The eye witness account of the crucifixion is gripping to the heart. You and I know our own need for a Savior because of our helpless ability to be sinless. Trying harder to be good may work for a moment but it does not last. Will power to develop character is no match for the saving and redemptive power of Gods in our lives. The execution of Jesus was no ordinary death. The Roman Centurion recognized Jesus as Someone different. May you and I deepen our dependence upon Him.
“Even the excruciating pain could not silence his repeated entreaties: ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ The soldiers gambled for his clothes. Some women stood afar off. The crowd remained a while to watch. Jesus commended his mother to John’s care and John to hers. He spoke words of kingly assurance to the penitent criminal crucified at his side. Meanwhile, the rulers sneered at him, shouting: ‘He saved others, but he can’t save himself!’ Their words, spoken as an insult, were the literal truth. He could not save himself and others simultaneously. He chose to sacrifice himself in order to save the world.” - John R.W. Stott, The Cross of Christ
“The centurion was struck by the way Jesus died. He had overseen the crucifixion of others. All, without exception, had either cursed the soldiers whose job it was to crucify them or pleaded for mercy, but Jesus did neither. He did not lash out with anger or bitterness or hatred toward those who crucified him or those who mocked him. The difference between his spirit and those who mocked him was stark. The centurion expressed his impression by saying, “Truly, this man was God’s Son!” (Mark 15:39). Those to whom the gospel was written would have heard the centurion’s words as an affirmation that Jesus was indeed the son of God (as presented in Mark 1:1–15).” - Excerpt, Following Jesus: Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark by Steve Langford
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