Matthew 27:54
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Today’s passage, one verse, zeroes in on a remarkable result from Jesus’ death. Read Matthew 27:54 imagining the events that evoked these reactions.
The Roman officer (a leader of 100 soldiers) and the Roman soldiers with him are very likely the same people who beat, mocked and ridiculed Jesus just hours earlier. But as rocks fly apart around them and the earth roils in horror at the death of its creator, these cruel, hardened men are shaken to their core. Now they believe.
It’s hard to fathom, but these angry men are among those for whom Jesus died. His sacrifice is not only for those who live a decent life or treat others with kindness, his life is poured out for everyone. There is no sin so great that Jesus’ blood cannot contain it.
Stop to let the reality of this sink in. Jesus died for people like these soldiers who mocked him, beat him, and nailed him to a cross.
Read Matthew 27:54 again.
We don’t know what happened to the centurion or the other soldiers after their earth-shaking revelation, but it’s probably safe to say that they never forgot the experience. The real question is: did the realization that Jesus was the Son of God transform them or fill them with shame?
Feelings of shame and guilt over past transgressions can cause us to want to hide from God, but the invitation of Jesus is to come into the light and receive what we can never deserve - namely the freedom from guilt freely provided by Jesus’ unimaginable sacrifice.
We cannot be transformed in the shadows. Transformation happens as we draw near to the Light of the World.
For the remainder of this time of meditation, get still and imagine yourself in the presence of Jesus. As the Holy Spirit leads you, bring your deepest areas of shame and guilt into the light of his presence. Notice what Jesus says or does as you do this.
Is there an invitation Jesus is holding out to you today?
How will you respond?
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