The Centurion’s Faith
Matthew 8:5-13 NLT
When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer (a Centurion*) came and pleaded with him, “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.” Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.” - Matthew 8:5-7
This military man obviously was a man of faith in that he sought out Jesus to heal his young servant who was very ill. Some scholars seem to think that Jesus response to the Centurion was in the form of a question; “Shall I come and heal him?”, which is certainly possible and would make sense in the context in which it is written.
The Centurion pointed out to the Lord that he had complete authority over his troops, so when he gives them a command they obey without question. He states that he isn’t worthy to have Jesus come to his home. If he would simply say the word his servant would be healed. Jesus marveled at this gentile’s faith, pointing out that he had not seen such faith in all of Israel. This is even more incredible seeing that this gentile didn’t have the benefit of OT revelation as the Jews had. The officer equated his authority under the emperor and all of Rome itself to Jesus authority under God. Therefore, to defy Jesus’s authority was to defy God’s authority. This is why the Centurion reacted the way he did.
Jesus then alludes to the fact that gentiles will become part of God’s family because of their childlike faith and acceptance of the gospel message that Jesus & his disciples / apostles spoke to them. The Jews, however, for whom the kingdom was prepared as a Godly right, would be cast aside due to their continued insolent disobedience, and miss out on their favored status with God. Their rejection of Christ opened the door to all non-Jewish peoples around the globe to be forgiven for their sins as well.
How does this message apply to us today? Never question Christ’s authority and never dismiss or disregard the word of God as inconsequential. Have faith and trust in God for all things. Regarding healing, which is what took place in this miraculous event, God may not heal everyone instantly as he did with Jesus and later with the Apostles, but God does what pleases him. While it is not a sin to question God, do so with respect for whom you are posing your question. God understands our anxious impatience and need to see the miraculous. Trust him to do that which pleases him in his time and in his way. Do not allow your faith or trust in Almighty God waver or fade away. Trust him in good and bad times for he causes or allows all that transpires in our lives. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In his name & for his glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
* A Centurion had command over 100 men.
Resource: Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): New Testament, Copyright 2004.
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