There was in the days of Herod the King of Judea a certain priest named Zacharias of the course of ABIA and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron and her name was Elizabeth and they were both righteous before God walking in all commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless and they had no child because that Elizabeth was Barren and they both were now well stricken in years and it came to pass that while he executed the Priest's office before God in the order of his course according to the custom of the priest's office his
lot was to burn incense when he went into the Temple of the Lord the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense and there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense and when Zachariah saw him he was troubled and fear fell upon him but the angel said unto him fear not Zacharias for thy Prayer is heard and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear a son and thou shalt call his name John and thou shalt have joy and gladness and many shall
rejoice at his birth for he shall be great in the sight of the Lord and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost even from his mother's womb and many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God and he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias to turn The hearts of the fathers to the children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just to make ready a people prepared for the Lord and Zachariah said unto the angel whereby
shall I know this for I am an old man and my wife well stricken in years and the angel answering said unto him I am Gabriel that stand in the presence of God and am sent to speak unto thee and to show thee these Glad Tidings and behold Thou shalt be dumb and not able To speak until the day that these things shall be performed Med because thou believest not my words which shall be fulfilled in their season and the people waited for Zacharias and marveled that he carried so long in the temple and when
he came out he could not speak unto them and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple for he beckoned unto them and remained speechless and it came to pass that as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished he Departed to his own house and after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived and hid herself 5 months saying thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me to take away my reproach among men and in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto
a city of Galilee named Nazareth to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph of the House of David and the virgin's name was Mary and the angel came in unto her and said hail Thou that art highly favored the Lord is with thee blessed art thou among women and when she saw him she was troubled at his saying and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be and the angel said unto her fear not Mary for thou Hast found favor with God and behold Thou shalt conceive in thy womb
and bring forth the son and shalt call his name Jesus he shall be great and shall be called the son of the highest and the Lord God shall give unto him him The Throne of his father David and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever and of his kingdom there shall be no end then said Mary unto the angel how shall this be seeing I know not a man and the angel answered and said unto her the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee therefore also
that Holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called The Son of God and behold thy cousin El Elizabeth she hath also Conceived a son in her old age and this is the sixth month with her who was called Baron for with God nothing shall be impossible and Mary said behold the handmade of the Lord be it unto me according to Thy word and the angel departed from her and Mary arose in those days and went into the Hill Country with haste into a city of Judah and entered into the house of Zacharias
and saluted Elizabeth and it came to pass That when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary The Babe leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost and she spake out with a loud voice and said blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb and whence is this to me that the mother of my Lord shall come to me for lo as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears the Babe leaped in my womb for joy and blessed is is she that believed for there
shall be a Performance of those things which were told her from the Lord and Mary said my soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my savior for he hath regarded the lowest state of his handmaiden for behold from henceforth all generation shall call me blessed for he that is mighty hath done to me great things and holy is his name and his Mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation he hath shed strength with his arm he hath scattered The proud in the imagination of their hearts he
hath put down the mighty from their seats and exalted them of low degree he hath filled the Hungry with good things and the rich he hath sent empty away he hath hopen his servant Israel in remembrance of his mercy and he spake to our fathers to Abraham and to his seed forever and Mary Abode with her about 3 months and returned to her her own house now Elizabeth's full time came that she should be delivered and She brought forth a son and her neighbors and her cousins heard how the Lord had shed great mercy upon
her and they rejoiced with her and it came to pass that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child and they called him Zacharias after the name of his father and his mother answered and said not so but he shall be called John and they said unto her there is none of thy King that is called by this name and they made signs to his father how he would Have him called and he asked for a writing table and wrote saying his name is John and they marveled all and his mouth was opened
immediately and his tongue loosed and he spake and praised God and fear came on all that dwelt round about them and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the Hill Country of Judea and all they that heard them lay them up in their hearts saying what Manner of Child shall this be the hand of the Lord was with him and His father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost and prophesied saying blessed be the Lord God of Israel for he hath visited and redeemed his people and hath raised up an Horn of salvation for
us in the house of his servant David as he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets which have been since the world began that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us to perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember His Holy Covenant the oath which he swear to Our Father Abraham that he would Grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear in Holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life and
thou child shalt be called the prophet of the highest for Thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his way to give knowledge of Salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins Through the tender mercy of our God whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death to guide our feet into the way of peace and the child grew and waxed strong in spirit and was in the deserts till the day of isoing Unto Israel
and it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed and this taxing was first made When cenus was governor of Syria and all went to be taxed everyone into his own City and Joseph also went up From Galilee out of the city of Nazareth into Judea unto the city of David which is called Bethlehem because he was of the house and lineage of David to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife being great with child so it was that while they were
there the days were accomplished that she should be delivered and she brought forth her firstborn son and Wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid them in a Manger because there was no room for them in the end and they were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field keeping watch over their flock by night and lo the angel of the Lord Came Upon them and the glory of the Lord Shone round about them and they were sore afraid and the angel said unto them fear not for behold I bring you good tidings of great
joy what shall be to all people for unto you is Born This Day in the city of David a savior which is Christ the lord and this shall be a sign unto you ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger and suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly hosts praising God and saying glory to God in the highest and on Earth peace Good Will toward men and it came to pass as the Angels were gone away from them into heaven the Shepherds said one to another let
