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The Centurion and the Guards
Scripture Reading — Matthew 27:45-56
“Surely he was the Son of God!”
— Matthew 27:54
Have you ever seen something that was so amazing you just couldn’t stop talking about it? Maybe it was something incredible that happened at a special event. Or something you saw while hiking or traveling, or in a TV documentary. Whatever it was, it was so astonishing that you had to tell everyone around you about it.
That was the reaction of the centurion and the guards who watched over Jesus’ execution. They saw everything that happened to him. And after everything had happened—after Jesus had given up his spirit—they couldn’t help declaring exactly who Jesus was.
Encountering Jesus has that effect on people still today. When Jesus shows up in our lives and does something miraculous or we are able to see the work of his Spirit through an individual or a community, we can’t help sharing that good news with everyone we meet.
What amazing things has Jesus done in your life that you can’t help sharing with others? In what ways have you encountered him when you didn’t expect to?
Not all of us may be able to think of something right away, but on this Good Friday we can look again at the story of Jesus’ death and remember that he died for us. Jesus died so that each one of us can live as a forgiven child of God. This is the foundational good news that we can share with everyone!
Jesus, thank you for showing up in our lives and helping us, by your Spirit, to grow in faith. Above all, thank you for dying for us. Amen.
About the author — Bret Lamsma
Bret Lamsma is Director of Faith Formation at First Church in Denver, Colorado, and has served churches in Michigan and California in youth, emerging adult, inter-generational, and educational ministries. Bret and his wife, Julie, have two children, and he enjoys hiking, disc golfing, and cheering for the Chicago Cubs.
Scripture Reading — Matthew 27:45-56
“Surely he was the Son of God!”
— Matthew 27:54
Have you ever seen something that was so amazing you just couldn’t stop talking about it? Maybe it was something incredible that happened at a special event. Or something you saw while hiking or traveling, or in a TV documentary. Whatever it was, it was so astonishing that you had to tell everyone around you about it.
That was the reaction of the centurion and the guards who watched over Jesus’ execution. They saw everything that happened to him. And after everything had happened—after Jesus had given up his spirit—they couldn’t help declaring exactly who Jesus was.
Encountering Jesus has that effect on people still today. When Jesus shows up in our lives and does something miraculous or we are able to see the work of his Spirit through an individual or a community, we can’t help sharing that good news with everyone we meet.
What amazing things has Jesus done in your life that you can’t help sharing with others? In what ways have you encountered him when you didn’t expect to?
Not all of us may be able to think of something right away, but on this Good Friday we can look again at the story of Jesus’ death and remember that he died for us. Jesus died so that each one of us can live as a forgiven child of God. This is the foundational good news that we can share with everyone!
Jesus, thank you for showing up in our lives and helping us, by your Spirit, to grow in faith. Above all, thank you for dying for us. Amen.
About the author — Bret Lamsma
Bret Lamsma is Director of Faith Formation at First Church in Denver, Colorado, and has served churches in Michigan and California in youth, emerging adult, inter-generational, and educational ministries. Bret and his wife, Julie, have two children, and he enjoys hiking, disc golfing, and cheering for the Chicago Cubs.
