If our resources have blessed you, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support our ministry work.

Listening to an online sermon many years ago, I heard a song about the seven sayings of Jesus from the cross. The words are from the perspective of the Roman centurion who stood at the foot of the cross and witnessed all that happened when Jesus was crucified.  You’ll get a chance to hear the song (below), but first consider what the centurion saw, heard, and thought. The centurion saw Jesus’ pain and suffering, he heard every word that Jesus spoke, and, when Jesus took His last breath, the centurion gave glory to God.  Then, the centurion looked upon Jesus hanging lifeless on the cross and accurately summed up all that he had seen with the proclamation: “surely this was a righteous man.” (Luke 23:47)

Did Hearing Jesus’ Words Change the Centurion?

What changed the centurion? Did his heart begin to change when he heard the first thing Jesus spoke?

“Father forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). 

Did those words cause the centurion to begin to wonder, who is this man? Did the centurion stand in awe of Jesus, upon whom so much pain had been inflicted, and who now faced imminent death, and wonder how He could ask His God to forgive the people who brought this about? Did he wonder how anyone experiencing such excruciating pain could think of anyone other than Himself? What kind of man was this, who thought more of others than of Himself? Did the words, “Father, forgive them…” cause confusion in the mind of the centurion.  And did it provoke him to wonder?

Or was it Jesus’ interaction with one of the two malefactors (thieves) who were being crucified on each side of Him? Did that cause a change in the centurion? One of the two admitted his guilt and then called out to Jesus.

“Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Luke 23:42).

Jesus responded with mercy and grace, and a promise of eternal life with Him:

“Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).

Did Jesus’ love, mercy, and grace cause the centurion to pause and ponder what was happening before his eyes? Or was it the love Jesus expressed for His mother and His friend? (John 19:26-27)  Or the unexplained darkness that came upon the land for three hours? (Matthew 26:45, Mark 15:33)

Astonished and Amazed?

Was the centurion astonished that Jesus, having been scourged to the point of near-death, could still be alive and still be able to think and speak? 

Was the centurion amazed when he heard Jesus declare His moment of death, and with a loud cry, proclaim “it is finished?” (John 19:30)

We know what the centurion saw and heard, but we do not know what he thought.  We also don’t know exactly what it was that opened his eyes to see the crucified Lord and opened his ears to truly hear the words of Jesus.  

We can only wonder what it was that turned the centurion’s heart. The book of Romans tells that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”  (Romans 10:17)…  and this centurion had heard the words of God, the very words of Jesus — the Son of God, the second Person of the Trinity.
centurion

Jesus repeatedly petitioned those to whom He spoke, “he that hath an ear, let him hear.”  This centurion had a hearing ear.  He heard everything that transpired on the cross that day, and then his eyes were opened…and he saw Jesus. (Read: Are you glad to see Jesus? )

…when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Surely this was a righteous man. (Luke 23:47)

We Were Blinded Centurions,” But Now We See

At one time, we were all like the centurion who experienced three hours of darkness (Luke 23:44), a time that was black as night.  

Before Jesus saved us, we lived in the darkness. We were unable to see.  But just like the centurion, when the darkness lifted and our eyes were opened, we saw Jesus.  We saw Him already loving us, already willing to forgive us, and already wanting to welcome us into His kingdom.

Just like the centurion, we heard God speak, we heard Jesus speak.  We also saw ourselves — our unrighteousness, our sins, and our need for a Saviour.  When we trusted in Jesus’ finished work on the cross, we too glorified God and declared Jesus to be the only Righteous Man.

Help Others to Hear and See

Help the unrighteous to see Jesus and to hear His words.  Help them to understand their need for a Saviour. 

  • Pray that the eyes of their understanding will be enlightened (Ephesians 1:18).
  • Pray that they will hear what the centurion heard, and what we have heard. 
  • Pray that they will see what the centurion saw, and what we have seen. 
  • Pray that they will see the Righteous Man, the One who gave Himself so that they might be saved.  
  • And pray that they will respond in the same way as did the centurion of old.

Surely This Was a Righteous Man

Years ago when I heard this song in a recorded sermon, I was so moved by the lyrics that I clipped the audio file.  I don’t remember who preached the sermon, or at what church this song was sung.  The sermon is lost, not likely to ever surface amidst all my computer files, but I still have the song clip.  And it is still one of my favorite songs.  It always comes to mind at Easter and the words echo in my ears and “bring me to the cross.”

