Matthew 27:36 And sitting down they watched him there;

These soldiers had no idea that history was being made at Calvary. If they knew who they were keeping watch over, they would have knelt and worshipped. They were there with their centurion to make sure that Jesus died on the cross – that no one came to His aid.



What did these soldiers see and hear, and how did it affect them?

·        They heard Jesus ask the Father to forgive them. Luke 23:34

·        They saw a sign above Jesus’ head that said, “This is Jesus the King of the Jews.”

·        They saw two thieves revile Jesus. Later, they saw one of those thieves repent and heard Jesus’ promise to the man. Luke 23:43

·        They saw chief priests, scribes, and elders come before the cross and mock Jesus.

·        They saw the contrast between those evil men and the lovely Jesus.

·        They saw the women come to the cross-including Jesus’ mother.

·        They only saw one disciple come to the cross, John. But they saw the love that Jesus had for them as he looked out for the care of His mother.

·        They saw darkness come over everything for three hours.

·        They saw Jesus yield up His spirit and die.

·        They felt the earthquake and some things that accompanied the earthquake.

·        They feared greatly saying, “Truly this was the Son of God.” Who knows, but these soldiers who had cruelly nailed Jesus to the cross may have become believers! Jesus was drawing sinners to Himself.

John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

Ron Cox – Director of HOPE Ministry