A seldom discussed Bible character

There’s a character in the Bible that surprisingly is hardly ever talked about.  While his name isn’t given, he is mentioned in all four of the gospels.  Mark 15:37 reads, “And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last.”  Check out verse 39: “So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!””

Isn’t that incredible?  A hardened Roman centurion, who had performed hundreds or maybe even thousands of crucifixions, is deeply impacted by his encounter with Jesus.  In fact, Luke adds that this centurion “glorified God” (Luke 23:47).  It’s amazing to contemplate!  Question: why do you suppose this centurion made such a declaration?  In the 2008 film “The Dark Knight”, Batman’s nemesis, the Joker, says this profound statement: “In their last moments, people show you who they really are.”  The Joker’s assertion is when a person is staring death in the face he or she will inevitably show their inner character.  Admittedly, the Joker is a deranged madman; he’s not a source you typically want to get advice from, but I think he is actually correct on this one.

At Jesus’ crucifixion, the centurion must have been shaken by Jesus’ demeanor and attitude as He was being violently executed.  The centurion must have noted that Jesus didn’t threaten.  He didn’t get angry.  He didn’t articulate how He was actually innocent and didn’t deserve death (which, of course, would have been accurate).  Furthermore, the centurion must have been surprised at some of Jesus’ words from the cross.  For instance, the color must have drained from the centurion’s face when he heard Jesus say, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34).  “In their last moments,” the Joker said, “people show you who they really are.”  At Calvary, Jesus’ behavior was so impressive that it led a centurion to declare, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!”

We obviously just celebrated Easter.  I’ve been picturing how Easter must have been for this centurion.  I can imagine him saying to some of the other centurions, “I told you there was something different about that Jesus.  I’d never seen a crucifixion where the guy was so serene, so tranquil.  And now, incredibly, many are saying that He has actually resurrected from the dead!  I wouldn't be a bit surprised at this point.  Didn’t He say that’s what He was going to do?  I’m convinced that He really is the Son of God.”  I don’t know how this centurion’s story unfolded, but I have no doubt that his encounter with Jesus revolutionized his life forever.

Kevin