I think the remarkable thing about the
centurion is that he loves the people of the land he was sent to occupy. The
Romans were not in business to benefit others and centurions were not typically
interested in building worship spaces for foreign gods. The armies of Rome were
sent to ensure the coffers of Rome were filled by populations subdued by the
first century version of shock and awe. But the centurion’s love for an
occupied people was also paired with humility, albeit the military version
where one recognizes a superior officer. “But only speak the
word…” so impresses the Jewish rabbi that he returns the favor and praises the NCO of the occupying army. The valued slave returned to good health goes
back to what made him valuable in the first place and my guess is the centurion
shows his appreciation to the synagogue and the folks who presumed to speak on
his behalf. It’s a lovely story. Of course not all the Romans will be so kind
to Jesus in the future and while we take “Father, forgive them for they know
not what they do” to mean those who shouted “crucify” I’m guessing Jesus
remembered the centurion and included those
who told to “go” made the crown of thorns and “do this” drove the nails through
his hands and feet.
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