In The Word
Read Luke 7:1-17
Jesus Heals a Centurion’s Servant
When He had completed all His discourse in the hearing of the people, He went to Capernaum.
And a centurion’s slave, who was highly regarded by him, was sick and about to die.When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders asking Him to come and save the life of his slave. When they came to Jesus, they earnestly implored Him, saying, “He is worthy for You to grant this to him; for he loves our nation and it was he who built us our synagogue.” Now Jesus started on His way with them; and when He was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself further, for I am not worthy for You to come under my roof; for this reason I did not even consider myself worthy to come to You, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, with soldiers under me; and 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.” Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled at him, and turned and said to the crowd that was following Him, “I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith.” When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.
Soon afterwards He went to a city called Nain; and His disciples were going along with Him, accompanied by a large crowd. Now as He approached the gate of the city, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a sizeable crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, He felt compassion for her, and said to her, “Do not weep.” And He came up and touched the coffin; and the bearers came to a halt. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak. And Jesus gave him back to his mother. Fear gripped them all, and they began glorifying God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and, “God has visited His people!” This report concerning Him went out all over Judea and in all the surrounding district.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
The Centurion mentioned in Luke 7 is quite a remarkable fellow on many levels. His ability to work with the Jews, though being despised by the people, by showing respect for them and their God was an unbelievable act of love. His presence in Jerusalem was resented because it reminded the Jews of their occupation. Think about it, how would you treat a Russian solider standing guard at a local grocery store or at the front door of your local church? This soldier, by his actions had become accepted by the people, not only accepted the Jews, but also loved them was remarkable. In his case, the Centurion didn’t just express his love for Israel in words, but also in actions by building the Jews a synagogue. Love through action.
What was so different about this man that he not only believed in God—had a “God-conscience” as started in Romans 1:19—but that he also understood who Jesus was! His understanding of authority and giving Jesus that position of authority was quite remarkable for a Gentile. It seems some of the Roman soldiers were more aware of what was happening around them than the Jews did. Remember in Matthew 27:54, at the cross, the Roman solider exclaimed, “Truly He is the son of God!” It’s a shame the Jews couldn’t see it also. Do you understand the power and position of Jesus Christ? Not only did He die for your sins, but now He sits at the right hand of the Father waiting to judge this world. Is He just a great man with healing powers, or is He the Son of God? What does your faith tell you?