Transformative Witness: Recognizing Christ at the Cross

 

Summary

In our journey through Lent, we have been exploring the profound witnesses at the cross, guided by Amy Jill Levine's "Witness at the Cross." This exploration is not just an academic exercise but a spiritual pilgrimage, drawing us closer to the heart of God's redemptive work through Jesus Christ. As we approach Holy Week, with its solemn observances of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, we are reminded of the gravity and the glory of these events.

We began our Lenten series with Simon of Cyrene, a man compelled to carry the cross of Christ, symbolizing the burdens we are called to bear in following Jesus. We then turned our attention to the bystanders and scoffers, whose reactions to the crucifixion challenge us to consider our own responses to Christ's sacrifice.

Today, we delve into the witness of the Roman centurion, a figure of authority and power under the Roman Empire. This centurion, tasked with overseeing the execution of Jesus, makes a startling confession: "Truly, this man was God's son." His declaration is a testament to the undeniable truth of Jesus' divine identity, recognized even by a Gentile soldier. This centurion's witness invites us to consider the impact of Jesus' death on our own lives and to profess with conviction that Jesus is indeed the Son of God.

The centurion's story parallels that of Paul Edgecomb in "The Green Mile," a narrative that echoes the themes of innocence, suffering, and redemption. Like the centurion, Paul is transformed by his encounter with an innocent man condemned to die. This transformation leads us to reflect on our own encounters with Christ and the changes wrought within us by His grace.

As we prepare to partake in Holy Communion, we are reminded that the table of the Lord is open to all who seek Him. In the breaking of bread and the sharing of the cup, we experience the presence of Christ and the unity of His body, the church. This sacrament is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet and a reminder of the new life we have in Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- The Roman centurion's confession at the cross is a powerful testament to the truth of Jesus' identity as the Son of God. This moment of revelation is a call to all believers to recognize and proclaim the divinity of Christ in our lives, leading us to a deeper faith and commitment. [57:48]

- The narrative of "The Green Mile" serves as a modern parable, illustrating the transformative power of encountering the divine in the midst of human suffering. Through the characters of Paul Edgecomb and John Coffey, we are invited to see the parallels with the centurion's experience and our own spiritual journeys. [01:25:20]

- Holy Communion is a sacred act that unites us with Christ and with one another. As we partake of the elements, we are reminded of Jesus' sacrifice and the new covenant established through His blood. This sacrament calls us to live out the love and grace we have received. [01:11:23]

- The centurion's witness challenges us to consider what our own testimony will be as we approach Good Friday. Will we, like the centurion, recognize the innocence and righteousness of Christ and respond with a life of faithful witness? [01:06:22]

- The events of Holy Week, culminating in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, are central to our faith. As we journey through this season, let us do so with a sense of awe and gratitude, allowing the story of Christ's passion to shape our hearts and lives. [44:05]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 15:33-39 (NRSV)
> When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o'clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, "Listen, he is calling for Elijah." And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, "Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down." Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, "Truly this man was God's Son!"

2. Luke 23:47 (NRSV)
> When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, "Certainly this man was innocent."

3. John 19:34 (NRSV)
> Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out.

#### Observation Questions
1. What was the Roman centurion's reaction to Jesus' death according to Mark 15:39?
2. How does the centurion's declaration in Luke 23:47 differ from his statement in Mark 15:39?
3. What significant event occurred immediately after Jesus' death in Mark 15:38? [56:50]
4. What was the significance of the blood and water that came out when Jesus' side was pierced in John 19:34? [01:09:01]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What might have led the Roman centurion to declare, "Truly this man was God's Son" in Mark 15:39? Consider the events he witnessed and his role. [57:12]
2. How does the centurion's recognition of Jesus' innocence in Luke 23:47 enhance our understanding of his declaration in Mark 15:39? [59:04]
3. In what ways does the tearing of the temple curtain in Mark 15:38 symbolize the significance of Jesus' death? [56:50]
4. How does the imagery of blood and water in John 19:34 relate to the sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion? [01:09:01]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the Roman centurion's transformation. Have you ever experienced a moment where you recognized a profound truth about Jesus? What led to that moment? [57:12]
2. The centurion's declaration was a public testimony. How can you publicly declare your faith in Jesus in your daily life? [57:12]
3. The sermon mentioned the transformative power of encountering the divine, as illustrated in "The Green Mile." Can you recall a time when an encounter with God changed your perspective or actions? [01:00:16]
4. Holy Communion is a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and the new covenant. How does participating in this sacrament impact your relationship with Christ and others in the church? [01:11:23]
5. As we approach Good Friday, consider what your own testimony will be. How can you live out a life of faithful witness to Christ's innocence and righteousness? [59:55]
6. The events of Holy Week are central to our faith. How can you cultivate a sense of awe and gratitude for Christ's passion in your daily spiritual practices? [01:26:05]
7. The sermon draws parallels between the centurion's experience and our own spiritual journeys. How can you be more attentive to the ways God is working in your life, even in unexpected places? [01:00:16]

Devotional

Day 1: Proclaiming Christ's Divinity
The Roman centurion's declaration at the cross, "Truly, this man was God's son," serves as a profound affirmation of Jesus' divine identity. This moment of recognition by a Gentile authority figure is a pivotal point that underscores the universal truth of who Jesus is. It is a call to believers to not only acknowledge this truth intellectually but to also profess it with conviction in their lives. The centurion's witness is a reminder that the revelation of Jesus' divinity can come from unexpected places and people, and it challenges us to consider how we, too, can bear witness to His lordship in our own contexts.