us now go even unto Bethlehem and See this thing which has come to pass which the Lord hath made known unto us and they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the Babe lying in a manger and when they had seen it they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child and all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the Shepherds but Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart and the Shepherds returned glorifying and Praising God for all the things
that they had heard and seen as it was told unto them when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child his name was called Jesus which was so named of the Angel before he was conceived in the womb and when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished they brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord as it is written in the law of the Lord Lord every male that openeth the Womb Shall be Called holy to the Lord and to offer a sacrifice according to that
which is said in the law of the Lord a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons and behold there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon and the same man was just and devout waiting for the consolation of Israel and the Holy Ghost was upon him and it was revealed unto him by the holy ghost that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord Christ and he came by the Spirit into the temple and when the parents brought in the Child Jesus to do for him after the custom of
the law then took him up in his arms and blessed God and said Lord now let us thou thy servant depart in peace according to Thy word for mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou Hast prepared before the face of all people a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of thy People Israel and Joseph and his mother Marvel that those those things Which were spoken of him and Simeon blessed them and said unto Mary his mother behold this child is set for the fall and Rising again of many in Israel and for
a sign which shall be spoken against yay a sword shall pierce through my own soul also that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed and there was one Anna a propheus the daughter of fuel of the tribe of aser she was of a great age and had lived with an husband years from her virginity and she was a Widow of about 4 score and4 years which departed not from the temple but served god with fastings and prayers night and day and she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord and spake of
him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem and when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord they returned into Galilee to their own City Nazareth and the child grew and waxed strong in spirit filled with wisdom and the grace Of God was upon him now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover and when he was 12 years old they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast and when they had fulfilled the days as they return the child jesus carried behind
in Jerusalem and Joseph and his mother knew not of it but they supposing him to have been in the company went a Day's Journey and they sought him among their kins Folk an acquaintance when they found him not They turned back again to Jerusalem seeking him and it came to pass that after 3 days they found him in the temple sitting in the midst of the doctors both hearing them and asking them questions and all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers and when they saw him they were amazed and his mother
said unto him son why hast thou thus dealt with us Behold thy father and I have sought The Sorrowing and he said unto them how is It that ye sought me wished ye not that I must be about my father's business and they understood not the saying which he spake unto them and he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was subject unto them but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart and Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man now in the 15th year of the
reign of Tiber Caesar Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea and Herod being Tetrarch of Galilee and his brother Philip Tetro of Ida and of the region of tronus and lenus the tetr of abalene Annis and Caiaphas being the high priests the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness and he came into all the country about Jordan preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet saying the voice of one crying in the Wilderness prepare ye
the way of the Lord make his path straight every Valley shall be filled and every mountain and Hill shall be brought low and the Crooked shall be made straight and the rough ways shall be made smooth and All Flesh shall see the salvation of God then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him oh Generation of Vipers who hath warned you to flee from the Wrath to come bring forth therefore fruits worthy of Repentance and begin not to say with yourselves we have Abraham to Our Father for I say unto
you that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham and now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is honed down and cast into the fire the people asked him saying what shall we do then he anth and said unto them he that hath two coats let him impart to him that hath none and he that Hath meat let him do likewise then came also publicans to be baptized and said unto him Master what shall we do and he
said unto them exact no more than that which is appointed you and the soldiers likewise demanded of him saying and what shall we do and he said unto them do violence to no man neither accuse any falsely and be content with your wages and as the people were in expectation and all men mused in their hearts of John whether he were the Christ or not John answered saying unto them all I indeed baptize you with water but one mightier than I cometh the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose he shall baptize
you with the Holy Ghost and with fire whose fan is in his hand and he will thoroughly Purge his floor and will gather the weed into his Garner and the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable and many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people but Herod the tetrarch being Reproved by him for herodias his brother Philip's wife and for all the evils which Herod had done added yet this above all that he shut up John in prison and when all the people were baptized it came to pass that Jesus also being
baptized and praying the heaven was opened and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him and a voice Came From Heaven which said Thou Art my beloved Son in thee I am well pleased and Jesus himself began to be About 30 years of age and Jesus being full of the Holy Spirit returned from Jordan and was led by the spirit Into the Wilderness being 40 days tempted of the devil and in those days he did eat nothing and when they were ended he afterward hungered and the devil said unto him
if thou be the son of God command this stone that it be made bread and Jesus answered him saying it is written that man shall not live by bread alone but by every word of God and the devil taking him up into an high mountain shed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time and the devil said unto him all this power will I give thee and the glory of them for that is delivered unto me and to whomsoever I will I give it if thou therefore Wilt worship me and
shall be thine and Jesus answered and said unto him get thee behind me Satan for it is written Thou shalt Worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou Serve and he brought him to Jerusalem and set him on a pinnacle of the temple and said unto him if thou be the Son of God cast thyself down from hence for it is written he shall give his angels charge over thee to keep thee and in their hands they shall bear thee up lest at any time thou Dash thy foot against a stone and Jesus
answering said unto him it is said Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God and when the devil had ended all the Temptation he departed from him for A season and Jesus returned in the power of the spirit into Galilee there went out a Fame of him through all the region round about and he taught in their synagogues being glorified of all and he came to Nazareth where he had been brought up and as his custom was he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up forth to read and there was delivered
unto him the book of the prophet Isaiah and when he had opened the book he found the place where it was Written the spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath appointed me to preach the gospel to the poor he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted to preach Deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind to set at Liberty them that are bruised to preach the acceptable year of the Lord and he closed the book and he gave it again to the minister and sat down in the eyes of
all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him and he Began to say unto them this day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears and all bare him witness and wondered at the gracious Words which proceeded out of his mouth and they said is not this Joseph's son and he said unto them ye will surely say unto me this proverb for position heal thyself whatsoever We Have Heard done in Capernaum do also here in thy country and he said verily I say unto you no Prophet is accepted in his own country but I
