Luke 7:1-10 The Faith of the Centurion
“When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” So Jesus went with them.
He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.”
Jesus has been preaching in the countryside beyond Capernaum. After several hours of public speaking, Jesus enters town to get water and a meal. As Jesus is walking down the main street of town, some of the most respected men in Capernaum come up to him with a request. “Lord, Titus, the centurion, has a servant whom he loves dearly like a son. Now this young man is at the point of death. Won’t you please come and heal this servant? This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.”
“Certainly,” Jesus replies, and follows the elders.
Luke describes what happens next. “He (Jesus) was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
Jesus stops in amazement. All morning Jesus has been speaking and the power of the Holy Spirit has been going throughout the crowd, healing people. When the Jewish elders arrive, Jesus might well assume that Titus the centurion is too proud to come; however, now it appears that Titus is far more humble than the average Roman. Most of the Romans despise the Jews; however, Titus believes in the One True Living God. Jesus is amazed. Turning to the crowd following him, Jesus says, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” The elders continue down the street; however, now one of Titus’ other servants is running out to meet them. “It’s a miracle! That man who was about to die is healed! He’s just gotten up from his bed and is going about his duties as if nothing was ever wrong with him!”
This story is so short and so simple that it’s easy to miss some of the main points. As a Roman centurion, Titus is accustomed to a strong authority structure and has 100 men who answer to him. Obedience to orders is total. There is a story about a Roman soldier who was being sent into a dangerous situation. When asked why he was going, the soldier replied, “It is necessary for me to go. It is not necessary for me to survive.” When Titus the centurion describes the response of his men and his servants to his orders, he is only telling the truth.
Not only is Titus a man under authority, but he also recognizes that Jesus has authority and is also under the authority of God. Both Titus and Jesus know that authority is not to be abused but to be handled carefully, thoughtfully, and sensitively. Jesus has just been teaching the crowds that the measure they give out is the measure they will receive. Now Jesus must demonstrate that same principle, for he must demonstrate how he handles his God-given authority in this situation.
Why does a Roman centurion send Jewish elders to plead on his behalf? Face it, the Romans don’t enjoy a good reputation with the Jews. The vast majority of the Romans feel they’re far superior to the Jews, despising the Jewish religion and lording it over the Jews whenever possible. Even lowly Roman soldiers swagger down the street, overturning market tables and swiping things from merchants who have no means of protest. Titus and Jesus have never met, and Titus’ beloved servant is dying. There’s no time for long explanations, so Titus begs his friends who lead in the local synagogue to plead for him.
We might read this story and marvel at Titus’ faith and Jesus’ response. But how much do we respect authority? How much do we respect God? In an earlier age, to be God-fearing was an admirable trait, something notable for which men and women would be praised. But many times, people now have no fear of God unless and until something bad happens in their lives. That’s when they blame God, even though they have been ignoring and disrespecting Him.
When reading this story, we need to ask ourselves about our attitudes toward God. Do we respect and fear God, or do we do whatever we wish, assuming that an all-seeing, all-knowing God is blind and stupid? Do we think we can cut God out of our lives and establish our own little kingdoms where we alone are rulers who can do whatever we wish?
Isaiah 40:21-28 tells us, “Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.”
“To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength,
not one of them is missing.
Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.”
The Roman centurion believed, and Jesus honored that faith and healed his beloved servant. What might Jesus do for us if we will only believe and honor God’s authority? May God help us, so that we honor Him in everything we think and everything we do!
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to always fear and honor You in everything we do. And help us to remember that You are far more willing to help us than we are to ask for help. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
Burunche's Blog 
Leave a comment