THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 15:38-41
“Surely this man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39)
This non Jewish soldier sees something God-like in Jesus.
We assume he means that Jesus is divine, but is this what he’s saying?
Consider Luke’s version, “Surely this was a righteous man.” (Luke 23:47)
My sense is that these phrases mean the same thing.
The phrase ‘son of God’ means one like God, with God’s character.
The same phrase is used of Adam in Jesus’ genealogy. (Luke 3:38)
In other words, this phrase describes humanity as we ought to be.
We were created to be “like God” as His image-bearers (children).
We were made to live, to love, to be like Jesus, like Adam, like God!
Jesus deserved this title of rightouesness, but what about me?
Jesus becomes a faithful Adam for me, to beat Satan and sin for me.
Jesus reclaims Adam’s throne for me, and restores me to God.
Now by grace God looks at me and says, “Surely this man is a son of God!”
I am God’s child, and so are you… because Jesus made it possible for us!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, thanks to You I am accepted as God’s righteous son. Help me with Your Spirit to reflect Your God-like character, and so be the me You saved me to be!
Surely this man was the Son of God!
This was announced when He was baptised and also at the transfiguration. And now – stated by the centurion. And only in Him do we have life and life eternal. One day all will recognize Him as His Son.
It is interesting that the disciples had fled, these women followers were always there even though at a distance. They had ministered to His needs and followed Him wherever. So did the angels.
The women were witnesses.
As the centurion proclaimed, so others need to proclaim that we are witnesses by our actions – followers of the Lamb. They can see we are Christians by our love.
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
And we pray that all unity may one day be restored
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
And we’ll guard each one’s dignity and save each one’s pride
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love
By our love, by our love
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love
By our love, by our love
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love
Love is patient, love is kind
Never boasts, not full of pride
Always hopes, always trusts
The evidence of Christ in us