tell you of a truth Many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias when the heaven was shut up 3 years and 6 months when Great Famine was throughout all the land but unto none of them was Elias sent save unto serepta a city of siden Unto to a woman that was a widow and many lepers were in Israel in the time of alysus the prophet and none of them was cleansed saving non the Syrian and all they in the synagogue when they heard these things were filled with wrath and Rose up and thrust
him Out of the city and led him unto the brow of the Hill whereon their city was built that they might cast him down head long but he passing through the midst of them went his way came down to Capernaum a city of of Galilee and taught them on the Sabbath days and they were astonished at his Doctrine for his word was with power and in the synagogue there was a man which had a spirit of an unclean devil and cried out with a loud voice saying let us alone what have we To do with
thee thou Jesus of Nazareth Art Thou come to destroy us I Know Thee who Thou Art the Holy One of God and Jesus rebuked him saying hold thy peace and come out of him when the devil had thrown him in the midst he came out of him and hurt him not and they were all amazed and spake among themselves saying what a word is this for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits and they come out and the fame of him went out Into every place of the country round about and he arose
out of the synagogue and entered into Simon's house Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever and they besought him for her and he stood over her and rebuked the fever and it left her and immediately she arose and ministered unto them now when the sun was setting all they that had any sick with diverse diseases brought them unto him and he laid his hands on every one of them and he healed them and Devils also came out of many crying out and saying Thou Art Christ the son of God and he rebuking them
suffered them not to speak for they knew that he was Christ and when it was day he departed and went into a desert place and the people sought him and came unto him and stayed him that he should not depart from them and he said unto them I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also for therefore am I sent and he preached in the synagogues of Galilee And it came to pass that as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God he stood by the lake of garat and saw
two ships standing by the lake but the fishermen were gone out of them and were washing their Nets and he entered into one of the ships which was Simon's and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land and he sat down and taught the people out of the ship now when he had left speaking he said unto Simon launch out into the Deep and let down your nets for a drought and Simon answering said unto him Master we have toiled all the night and have taken nothing nevertheless at Thy word I
will let down the net and when they had this done they enclosed a great multitude of fishes and their net break and they beckoned unto their Partners which were in the other ship that they should come and help them they came and filled both the ships so that they began to sink when Simon Peter saw It he fell down at Jesus's knee saying depart from me for I am a sinful Man O Lord for he was astonished and all that were with him at the drought of the fishes which they had taken and so was
also James and John the sons of deede which were partners with Simon and Jesus said unto Simon fear not from henceforth Thou shalt catch men and when they had brought their ships to land they forsook all and followed him and it came to pass when he was in a certain city behold the Man full of leprosy who seeing Jesus fell on his face and besought him saying Lord if thou wilt thou cast make me clean and he put forth his hand and touched him saying I will be thou clean and immediately the leprosy departed from
him and he charged him to tell no man but go and Sh thyself to the priest and offer for thy cleansing according as Moses commanded for a testimony unto them but so much the more went there of Fame abroad of him and great multitudes Came together to hear and to be healed by him of their infirmities and he withdrew himself into the Wilderness and prayed and it came to pass on a certain day as he was teaching that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by which were come out of every town of
Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem and the power of the Lord was present to heal them and behold men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a py and they sought means to bring Him in and to lay him before him and when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude they went upon the Housetop and led him down through the tilling with his couch into the midst before Jesus and when he saw their faith he said unto him man thy sins are forgiven thee and
the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason saying who is this which speaketh blasphemies who can forgive sins but God alone when Jesus perceived Their thoughts he answering said unto them what reason ye in your hearts whether is easier to say thy sins be forgiven thee or to say rise up and walk but that ye may know that the son of man hath power upon Earth to forgive sins he said unto the sick of the py I say unto thee arise and take up thy couch and go into thine house and immediately he rose before
them and took up that whereon he lay and departed to his own house glorifying God And they were all amazed and they glorified God and were filled with fear saying we have seen strange things today and after these things he went forth and saw a Publican named Levi sitting at the receipt of custom and he said unto him follow me and he left all rose up and followed him and Levi made him a great feast in his own house and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them but
their scribes and Pharisees murmured against His disciples saying why do you eat and drink with publicans and Sinners and Jesus answering said unto them they that are whole need not a physician but they that are sick I came not to call the righteous but Sinners to repentance and they said unto him why do the Disciples of John fast open and make prayers and likewise the Disciples of the Pharisees but thine eat and drink and he said unto them can you make the children of the Bride chamber fast while the bridegroom Is with them but the
days will come when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them and then shall they fast in those days and he spake also a parable unto them no man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old if otherwise then both the new maketh a rent and the peace that was taken out of the new agree not with the old and no man putteth new wine into Old bottles else the new wine will burst the bottles and be spilled and the bottles Shall Perish but new wine must Be put into new bottles and both
are preserved no man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new for he saith the old is better and it came to pass on the second Sabbath after the first that he went through the corn fields and his disciples plucked the ears of corn and did eat rubbing them in their hands and certain of the Pharisees said unto them why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the Sabbath days and Jesus answering them said have ye not Read so much as this what David did when himself was hungered and they which were
with him how he went into the house of God and did Take and Eat the shoe bread and gave also to them that were with him which it is not lawful to eat but for priests alone and he said unto them that the son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath and it came to pass also on another Sabbath that he entered into the synagogue and taught and there was a man whose right hand was withered and the Scribes and Pharisees watched him whether he would heal on the Sabbath day that they might find
an accusation against him but he knew their thoughts and said to the man which had the withered hand rise up and stand forth in the midst and he arose and stood forth then said Jesus unto them I will ask you one thing is it lawful on the Sabbath days to do good or to do evil to save life or to destroy it and looking round about upon them all he said unto the man Stretch forth thy hand and he did so and his hand was restored whole as the other and they were filled with Madness
and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus and it came to pass in those days that he went out into a mountain to pray and continued all night in prayer to God when it was day he called unto him his disciples and of them he chose 12 whom also he named Apostles Simon whom he also named Peter and Andrew his brother J James and John Philip and Bartholomew Matthew and Thomas James the son of alfus and Simon called zealots and Judas the brother of James and Judas a scariot which also was the