Put yourself at the foot of the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ.  See Jesus hanging there, naked, covered in blood, with His skin ripped from the scourging and His hands and His feet pierced by the nails.  Remember, He subjected Himself to such excruciating pain to pay the price for all our sins.  Hear Jesus as He continued to minister to His people, with seven statements uttered through His passion. (Read an interesting insight on statement  #4 – My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?)

Watch with the centurion, and see the man, Jesus of Nazareth, hanging on the cross. Hear Him speak His last words and watch Him take His last breath and surrender His Spirit to God His Father.

Join with the centurion and proclaim, “surely this was a righteous man.”

<*}}}><

A Room with a View of Eternity—The Last Will & Testament of Jesus Christ   Take a seat at the Master's table. Learn about the riches He gives to all who are His. This book will bless and encourage you, give you hope, and help you live in the joy of your salvation and the riches of Christ that are yours.

 

    About Lent

    ***Lent: 40 Titles for 40 Days (Download NOW: 40 Titles for Lenten Devotions)
    What is Lent? Should I Give Up Something? (Article and Video)
    This Time Called Lent (Video)
    Prepare for Lent (Video)
    Lent Reflections (Video)
    How Should You Observe Lent? (Article)
    How Should You Observe Lent? (Reflect and Prepare short video)
    Have You Sat At The Master’s Table? (John 13-17) 
    What's Wrong with This FB Lenten Fast?

    About Holy Week

    Jesus’ Last Days Timeline: the Cross and the Resurrection

    Palm Sunday
    Blessed is the King -- A Palm Sunday video
    Hosanna -- Palm Sunday (Jesus Wept) (video)
    Walking with Jesus – Tested by the Chief Priests and Elders

    The Last Supper
    What is Maundy Thursday?  The Basin & The Towel 
    What Was the Seating Arrangement at the Last Supper?
    Maundy Thursday until Easter Sunday (video)
    What’s your Judas experience? The Pain of Betrayal
    What Do We Know about Judas? This Might Surprise You.
    The Last Supper was NOT a Passover Seder?
    A Maundy Thursday Devotion

    Crucifixion Day
    Was Jesus crucified on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?
    Thursday Crucifixion? Do these two reasons “nail” it?
    Why do we call it good [Friday]?
    Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
    How is Jesus Like a Worm? What’s the Crimson Worm? A Remez In Psalm 22?
    Who do you need to reconcile with today?
    Who Killed Jesus?
    Since Jesus was the Passover LAMB, Why Didn't God Provide a Lamb in Genesis 22?
    Did Pilate Proclaim Jesus to be God?
    Was Jesus Forsaken by His Father?
    The centurion's song from the foot of the cross: “Surely This Was a Righteous Man”
    Journey to the Cross: Maundy Thursday and Good Friday
    How Do We Know Psalm 22 Is About The Cross?
    Q & A: Thursday Crucifixion Discussion

    Three Days in the Heart of the Earth
    The Days of Darkness 
    Sadness and Despair: The Darkest Days of All Time
    Obituary of Jesus: Body Stolen or Risen? What do you say?

    About Easter and Resurrection Life

    The Father's, Son's and Believer's Perspectives of the Cross
    Because He Lives, I Can Face Tomorrow (video)
    Christ the Lord is Risen Today, Alleluia  (video)
    A Place in the Sun (Son) (video)
    You'll Never Walk Alone (video)
    How to Close Your Eyes and Really SEE Jesus!
    Open Your Eyes to The Full Gospel
    Are you glad to see Jesus?
    Ponder the Prophecies of Jesus’ Mission (video and downloadable file)
    What If We Skipped Easter This Year?
    He’s back….and it changed everything!
    The Lord is Risen Indeed! Hallelujah!
    Because He Rose: The resurrection changed everything!  (video)
    What’s the Meaning of the Folded Napkin in the tomb?
    Keep Easter Alive in Your Heart: He Came Back (video)
    The Only Soul-Saver, Sin-Forgiver, Chain-Breaker, Pain-Taker, Way-Maker, Hope-Giver: Jesus
    Keep Looking Up
    Praise God, He’s Alive
    Christian Internet Forwards? The Rest of “The Birdcage” Story? (video)
    Ways to Glorify God - Bookmark

    Watch NOW...You will be blessed.

