At the Cross. The CENTURION

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1 At the Cross The CENTURION

2 Soldiers were appointed as centurions by virtue of their bravery, loyalty, character, and prowess in battle.

3 Soldiers were appointed as centurions by virtue of their bravery, loyalty, character, and prowess in battle. Centurions were held to high standards of conduct and were expected to Fight on the FRONT LINES with their men.

4 Soldiers were appointed as centurions by virtue of their bravery, loyalty, character, and prowess in battle. Centurions were held to high standards of conduct and were expected to Fight on the FRONT LINES with their men. In fact, the centurion s Designated Place in formation was at the end of the very FRONT ROW.

5 Soldiers were appointed as centurions by virtue of their bravery, loyalty, character, and prowess in battle. Centurions were held to high standards of conduct and were expected to Fight on the FRONT LINES with their men. In fact, the centurion s Designated Place in formation was at the end of the very FRONT ROW. As a result, Roman centurions were well paid and held in high esteem, and they experienced high rates of injury and death during war.

6 Soldiers were appointed as centurions by virtue of their bravery, loyalty, character, and prowess in battle. Centurions were held to high standards of conduct and were expected to Fight on the FRONT LINES with their men. In fact, the centurion s Designated Place in formation was at the end of the very FRONT ROW. As a result, Roman centurions were well paid and held in high esteem, and they experienced high rates of injury and death during war. The combination of wealth, power, and prestige made them influential in society.

7 Historian Michael Grant had this to say about centurions, These formidable men combined the functions and prestige of a modern company commander and sergeant-major or top sergeant. These men received pay commensurate with that prestige.

8 Historian Michael Grant had this to say about centurions, These formidable men combined the functions and prestige of a modern company commander and sergeant-major or top sergeant. These men received pay commensurate with that prestige. Grant goes on to say, That is to say the lowest grade of centurion received nearly seventeen times as much as an ordinary legionary, and the highest grade was paid four times as much again.

Historian Michael Grant had this to say about centurions, These formidable men combined the functions and prestige of a modern company commander and sergeant-major or

Grant goes on to say, That is to say the lowest grade of centurion received nearly seventeen times as much as an ordinary legionary, and the highest grade was paid

9 Historian Michael Grant had this to say about centurions, These formidable men combined the functions and prestige of a modern company commander and sergeant-major or top sergeant. These men received pay commensurate with that prestige. Grant goes on to say, That is to say the lowest grade of centurion received nearly seventeen times as much as an ordinary legionary, and the highest grade was paid four times as much again. A Roman soldier did not become a centurion overnight. It took YEARS. Grant describes special cohorts within legions made up of veterans of SIXTEEN years or more. He refers to these cohorts as a normal source for men to be promoted to centurions.

10 The Greek statesman and historian Polybius (c BC) wrote: In choosing their centurions the Romans look NOT so much for the DARING or FIRE-EATING type,

11 The Greek statesman and historian Polybius (c BC) wrote: In choosing their centurions the Romans look NOT so much for the DARING or FIRE-EATING type, but rather for men who are Natural LEADERS and possess a Stable and Imperturbable temperament, NOT men who will open the battle and launch attacks,

12 The Greek statesman and historian Polybius (c BC) wrote: In choosing their centurions the Romans look NOT so much for the DARING or FIRE-EATING type, but rather for men who are Natural LEADERS and possess a Stable and Imperturbable temperament, NOT men who will open the battle and launch attacks, but those who will Stand their Ground even when worsted or hardpressed, and will Die in Defense of their Posts.

13 Vegetius. De Re Militari, II, 14 The centurion in the infantry is chosen for his Size, Strength and Dexterity in throwing his missile weapons and for his skill in the use of his sword and shield; in short for his expertness in all the exercises.

