Grow Through The Gospels - Luke 7

Read: Luke 7

Luke 7:7-10 “‘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.”

Think

Jesus, the "author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2), once was astonished at the faith of a man. It's the only time the gospels write this response from our Savior (Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10). Was he a rabbi? No. Was he a disciple? Nope. He was a Roman centurion, a soldier in the enemy's army.

When Jesus entered Capernaum, a group of Jewish elders approached him with an urgent request. A Roman centurion’s servant was gravely ill, and the centurion had asked these elders to seek Jesus’s help. This was unusual; Jewish leaders were not typically fond of Roman soldiers. One Jewish elder told Jesus that the centurion was highly worthy. He even added that the centurion loved their nation, and he helped build the synagogue. Seeing the Father’s hand in this, Jesus agreed to go to the centurion’s home. As they neared the house, another group of friends intercepted them with a message from the centurion: "Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me." Jesus was amazed. Here was a Roman soldier, an enemy, who understood what even the Jewish elders didn’t grasp. Jesus turned to the crowd and said, "I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith" (Luke 7:9).

The centurion's faith amazed Jesus. He was a Gentile, raised in paganism, a Roman soldier meant to oppress the Jews. Yet, he recognized Jesus's authority and believed in his power to heal with just a word. This unlikely hero of faith foreshadowed what Jesus came to accomplish: bringing people from all nations into God’s kingdom. He illustrates the truth that "man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). Jesus values steady belief over titles and achievements.

"Faith is not believing in my own unshakable belief. Faith is believing an unshakable God when everything in me trembles and quakes." — Beth Moore

Apply

What do you need to give to Jesus today? What is worrying you? Just as the centurion recognized Jesus's authority, submit your life to God’s will. Trust in his power and sovereignty over all situations.

Pray

Jesus, thank you for the example of the centurion’s faith. Help me to recognize my own spiritual need and rely completely on your grace and power. Teach me to trust you more in every situation and circumstance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.