proclamation – The centurion did not remain silent; he voiced what he now believed. – Romans 10:9 links confession and salvation: “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ … you will be saved.” • The cross crushes preconceived barriers – Jewish leaders mocked; Roman soldiers confessed. The contrast warns against religious pride and highlights humble recognition. – Ephesians 2:13-16 affirms that the cross reconciles “both” Jew and Gentile to God. Living the Lesson - Let every reading of Christ’s crucifixion rekindle awe and gratitude. - Remember that God still uses unmistakable moments—some dramatic, others quiet—to draw people to His Son. - Look beyond backgrounds and labels; the next bold witness for Christ may come from the most unexpected place. Conclusion The centurion’s words, “Truly this was the Son of God,” remind us that the proper response to the cross is reverent belief expressed openly. May we, like that Roman officer, see the signs God places before us and respond with professing hearts and transformed lives. |
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