1 John 3:1  Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.  In the darkness that was over the land at Calvary, the greatest love the world has ever seen was exemplified.  It seems  that even though it was dark, there was a centurion that was able to behold the love that shown through the darkness.  Mark 15:39 And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.  The scripture declares that faith cometh by hearing,  and hearing by the word of God.  What did this centurion hear that caused him to believe Jesus was the Son of God?  He heard Jesus say “Father forgive them,  for they know not what they do.”  He also heard our Lord say “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”  Just before our Lord died, He cried with a loud voice… “It is finished.”   It was very unusual for anyone being tortured through crucifixion to have the ability to cry with a loud voice in the latter moments of such agony.  Could it be that this centurion realized that this man was different,  he lived different,  he died different.   Jesus was in control.  He freely gave His life for you and me!  That’s why he could say… “Father, into thy hands I commend my Spirit.”
Jesus foretold of this hour… John 10:17-18 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.  No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.  Behold what manner of love, then, like the centurion,  you too will declare, truly this was the Son of God!  I declare unto you this day, this was, this is, and this will forever be the Son of God!  Jesus Christ,  the same yesterday, and today, and forever!  What manner of love!
Amen.  Pastor