The centurion's confession is a testament to the power of Jesus' presence and the impact of His death, which can move even the hearts of those who are not part of the covenant community. It invites us to reflect on the transformative effect that an encounter with Jesus can have on an individual, leading to a deeper faith and a renewed commitment to living out the implications of His lordship in every aspect of our lives. [07:40]

"And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, 'Truly this man was the Son of God!'" (Mark 15:39 ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively bear witness to Jesus' divinity in your daily interactions and conversations?

Day 2: Transformation Through Divine Encounters
The narrative of "The Green Mile" echoes the transformative experience of the Roman centurion, illustrating how encounters with the divine can profoundly change a person. Just as the centurion came to a startling realization of Jesus' true nature, the characters in "The Green Mile" are deeply affected by their interactions with John Coffey, a figure of innocence and suffering. These stories invite us to reflect on our own spiritual journeys and the moments when we have encountered the divine in the midst of our own suffering or the suffering of others.

These encounters can lead to a transformation that reshapes our understanding of grace, redemption, and the presence of God in the world. They challenge us to be open to the ways in which God can work through our experiences, often in unexpected ways, to bring about change in our hearts and lives. [01:25:20]

"For he says, 'In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2 ESV)

Reflection: Can you recall a time when an encounter with suffering led to a deeper understanding of God's presence in your life?

Day 3: United in Communion
Holy Communion is a sacred act that unites us with Christ and with one another. As we partake of the bread and the cup, we are reminded of Jesus' sacrifice and the new covenant established through His blood. This sacrament is not just a ritual; it is a profound experience of the presence of Christ and a celebration of the unity of His body, the church. It is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet and a reminder of the new life we have in Christ.

The act of communion calls us to live out the love and grace we have received, to extend hospitality and fellowship to others, and to embody the reconciling work of Christ in the world. As we break bread together, we are invited to renew our commitment to this calling and to embrace the transformative power of the Eucharist in our lives. [01:11:23]

"The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?" (1 Corinthians 10:16 ESV)

Reflection: How can participating in Holy Communion inspire you to live out Christ's love and grace in your community?

Day 4: Witnessing Righteousness
The centurion's witness at the cross challenges us to consider our own testimony. As we approach Good Friday, we are confronted with the question of how we will respond to the innocence and righteousness of Christ. Will we, like the centurion, recognize the gravity of Jesus' sacrifice and respond with a life of faithful witness? This is a call to introspection and to a commitment to live in a way that reflects the righteousness of Christ in our thoughts, words, and actions.

Our testimony is not just about what we say but also about how we live our lives. It is about the choices we make and the ways in which we demonstrate the love and justice of God in the world. The centurion's example invites us to be bold in our proclamation of Christ's innocence and to align our lives with the values of the kingdom of God. [01:06:22]

"For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10:10 ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can live out a faithful witness to Christ's righteousness in your community this week?

Day 5: Awe and Gratitude in Holy Week
The events of Holy Week, culminating in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, are central to the Christian faith. As we journey through this season, we are called to do so with a sense of awe and gratitude. The story of Christ's passion is not just a historical account; it is a narrative that should shape our hearts and lives. It is a story of love, sacrifice, and victory that offers hope and transformation to all who embrace it.

As we reflect on the profound mysteries of Holy Week, let us allow the story of Jesus' passion to move us to a deeper worship and a more profound sense of thankfulness for the gift of salvation. Let the reality of the resurrection fill us with joy and empower us to live as people of hope in a world that is in desperate need of the good news of Christ. [44:05]

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." (2 Corinthians 4:7 ESV)

Reflection: How can the story of Christ's passion shape your approach to the challenges and opportunities you face this week?

Quotes

1) "As we've been traveling through this season of Lent and meeting more and more witnesses along the way, we began with Ash Wednesday when we met Simon of Cyrene." [45:25] (Download | )

2) "The Roman soldiers are all throughout the Gospels. And the Jewish people at this time hated it because wherever they went, there were Roman soldiers who were keeping the order and reminding them that Rome was in charge." [46:38] (Download | )

3) "This is the setting where you see the Romans all throughout the week. One place that I'm remembering is on that Monday, Thursday in the garden. Remember, it was the Roman soldiers who came, the Roman Guard, to arrest Jesus." [49:05] (Download | )

4) "Now when the centurion who stood facing him saw that in this way, he breathed his last. He said, Truly, this man was God's son." [57:48] (Download | )

5) "But what was it about Jesus and the way that he died that caused this Roman centurion to recognize and profess that Jesus was the Son of God?" [58:57] (Download | )

6) "We have these two sacraments that draw us to Jesus' side, his baptism and Holy Communion. And she also talks about the birth metaphor here. When something is being born, there is blood and there is water." [01:10:10] (Download | )

7) "I remind you that in the United Methodist Church, we practice what is called open communion. That means that everyone is welcome at the table. Everyone." [01:11:23] (Download | )

8) "Then last week we talked about the two thieves on the cross, one on either side, and kind of tried to identify with their stories and what led them to that place and what their witness." [01:12:23] (Download | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?