Convinced by the Cross - From Skeptic to Believer

Main Thought

A Roman Centurion was present at the crucifixion of Jesus. This man probably oversaw dozens of executions. Perhaps he became desensitized to the pain and suffering. But this one was different. Darkness came. Then the earth quaked as the ground split and rocks cracked. All the while, Jesus responded with love to those who lashed out against Him - even praying that His Father would forgive them. Eventually, this Centurion made a profound confession. According to Matthew and Mark, he exclaimed, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

Like the Centurion, many of us have witnessed things or learned things that have led us to believe that Jesus truly is the Son of God. This confession of faith should lead to commitments we make in faith. These commitments include: 1) moving from passive to active faith; 2) confronting our own hidden skepticism (questioning and examining our doubts); 3) living our confession our daily, and; 4) stepping into bold witness. The Roman Centurion had an opportunity to learn about Jesus - and the Centurion’s proclamation made him known. Through the Cross and His resurrection, Jesus made a way for us to know Him and make Him known too.

Main Passages

“And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

- Matthew 27:50-54, ESV

“It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!’”

- Luke 23:44-47, ESV

“Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”

- Luke 24:45-48, ESV

Discussion Questions

  1. Think of the four commitments (mentioned near the end of the Main Thought) we can make when we confess Christ as Lord. Which one stands out most to you, and why?

  2. What’s the biggest obstacle you face that keeps you from knowing God more, and following Him? Think about how you can overcome that obstacle.

  3. What’s the biggest obstacle you face that keeps you from making God known, and fishing for Men? (Matthew 4:19.) Again, think about how you can overcome that obstacle.