22010.342 Jesus Was the Son of God!

“Now when the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and what took place, they were extremely terrified and said, ‘Truly this one was God’s Son!’ Many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and given him support were also there, watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.” —Matthew 27:54–56

Such unusual circumstances surrounded our Lord’s death that it terrified the tough Roman guards. Guilt tends to put fear into the bravest of men when they are confronted with holiness. The momentous events of the day had struck fear in the hearts of the guards. Normally, these centurions were without much fear or pity. Yet, the curtain of the temple torn from top to bottom, an earthquake, the rocks crying out, and the dead raised to life all served to be troubling to those presiding over Jesus’ death and burial.

Yet those clothed in the righteousness of Christ need never fear. Our faith rules over our fear. God is our sure defense at all times.

When God judges, the righteous need not fear. I am reminded of these words from the Old Testament:

“God is our strong refuge; he is truly our helper in times of trouble. For this reason, we do not fear when the earth shakes, and the mountains tumble into the depths of the sea, when its waves crash and foam, and the mountains shake before the surging sea.” —Psalm 46:1–3

We also see in our verses for today a group of women who have been following Jesus. Some would have called them silly women to boldly stick by the Master’s side when the rest of His disciples had deserted Him and fled. Yet, out of great love, they have followed Him and stayed by Him. They had cared for Jesus out of their own means throughout His ministry and now we see them staying near Him to the bitter end. Their love overcame their fear.

The cross was a painful way, but the only way, for us to have our relationship with God reinstated. His love overcomes all.

“The only ground on which God can forgive our sin and reinstate us to His favor is through the Cross of Christ. There is no other way! Forgiveness, which is so easy for us to accept, cost the agony at Calvary. We should never take the forgiveness of sin, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and our sanctification in simple faith, and then forget the enormous cost to God that made all of this ours. Forgiveness is the divine miracle of grace. The cost to God was the Cross of Christ. To forgive sin, while remaining a holy God, this price had to be paid. Never accept a view of the fatherhood of God if it blots out the atonement. The revealed truth of God is that without the atonement He cannot forgive—He would contradict His nature if He did. The only way we can be forgiven is by being brought back to God through the atonement of the Cross. God’s forgiveness is possible only in the supernatural realm … Once you realize all that it cost God to forgive you, you will be held as in a vise, constrained by the love of God.” —Oswald Chambers

Become More

“If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you do not belong to the world, but I chose you out of the world, for this reason the world hates you. Remember what I told you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they obeyed my word, they will obey yours too. But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me.” —John 15:18–21

“Be not afraid of saying too much in the praises of God; all the danger is of saying too little.” —Matthew Henry

Further Reflections

“Tell the innocent it will go well with them, or they will be rewarded for what they have done.” —Isaiah 3:10

“As a result God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow—in heaven and on earth and under the earth—and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” —Philippians 2:9–11

“Instead of trying to comprehend My Incarnation intellectually, learn from the example of the wise men. They followed the leading of a spectacular star, then fell down in humble worship when they found Me. Praise and worship are the best responses to the wonder of My Being. Sing praises to My holy Name. Gaze at Me in silent adoration. Look for a star of guidance in your own life, and be willing to follow where I lead.” —Sarah Young

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