14 Vegetius. De Re Militari, II, 14 The centurion in the infantry is chosen for his Size, Strength and Dexterity in throwing his missile weapons and for his skill in the use of his sword and shield; in short for his expertness in all the exercises. He is to be Vigilant, Temperate, Active and Readier to execute the orders he receives than to talk;

15 Vegetius. De Re Militari, II, 14 The centurion in the infantry is chosen for his Size, Strength and Dexterity in throwing his missile weapons and for his skill in the use of his sword and shield; in short for his expertness in all the exercises. He is to be Vigilant, Temperate, Active and Readier to execute the orders he receives than to talk; Strict in exercising and keeping up Proper Discipline among his soldiers, in obliging them to appear Clean and Well-Dressed and to have their arms constantly rubbed and bright.

16 5 Centurions in the N.T Always Highly POSITIVE Centurions in the Bible

17 5 Centurions in the N.T Always Highly POSITIVE Centurions in the Bible 1. Mt. 8:8 The centurion answered, "Lord, I'm not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.

18 5 Centurions in the N.T Always Highly POSITIVE Centurions in the Bible 1. Mt. 8:8 The centurion answered, "Lord, I'm not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 2. Mark 15:39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!"

19 5 Centurions in the N.T Always Highly POSITIVE Centurions in the Bible 1. Mt. 8:8 The centurion answered, "Lord, I'm not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 2. Mark 15:39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!" 3. Acts 10:1 Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment,

20 5 Centurions in the N.T Always Highly POSITIVE Centurions in the Bible 1. Mt. 8:8 The centurion answered, "Lord, I'm not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 2. Mark 15:39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!" 3. Acts 10:1 Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, 4. Acts 22:26 When the centurion heard it, he went to the commanding officer & told him, "Watch what you are about to do, for this man is a Roman!"

21 5 Centurions in the N.T Always Highly POSITIVE Centurions in the Bible 1. Mt. 8:8 The centurion answered, "Lord, I'm not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 2. Mark 15:39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!" 3. Acts 10:1 Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, 4. Acts 22:26 When the centurion heard it, he went to the commanding officer & told him, "Watch what you are about to do, for this man is a Roman!" 5. Acts 27:6 There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy, & he put us on board.

22 Why?

23 Why? These ELITE, BEST of the BEST soldiers grew up fighting for a Roman Empire that, in,

24 Why? These ELITE, BEST of the BEST soldiers grew up fighting for a Roman Empire that, in, Ø had gone from a Moral Society

25 Why? These ELITE, BEST of the BEST soldiers grew up fighting for a Roman Empire that, in, Ø had gone from a Moral Society Ø to a perverse cesspool of pedophiles, homosexuality, orgy cults and man-made gods to approve any activity.

26 Why? These ELITE, BEST of the BEST soldiers grew up fighting for a Roman Empire that, in, NOW - They are serving in ISREAL, the only country / culture on the earth that is: Ø had gone from a Moral Society Ø to a perverse cesspool of pedophiles, homosexuality, orgy cults and man-made gods to approve any activity.

27 Why? These ELITE, BEST of the BEST soldiers grew up fighting for a Roman Empire that, in, NOW - They are serving in ISREAL, the only country / culture on the earth that is: Ø Mono-Theistic Ø had gone from a Moral Society Ø to a perverse cesspool of pedophiles, homosexuality, orgy cults and man-made gods to approve any activity.

28 Why? These ELITE, BEST of the BEST soldiers grew up fighting for a Roman Empire that, in, Ø had gone from a Moral Society NOW - They are serving in ISREAL, the only country / culture on the earth that is: Ø Mono-Theistic Ø Very High Moral Code Ø to a perverse cesspool of pedophiles, homosexuality, orgy cults and man-made gods to approve any activity.

