The Centurion Confession: Can You Have This Radical Faith Today? | Conrad Vine

Hear the radical, political challenge of Mark’s Gospel. Understand that to a first-century Roman audience, Mark 1:1 “The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” was a direct act of sedition. This message contrasts the “good news” (euangelion) of Caesar with the singular good news of Christ. See how Mark systematically co-opts every symbol of imperial power, divine omens (the dove), healing touch, triumphal advents (parousia), royal toasts (the Lord’s Supper), and post-mortem deification (sitting at God’s right hand), and applies them to Jesus. Witness the climax at the cross, where a Roman centurion, a man who enforced Caesar’s reign, makes the ultimate confession: “Truly this man was the Son of God,” turning his back on his emperor and all earthly powers.