He Had Seen It All – The Roman Centurion
Ron continues his “I Was There” series from the Roman centurion’s viewpoint. The centurion thought he had seen it all, but this day was different. This series of posts recount the thoughts and actions of various individuals before and after the momentous happenings at Calvary. Read “Mary of Bethany” the first post in the series here.
The Roman Centurion
He had seen it all, this soldier of Rome, as he made his way through the ranks of Rome’s military machine. Nothing surprised or shocked him. Year by year, his devotion to his career increased, but the rigours of combat and endless marching exacted a heavy toll from his aging body. He worked hard to attain the rank of Centurion, a step which marked him as a true professional soldier with good pay and high status.
Shortly after reaching his goal, he learned that his experience and expertise were to be wasted in the troublesome backwater province of Judea, famous for resistance and religious fanaticism. His job was to help the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, maintain order at a time when a particularly dangerous class of zealots had emerged. Known as the “dagger-men,” these extremists sought to assassinate Romans whenever they could. Successful or not, an attempt on the life of a soldier of Rome led to public execution, and the Centurion soon learned that crucifying criminals called for no creativity and offered no opportunity for honours.
The Approaching Passover
One year as Passover approached, a travelling Rabbi destabilized the religious establishment with His radical teaching. Tension filled the air as crowds of hopeful Jews welcomed Him into Jerusalem as their king. Pilate demanded increased surveillance and more patrols. The Centurion mobilized all of his men and did his best.
The day before the feast, trouble broke out. A crowd of angry Jews marched to the governor’s residence to demand a Roman execution for Rabbi Jesus. They charged him with blasphemy, according to the Jewish law, for claiming to be God.
Fearful of the hate-fuelled mob, Pilate called for the muster of the entire garrison as a show of force, then sat in his judgment seat and questioned the man. Unable to find fault with Him, the governor sent Him to Herod who had come to the city for the feast. But, far too quickly, Herod sent Him back. More questioning changed nothing.
Jesus Is Flogged
In an attempt to appease the crowd, Pilate turned Him over to the soldiers. They flogged and humiliated Him until, weary of their sport, they returned Him, a disfigured mess, to Pilate who, in turn, presented Him to the crowd. Rather than sparking pity, His battered appearance inflamed them. Nothing but crucifixion would satisfy their passion. So, after symbolically washing his hands of the whole sorry affair, Pilate turned Jesus over to the Centurion to be crucified.
In the interest of efficiency, two common criminals had been brought from the dungeon under the fortress Antonia to be crucified at the same time. These men behaved exactly as the Centurion expected: cursing their executioners, screaming in pain and rage, thrashing about until pain immobilized them. But Jesus surprised him, submitting to His executioners with uncharacteristic willingness.
“Father Forgive Them”
Once the crosses were hoisted and secured, all three men were still and silent. This, too, was expected. The slightest movement, even breathing deeply enough to speak, brought shocking levels of pain to the suspended bodies. Then, as the soldiers gambled for the clothing of their victims, Jesus spoke. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” What was this? The Centurion had never heard the like of it.
Because of the extraordinary circumstances, the Romans remained at the scene, lest the overwrought crowd attack the Man on the centre cross even as He hung helpless. Three hours passed with the mockers keeping up their insults and the mourners weeping at a distance.
Strange Occurrences
Then at noon, darkness suddenly fell. No one carried a torch at mid-day and the complete darkness provoked panic. After initial cries of terror, silence reigned. A few tried to find their way home. Others whispered softly without moving as the air rapidly chilled without the radiant heat of the sun.
More cries of terror rose as the earth shook. An earthquake split rocks and broke open tombs. Nothing in all of his years as a soldier compared to this, but another surprise remained. As the quake subsided, a cry rent the air: “Finished!” To the Centurion it sounded like a shout of victory. Where did the man find the energy?
Once again, silence accompanied the darkness. Minutes passed. The Centurion could not even guess how many. Then Jesus spoke again—this time, His voice barely audible. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” And He never took another breath.
The Roman Centurion’s Heart Pounds
The Centurion’s heart pounded as the light returned, growing quickly in intensity like a flame spreading across a lamp wick. What had he just witnessed? He really had seen it all, now! He had overseen the death of One unlike any other. His lips scarcely moved as he affirmed, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”
Of all the people whose stories intertwined with that of Jesus around the time of the crucifixion, the biggest question hangs over this man. Did his words represent the coming of saving faith? Or were they merely the emotional reaction to an overwhelming moment? For now, we can only speculate. Someday, perhaps, we will meet him.
What are do you enjoy most about this story? We would love to hear from you. Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.
Follow the “I Was There” Series
- Love Poured Out – Mary of Bethany
- Loved To Death – John the Apostle
- The Man In The Moonlight – Judas Iscariot
- When Fear Cast Out Love – Pontius Pilate
- How To Treat Your Enemies – Caiaphas the High Priest
- When Love Cast Out Fear – The Repentant Thief
- He Had Seen It All – The Roman Centurion
- One Last Time – Nicodemus
- Cold And Empty – Mary Madgalene
- You Know That I Love You – Simon Peter
Ron Hughes
Ron Hughes is the former President of FBH International He developed his interest in technology and mass communications during his highschool years in Peterborough, Ontario.
He received a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree in Radio and Television Arts from Ryerson University where he graduated as the program’s “outstanding graduate.” He gained experience working in both commercial and cultural radio stations in Southern Ontario as well as engaging in freelance production.
In 1983, he and his wife, Debbie, moved to Ecuador where they served as missionaries for 10 years. There, Ron produced radio specials and numerous music albums as well as several videos. Some of these videos were the first ever produced in Ecuador’s major indigenous languages. In 1993, the Hughes family returned to Canada at the invitation of FBH International (then Family Bible Hour) and oversaw the ministry for many years.
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Roman Centurion – Medium 69
Jesus On The Road To Golgotha – Theophanes The Cretan
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