Matthew 27:54
Now the centurion and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God! - Matthew 27:54
Easter marks the day we celebrate our risen Lord! It is the fulfillment of God’s plan for the redemption of His creation, which existed in His heart before the foundation of the world. This message was a dramatic monolog from the centurion’s point of view. These men were hardened soldiers who had demonstrated unquestioning loyalty to Rome, and the man’s transformation was remarkable.
First, discuss your reactions to the Easter message. Next, work through the discussion prompts, allowing plenty of time for conversation. It is more important to think through each question than to finish the list.
Easter marks the day we celebrate our risen Lord! It is the fulfillment of God’s plan for the redemption of His creation, which existed in His heart before the foundation of the world. This message was a dramatic monolog from the centurion’s point of view. These men were hardened soldiers who had demonstrated unquestioning loyalty to Rome, and the man’s transformation was remarkable.
First, discuss your reactions to the Easter message. Next, work through the discussion prompts, allowing plenty of time for conversation. It is more important to think through each question than to finish the list.
Discussion Questions
1. Witnessing Power: In Matthew 27:54, the centurion is amazed by Jesus and declares him “the Son of God.” Think about a time you saw something that caused a dramatic shift in your belief system. How did it impact you?
2. Transformation Through Relationship: The centurion likely interacted with Jesus before the crucifixion. Discuss how spending time with Jesus can lead to personal transformation. The monolog cited several ways the centurion might have interacted with Jesus. How did these lead to his conviction in Matthew 27:54?
3. Facing Death: The act of crucifixion was a brutal and terrifying death. How does Jesus’ willingness to face death influence your perspective on overcoming challenges or fears in your own life? The centurion likely saw many acts of courage by other men. How was this one different?
4. Skepticism to Belief: The centurion began as a skeptic, but the events surrounding Jesus’ death caused him to believe. Have you ever doubted your faith? If so, what helped bring you back to belief?
5. Signs and Wonders: The Bible mentions an earthquake witnessed by the centurion, which he interpreted as a miracle. Have you ever experienced a challenging situation followed by a positive turn of events that led you to believe in divine intervention?
6. Power of Forgiveness: Jesus preached forgiveness through His suffering. What is remarkable about that? Why is forgiveness so hard? Why is it so powerful?
7. Unexpected Faith: The centurion wasn’t part of Jesus’ inner circle, yet his faith is acknowledged. Discuss how faith can emerge in unexpected places and people. Share a story of someone finding faith in an unlikely situation.
8. Actions Speak Louder: The centurion’s declaration reflects his newfound belief. How can we translate our faith into concrete actions in our daily lives?
9. We are sharing the Message: The centurion likely wouldn’t stay silent about his experience. How can we share our faith stories with others genuinely and positively?
10. Hope for Transformation: Easter celebrates Jesus’ resurrection and the promise of eternal life. How does transformation and new beginnings impact your hope for the future?
2. Transformation Through Relationship: The centurion likely interacted with Jesus before the crucifixion. Discuss how spending time with Jesus can lead to personal transformation. The monolog cited several ways the centurion might have interacted with Jesus. How did these lead to his conviction in Matthew 27:54?
3. Facing Death: The act of crucifixion was a brutal and terrifying death. How does Jesus’ willingness to face death influence your perspective on overcoming challenges or fears in your own life? The centurion likely saw many acts of courage by other men. How was this one different?
4. Skepticism to Belief: The centurion began as a skeptic, but the events surrounding Jesus’ death caused him to believe. Have you ever doubted your faith? If so, what helped bring you back to belief?
5. Signs and Wonders: The Bible mentions an earthquake witnessed by the centurion, which he interpreted as a miracle. Have you ever experienced a challenging situation followed by a positive turn of events that led you to believe in divine intervention?
6. Power of Forgiveness: Jesus preached forgiveness through His suffering. What is remarkable about that? Why is forgiveness so hard? Why is it so powerful?
7. Unexpected Faith: The centurion wasn’t part of Jesus’ inner circle, yet his faith is acknowledged. Discuss how faith can emerge in unexpected places and people. Share a story of someone finding faith in an unlikely situation.
8. Actions Speak Louder: The centurion’s declaration reflects his newfound belief. How can we translate our faith into concrete actions in our daily lives?
9. We are sharing the Message: The centurion likely wouldn’t stay silent about his experience. How can we share our faith stories with others genuinely and positively?
10. Hope for Transformation: Easter celebrates Jesus’ resurrection and the promise of eternal life. How does transformation and new beginnings impact your hope for the future?