Lesson 23: Soldiers

Introduction: There are at least three classes of soldiers 
mentioned in the New Testament.  Although the Jews in the time 
of Christ were subject to Roman rule, they were allowed to govern 
themselves to some extent.  The New Testament speaks of the 
troops and officers who were under the authority of the chief 
priest.  Herod the tetrarch of Galilee also had his "men of 
war" (Lk. 23:11).  And, there were the Roman troops who answered 
to the governor of the region and maintained the peace.  In this 
lesson, we will study statements concerning soldiers during the 
time of Christ.

I. Jewish Soldiers, Who Questioned John The Baptizer (Lk. 3:14).
   A. John went into all the region around Jordan, preaching 
      baptism for the remission of sins (Lk. 3:3).
   B. When John preached to them,  telling them to bear fruits 
      worthy of repentance, they questioned him, saying, "What 
      shall we do then" (Lk. 3:10)?
   C. The soldiers asked John, "And what shall we do" (Lk. 3:14)?
      1. John said, "Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, 
     and be content with your wages" (Lk. 3:14).
      2. The word translated "intimidate" literally means "shake 
     down for money."
        
Principles:
    1. One must not misuse authority.
    2. It is wrong to accuse falsely.
    3. Be content with wages. 

II. The Centurion (Mt. 8:5-13; Lk. 7:1-10)  
   A. Jesus entered Capernaum and was met by elders of the Jews, 
      who were sent by a centurion, pleading with Him to heal 
      the centurion's servant.
      1. The centurion did not come to Jesus himself because he 
     felt unworthy.
      2. The elders of the Jews told Jesus the centurion was 
     worthy.
     a. "he loves our nation"
     b. "he built us a synagogue"
      3. When Jesus came, the centurion sent friends to Him 
     saying, "Lord do not trouble yourself, for I am not 
     worthy that You should enter under my roof."
   B. "Say the word, and my servant will be healed" (Lk. 7:7)
      1. The centurion spoke concerning the principle of authority.
      2. The centurion was under authority.  There were soldiers 
     under his authority.
      3. Authority had to do with the right to command.  
      4. Jesus, by His authority could heal the centurion's 
     servant.
      5. Jesus commended the faith of the centurion.  "I have 
     not found such great faith, not even in Israel" (Lk. 7:9).

Principles:
    1. It is important for one to recognize his unworthiness.
    2. Jesus has authority (Mt. 28:18).  He has the right to 
       command.  Since we are under his authority, we must obey.
        
III. Soldiers Associated With The Arrest And Crucifixion Of Jesus
   A. Soldiers were sent by the chief priests and Pharisees to 
      arrest Jesus (Jn. 18:3-12).
      1. They came to the garden with lanterns, torches, and 
     weapons (Jn. 18:3).
      2. Jesus asked them, "Who are you seeking?" They answered, 
     "Jesus of Nazareth."  Jesus said to them, "I am He."  When 
     He said this, they drew back and fell to the ground 
     (Jn. 18:4-6).
      3. They arrested Jesus, bound him, and took him to Annas 
     (Jn. 18:12).
   B. Herod's men of war treated Jesus with "contempt and mocked 
      Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to 
      Pilate" (Lk. 11).
   C. Roman soldiers
      1. Mocked Jesus: Mark 15:16-20 "Then the soldiers led Him 
     away into the hall called Praetorium, and they called 
     together the whole garrison.  And they clothed Him with 
     purple; and they twisted a crown of thorns, put it on His 
     head, and began to salute Him, "Hail, King of the Jews!"  
     Then they struck Him on the head with a reed and spat on 
     Him; and bowing the knee, they worshiped Him. And when 
     they had mocked Him, they took the purple off Him, put 
     His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him."
      2. Carried out the execution of Jesus:
     a. They cast lots for His garment (Jn. 19:24).
     b. They mocked Him and offered Him sour wine (Lk. 23:36).
     c. When the centurion and the guard saw the earthquake,
        they feared greatly and said, "Truly this was the Son 
        of God" (Mt. 27:54).
     d. Instead of breaking the legs of Jesus, a soldier 
        pierced the side of Jesus with his spear (Jn. 19:34).
      3. Guarded the Tomb of Jesus:
     a. The soldiers were to make the tomb as secure as they 
        knew how (Mat. 27:65).
     b. They made it secure, sealing the stone.
     c. After Jesus was raised, the soldiers accepted a bribe 
        to say that the disciples stole the body (Mt. 28:11-15).

Principles:
    1. Jesus was not taken by force;  He was delivered by the 
       determined  counsel and foreknowledge of God (Acts 2:23).
    2. We have that evidence that Jesus is the Son of God.
    3. Monetary gain has led many to sin.
        
Questions:

1. Be ready to discuss the question the soldiers asked John and 
   his answer.
2. Was the centurion with a sick servant  worthy to have Jesus 
   enter his house?  Why did the Jews think he was worthy?
3. What was the principle of authority that the centurion 
   understood?
   How does this principle relate to our relationship with Jesus?
4. What did Jesus say about the centurion's faith?  On what other 
   occasion did Jesus praise the faith of a Gentile?
5. What does it mean that the soldiers who arrested Jesus "fell 
   back?"
6. How do soldiers show their authority?   Was this effective 
   when it came to arresting Jesus?
7. How did Herod's soldiers treat Jesus?
8. Why did the soldier pierce the side of Jesus instead of 
   breaking His legs?
9. What convinced the centurion at the cross that Jesus was the 
   Son of God?
10. Why did the soldiers make a crown of thorns for Jesus?
11. List the prophecies fulfilled in the actions of the soldiers 
    at the cross.
12. Why did the chief priests and elders give money to the 
    soldiers who guarded Jesus' tomb?
13. Since Jesus was mistreated, what kind of treatment should we 
    as His disciples expect?

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