traitor and he came down with them and stood in the plain in the company of his disciples and a great multitude of people out of all Judea and Jerusalem and from the Sea Coast of Ty and siden which came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases and they that were vexed with unclean spirits and they were Healed and the whole multitude sought to touch him for there went virtue out of him and healed them all and he lifted up his eyes on his disciples and said blessed be ye poor for yours is
the kingdom of God blessed are ye that hunger now for ye shall be filled blessed are ye that weep now for ye shall laugh blessed are ye when men shall hate you and when they shall separate you from their company and shall reproach you and cast out your Name as evil for the son of man's sake Rejoice ye in that day and leap for Joy for behold your reward is great in heaven for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets woe unto you that are rich for ye have received your consolation woe
unto you that are full for ye shall hunger woe unto you that laugh now for ye shall mourn and weep woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you for so did their fathers to the false prophets but I say unto you Which hear love your enemies do good to them which hate you bless them that curse you and pray for them which despitefully use you and unto him that smiteth thee on the One Cheek offer also the other and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also give
to every man that asketh of thee and of him that taketh away thy Goods ask them not again and as ye will that men should do to you do ye also to them likewise for if you love them which love You what thank have ye for Sinners also love those that love them and if ye do good to them which do good to you what thank have ye for Sinners also do even the same and if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive would thank have ye for Sinners also lend to Sinners
to receive as much again but love ye your enemies and do good and lend hoping for nothing again and your reward shall be great and ye shall be the children of the highest for he is King unto the Unthankful and to the evil but ye therefore merciful as your father also is merciful judge not and ye shall not be judged condemn not and ye shall not be condemned forgive and ye shall be forgiven give and it shall be given unto you good measure press down and shaken together and running over shall men give into your
bosom for with the same measure that ye meet with all it shall be measured to you again and he spake a parable unto them can the blind lead the Blind shall they not both fall into the ditch the disciple is not above his master but everyone that is perfect shall be as his master and why beholdest thou the moat that is in thy brother's eye but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye either how can thou say say to thy brother brother let me pull out the moat that is in thine eye
when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye thou hypocrite cast out first The Beam out of thine own eye And then shalt thou See Clearly to pull out the moat that is in thy brother's eye for a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit neither does a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit for every tree is known by his own fruit for of thorns men do not gather things nor of a a brambl bush gather they grapes a good man out of the good Treasure of his heart bringeth forth that
which is good and an evil man out of the evil Treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which Is evil or of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh and why call ye me Lord Lord and do not the things which I say whosoever cometh to me and heareth my sayings and doth them I will show you to whom he is like he is like a man which built an house and dig deep and laid the foundation on a rock when the flood arose the stream beat vehemently upon that house and could not shake
it for it was founded upon a rock but he that heareth and does not is like a man That without a foundation built an house upon the Earth against which the stream did beat vehemently and immediately it fell and the ruin of that house was great now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people he entered into Capernaum and a certain Centurion servant who was dear unto him was sick and ready to die and when he heard of Jesus he sent unto him the Elders of the Jews beseeching him that
he would come and heal his servant when They came to Jesus they besought him instantly saying that he was worthy for whom he should do this for he loveth our nation and he hath built us a synagogue then Jesus went with them and when he was was now not far from the house the Centurion sent friends to him saying unto him Lord trouble not thyself for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee but say in a word and my servant shall be
Healed for I also am a man set under Authority having under me soldiers and I say unto you go and he goeth and to another come and he cometh and to my servant do this and he doeth it when Jesus heard these things he marveled at him and turned him about and said unto the people that followed him I say unto you I have not found so great faith no not in Israel and they that were sent returning to the house found the servant whole that had been sick and it came to Pass the day
after that he went into a city called Na and many of his disciples went with him and much people now when he came nigh to the gate of the city behold there was a dead man car rried out the only son of his mother and she was a widow and much people of the city was with her and when the Lord saw her he had compassion on her and said unto her weep not and he came and touched the buyer and they that bear him Stood Still and he said young man I say unto thee
Arise and he that was dead sat up and began to speak and he delivered him to his mother there came a fear on all and they glorified God saying that a great prophet is risen up among us and that God hath visited his people and this rumor of him went forth throughout all Judea and throughout all the region round about and The Disciples of John shed him of all these things and John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus saying art thou he That should come or look we for another when
the men were come unto him they said John Baptist hath sent us unto thee saying art thou he that should come or look we for another and in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues and of evil spirits and unto many that were blind he gave sight then Jesus answering said unto them go your way until John what things ye have seen and heard how that the blind see the lame walk the lepers are cleansed the Deaf hear the dead are raised to the poor the gospel is preached and blessed is
he whosoever shall not be offended in me and when the messengers of John were departed he began to speak unto the people concerning John what went ye out into the Wilderness for to see a reed shaken with the wind but what went ye out for to see a man clothed in soft rment behold they which are gorgeously apparel and live delicately are in King's courts but what went ye out for To see a prophet yay I say unto you and much more than a prophet this is he of whom it is written behold I send
my messenger before thy face which shall prepare thy way before thee for I say unto you among those that are born of women there is not a greater Prophet than John the Baptist but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he and all the people that heard him and the publicans Justified God being baptized with the baptism of John But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against against themselves being not baptized of him and the Lord said where unto then shall I liken the men of this generation
and to what are they like they are like unto children sitting in the marketplace and calling one to another and saying we have piped unto you and ye have not danced we have mourned to you and ye have not wept for John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine And ye say he hath a devil the son of man has come eating and drinking and ye say Behold a gluttonous man and a wine Biber a friend of publicans and sinners wisdom is Justified of all her children and one of the Pharisees desired him
that he would eat with him and he went into the Pharisees house and sat down to meet and behold a woman in the city which was a sinner when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisees house brought an alabaster box of ointment Stood At His Feet behind him weeping and began to wash his feet with tears and did wipe them with the hairs of her head and kissed her feet and anointed them with the ointment and when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it he spake within himself saying this man if
