The centurions (Roman Guard) were the elite of the Roman Army, and were assigned the gruesome task of preparing Christ for the crucifixion. As a group, they beat him severely with a whip on his back, enough to nearly disable him. They crowned him with thorns, drove nails through his hands and feet, hoisted him up and divided his clothes amongst them by casting lots. They were attempting to humiliate him before cruelly hanging him on a cross. As you read through the accounts of the events in the Gospels of the bible, one can barely read, because of the graphic detail of the punishment Christ took.
One centurion who witnessed and participated in the event had a moment of understanding that must have changed his life forever. He had heard of the proclaimed miracles Christ performed, he had watched the people accuse him for nothing of violence or ill-repute. He had watched his demeanor as he toiled carrying the cross up the hill. Perhaps he had helped him. Did he hear the words of Christ on the cross as he uttered "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do" ? We do know this... He had a realization when he took it all in that caused him to cry out from the depths of his soul.... "Surely he was the Son of God !!" (Mat 27:54)
I too must come to that conclusion as I read the crucifixion story. I have never seen such strength, compassion, resolve to a mission, forgiveness, agony, separation, mixed into one event, as a result of the best life ever lived. It humbles me and brings me to tears and to my knees.
Perhaps you too will sense what the centurion did, this week as you take time to reflect on the journey of Christ to the cross.
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