A Journey with Jesus during Lent

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

A Journey with Jesus during Lent

Day 31

Matthew 27:54-56

When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”

Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.

Today we can picture how the earth was shaking violently; and the Roman centurion and soldiers at the crucifix were shocked enough to declare that Jesus was the Son of God. The unnatural darkness that came and went in the middle of the day, Jesus’ death, and now dramatic earthquakes had all happened close in time. So many unexplainable things going on!! Keep in mind that the reason soldiers were present at the crucifixion was to ensure no one attempted to rescue the crucified before they died. Guards would observe, speed up the process, or otherwise confirm death (John 19:31–34). These same men were likely involved in beating, mocking, and tormenting Jesus that same day (Matthew 27:27–31). The centurion and soldiers were carrying out their duty on the day of history of our Lord’s death. As they observed all that was going on, there was the “ah-ha” moment (or final realization) that would resonate down through time, that truly this was the Son of God. Surely their lives were changed forever!

Wait; these verses today reveal so much more….

Did you notice that Matthew suddenly turns from the reaction of the Roman soldiers to a group of women standing nearby. These women are familiar friends and family of Jesus and His disciples. They have spent much of the last few years travelling with the group to help care for Jesus and the others. They loved Him dearly and stayed near enough so that they could witness Jesus' death. Now they have seen it, along with the dramatic earthquake that followed it.

One of the things that stood out to me is that Matthew mentions the women who were there when Jesus died. He calls them out by name. He doesn’t make mention of any of the men. Do you recall reading in Matthew 26:56 that all the disciples, except one fled. John's gospel indicates that one of the disciples was there at the crucifixion; and that was John, “the disciple Jesus loved” (John 19:26-27). Most of the disciples were apparently still in hiding (Matthew 26:56) since it would be so dangerous to be captured as one of Jesus' disciples. While dying in agony, Jesus made arrangements for John to take care of his mother Mary. He wanted to ensure she was looked after and had a place to stay until she came to her eternal home.

To me, this shows how much the women nurtured and cared for Jesus; and it shows Jesus’ deep compassion for these women who are his spiritual family. We are Jesus’ family too and he cares for us the same. We should show our love to Him and cherish our time with Him no matter where we are. We should also love and nurture others, just as God intends. Let’s praise Him today and declare, “Jesus is indeed the Son of God.”

If you’ve been participating in acts of kindness over Lent, would you please share one act you’ve done, where you cared for someone else and provided them with something that helped them out during their journey here on earth? Type your act in the comments section below.

Dear Jesus,

We praise You and give thanks that we get to journey with You through this season of Lent. Draw us closer to Your heart, that we might know You better. After we daily reflect on Your selflessness and life-giving Word, give us wisdom to be Your hands and feet in the world just as You intend. Give us hearts of compassion, hands of generosity, and feet that take Your good news to the world. We love You and are honored to serve you Lord, our sweet Savior. Amen.

Week 6 Act of Kindness

“I was in prison and you came to visit me” Matthew 25:36c

This week, help someone who can’t help themselves or has gotten themselves into trouble; or volunteer for a prison ministry organization (e.g., Kairos or Crossroads).