he were a prophet would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him for she is a sinner and Jesus answering said unto him Simon I have somewhat to say unto thee and he Saith Master say on there was a certain creditor which had two debtors the one owed 500 p and the other 50 and when they had nothing to pay he frankly forgave them both tell me therefore which of them will love him most Simon answered and said I suppose that he to whom he forgave most and he said unto
him thou Hast rightly judged and he turned to the woman and said unto Simon seest thou this woman I entered into thine house thou gavest me no water for My feet but she hath washed my feet with tears and wiped them with the hairs of her head thou gavest me no kiss this woman since the time I came and hath not ceased to kiss my feet my head with oil thou did not anoint but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment wherefore I say unto thee her sins which are many are forgiven for she
loved much but to whom little Is Forgiven the same loveth little and he said unto her thy sins are forgiven and they that sat at meat with Him began to say within themselves who is this that forgiveth sins also he said to the woman thy faith has saved thee go in peace and it came to pass afterward that he went throughout every city and Village preaching and Shing the Glad Tidings of the kingdom of God the 12 were with him and certain women which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities Mary called Magdalene out
of whom went Seven Devils and Joanna the wife of chuah herod's Stewart and Susanna and many others which ministered unto him of their substance and when much people were gathered together and were come to him out of every city he spake by a parable a swer went out to sew his seed and as he sowed some fell by the wayside and it was trotten down and the fowls of the air devoured it and some fell upon a rock and as soon as it was sprung up it withered away because it lacked moisture and some fell
among thorns and the Thorns sprang up with it And choked it and other fell on good ground and sprang up and bare fruit and H hundredfold and when he had said these things he cried he that hath ears to hear Let Him hear and his disciples asked him saying what might this Parable be he said unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God but to others in parable that seeing they might not see and hearing they might not understand now the parable is this the seed is the word Of
God those by the wayside are they that hear and cometh the devil and taketh away the word out of their hearts lest they should believe and be saved they on the Rock are they which when they hear receive the word with joy and these have no root which for a while believe and in time of Temptation fall away and that which fell among Thorns are they which when they have heard go forth and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life and Bring no fruit to Perfection that on the good ground are
they which in an honest and good heart having heard the word keep it and bring forth fruit with patience no man when he hath lighted a candle coverthe with a vessel or putteth it under a bed but Seth it on a Candlestick that they which enter in may see the light for nothing is secret that shall not be made manifest neither anything hid that shall not be known and come abroad take heed therefore how ye Hear for whosoever hath to him shall be given and whosoever hath not for him shall be taken even that which
he Seth to have then came to him his mother and his Brethren and could not come at him for the press and it was told him by certain which said thy mother and thy Brethren stand without Desiring to see thee and he answered and said unto them my mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God and do it now it came to pass on a certain day that he Went into a ship with his disciples and he said unto them let us go over unto the other side of the lake and
they launched forth but as they sailed he fell asleep there came down a storm of wind on the lake and they were filled with water and were in Jeopardy and they came to him and awoke him saying master master we perish then he arose and rebuked the wind and the Raging of the water and they ceased and there was a cal and he said unto them where is your Faith and they being afraid wondered saying one to another what manner of man is this for he commandeth even the winds and water and they obey him
and they arrived at the country of the gines which is over against Galilee and when he went forth to land there met him out of the city a certain man which had Devil's long time and wear no clothes neither Abode in any house but in the tombs when he saw Jesus he cried out and fell down before him and with a loud Voice said what have I to do with thee Jesus thou Son of God most high I beseech thee torment me not for he had commanded the unclean Spirit to come out of the man
for often times it had caught him and he was kept bound with chains and in Fetters and he break the bands and was was driven of the devil Into the Wilderness and Jesus asked him saying what is thy name and he said Legion because many Devils were entered into him and they besought him that he would Not command them to go out into the deep there was there and herd of many swine feeding on the mountain and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them and he suffered them then went the
Devils out of the man and entered into the swine and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake and were choked when they that fed them saw what was done they fled and went and told it in the city and in the country then they went out to see what Was done came to Jesus and found the man out of whom the Devils were departed sitting at the feet of Jesus clothed and in his right mind and they were afraid they also which saw it told them by what means he that was
possessed of the Devils was healed then the whole multitude of the country of the gadin round about besought him to depart from them for they were taken with great fear and he went up into the ship and returned back again now the man out of Whom the Devils were departed besought him that he might be with him but Jesus sent him away saying return to thine own house and show how great things God hath done unto thee and he went his way and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him
and it came to pass that when Jesus was returned the people gladly received him for they were all waiting for him and behold came a man named jaras and he was a ruler of the synagogue and he fell Down at Jesus's feet and besought him that he would come into his house for he had one only daughter about 12 years of age and she lay a dying but as he went the people thronged him and a woman having an issue of blood 12 years which had spent all her living upon Physicians neither could be healed
of any came behind him and touched the border of His Garment and immediately her issue of blood stanched and Jesus said who touched me when all denied Peter and They that were with him said Master the multitude throng thee and press thee and sayest thou who touched me and Jesus said somebody hath touched me for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me and when the woman saw that she was not hid she came trembling and falling down before him she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him
and how she was healed immediately and he said unto her daughter be of good Comfort thy faith Has made thee whole go in peace while he yet spake there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house saying to him thy daughter is dead trouble not the master but when Jesus heard it he answered him saying fear not believe only and and she shall be made whole when he came into the house he suffered no man to go in save Peter and James and John and the father and the mother of the maiden and all
wept and bewailed her but he said weep not she is not dead but Sleepeth and they laughed him to scorn knowing that she was dead and he put them all out and took her by the hand and called saying made arise and her spirit came again and she arose straight way and he commanded to give her meat and her parents were astonished but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done then he called his 12 disciples together and gave them power and authority over all devils and to cure diseases and he
sent them to preach The kingdom of God and to heal the sick and he said unto them take nothing for your journey Nei staves nor script neither bread neither money neither have two coats of peace and whatsoever house he enter into there abide and and then depart and whosoever will not receive you when ye go out of that City shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them and they departed and went through the towns preaching the gospel and healing everywhere now Herod The Tetro heard of all that was done by
him and he was perplexed because that it was said of some that John was risen from the dead and of some that Elias had appeared and of others that one of the old prophets was risen again and Herod said John have I beheaded but who is this of whom I hear such things and he desired to see him and the apostles when they were returned told him all that they had done and he took them and went aside privately into a desert Place Belonging to the city called Betha and the people when they knew it
