How the Crucifixion of Christ Changes Lives
The crucifixion of Christ deeply affected those who witnessed it, from the Roman centurion to Peter and John. Their lives were changed by what they saw, heard, and experienced at the cross. The same life-changing power remains present for believers who gather around the Lord’s table with their hearts fixed on the crucified Savior.
- The centurion confessed Jesus as the Son of God after seeing how he died.
- Peter’s denial led to bitter remorse and later bold proclamation.
- John accepted the responsibility of caring for Mary, Jesus’ mother.
By Lonetta McKee
The people who were present and who witnessed the crucifixion of Christ would never be the same. Everyone felt the terrifying earthquake that caused rocks to split and tombs to open. Everyone experienced the darkness that lasted for three hours.
The Centurion at the Cross
But we also read specific examples of those who were individually affected. In Mark 15:39 we read, “And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, ‘Surely this man was the Son of God!’” (New International Version). The Bible tells us he was standing in front of Jesus. We don’t know if he participated in the ridicule and torture of the Lord. But since he was in the service of the Roman Empire and was present at the cross, we might at least assume he had not protested at Jesus’ cruel treatment. However, as the soldier observed Jesus’ demeanor and the way in which he died, he was moved to confess that Jesus was indeed God’s Son. There is no doubt the impression was a lasting one.
Peter’s Remorse and Restoration
Then there is Peter, not only a disciple, but one of Jesus’ inner circle of disciples. His denial of the Lord at such a crucial time is well known. Jesus predicted Peter’s denial and his subsequent restoration in Luke 22:32,34.
While Peter denied the Lord, Luke 22:62 also records his immediate and deep remorse: “And he went outside and wept bitterly.” His life forever changed after that. He was transformed from a denier to one who publicly proclaimed Jesus. Peter was influential in converting many in the Jewish community to Christianity.
John’s Responsibility for Mary
Now we come to John, the beloved disciple. (Incidentally his name is the only one of the 11 recorded as having been present at Jesus’ crucifixion.) John tells us in chapter 19, verses 26-27, that he was entrusted by the Lord to care for Mary, Jesus’ mother. John’s life would also be changed significantly by accepting responsibility for caring for Mary the rest of her life.
Changed by the Crucified Savior
If our entire being is immersed with the vision of the cross and the crucified Savior when we meet around his table, our lives will be completely changed. The blood of Christ is a life changing power that never loses its potency.
