Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - March/86

Contributor - Peggy Humby

Title - Easter Meditation

Topic - Easter

And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that he thus breathed his last, he said, "Truly this man was the son of God. (Mark 15:39, KJV)

"He was tired; it had been a long shift, last night and all day and he couldn't leave until all three prisoners were dead. He stood looking up at the centre cross and something like compassion entered his mind, but he shook his head, he was getting old ... too many campaigns. . . but at least this was a soft job. He was due, he had had his share of battles and now this promotion to the sergeant of the guard at the governor's palace was great ... he wasn't too thrilled with these crucifixions, but it was the usual form of punishment and for the most part the victims deserved what they got ... so why did he feel so different about the Jew ... this Jesus - he had been present throughout his trial and scourging and he had to give the fellow his due .... he didn't say a word, he didn't even raise his voice in protest - it seemed as though he knew what was going to happen ... he didn't even say a word when they put the crown of thorns on his head ... he winced at the thought, that must have hurt ... and carrying the cross ... I guess the soldiers thought I was getting soft when I got that man from the crowd to carry his cross.. . but I didn't think he would make it ... and 'they' don't like the prisoners to die before they suffer. He paused in his thoughts the Jew was speaking ... what was he saying? He strained to listen "Elo-i, Elo-i lama sabac-thani" -what did it mean he tried to remember and as he did he realized that it suddenly had become dark and cold, he shivered and pulled his cloak closer to him, he looked up at the figure on the cross and remembered, "My God, My God, why has thou forsaken me?" as he remembered it seemed as if the figure on the cross became diffused in light, there was a clap of thunder and then there was a loud moan and the figure relaxed ... the centurion was filled with awe - and knew, knew beyond the shadow of a doubt, that this man was truly the son of God."

Is this how you see the centurion at the foot of the cross? do you see him, perhaps as Victor Mature in the movie "The Robe"? going through the rest of his life being a Christian or do you see him as the FIRST Christian - the first man to be convicted by the cross. If Jesus had lived and gone on to teach and heal he would have converted many - but because he died, it is only through the cross and faith that we become Christians - "followers of Christ".

As we approach the Easter season, let us look to the cross through the eyes of the centurion knowing that "surely this was a righteous man" (Luke 23:47, NIV).

"Therefore brethren, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way which he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart and full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." Hebrews 10:19 - 22 (RSV)

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