followed him and he received them and spake unto them of the kingdom of God and healed them that had need of healing and when the day began to wear away then came the twel and said unto him send the multitude away that they may go into the towns and Country round about and lodge and get vitols for we are here in a desert place and he said unto them give ye them to eat and they said we have no More but Five Loaves and two fishes except we should go and buy meat for all this
people for they were about 5,000 men and he said to his disciples make them sit down by 50s in a company and they did and made them all sit down then he took the Five Loaves and the two fishes and looking up to heaven he blessed them and break and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude and they did eat and were all filled and there was taken Up a fragments that remained to them 12 baskets and it came to pass as he was alone praying his disciples were with him and he asked
them saying whom say the people that I am they answering said John the Baptist but some say Elias and others say that one of the old prophets is risen again he said unto them but whom say ye that I am Peter answering said the Christ of God and he straightly charged them and commanded them to tell no man that thing Saying the son of man must suffer many things and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes and be slain and be raised the third day and he said to them all if any
man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me for whosoever will save his life shall lose it but whosoever will lose his life for my sake the same shall save it for what is a man advantaged if he gain the whole world then lose himself or be Cast Away for Whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words of him shall the son of man be ashamed when he shall come in his own glory and in his father's and of the Holy Angels but I tell
you of a truth there be some standing there which shall not taste of death till they see the kingdom of God and it came to pass about in8 days after these sayings he took Peter and John and James and went up into a mountain to pray and as he prayed the fashion of his countenance was Altered and his reignment was white and glistering and behold there talked with him two men which were Moses and Elias who appeared in glory and spake of his his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem but Peter and they that
were with him were heavy with sleep and when they were awake deciples James and John saw this they said Lord wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven and consume them even as Elias did but he turned and rebuked them and Said ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of for the son of man is not come to destroy men's lives but to save them and they went to another Village and it came to pass that as they went in the way a certain man said unto him Lord I will
follow thee withs soever thou goest and Jesus said unto him foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests but the son of man hath not where to lay his head and he said unto another follow me but he said Lord suffer me first to go And bury my father Jesus said unto him let the dead bury their dead but go thou and preach the kingdom of God and another also said Lord I will follow thee but let me first go bid them farewell which are at home at my house and Jesus said unto
him no man having put his hand to the plow and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God now the Centurion and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus when they saw the earthquake and the things that Were happening they were terribly frightened and filled with awe and said truly this was the son of God Matthew 27:54 the Centurion had a front row seat to the grandest stage in the universe he witness the son of God's crucifixion this Centurion a commanding officer in the Roman army stood at the foot of the cross
as Jesus endured his crucifixion as Jesus took his last breath the world around them changed dramatically in these extraordinary Circumstances the Centurion a man of power and authority experienced a moment of exceptional Revelation he saw beyond the ordinary and recognized the remarkable nature of the man before him who was this man the man was a centurion in his role especially as it relates to the man who witnessed the last minutes of Jesus Christ offers profound insights into the social and Military structures of ancient Rome as well as The impactful Narrative of the Crucifixion of Christ
a s Centon was a professional officer in the Roman army each Centurion commanded a century a unit consisting of about 80 to 100 soldiers they were known for their leadership skills discipline and experience in battle being a centurion was a respected and important job it usually meant the person had to be strict but fair in the context of Jesus's crucifixion the role of the Centurion is particularly significant This this man overseeing one of the most crucial events was more than just a passive Observer the gospels describe earthshaking events when Jesus died the sky darkened and
the Earth quaked amidst this the Centurion is said to have had a profound realization about Jesus truly this was the son of God Matthew CH 27:54 the significance of this statement lies in the fact that it comes from a Roman offer officer an unlikely source for a declaration of faith in Jesus his Role at the crucifixion which is typically a routine execution for a centurion turns into a moment of Spiritual Awakening this highlights a theme often found in biblical narratives the presence of God in unexpected places and people the Centurion a representative of Roman Authority
and Pagan beliefs recognizes the Divinity of Jesus this event illustrates the profound impact of Jesus's life and death influencing not only his followers But also those who were not part of his teachings the centurion's recognition at the crucifixion demonstrates the transformative power of Jesus's message and its Universal appeal where did he realize the truth the events took place in the ancient land of Jerusalem specifically at a location known as golgatha this is where Jesus Christ was crucified golgatha also known as the place of the skull was an area Outside the walls of Jerusalem where executions
were carried out by Roman officials it was a harsh and unwelcoming place where people were executed Jesus was taken to golgatha to be crucified the atmosphere at gol gotha during Jesus's crucifixion was a blend of somberness and Chaos the air was Heavy with a mix of emotions grief from Jesus's followers indifference from the Roman soldiers tasked with carrying out the execution and a notable tension Among the eyewitnesses the gospels describe the scene with clear details for instance Luke 23: 27 mentions a great multitude of people and of women who are mourning and lamenting for him
when a person was condemned to death by crucifixion it was customary for a large crowd to accompany them as a public gathering during the procession a Roman guard would carry a placard with the person's name and crime written on it and they would proclaim the name and Crime as they made their way to the Crucifixion site the Centurion had authority over The Condemned person in most cases they did not take the fastest route in order to ensure that the greatest number of people were able to observe how the Roman Empire dealt with its adversaries it
is not surprising for this to change the mind of the Centurion Jesus's response still amazes many to this day Daughters of Jerusalem do not weep for me but weep for yourselves and For your children when they witnessed Jesus being handled in such a manner certain women mourned and lamented the message that Jesus conveyed to them was straightforward don't weep for me weep for those who reject me taking into consideration the words themselves they are particularly important due to the fact that they comprise the last connected discourse of the Savior before he passed as Jesus was
hung on the cross alongside two criminals the mood among The crowd was a complex mix of mockery sorrow and confusion some mocked him and people passing by hurled insults at him shaking their heads and saying you who are going to destroy the temple and built it in 3 days save yourself come down from the cross if you are the Son of God Matthew chap 27:39 they not only derided him as a savior but they also mocked him as a king and as the Son of God they mocked him in all of these different ways they
Acted as if Jesus did what they said they would believe him nevertheless the fact that he did not save himself is precisely why he can save others love kept Jesus on the cross not Nails even during Jesus's suffering on the cross this is undou doubtedly one of the lowest points even the thieves crucified alongside him taunted him among the three men Jesus was placed in the lowest position Jesus had to endure this ordeal alone despite being mocked by some the Suffering of Jesus deeply moved others this poignant moment unveils the story of the Roman Centurion