    Read:  Is Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” a Christian Song?*******

    If our resources have blessed you, please consider supporting our ministry work. Make a $60.00 (or more) donation, and you will receive our newest book, "MISINTERPRETED." The book explores misunderstood and misapplied Bible verses and passages. Thank you for any support you can give!

    Quick, Safe,Easy

    donate

    *******

    Do You Know Jesus?

    The Bible clearly states that everyone has sinned and fallen short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). It also emphasizes that while the wages of sin is death, God offers us the incredible gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23).

    If you have not yet accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, know that today is the day of salvation (Acts 28). Turn away from your sinful past and turn to Jesus. Remember, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ will be saved” (Romans 10:13). Don’t wait—find hope and redemption!

    *******

    ***A Hidden Message in Psalm 23?***  

    Hidden in the six verses of Psalm 23 are 11 names for Jesus.  When you subscribe to our newsletter, we’ll send you The Names of God in Psalm 23 PDF that reveals all 11 names and Scripture verses of comfort and hope (link will be sent in your confirmation email).

    In Case You Missed It:
    Top Ten "Got Questions" in 2024

    1. The Meaning of NUMBERS in the Bible?
    2. Was Jesus CRUCIFIED on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?
    3. How are the Shepherd’s ROD and STAFF Different?
    4. The Meaning of COLORS in the Bible?
    5. How long did JOB SUFFER?
    6. How was Jesus Like a Worm? What’s the CRIMSON (OR SCARLET) WORM in Psalm 22?
    7. Jesus’ Last Days TIMELINE: the Cross and the Resurrection
    8. What are the FOUR Different PRESENTATIONS of Jesus in the Gospels?
    9. Did The Wise Men Arrive 12 DAYS AFTER JESUS’ BIRTH? Or Was It Much Later?
    10. What is the Significance of the Wise Men's THREE GIFTS? And were they kings?

    2024's Top Ten "Words of Wisdom from the Cloud of Witnesses"

    There is much to be learned from those who have gone before us in the faith.  Check out our Cloud of Witnesses category that features the words of departed saints who are now with the Lord in glory.  Their words equip and encourage us even to this day.  Take a few minutes to hear...

    1. ONLY ONE LIFE, Twill Soon Be Past – by C.T. Studd (1860 – 1931)
    2. THE COMING PRINCE, by Sir Robert Anderson, 1894
    3. What's the Story Behind "There is a Fountain Filled with Blood by William Cowper
    4. "Immanuel" -- A Poem by Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)
    5. Prayers from Billy Graham
    6. “The Love of God is Greater Far” by Frederick M. Lehman (1917)
    7. Who Was Robert Robinson? What’s the Story Behind “Come Thou Fount”
    8. 24 Reasons Why I Love America, by John Wayne (1907-1979)
    9. The Hound of Heaven, a poem by Francis Thompson (1859–1907)
    10. 40 Quotes from Frederick Buechner (1926-2022)

    This remains one of our most popular pages viewed.

    Reasons for Hope* Jesus video banner

    2024's TOP TEN Videos from Reasons for Hope* Jesus

    1. Memorial Day BAGPIPES TRIBUTE: Amazing Grace 
    2. RISE AND SHINE and Give God the Glory, Glory!
    3. WERE YOU THERE When They Crucified My Lord?
    4. PAUL HARVEY: THE BIRDCAGE
    5. Hark! the Herald Angels Sing -- CHARLIE BROWN Christmas
    6. JOHN WAYNE ~ WHY I LOVE AMERICA
    7. Not by Might, Not by Power, But BY MY SPIRIT says the Lord (Zechariah 4:6)
    8. PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN: A SOLDIER'S PLEDGE
    9. Jimmy Stewart - Nativity Scene Prayer: Mr. Krueger's Christmas
    10. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, performed by Casting Crowns

    *****************

    If our resources have blessed you, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support our ministry work.

    SubscribeNow!

    The goal of Reasons for Hope* Jesus is to help you establish your heart and anchor your soul in Jesus, and renew your mind in His Word.

     

    Get equipped with knowledge!

    Be encouraged in hope!

    Live empowered with love! 

    You have Successfully Subscribed!