Young People's Group

“TRULY THIS WAS THE SON OF GOD!”

by Pastor Mitch
April 04, 2010

A Centurion Discovers Faith In Jesus

What was it really like to be there to see the Lord Jesus die on the cross? For the enemies of Christ, it was a time of rejoicing. For others who loved him, it was most sorrowful and heart wrenching. For the centurion who guarded him, it was a time of discovering who He really is. The experience of all that the centurion saw and heard was so awesome and astounding that he said these words:

“Truly this was the Son of God!” 
Matthew 27:54

The centurion recognised Jesus as the true Son of God. He was able to perceive that Jesus was more than just a man. He saw Him as one who was most righteous (Luke 23:47). He found faith in Jesus and acknowledged that this man who died on the cross was indeed the divine Son of God.

The Factors That Helped The Centurion Believe

How did the centurion come to faith in Jesus?

1. He Saw The Signs That Accompanied Jesus’ Death On The Cross

“So when the centurion … saw the earthquake and the things that had happened” 
Matthew 27:54

There were great signs that happened throughout the land as Jesus was executed on the cross. There was darkness over all the earth. The sun was truly darkened. After His death, the earth quaked as it never did before. The rocks spilt open. These signs helped the centurion to see Jesus in a different light. He saw Him as divine.

2. He Heard The Significant Words That Jesus Said On The Cross

The centurion heard most astounding and touching words as Jesus died on the cross. He heard Jesus pray for forgiveness for those who hurt Him (Luke 23:34). He spoke reassuring words to the thief on the cross that he would be with Him in paradise (Luke 23:43). He cried out with a loud voice and committed His spirit to God (Luke 23:46). The words that Jesus said on the cross spoke to the heart of this centurion.

The Definite Responses Of Faith Of The Centurion

As the centurion saw all that happened as Jesus died, he responded with faith. Firstly, there was a deep sense of fear of the Lord (Matthew 27:54). Secondly, the centurion worshipped and glorified God (Luke 23:47). He was able to perceive that what Jesus did was truly glorious. This Man was indeed a righteous Man and yet He died on the cross for a definite purpose. The centurion could not help but glorify God for what Jesus did on the cross. Thirdly, he professed that Jesus was indeed the Son of God (Matthew 27:54). This Easter, let’s glorify God and lift up His name for what our Saviour did on the cross. Let’s seek to profess to all that Jesus is truly the Son of God.

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