The Roman Centurion standing guard at the cross witnessing the slow and agonizing death of Jesus, and upon seeing the events which took place immediately after Jesus breathed His last, (the veil of the temple being torn from top to bottom; the earth shaking and rocks splitting; tombs opening) became filled with fear and stated, “Truly this was the Son of God.” (Matthew 27:50-54)
Jesus was crucified because of the accusations by the very people who should have recognized Him as the Son of God more than anyone else; the Pharisees (Mark 3:6), Scribes and even the Chief Priests (Mark 11:18) of Jerusalem. They were the historians, the educated, the very voice of the scriptures to the people. Instead, they handed Jesus over to Pilate to be put to death. What was their case that warranted death by crucifixion? Pontius Pilate wondered the same thing. The Bible tells us that Pilate knew the chief priests handed Him over because of “envy“ (Mark 15:10) and that he found no fault in Him. (Luke 23:14)
Because Jesus forgave people of their sins and made statements like, “If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father” (John 14:9) - they (chief priests) saw this as blasphemy, for only God alone can forgive people for their sins. Therefore, these acts put Jesus on the same level as God. However, if you are the Son of God, where is the blasphemy? Even one of the two criminals crucified with Jesus recognized His ability to forgive him of his sins stating, “Lord remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42)
So, the question to us remains the same as it was to His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15) A good man? A teacher? A prophet? Or like Peter stated, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." The Roman Centurion standing guard at the foot of His cross gave his answer, and it was recorded in Scripture as a testament from the mouth of one who doubted. What's you answer to the question?
The Truth
“After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he (John) saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him (Jesus) and behold , a voice out of the heavens said, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17 and 2 Peter 1:17)