he held the position of power within the Roman Empire and was tasked with ensuring the execution took place however as the Earth Shook and the sky darkened in the final moments of Jesus's life the Centurion experienced a profound realization he exclaimed 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 Matthew 27:54 we read this was the son of God his use of the verb tense is the only thing that is incorrect Jesus is the
son of God even after death there are some individuals who believe that these soldiers who were the executioners of our savior were truly converted by The Miracles that they had witnessed in accordance with what Christ had prayed For them which is stated in Luke 23:34 can you imagine someone praying for you when you are there to execute them the statement made by the Centurion is very significant particularly in the context of Jesus's crucifixion coming from a Roman Centurion a figure representing the Pagan Roman Authority the acknowledgement that Jesus was the son of God was extraordinary
it represented a recognition of Jesus's divine nature Something that even some of Jesus's own followers failed to see the Centurion came to realize the significance of Jesus's death after witnessing the supernatural events that accompanied it such as the earthquake and other unusual occurrences these powerful and uncommon events prompted the Centurion a likely hardened and experienced Soldier to experience a moment of awe and understanding recognition from someone who was a non-jew and who represented The Roman Empire which was often viewed as oppressive to the Jewish people highlighted the inclusive nature of Jesus's message and purpose it
indicated that Jesus's message was intended not only for the Jewish people but for all of humanity including Gentiles this incident also points to the Fulfillment of biblical prophecies about the Messiah being recognized and acknowledged by the Nations not just by the Jews the statement from the Centurion in the chaotic scene of gotha shows us how deeply Jesus's death affected many different people from his closest followers to a Roman soldier was a power powerful testimony to Jesus's identity as the Son of God it showed that even someone outside of Jesus's followers could see the truth of
who he was especially in the face of miraculous signs the crucifixion a moment of great sorrow in significance becomes a turning point not only in religious history but Also in the lives of those like the Centurion Who Bore witness to these last transformative minutes of Jesus what did the Centurion see the death of Jesus as described in the gospels was accompanied by several extraordinary events that emphasized the significance of that moment these events were both natural and Supernatural marking Jesus's death as a moment of great spiritual and Heavenly importance one of the most notable occurrences
was A period of Darkness that fell over the land it was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until 3:00 in the afternoon for the Sun stopped shining Luke 23:45 this Darkness lasting for several hours was an unusual and striking event serving as a dramatic backdrop to the crucifixion and signifying the gravity of the moment another significant event was an earthquake at that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two From top to bottom the Earth shook the Rocks split Matthew 27:51 the earthquake was a powerful physical manifestation of the
chaos and significance of Jesus's death a sign that something extraordinary and world changing had occurred one of the most symbolic events was the tearing of the veil in the temple the veil in the temple separated the holy of holies the most sacred part of the temple where it was believed God's presence dwelt from The rest of the temple its tearing from top to bottom as Jesus died symbolized the of the old Covenant and the establishment of a new way to approach God signifying that through Jesus's death the barrier between God and Humanity was removed this
act indicated that all people could have now direct access to God not just the high priest or a select view the darkness the earthquake and the tearing of the temple veil were not random occurrences they Held deep symbolism marking Jesus's death as a unique moment moment in human history these events signified the breaking of old barriers and the beginning of a new era of relationship between God and Humanity early Christians interpreted these events as signs from God affirming the significance of Jesus's sacrifice and the transformative nature of his death the Centurion could have had this
tremendous experience as he beheld the Seven last words of Jesus here are his seven words the last seven expressions of Jesus Christ on the cross recorded in scripture the first word father forgive them for they do not know what they do Luke 23:34 Jesus of Nazareth looks down from the cross only moments after being crucified between two criminals he sees the soldiers who insulted scorched and tortured him before nailing him on the cross he most likely remembers those who Convicted him high priests pilate recognized that they had turned him up because they were envious of
him Mark 15:10 for he was aware that the chief priests had handed him over because of Envy does he become enraged no even in the midst of his bodily pain his love triumphs and he begs his father to forgive is there ever a bigger irony Jesus begs his father to forgive but it is only by his own sacrifice on the cross that mankind can be forgiven the Second word truly I say to you today you will be with me in Paradise Luke 23:43 now it is not just the religious leaders or the soldiers that mock
Jesus but even one of the criminals indicating The Continuous mockery however the criminal on the right speaks up for Jesus explaining the two criminals are receiving their just do where as this man has done nothing wrong then turning to Jesus he asks and he said unto Jesus Lord remember me when thou comest into Thy kingdom Luke 23:42 ignoring his own pain Jesus answered in his second word with Mercy living out his own beatitude blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain Mercy the second word is about forgiveness once more but this time it is directed
at a criminal this biblical term like the first word is only found in the Gospel of Luke Jesus demonstrates his divinity by opening Paradise to a repentant sinner The third word Jesus said to his motherwoman this is your son then he said to the disciple this is your mother John 19: 26 through 27 Jesus and Mary are reunited what anguish must have filled Mary's heart how she must have felt when she saw her son carrying the cross she then had to witness him being nailed on the cross the loved ones of Jesus are with him
in John's gospel there are four at the foot of the cross Mary his mother John the disciple whom He loved his mother's Sister Mary the wife of clus and Mary magdaline he addresses his third word to his mother Mary and John the only eyewitness of the gospel writers the fourth word my God my God why have you forsaken me Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34 this is the only saying which appears in more than one gospel and is a quote from Psalm 22:1 this was the only expression of Jesus in the gospels of Matthew and Mark
According to both gospels he screamed out his fourth word in the ninth hour after three hour hours of darkness in Judea the 9th hour was 3:00 Jesus of Nazareth fulfills the Messianic Prophecy of the Lord's suffering servant Isaiah 53:12 Mark 15:28 Luke 24:46 the distressed tone of this remark stands in stark contrast to Jesus's First three words he is estranged from his father the fifth word I thirst John 19:28 Jesus's fifth word is the only human expression of his physical Agony The scourging Thorn crowning blood loss on the three-hour trip through Jerusalem to golgatha and
nailing to the Cross had all taken their toll on him the sixth word when Jesus had received the wine he said it is finished and he bowed his head and handed over the spirit John 19:30 Jesus continues in chapter 19: 33-34 but when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead they did not break his legs the sixth word is Jesus's acknowledgment that his Agony has ended and his job has been finished Jesus obeys the father and expresses his love for Humanity by redeeming us via his death on the cross the seventh
word Jesus cried out in a loud voice father into your hands I commend my spirit Luke 23:46 the seventh word of Jesus comes From Luke's gospel and is directed to the Father in Heaven just before he dies Jesus recalls Psalm 31:5 into thine hand I commit my spirit thou Hast redeemed me oh Lord God of Truth there is absolutely no way that any other crucifixion could have gone in this manner this was no ordin Ary man his last words hold extraordinary significance revealing his character fulfilling prophecy and impacting those who witnessed his Crucifixion in Jesus's
