1. The statement recorded in Mark 15:39 was made in connection with the Lord's death. 2. The Gospel writers tell us about some of the people who were present on that sad occasion. a. Several women are listed in vs.40. b. According to vs.39, a centurion was there. 3. A centurion was an officer in the Roman army, a commander of 100 soldiers. 4. In the New Testament we read about a number of centurions as well as the things they did. 5. In our lesson we are concentrating on several important lessons we can learn from 3 of the centurions that we read about in the Bible. 6. Since Wednesday is Veterans Day, today is a good time for this study.
Discussion:
I. WE LEARN FROM A CENTURION IN LUKE 7 THAT JESUS HAS ALL AUTHORITY
A. After His resurrection Jesus claimed to have all authority (Matthew 28:18). B. During His ministry Jesus demonstrated His authority in many ways. 1. One way was through His miracles (John 3:2). 2. Many of the Lord's miracles involved healing. C. In Luke 7:1-10 we read about the occasion when Jesus healed a centurion's servant in Capernaum. 1. According to vs.1-2, this centurion's servant was very sick. 2. We learn from vs.3-5 that the centurion made a request through the Jewish elders for Jesus to heal his servant. 3. Luke showed in vs.6-8 that the centurion sent another message as Jesus approached the house -- he acknowledged the Lord's authority. 4. Jesus responded in vs.9-10 by commending the man's faith and healing His servant. D. Jesus certainly has all authority, and we are to submit to it (Colossians 3:17).
II. WE LEARN FROM A CENTURION IN MARK 15 THAT JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD
A. During His ministry many people identified Jesus as God's Son, including: 1. Peter (Matthew 16:16) 2. Nathanael (John 1:49) 3. Martha (John 11:27). B. In Mark 15:39, the centurion who was present when Jesus was crucified identified Him as "the Son of God." C. This man confirmed to Pilate in vs.44-45 that Jesus had died. D. There was no doubt in this man's mind that Jesus was God's Son. E. Testimony such as this, as well as other evidence, leads us to reach the same conclusion about the Lord's identity -- our salvation is at stake (John 3:16).
III. WE LEARN FROM A CENTURION IN ACTS 10 THAT JESUS SAVES GENTILES
A. In this chapter we read about the conversion of Cornelius and his household. B. Luke began in vs.1-6 by showing how Cornelius was instructed to send for Simon Peter who would tell him what he should do. C. Peter's message is recorded in vs.34-43. D. We learn from vs.44-48 that Peter and those who accompanied him were convinced that the Lord wants Gentiles to be saved, and he commanded Cornelius and his household to "be baptized in the name of the Lord." E. The Lord's plan of salvation is for everyone (Galatians 3:26-28).
Conclusion:
1. As we read about various centurions in the Bible we can learn some important lessons. 2. Questions: Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God? Have you been baptized in His name? Are you submitting to His authority?
