Page 108 - laten-08-06-2020

Centurion

Affirming the Truth

Matthew 27: 54; Mark 15: 39; and Luke 23: 47
Introduction

oday we look at the Centrian who stood facing Jesus on the
TCross; from the biblical record of St. Matthew 27: 54; Mark
15: 39; and Luke 23: 47.

The Centurion Encountering the Context of the Cross

The Centurion was a Roman Officer with 100 soldiers at
his command to supervise the execution of Jesus. The presence
of the Centurion at the site of crucifixion of Jesus is significant
because of his position of authority, Roman nationality and his
words about Jesus. He was observing very closely all that was
happening around Jesus in terms of security and execution of
the order of the Roman Governor. He may have done many
such executions before and similarly he was carrying out the
official order without any prejudice.
There was a big crowd and some women and some
disciples of Jesus were far away watching the happenings. The
crowd was aggressive while the women were weeping and the
disciples were scared of the Empire of the State and Religion.
The frenzy crowd have been bent upon killing Jesus. Although
he was performing his duty as the Roman Centurion, he
comprehended the event.
He could perceive that the crucifixion of Jesus was
extraordinarily different from crucifixion of others. Jesus’
response to his tormenters through his words, His yielding
to the afflictions, His way of giving up of His soul and the
supernatural signs at the time of His death was very unique
for the Centurion. The crucified culprits usually curse, abuse

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Lenten Meditations Re - Imaging People