Wednesday, March 5, 2008
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Mark 15:39 When the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!"
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE *WORLD*
The place of crucifixion outside the walls of Jerusalem was chosen by the Romans for its visibility. Not only was it on an elevation, it was at the crossing of two major roads coming into the Jewish capital city. This was, after all, a public execution.
And the public did gather. Much of the mob that shouted for Jesus' blood before Pilate was naturally there. Some of Jesus' friends ventured out to the foot of the cross as well. And there were the curious from the city, as well as the passers-by -- Passover week was a busy time in Jerusalem. A large portion of the Mediterranean world was no doubt represented. This was certainly appropriate. The Passover Lamb stretched out on the altar of the cross was being sacrificed not just for Israel but for all the nations of the world as well.
Furthermore, the Gospels do place before us one person in particular who represented the violent, sinful world of that time. The world for which the Christ was laying down His life. The centurion. A professional soldier from among the legions by which the rulers of the far-flung Roman Empire maintained its grip on so many nations.
In charge of yet another crucifixion detail, hardened to death and cruelty, superstitious and worldly, the centurion was also most unlikely to be moved by the proceedings on Calvary. About as unlikely as a person living centuries later in a sophisticated world where all sorts of evil and excess are openly broadcast as daily news and entertainment. But the fact is the crucified Jesus did claim the centurion's heart and he did make public confession of that fact -- and by the grace of God so do we:
"Surely this man was the Son of God!"
