The Soldier Who Stabbed Jesus: His Fate Revealed

March 11, 2026·31 min·2 clips

Jesus prays, 'Father, forgive them,' shocking the centurion who has never heard such mercy.

This episode of Bible Stories for Bedtime dramatizes the biblical account of the Roman centurion present at the crucifixion of Jesus. The narrative focuses on the soldier's internal transformation from a hardened military officer to a believer. It interprets the centurion's possible thoughts and emotions throughout the event. The centurion is portrayed as a man accustomed to brutality, responsible for overseeing executions and commanding 100 soldiers. He observes Jesus being mocked by soldiers in the praetorium and struck with a staff. The centurion notices Jesus's dignified silence and calm during the torture, which contrasts with the desperation he typically witnesses. He sees Jesus stop to address weeping women on the Via Dolorosa while carrying the cross. The centurion orders Simon of Cyrene to help carry the cross, showing a moment of intervention. He hears Jesus pray, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing," from the cross. The centurion witnesses Jesus entrusting the care of his mother to the disciple John while suffering. He observes the supernatural darkness that falls over the land from noon until three in the afternoon. The centurion also experiences the earthquake and sees the temple curtain tear at the moment of Jesus's death. A key insight is the centurion's growing conviction that the crucifixion is a unique, cosmic event rather than a routine execution. The narrative suggests the soldier began to question his understanding of power and strength in the face of Jesus's compassion. His transformation culminates in the declaration, "Truly this was the Son of God," as recorded in Matthew 27:54. The episode posits that the centurion's belief was shaped not just by miraculous signs but by Jesus's consistent behavior. It further speculates that the centurion may have later shared his testimony with others after the resurrection. The story connects the centurion's experience to the broader impact of the crucifixion on figures like Joseph of Arimathea and Mary Magdalene. The tone is reverent, narrative, and devotional, blending scripture reading with imaginative interpretation. The style is expository and pastoral, aiming to inspire reflection on the biblical events. Listeners interested in contemplative, character-focused explorations of biblical figures would appreciate this episode. Those seeking a strictly historical-critical analysis or a fast-paced discussion might find it less engaging.

As heard by us

A crucifixion meditation that follows a centurion into the cross's claim on recognition and faith.

This meditation stays with the centurion at Jesus' crucifixion and moves through Matthew 27:54, the soldiers casting lots, the earthquake, and the fear that ends with, "Truly this was the Son of God." The pace is slow and devotional, with scripture, prophecy, and the cross kept…

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Why you'd press play

You want a grave cross-story where a Roman centurion's fear turns the crucifixion into a moment he cannot dismiss.

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