Key Passage
The army officer that was standing there before the cross saw what happened when Jesus died. The officer said, "This man really was the Son of God!"
— Mark 15:39 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
While crucifixion was designed to humiliate and torture people, God used this cross to have power that defies explanation. There is something in the message of Jesus' going to this cross that reaches out and grabs the hearts of those seeking God. They see in this sacrifice the love of God who wants to redeem all people. They see the Almighty God's love powerfully demonstrated in the world they know and see as unfair, sometimes brutal, and oftentimes humiliating. God placed his message of love where all people could see it and be touched by it. One strong bit of evidence of this power is an officer in the Roman army—someone very likely acquainted with death and especially the brutal death of crucifixion—who saw God's presence in this moment. His confession should be our confession anytime we read the story of Jesus' crucifixion: "Truly, this was [and is] the Son of God!"
Prayer
Yes, dear Father, I believe that this Jesus who hung on the cross for my sin is your Son! In his name, and to your glory, I thank you. Amen.
Related Scriptures
Jesus said to them, "Now is the time for the Son of Man to receive his glory. I tell you the truth. A grain of wheat must fall to the ground and die. Then it grows and makes many seeds. But if it never dies, then it will always be only a single seed. The person that loves his own life will lose it. But the person that hates his life in this world will keep it. He will have life forever. The person that serves me must follow me. Then my servant will be with me everywhere I am. My Father will give honor to people that serve me. "Now I am very troubled. What should I say? Should I say, 'Father save me from this time {of suffering}'? No, I came to this time so that I could suffer. Father, do what will bring you glory!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have already brought glory to myself. I will do it again." The people standing there heard the voice. Those people said it was thunder. But other people said, "An angel spoke to Jesus!" Jesus said to the people, "That voice was for you and not for me. Now is the time for the world to be judged. Now the ruler of this world (the devil) will be thrown out. I will be lifted up from the earth. And when this happens, I will bring all people to me." Jesus said this to show how he would die.
— John 12:23-33
Jesus did many other miracles that his followers saw. Those miracles are not written in this book. But these things are written so that you can believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Then, by believing, you can have life through his name.
— John 20:30-31
I write this letter to you people who believe in the Son of God. I write so that you will know that you have eternal life now.
— 1 John 5:13
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