final words and reactions we witness a complex interplay of human emotion and Divine Purpose his last moments and words provide us with insights into his character showcasing his compassion fulfillment of his mission and deep connection to human suffering the diverse reactions of those around him demonstrate the wide range of human responses to the Divine spanning from disbelief and indifference to awe and recognition of Jesus's true nature a Few moments ago the Roman soldiers were gambling on his clothes when the soldiers crucified Jesus they took his clothes dividing them into four shares one for each of
them with the undergarment remaining this garment was seamless so they said to one another let's not tear it let's decide by lot who will get it John 19: 23 through 24 now the Centurion admits that the man who was crucified was innocent of the charges levied against him this brings a Mix of emotions to most How Could An Innocent Man be slain and said to be innocent of all charges on the same day Jesus followed the will of the Lord he went to the cross for me he died for all those who want a path
to the Father the aftermath of the crucifixion after Jesus's death he was taken down from the cross according to the Bible Joseph of arthea who was also a disciple of Jesus asked pilate for Jesus's body and his request was granted John 19:38 Joseph of arthea a prominent member of the council who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God went boldly to pilate and asked for Jesus's body Mark 15:43 the most crucial event following the crucifixion is the resurrection of Jesus this event is the Cornerstone of our faith signifying Jesus's victory over death and his
divine nature after his resurrection Jesus appeared to his Disciples and many others over a period of 40 days offering them instructions and assurances before his Ascension to Heaven acts 1:3 the absence of further information about the Centurion has led to various interpretations some speculate that he might have become a believer in Christ due to his unique realization at the crucifixion but these ideas don't come from the Bible itself they are based on stories and interpretations that Developed in Christianity later on while the aftermath of Jesus's crucifixion is detailed with a events like his burial resurrection
and appearances the fate of the Centurion who witnessed Jesus's last moments and recognized his divine nature remains a mystery if these were not enough to change the life of the Centurion four strange things happened after Jesus died number one there was an earthquake there was a response of creation after Jesus died we read the Earth quak and theck rocks were split nature itself was shaken by the death of the Son of God number two the tombs opened Matthew then records an incident found in none of the other gospels Matthew 27: 52- 53 also the tombs
were opened and many bodies of the Saints who had fallen asleep were raised and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many while earthquakes can damage tombs since they were carved out of Stone the raising of bodies can also be attributed to God's direct action which implies that he is behind the earthquake because of the geological characteristics of Israel which sits on a major seismic Rift an earthquake would not be an unusual event but coupled with rocks splitting to open tombs this is another significant testimony to
the meaning of Jesus's crucifixion another earthquake will soon testify to a further significant divine event Jesus's Resurrection Matthew's unique record of these events emphasizes the victory over death that Jesus's sacrifice on the cross accomplishes those who are raised are described literally as those who had fallen asleep a common New Testament idiom for a person who has died but whose Eternal Destiny is secure as with the initial testimony the supernatural raising of the bodies of these holy ones and their appearances in Jerusalem is striking testimony to Jesus's Accomplished work on the cross and thereafter his resurrection
the expression holy people probably refers to Pious Old Testament figures Heroes and Martyrs from Israel's history selected to Bear miraculous testimony to these events their appearance to people in Jerusalem is a witness to the efficaciousness of Jesus's work on the cross and the Declaration of his victory over Death In His Resurrection this anticipates Paul's Teaching on Jesus being the first fruits of the Dead the raising of these holy ones is a foretaste of the Resurrection to which all believers can look forward through the death of Jesus A New Day Has Arrived a day when death
has been defeated by death and Resurrection to life eternal has been made possible number three the temple veil was cut in two Matthew 27: 50 51 and Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and gave up his spirit and behold The veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom and the Earth Shook and the Rocks were split the curtain that covered the temple was ripped into two places the curtain was the only thing in the temple that differentiated the holy area from the holiest part of the temple it was a
very clear illustration of the separation between God and man Acts 6:7 says that in the days of the early church a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith Perhaps this torn Veil demonstrated to them the greatness of the work of Jesus it is also probably how the torn Veil became common knowledge Hebrews chapter 9: 1-9 tells us that in the temple a veil separated the holy of holies the Earthly Dwelling Place of God's presence from the rest of the temple where men dwelt number four there was Darkness all over the land Matthew
27:45 now from the sixth hour Darkness fell upon all the land until the 9th Hour there was thick Darkness over the whole land now the scripture was fulfilled Amos 8 ver9 and it will come about on that day declares the Lord God that I will make the sun go down at noon and make the Earth dark in broad daylight if all those did not convince him he saw something else he saw the the creation's response clearly the Centurion was shocked to be witness to such a dramatic event during the last hours of Christ especially since
he had Never previously seen such a thing this made the impact on him almost immeasurable the Centurion had seen heard and felt all of the events of the crucifixion and death of Christ as a result he and his troops became very frightened even though the Centurion and his group of soldiers had learned to cope with fear they were now experiencing sheer Terror the pulpit commentary relates the tradition that the centurion's name was longinus and That he became a devoted follower of Jesus preached the gospel and died as a martyr this is just tradition we do
not know if this happened but we do know that the truth as a way of holding on to a person's heart the cross of Jesus has the power to change the individual the Centurion began as a Roman officer overseeing a crucifixion but ended the day acknowledging that Jesus was the son of God God has already taken the initiative in Salvation Christ died for You now it's your move eyewitnesses were able to recognize that this was not a typical death and that the individual in question was not a typical man the statements that Jesus made were
accurate and he was the person that he asserted to be the centurion's ability to recognize the true identity of Jesus and the fact that he did so at the time of his demise is extraordinary despite the fact that Jesus was raised from the grave there were still those who refused To acknowledge Him as the Son of God the Centurian and those who were working with him were able to recognize that truly this was the son of God in conclusion the story of the Roman Centurion who witnessed the last minutes of Jesus serves as a powerful
reminder of the profound impact that witnessing a unique moment can have on an individual's beliefs and perspectives this man a symbol of Roman Authority and power stood at the crossroads of history And Faith ultimately declaring truly this was the son of God Matthew 27:54 his experience challenges us to consider how our encounters with significant life events might transform us it invites us to remain open to moments of Revelation and change reminding us that truth and understanding can emerge from the most unexpected places in people the story is not just a historical recount it's a Timeless
narrative about the power of Recognition and the potential for transformation in every one of us let us pray dear Lord as we reflect on the story of the Roman Centurion who witnessed the last moments of Jesus we pray for the grace to have Open Hearts and Minds just as the the Centurion saw the truth in a moment of great turmoil help us to recognize your presence in our lives especially during challenging times guide us to have moments of clarity in understanding that deep in Our faith and bring us closer to you may we learn to
see beyond our immediate circumstances and find the deeper meaning and purpose in our experiences bless us with the courage to change our perspectives and beliefs when faced with your truth just as the Centurion did at the foot of of the Cross amen our question of the day have you ever had a moment like the Roman Centurion we're witnessing a significant event completely changed your perspective or Beliefs