SURELY JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD

And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” —Mark 15:39

             How will we accept, or not, the witness of this centurion?  His testimony is written and included here in God’s Word.  A Roman soldier who was a leader of over 100 soldiers.  He had seen and observed death many times before.  He was a seasoned, professional and disciplined soldier.  When this rugged, hardened soldier “saw how Jesus died, he said, ‘Surely this man was the Son of God!’”

             Let’s say you are sitting with this Roman soldier and having a cup of coffee with him.  He tells you how Jesus died and how he concluded that “Surely this man was the Son of God!”  How would you respond to him?  Would you say, like some, the ridiculous idea that Jesus was really “swooning” and did not really die.  Would a person dare to say that to this centurion who had seen death many times and knew what he was talking about?  I think not! 

             When “Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead.”  Pilate did not take Joseph’s word that Jesus was dead.  He was surprised that Jesus had already died.  So, “Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph” (Mark 15:43-45).  The centurion told Pilate that Jesus was indeed dead.  Do you think the centurion would give Pilate, his superior, false information as a soldier.  I think not!

             So, how will we accept, or not, the witness of this centurion?  Was he lying or not?  I will accept his testimony fully.  Will you?  May it be so, Dear Father, that those reading this who have not called on Jesus would accept the testimony of this season soldier and also state— “Surely this man was the Son of God!”  Yes, may it be so by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEbQswNB6Wc&list=RDcEbQswNB6Wc&start_radio=1