“What the Roman Soldiers Saw”
I have a close friend who is in the United States Marine Corps. He is disciplined, trained, and ready for battle at any time. But this is what you need to know about Rory— he appears to be a fighting machine on the outside, but on the inside, he is just a big teddy bear! He cries when a heart-warming commercial comes on TV! He melts every time he sees his kids. He is the epitome of the words, “tender warrior.”
The Roman soldiers who executed Jesus were doing their job, following orders. They were instruments of the state, carrying out a brutal execution. They saw the suffering, they heard the cries, but they were hardened by their work. They had no room for emotion.
But something happened on that Good Friday, something that rocked them to their core and transformed their hearts! When the earth shook and the sky turned dark, when the Roman Centurion saw how Jesus died, he exclaimed, "Truly, this was the Son of God!" (Matthew 27:54b, ESV)
These soldiers—these executioners—became witnesses. They saw the power and love of God displayed on the cross. They saw that Jesus wasn't just another criminal; He was something more… Jesus was God!
Their transformation wasn't dramatic; it was a quiet realization, a shift in perspective. But it was significant. They went from being instruments of death to being witnesses of life. They worked in the darkness, but now, they had seen the light!
friend, sometimes, transformation comes in unexpected ways. Sometimes, it's not a grand and glorious display, but instead, a quiet moment of revelation. The Roman soldiers remind us that God can work in the hearts of anyone, even those who seem the most hardened. He can break through our defences and reveal His truth.
On this Holy Week journey, don't underestimate the power of a moment! Open your heart to the unexpected, be willing to see beyond the surface, and allow God to transform your perspective.
Jesus, open our eyes to see who you REALLY are! We want the same transformation that you offered the Centurion. Allow us to be bold this week to share his message about Jesus, “Surely, Jesus IS the Son of God!!” Take us into those sweet moments of your transformation and remind us again, that you transformed death into LIFE! Amen.
Never forget, friend, you are a miracle!