of pedophiles, homosexuality, orgy cults and man-made gods to approve any

NOW - They are serving in ISREAL, the only country / culture on the earth

29 Why? These ELITE, BEST of the BEST soldiers grew up fighting for a Roman Empire that, in, Ø had gone from a Moral Society Ø to a perverse cesspool of pedophiles, homosexuality, orgy cults and man-made gods to approve any activity. NOW - They are serving in ISREAL, the only country / culture on the earth that is: Ø Mono-Theistic Ø Very High Moral Code AND Jesus healed Thousands in a small nation that only had few Hundred Thousand people total. Mt.4:24

30 7 Fascinating Facts 1. Entire Country of Israel about 50 total Centurions

31 7 Fascinating Facts 1. Entire Country of Israel about 50 total Centurions 2. This Centurion would have probably been PRESENT! a. At the Arrest!

32 7 Fascinating Facts 1. Entire Country of Israel about 50 total Centurions 2. This Centurion would have probably been PRESENT! a. At the Arrest! b. At the Trials

33 7 Fascinating Facts 1. Entire Country of Israel about 50 total Centurions 2. This Centurion would have probably been PRESENT! a. At the Arrest! b. At the Trials c. Heard Pilate declare him Innocent

34 7 Fascinating Facts 1. Entire Country of Israel about 50 total Centurions 2. This Centurion would have probably been PRESENT! a. At the Arrest! b. At the Trials c. Heard Pilate declare him Innocent d. Led the beatings ordered by Pilate

35 7 Fascinating Facts 1. Entire Country of Israel about 50 total Centurions 2. This Centurion would have probably been PRESENT! a. At the Arrest! b. At the Trials c. Heard Pilate declare him Innocent d. Led the beatings ordered by Pilate e. Nearby as his men beatings, mocking, crown of thorns

36 7 Fascinating Facts 1. Entire Country of Israel about 50 total Centurions 2. This Centurion would have probably been PRESENT! a. At the Arrest! b. At the Trials c. Heard Pilate declare him Innocent d. Led the beatings ordered by Pilate e. Nearby as his men beatings, mocking, crown of thorns f. Would have heard both the Chief Priests and the Thief on the cross talk about Jesus being the Son of God!

37 7 Fascinating Facts 3. On the way to the cross the women from the city Daughters of Jerusalem, stop weeping for Me... weep for yourselves and for your own children. (Luke 23:28)

38 7 Fascinating Facts 4. Having seen so many crucifixions knew what to expect!

39 7 Fascinating Facts 4. Having seen so many crucifixions knew what to expect! Agony, screaming, cursing, pleading! Yet over the hours.

40 7 Fascinating Facts 4. Having seen so many crucifixions knew what to expect! Agony, screaming, cursing, pleading! Yet over the hours. a. Priests, crowd and thieves mock him.

41 7 Fascinating Facts 4. Having seen so many crucifixions knew what to expect! Agony, screaming, cursing, pleading! Yet over the hours. a. Priests, crowd and thieves mock him. b. Jesus commit his mother to his best friend

42 7 Fascinating Facts 4. Having seen so many crucifixions knew what to expect! Agony, screaming, cursing, pleading! Yet over the hours. a. Priests, crowd and thieves mock him. b. Jesus commit his mother to his best friend c. Heard Jesus PRAY for HIM!!! Never in his life experienced anything like this man!

43 7 Fascinating Facts 5. Mt. 27 Noon to 3pm Darkness covered the land!

44 7 Fascinating Facts 5. Mt. 27 Noon to 3pm Darkness covered the land! 6. With Incredible Authority he died by an Act of Will It is finished... (Jn. 19:30) Father into your hands I commend my spirit. (Luke 23:46)

45 7 Fascinating Facts 5. Mt. 27 Noon to 3pm Darkness covered the land! 6. With Incredible Authority he died by an Act of Will It is finished... (Jn. 19:30) Father into your hands I commend my spirit. (Luke 23:46) 7. Then the Very Ground Shook powerful earthquake Surely this man Longinus? was the Son of God! (Mark 15:39)

47 In the 1976 film "Jesus of Nazareth," directed by Franco Zeffirelli, an eight-hour miniseries that is still shown on television every year around Easter time. Jesus was played by the fine British actor Robert Powell; Olivia Hussey portrayed Mary, his mother; Anne Bancroft was Mary Magdalene; and

In the 1976 film "Jesus of Nazareth," directed by Franco Zeffirelli, an eight-hour miniseries that is still shown on television every year around Easter time.

