Lent Devotion – From the Cross to the Grave – Week 4

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!”
Matthew 27:54

Surely

Roman centurions were not easily frightened. Yet the events surrounding the crucifixion and death of Jesus terrified the centurions who were guarding him.

At first, the scene may have felt familiar. “When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there” (Matthew 27:35-36). They may have laughed as they heard the insults hurled at Jesus as he suffered on the cross. “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:40). Even the other criminals mocked him.

Then Matthew notes something that likely got their attention: “From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land” (Matthew 27:45). But it was the moment Jesus died that must have caused them to be terrified. “The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life” (Matthew 27:51-52).

If the guards remained at the cross near Jesus, they would have only heard about the temple curtain being torn or the dead people raised to life. But in the darkness, they felt the earth shake and the rocks split open as creation groaned at the death of Jesus. And they were terrified.

“Surely he was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54).

Was their exclamation a statement of faith?

Whether any of the Roman guards came to faith during Jesus’ suffering and death isn’t the point of the passage. It is certainly possible that they confessed saving faith in Jesus. On the other hand, it may have been a response to the supernatural events they had seen—a conclusion drawn in fear or wonder, not necessarily faith.

Another day is coming when some people will look to the skies, be terrified, and say, “Surely this is the Son of God.” The LORD has appointed that day. Today, some laugh at the mockery and insults hurled at Christianity. Others ignore creation as it declares the glory of God and “proclaim[s] the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1).

In these days, as we await his return, God wants us to reach out to those who don’t believe. They may be sitting around or passing by. They may not be interested in spiritual things because of the darkness of their unbelief and sin. But they are on your path for a reason—and God is giving you an opportunity to build a relationship with them and talk with them about the forgiveness bought by the blood of Jesus. Tell people what Jesus has done for them and who he really is.

Surely, he is the Son of God.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the Son of God. Your suffering and death paid for my sin, and I praise you for the gift of salvation. Help me always remember your sacrifice and the depth of your love for me. Fill me with your compassion to love those around me who are lost and hurting, and open my eyes to see the times I can talk about you as my Savior and King. Remind me that the day will come that everyone will know you are the Son of God—that every knee will bow as you usher in our glorious new life with you. Thank you for that gift of eternal life. Amen.

Written by Naomi Schmidt