I'm a scripture scholar and writer who helps readers actually see what the biblical text says—especially about women. I teach online Institute, write the Times of Faith newsletter, and am the author of Line Upon Line, a Book of Mormon devotional series.
What the Centurion Saw - February 2026
What the Centurion SawClose your eyes for a second and picture Jesus on the cross. What do you see? Most likely, you imagined Jesus suspended up high so that his feet couldn’t touch the ground. You might have also imagined a group of people down below, mostly women, looking up at him and grieving. What if I were to tell you that probably isn’t how it happened? The actual scene most likely was very different—and much more terrifying. Roman crucifixions were meant to serve as a deterrence. They were carried out on main roads where the public walked by. It was Rome's way of saying, “Look what will happen to you if you don’t stick with the program.” Only high-status criminals were raised up high, not someone like Jesus. He most likely hung just a foot or two off the ground. This would have made him eye-level with his mother Mary, Martha, and all the others. Loved ones of the crucified would have been close enough to reach out and touch the one nailed to a tree. They could have offered food, water, and comfort—except they weren’t allowed to. Roman soldiers stood guard, ensuring that no one came to the criminals’ aid. Imagine hearing Jesus cry out that he is thirsty and not being allowed to bring him water. Hours before, the crowd had chanted, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” (Luke 23:21), and now they are beating their chests as they walk away. Beating one’s chest is a Jewish custom to signify deep remorse and regret. They may be asking, “What have we done?” But it’s too late; the beloved Rabbi is dead. There is one who remains close and does not watch from a distance: a Roman centurion. As a guard, he would have seen multiple crucifixions and multiple deaths. Perhaps he was hardened by it all. Maybe, as a Roman, he saw them all as justified. Yet, this crucifixion was different. As Jesus’ lifeless body continued to hang on the cross, the centurion said, “Surely this was a righteous man” (Luke 23:47). What a powerful statement from one who had no incentive or benefit in declaring such a witness. Many times, we are like that Roman guard. We don’t have to be physically close to witness a senseless act today; we live in a time when everyone can watch events unfold on their phones. This can make the world feel heavy and cruel. But surely there is still righteousness? Can we be like this centurion and see it? Wishing you a great Sabbath, Heather Ruth Pack Join the ConversationFor the members of the Times of Faith Facebook Discussion group. Here is this month's prompt.
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What I'm Currently StudyingMy Hebrew class has started and I'm already overwhelmed. The vowels alone, Oy Vey! Fortunately one of my fellow students shared a website, that is also an app, that makes reading the Bible in Hebrew easier. Note I said easier and not easy. I thought I'd share it with all of you in case you want to try it. The website is completely free. https://www.sefaria.org/texts Follow to learn moreWas this forwarded to you?Information about monthly newsletter
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I'm a scripture scholar and writer who helps readers actually see what the biblical text says—especially about women. I teach online Institute, write the Times of Faith newsletter, and am the author of Line Upon Line, a Book of Mormon devotional series.
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