iWitness: The Soldiers (Palm/Passion Sunday)
We have been traveling through Lent, the 40 days (excluding Sundays) of preparation before Easter. During this season, we have explored some of the eyewitnesses to the cross, including some of the very first evangelists. Through their examples, we’ve learn more about what it means to be a witness for Christ and his Good News.
In our first installment, we explored Judas, the disciple of Jesus who infamously betrayed him. Then, we turned our attention to Nicodemus, a member of the ruling council to which Judas turned when he betrayed Jesus. We next explored the example of Mary, Jesus’ mother, and then turned to one of Jesus’ inner-circle: Peter. Last week, we heard the story of the two thieves crucified alongside Jesus. In this final installment of our Lenten series, we turn toward Jesus’ final moments and examine the stories of the soldiers at the foot of the cross.
Sermon Reflections:
- The Roman soldiers gambled over Jesus’ clothes, something that seems so trivial and unimportant. Have you ever prioritized something unimportant over something more significant? What can you do to avoid letting this happen in the future?
- The centurion who oversaw Jesus’ crucifixion is described as being transformed by witnessing the events. Has there ever been a time in your life when an experience caused you to change your perspective on something? If so, what was the experience and how did it change you?
- That same soldier said, “Truly, this man was God’s Son.” Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God? Why or why not?
- How can you be more mindful of the holy and the beautiful in your everyday life?