The Faith of the Centurion

February 27th, 2024
by Nathan Boyd

Scripture

Luke 7: 1-10
7 When He had concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum. 2 A centurion’s slave, who was highly valued by him, was sick and about to die. 3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to Him, requesting Him to come and save the life of his slave. 4 When they reached Jesus, they pleaded with Him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy for You to grant this, 5 because he loves our nation and has built us a synagogue.” 6 Jesus went with them, and when He was not far from[a] the house, the centurion sent friends to tell Him, “Lord, don’t trouble Yourself, since I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. 7 That is why I didn’t even consider myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be cured.[b] 8 For I too am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under my command.[c] I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.”
9 Jesus heard this and was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following Him, He said, “I tell you, I have not found so great a faith even in Israel!” 10 When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.

Devotion

Compassion is often defined as “your pain in my heart.” Jesus felt compassion as he ministered from place to place. Jesus healed and helped them all because His compassion was not measured, but it ministered!

This Roman Centurion had great love and humility, but Jesus’s was impressed by his faith. If this Roman Centurion with very little spiritual instruction, had this kind of faith, how much greater our faith should be!

Everything about this Roman Centurion should have prevented his from coming to Jesus.
He was a professional soldier; Jesus was a man of peace.

He was a Gentile; Jesus was a Jew.

However, this Roman Centurion had great faith.

It is recorded twice in the Gospels that Jesus “marveled” or was amazed.. This time it was because of the faith of the Gentile. (vs9) Jesus also “marveled” at the unbelief of the Jews, his own people. (Mk. 6:6)

The only other person that Jesus commended for their “great faith” was the Gentile woman whose daughter was delivered from a demon. (Matt. 15:18)

In both stories, Jesus healed from a “distance”. Jesus had power over distance. He did not have to be present to heal and accomplish his purpose of to exert His influence or power.
Jesus did not say, “I’ll come and see what I can do.” Rather He said, “I will come and heal him.” Jesus practiced what he preached.

In humility the Roman Centurion confessed, “Lord don’t trouble yourself, since I am not worthy to have you come under my roof…. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.” (Luke 7: 6-7 HSBC)

This Centurion was use to obeying orders and being obeyed. He had 100 men under his command. Jesus also was under authority and just had to “say the word" and the sickness of the servant would be banished!

This story is an early indication that the Jews would not believe but the Gentile world would embrace Jesus. Ephesians 2:12 states,

“ in those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope. “

Even today, things happen when Jesus speaks. Jesus had no regard for race, religion or prejudice, but He had marvelous assurance when he spoke.

Action Step

Call out to Jesus in faith. Do you practice what you preach? Are you consistent in your walk and in your talk? Exercise your faith and cry out to Him!

Prayer

Lord Jesus,
I confess that I often doubt and don’t take you at your word. I’m crying out to you in faith that you will increase my faith and that I will take you at your word.

Posted in For Generations