We know that the squad of soldiers assigned the task of actually crucifying Jesus consisted of four soldiers, because the gospel of John tells us that they divided his clothes between them. However, there was also a centurion there at the cross. A centurion usually commanded between 60–100 soldiers. And he had been watching, and listening, all along.
We know that the squad of soldiers assigned the task of actually crucifying Jesus consisted of four soldiers, because the gospel of John tells us that they divided his clothes between them. However, there was also a centurion there at the cross. A centurion usually commanded between 60–100 soldiers. And he had been watching, and listening, all along.
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
We need to understand who centurions were in the Roman army. Centurions were expected to lead from the front and inspire their men with courage. They were also expected to keep their soldiers in line, and they were renowned for their brutality. They were the toughest of the tough.
But being in the presence of the Lamb of God transforms the heart. This centurion had probably overseen the work of hundreds of crucifixion squads. He’d seen it all. But he’d never seen anyone like Jesus. The key issue in dispute during Jesus’ final week in Jerusalem was, “who is he?”
Jesus had clearly claimed to be the Son of God, and the religious leaders had mocked him for it, even during the crucifixion. But now, this centurion recognised that Jesus had been right all along. The title “the Son of God” points to Christ’s divinity, meaning that he is God. The centurion looked at the Cross and saw God. What do you see?
