Mark 15:33-39
One of the little "sub-stories" found in the crucifixion story is in Mark. The reason this story fascinates me is the role it plays in the bigger story. If you remember, Jesus' ministry is almost exclusively directed to the Jewish people. He interacts with Gentiles and he commends the faith of those Gentiles who display it, but he repeatedly speaks about, teaches, and ministers to the people of Israel. Near the end of his ministry he laments his rejection by the people of Jerusalem and weeps over the city in Matthew.
Later, it is the Jewish leaders and people who are asking for Jesus to be crucified in front of Pilate, even though they are the people Jesus had been teaching and calling. Jesus is crucified and the leaders are still mocking him. In this passage, you have the words that should have been uttered by the people of Israel coming from the lips of a Gentile, "Truly this man was the Son of God!" This provides the great picture of Jesus' death not being just for the people of Israel, but includes Gentiles as well.
In regards to application, it is a great reminder for people who are religious leaders or think of themselves as spiritually mature to be cautious. The Pharisees had all of the knowledge, but the Roman Centurion truly had eyes to see and ears to hear that Jesus is who he claimed to be. Faith and obedience is not about knowledge but a heart that is teachable and open to God. We should increase in our knowledge and understanding with the purpose of being in closer relationship with Jesus. More importantly, we need to be sensitive to what God is doing around us and respond to him accordingly.
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