Daily Devotional

Albert Barnes, in his Commentary on the New Testament, suggests that the captain’s declaration at the cross is more accurately rendered, “This has to be a son of a god.” In the polytheistic world of Rome, such a statement fit naturally within the captain’s worldview.

But even with that nuance, something unmistakable had happened: this hardened military officer—trained to obey, conditioned to violence, accustomed to death—was moved. What he witnessed in Jesus’ final moments convinced him that Jesus was worthy of reverence. The captain’s life shifted because of what he saw and heard from the crucified Christ.

And that is worth celebrating. Because whenever a person truly encounters Jesus, something happens. Something moves. Something awakens.

Jesus still affects lives today—even among those who do not call Him “Lord.” In Jesus’ name, the hungry are fed, the sick are cared for, the addicted are supported, the incarcerated and isolated are visited. There is no corner of society untouched by the compassion that flows from His life and teaching.

Of course, not everyone who has heard of Jesus has submitted to Him. Not everyone who has been helped by Jesus’ disciples has embraced Him. And yes, some try to discredit Jesus by pointing to the failures of His followers—a disgraced Pastor, a Church scandal, a zealot twisting Scripture to justify harm. This is nothing new. But while it may be easy to criticize Christians, it is remarkably difficult to honestly criticize Christ.

What objection can be raised against, “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…”? What quarrel can be found with, “Do to others as you would have them do to you”? What fault can be discovered in, “Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”?

The captain was affected by Jesus. And being affected by Jesus is often the first step toward drawing near to Jesus.

Blessed Good Friday!

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