The Unnamed Believers
And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 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!’ Mark 15:39
I am far from an expert on the Bible, but lately my curiosity has me searching for more explanations when reading verses. I am curious to know the people that surrounded Jesus. The influence Jesus had on these nameless people that are mentioned in the Bible, or maybe their name was mentioned only once. What brought them to Jesus?
I wonder about the political scene of Jesus’ day. Think of the overwhelming fear that was caused by the Roman empire, the leaders such as Pontius Pilot, Centurion soldiers, even the priests that were the leaders of Jewish Law. Who were they and what guided them.? What exactly was their feelings when John the Baptizer came on the scene and made the announcement of the coming Messiah? How bewildered they must have been!
How would I have reacted at such a time? Would I have secretly sought and followed Him?
All of us have our own spiritual experiences. But, do you ever wonder: what would I have done in those times? It is so easy to look at the past and say, “I would have followed Jesus.” Would you really? I have asked myself that question many times.
Today I am asking, ‘what influenced the unnamed people in the Bible?’ Would I have been one in the multitude on the mountain listening to Jesus? Those whom He healed were not all named. Those who watched Him with skepticism remain without names. What crowd would I have been in? Would I have followed Him openly or secretly? Would I have died for Him? Just how strong is my faith?
History teaches us so much and yet many still ignore the truth. I love the Lord with all of my heart and I have history to guide me. I have the Word of God that inspires me. But what if I had been born in another time when Jesus walked this earth.? Would I have been one of the unnamed people—one of His followers.? How about if I had been at the scene when they nailed Him on the cross? Would I have had an “Ah-ha” moment as He was dying on the cross.? One of the centurions realized at that very moment, “Truly, this man was the Son of God!”
What do you believe today?
Father: I am grateful to be a follower of Your Son and to have the freedom to bow my head no matter where I am and not be persecuted for my faith. Protect those who are and lift them up. I am thankful for Your Word and Your Son who died for my sins. Truly I am blessed. AMEN.