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2025-08-29 The Roman Soldiers

Finding Forgiveness

So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!” Matthew 27:54

When it comes to Jesus, there is no sitting on the fence. There are no sidelines. He affects your life. The Romans put many people to death. Though it was an extremely cruel way to kill someone, it was no doubt just a part of life for many. So when the Jewish Man of Nazareth was condemned to death, they may have thought that it would be an ordinary day.

It was not. And if they had heard even some of the accounts about the innocent Man, then the events going on around them must have aroused a bit of curiosity. Jesus-the One called King, God, Son of God-was dying. Yet the world went dark. The earth quaked. The temple veil tore in two. Having pierced His side instead of breaking His bones, water and blood poured out.

The soldiers saw all of these amazing events. We are told that “they feared greatly, saying, ‘Truly this was the Son of God!’” They recognized that this was no mere Man. What was testified was true. They would hear more in three days. God not only died to atone for mankind’s sin, He would also rise again in victory over it!

Is forgiveness too much to comprehend? It may seem like it at times. We may not think we are worthy of it, and rightly so. But God has shown His forgiveness to sinners by the innocent death of Jesus. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). What they saw is what you know by faith: truly Jesus is the Son of God. You are forgiven!

Behold the Lamb of God! O Thou for sinners slain,
Let it not be in vain that Thou hast died!
Thee for my Savior let me take, my only refuge let me make
Thy pierced side.
The Lutheran Hymnal 165:1

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