Jesus and the Centurion

March 9, 2008

Jeremy J. Main

    Bible believers acknowledge the authority of Jesus Christ.  Those who know the Bible to be the word of God believe Jesus to have “all authority” (Matt. 28:18 NKJV).  Various characters in the Bible attest to this fact.  The centurion was one such individual (Matt. 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10).  He was a man who was empowered with great authority.  He was an officer, a commander over a hundred soldiers.  His company of men probably served at Capernaum. Despite his authority, he recognized a greater authority in Capernaum.  The centurion was empowered by government, but the government would have no power if not for God (cf. John 19:11).

    After Jesus concluded His sermon on the mount, He entered the city of Capernaum. When report of this spread, the centurion came to Him, not in person, but represented by the elders of the Jews.  These Jewish elders would speak on behalf of the centurion.  One of his servants was lying at home, paralyzed, suffering, and ready to die. Why did the centurion not come to Jesus in person? He later revealed: “I did not even think myself worthy to come to You” (Luke 7:7).  Instead of being boastful, he showed humility as did John the Baptist (cf. Mark 1:7).  We should imitate this remarkable quality.

    In this encounter, we also see the compassion of Jesus.  The servants begged Him. They spoke highly of the centurion by saying: “he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue” (Luke 7:5).  When Jesus heard the plea of the centurion for his servant, He responded with compassion, saying: “I will come and heal him” (Matt. 8:7).

    Later when Jesus approached the house, the centurion sent friends to meet Him, saying, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof” (Luke 7:6). What humility! The centurion acknowledged the superior authority of Jesus by saying, “But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed” (Matt. 8:8). What great faith! His faith caused Jesus to marvel and say to the observing crowd: “I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel” (Matt. 8:10)!

    A Gentile caused the Lord to marvel. It was not a miracle that caused Him to wonder, but a faithful humble man seeking Him. How do our obedience, humility, and faith cause the Lord to react?  An obedient faith is pleasing to God.  The Bible teaches us: “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17).  If we truly are Bible believers, let us humbly obey the Bible as God’s word.