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"When the centurion, who was standing right in front of Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, 'Truly this man was the Son of God!'" (Mark 15:39). "Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, 'Certainly this man was innocent!'" (Luke 23:47).

Today we especially remember the greatest sacrifice where "on an old rugged cross God's dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain".

All this week we have been considering those who surveyed the cross, that is, those who witnessed the events of Calvary. When you consider all four gospels you discover there are several individuals that have a life changing story to share.

"During the New Testament era, a Roman centurion was a professional military officer commanding a platoon of troops called a “century.” This could be anywhere from nearly one hundred to several hundred men". (from gotquestions.org)

The Roman Centurion was likely the very closest in physical proximity to Christ when He died. Our first daily text states at the time of Christ's death this centurion "was standing right in front of Him".

We know nothing about this man's background or what became of him following the events of Calvary. However, it's very hard to believe that he wouldn't have been a very changed man after that which he witnessed.

His words recorded in Scripture reveal that he witnessed something very significant when he "saw the way He (Christ) breathed His last".

Based on a careful reading of the text it would seem that he's referring to that which he witnessed upon Christ's final breath. The scene must have been so moving that it prompted a remarkable proclamation of faith and praise. Immediately after Christ breathed His last he said, "Truly this man was the Son of God!" Luke's account states, "he praised God, saying, 'Certainly this man was innocent!'".

This Roman centurion has the distinction of having the first words recorded in Scripture following Christ's death.

His profession of faith is very similar to what Peter affirmed concerning Christ when He asked the disciples, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:15,16).

That Jesus is the "Son of God" is a central tenet in the Christian faith. It's interesting to study this phrase beginning in Acts and through the Epistles and in the book of Revelation.

Today, especially, as we remember Christ's sacrificial death let us declare, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God"! And let us live in such a way that we help others discover who He is, what He has done, and the salvation He offers to all who come to Him.

B e encouraged today! Hebrews 3:13