A Lenten Devotion for Tuesday, April 8
- ontrakk
- Apr 8
- 1 min read
Matthew 27:54
When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”
This verse makes me want to know more about the centurian. Does he learn more about Jesus after the crucifixion? Is he made aware at some later point in time that Jesus has returned, alive? His life would undoubtedly never be the same. He came to know Christ, and to acknowledge him as the Son of God. This would be a fascinating starting point for a story/movie/play about how lives (and how many lives) are changed by spiritual rebirth.
Holy Lord, I have no idea what my life would be like if I had not known you. It is impossible for me to consider. I know I owe all that I am, to you. Help me to be an even better person. Forgive me for my sins, I pray. Amen
Becky, transforming
Matthew 27:54
These men must have been aware of Jesus' back story. I imagine it would have been difficult to not hear about this man and all he had done. Certainly Pilate's sign "King of the Jews" would not have lead them to this conclusion--"this man truly was the son of God." Where would they have heard something like this. Like Becky, I wonder if they became believers at this point or soon after. Really--how did this affect any and all who witnessed what happened.
Would it have brought me to Jesus if I had been there?
Prayer: Gracious God, Again, I have more questions than answers. AMEN
Matthew 27:54
This makes me wonder, as Lucado suggests, if those in the darkness felt the same as the the centurion and he happened to be the one who uttered the words out loud. I tend to believe that to be so. This darkness is the beginning of a guiding light that changes mankind forever.
Dear God, help me to fully understand the Good Friday darkness and always seek your guiding light. Amen
Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 (30th day of Lent)
Matthew 27:54
When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”
The centurion recognized that this was no ordinary man and his death was not ordinary. The things Jesus said were true, and he was who He claimed to be. It is remarkable that the centurion recognized Jesus’ true identity, but only after Jesus died. the centurion's thoughts could probably be associated with the earthquakes , the tearing of the curtain, and other powerful events. Many still refused to recognize Jesus was the Son of God. So…
Matthew 27:54
Scripture is silent on the future and ultimate fate of the centurion, but it is not so hard to imagine this particular Friday was his last day on the job. If I were writing the story, he would resign his commission and become an effective and powerful evangelist for Christ among the Gentiles in the region. It might end in martyrdom at the hands of the soldiers he once commanded, but in his heart he would know he would be reunited with the One who gave him eternal life.
Prayer - Jesus, Your power to change hearts stands forever against the evil forces of this earthly realm. As our culture moves further from You,
believers continue to pray…