48 In the 1976 film "Jesus of Nazareth," directed by Franco Zeffirelli, an eight-hour miniseries that is still shown on television every year around Easter time. Jesus was played by the fine British actor Robert Powell; Olivia Hussey portrayed Mary, his mother; Anne Bancroft was Mary Magdalene; and Ernest Borgnine had a small but crucial role as the centurion whose servant Jesus healed and who was later present at the crucifixion. As Borgnine tells it: When it came time for my scene during the crucifixion, the weather was chill and gray.

49 The camera was to be focused on me at the foot of the cross, and so it was not necessary for Robert Powell, the actor who portrayed Jesus, to be there. Instead, Zeffirelli put a chalk mark on a piece of scenery beside the cameraman. "I want you to look up at that mark," he told me, "as if you were looking at Jesus."

50 The camera was to be focused on me at the foot of the cross, and so it was not necessary for Robert Powell, the actor who portrayed Jesus, to be there. Instead, Zeffirelli put a chalk mark on a piece of scenery beside the cameraman. "I want you to look up at that mark," he told me, "as if you were looking at Jesus." I hesitated. Somehow I wasn t ready. I was uneasy.

51 The camera was to be focused on me at the foot of the cross, and so it was not necessary for Robert Powell, the actor who portrayed Jesus, to be there. Instead, Zeffirelli put a chalk mark on a piece of scenery beside the cameraman. "I want you to look up at that mark," he told me, "as if you were looking at Jesus." I hesitated. Somehow I wasn t ready. I was uneasy. "Do you think it would be possible for somebody to read from the Bible the words Jesus said as He hung on the cross?" I asked.

52 I knew the words well from the days of my childhood in an Italian-American family in Connecticut, and I d read them in preparation for the film. Even so, I wanted to hear them now. "I will do it myself," Zeffirelli said. He found a Bible, opened it to the Book of Luke, and signaled for the camera to start rolling.

53 I knew the words well from the days of my childhood in an Italian-American family in Connecticut, and I d read them in preparation for the film. Even so, I wanted to hear them now. "I will do it myself," Zeffirelli said. He found a Bible, opened it to the Book of Luke, and signaled for the camera to start rolling. As Zeffirelli began reading Christ s words aloud, I stared up at that chalk mark, thinking what might have gone through the centurion s mind.

I knew the words well from the days of my childhood in an Italian-American family in Connecticut, and I d read them in preparation for the film. Even so, I wanted to hear them now.

54 I knew the words well from the days of my childhood in an Italian-American family in Connecticut, and I d read them in preparation for the film. Even so, I wanted to hear them now. "I will do it myself," Zeffirelli said. He found a Bible, opened it to the Book of Luke, and signaled for the camera to start rolling. As Zeffirelli began reading Christ s words aloud, I stared up at that chalk mark, thinking what might have gone through the centurion s mind. That poor Man up there, I thought. Jesus says He is the Son of God, an unfortunate claim during these perilous times. But I KNOW he is INNOCENT of any crime.

55 "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." The voice was Zeffirelli s, but the words burned into me -- the words of Jesus. (Luke 23:34-46)

56 "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." The voice was Zeffirelli s, but the words burned into me -- the words of Jesus. (Luke 23:34-46) Forgive me, Father, for even being here, was the centurion s prayer that formed in my thoughts. I am so ashamed, so ashamed.

57 "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." The voice was Zeffirelli s, but the words burned into me -- the words of Jesus. (Luke 23:34-46) Forgive me, Father, for even being here, was the centurion s prayer that formed in my thoughts. I am so ashamed, so ashamed. "Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise," said Jesus to the thief hanging next to Him.

