A WITNESS TO CALVARY

March 1

Bible Reading: Mark 15

Mark 15:39, “And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, ‘Truly this man was the Son of God!’”

Amidst the mob at the cross, the Centurion was not there for any personal reason.  Some were there because of their hatred for Jesus (i.e., the religious leaders), some were there because of their love for Him (i.e., His mother and some of His followers), some were there because they had no choice (i.e., the robbers), but the Centurion was there simply to do his job.

As a centurion, he was a non-commissioned officer of the Roman army, a man of authority having charge nominally of 100 men (Matthew 8:9).  He was tasked with overseeing the execution of Jesus.  He was a soldier and was used to doing what he was told.  That was what he was there to do.  One might suppose that he’d witnessed his share of the horror of human brutality, but nothing could compare with what he saw and heard that day.

He was a part of a larger contingent of soldiers that were there.  An entire cohort (usually about 600 men) had been called together (Mark 15:16).  And soldiers from that cohort had much to do in crucifying Jesus.  Of the specific activities of the Centurion, we are given no account, but we know he was there and that he saw what happened.

What happened?  It was a chaotic and macabre scene.  The three cursed crosses towered over the crowd.  Amongst the ordinary sounds accompanying such a large gathering were the poisonous taunts of the mocking.  And in glorious contrast, Jesus spoke words of forgiveness, salvation, and victory. 

It was no ordinary day, and God would mark the occasion in special ways.  Luke’s account speaks of the darkness that beset the scene from about Noon for three hours.  Then as Jesus’ breathed His last, several things happened all at once.  “The Life of Christ in Stereo” (A harmony of the gospels) gives the following interwoven account (1-Matthew; 2-Mark; 3-Luke; 4-John): “Then 4Jesus therefore on receiving the wine 1cried out again with a loud voice, 4’It is finished!’  And he bowed his head, 3and said, ‘Father into Thy hands I commit my spirit.”  And having said these things, 4he yielded up his spirit.  3Now the centurion 2who stood confronting him nearby, when he saw that he (cried out) thus (and) expired, 3glorified God by saying, ‘Truly this was a righteous man!’  1And behold, the veil of the temple was wrenched in two from top to bottom.  And the earth was shaken, and the rocks were rent, and the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep arose; and they came forth out of the tombs after his resurrection, entering into the holy city and appearing to many.  And the centurion and those who were with him standing guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that took place, were struck with fear and said, 2 ‘Surely this was the son of God!’”  (Matthew 27:51-56; Mark 15:38-41; Luke 23:45b, 47-49; John 19:31-37).

What did the Centurion see?  He saw the way Jesus died.  One would suppose that he had witnessed other deaths and typically a person dies because their time is up, and they’ve no choice but to enter death’s door. But Jesus didn’t die like that—He yielded up His Spirit.  No one took His life from Him. He laid it down of His own initiative (John 10:18).  The Centurion’s response?  “Truly this was a righteous man!”  Then he saw the veil of the temple torn from top to bottom, and then the earthquake, and then the tombs opened and people coming forth from the tombs!  His conclusion?  “Surely this was the son of God!” 

He had gone as ordered that day to do his job, but it was no ordinary day and the man on the cross was no ordinary man.  We have no information about what happened afterwards in the Centurion’s life, but seeds of truth were planted and it’s quite possible that they bore fruit unto salvation.  He proclaimed important truths regarding Jesus’ identity and was a firsthand witness to Jesus’ saving work.  His impartial witness to the events of that day lives on.

“For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” – John 10:17-18a

Alas! and did my Savior bleed?
And did my Sov’reign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For such a worm as I?

Chorus:
At the cross, at the cross,
Where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away –
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day.

Was it for crimes that I have done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! Grace unknown!
And love beyond degree! Chorus

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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