58 "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." The voice was Zeffirelli s, but the words burned into me -- the words of Jesus. (Luke 23:34-46) Forgive me, Father, for even being here, was the centurion s prayer that formed in my thoughts. I am so ashamed, so ashamed. "Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise," said Jesus to the thief hanging next to Him. If Jesus can forgive that criminal, then He will forgive me, I thought

59 "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." The voice was Zeffirelli s, but the words burned into me -- the words of Jesus. (Luke 23:34-46) Forgive me, Father, for even being here, was the centurion s prayer that formed in my thoughts. I am so ashamed, so ashamed. "Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise," said Jesus to the thief hanging next to Him. If Jesus can forgive that criminal, then He will forgive me, I thought Then it happened.

60 As I stared upward, instead of the chalk mark, I suddenly saw the face of Jesus Christ, lifelike and clear. It was not the face of Robert Powell I was used to seeing,

61 As I stared upward, instead of the chalk mark, I suddenly saw the face of Jesus Christ, lifelike and clear. It was not the face of Robert Powell I was used to seeing, but the most beautiful, gentle visage I have ever known.

62 As I stared upward, instead of the chalk mark, I suddenly saw the face of Jesus Christ, lifelike and clear. It was not the face of Robert Powell I was used to seeing, but the most beautiful, gentle visage I have ever known. Pain-seared, sweat-stained, with blood flowing down from thorns pressed deep, His face was still filled with COMPASSION. He looked down at me through tragic, sorrowful eyes with an expression of LOVE beyond description.

63 Then His cry rose against the desert wind. Not the voice of Zeffirelli, reading from the Bible, but the voice of Jesus Himself: "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit."

64 Then His cry rose against the desert wind. Not the voice of Zeffirelli, reading from the Bible, but the voice of Jesus Himself: "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit." In awe I watched Jesus head slump to one side. I knew He was dead. A terrible grief welled within me, and completely oblivious of the camera, I started SOBBING UNCONTROLLABLY.

65 Then His cry rose against the desert wind. Not the voice of Zeffirelli, reading from the Bible, but the voice of Jesus Himself: "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit." In awe I watched Jesus head slump to one side. I knew He was dead. A terrible grief welled within me, and completely oblivious of the camera, I started SOBBING UNCONTROLLABLY. "Cut!" yelled Zeffirelli. Olivia Hussey and Anne Bancroft were crying, too. I wiped my eyes and looked up again to where I had seen Jesus. He was gone.

66 Whether I saw a vision of Jesus that windswept day or whether it was only something in my mind, I do not know. It doesn t matter.

67 Whether I saw a vision of Jesus that windswept day or whether it was only something in my mind, I do not know. It doesn t matter. For I do know that it was a profound spiritual experience and that I have not been quite the same person since.

68 to Jesus without being changed. Whether I saw a vision of Jesus that windswept day or whether it was only something in my mind, I do not know. It doesn t matter. For I do know that it was a profound spiritual experience and that I have not been quite the same person since. I believe that I take my faith more seriously. I like to think that I m more forgiving than I used to be. As that centurion learned two thousand years ago, I too have found that you simply cannot come close

70 3

71 3 I have ALREADY been living ALL OUT for You Live through me in Power that I might be FAITHFUL!

72 3 I have ALREADY been living ALL OUT for You Live through me in Power that I might be FAITHFUL! TODAY is MY day! I am settling forever that Jesus is my LORD in Everything and my Only reason for Living!

I am settling forever that Jesus is my LORD in Everything and

73 3 I have ALREADY been living ALL OUT for You Live through me in Power that I might be FAITHFUL! TODAY is MY day! I am settling forever that Jesus is my LORD in Everything and my Only reason for Living! I am NOT Ready to commit but I will sincerely Research

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