Slices
Prepare
Who is the most influential person you have ever met? Perhaps a political figure, a military leader or even a powerful personality. Imagine how people felt when they encountered the authority of Jesus.
Bible passage
The faith of the centurion
7 When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. 2 There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was ill and about to die. 3 The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, ‘This man deserves to have you do this, 5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.’ 6 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. 7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 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.’
9 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.’ 10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
Explore
In this chapter, we see Jesus caring for outsiders. First comes a centurion. Actually, he does not come to Jesus. Jesus finished preaching and entered Capernaum. The centurion heard about Jesus and sent two delegations to ask for his help. The first group told Jesus how much the centurion loved the nation of Israel, provided for the town’s synagogue and deserved Jesus’ help.
If the first group built up the centurion, the second delegation offered a humbler, balancing perspective. This was the first encounter between Jesus and a Gentile in Luke’s Gospel. And this Gentile knew that he was not worthy of being in Jesus’ presence. He also knew that Jesus was a man of immense authority. Jesus could merely say the word, and his command would be fulfilled. It takes one to know one, and this military leader knew that Jesus had great authority!
Jesus was impressed by this faith. The man’s servant was healed, but more than that, his faith in Jesus had proved to be an example to the Jewish people.
Respond
We know far better than the centurion did how much authority Jesus has. Dwell on his authority for a few moments and then pray for some situations weighing on your heart today.
Deeper Bible study
‘Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.’1
Until now, Jesus has dealt exclusively with the Jews, but here he begins to include non-Jews, a turning point in Luke’s Gospel. There are many subtle social, political and cultural nuances here, with the main characters being the centurion, the Jewish elders and the centurion’s servant. That a Gentile of great authority seeks help from a Jew is surprising, especially when they never actually meet. Even though, in Luke’s version, Jesus never comes near the servant or meets the centurion, the servant is healed. This story emphasises one of Luke’s favourite themes: the gospel that Jesus declares is not for the Jews only but for the whole world, prefiguring the coming global harvest which Acts depicts.
Centurions were in many ways the glue that held ancient Roman culture together. They commanded a cohort of legionnaires, usually closer to 80 than 100, and were well respected throughout society. They would be used to sending messengers to accomplish their wishes. This centurion has clearly heard of Jesus’ healing power, has good relationships with the local Jews and is aware that he does not need to be present for his orders to be carried out.
Jesus is ‘amazed’ at this man’s faith (v 9) and he directly contrasts his faith with that of the Jews. This functions as a subtle rebuke of the Jews and indeed of Luke’s Christian readers. Jesus is astonished that a Gentile, not brought up to know the loving God of Israel, could do this. Do we recognise the authority of Jesus to bring good news to those far away, to free slaves, even to conquer death? Luke calls us to imitate the centurion’s faith.
How is your faith today? Can you say with the centurion, ‘Say the word’ (v 7)? What limiting beliefs can you confess? Jesus, please expand our understanding of your authority.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Job 13,14; Luke 18
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for new staff as they settle into their roles within the south east region. Pray that as we move into the summer months, the team will be able to make the most of the opportunities to help children and young people discover Jesus. Give thanks for Local Mission Partner Christian Connections in Schools, who are celebrating their tenth birthday this year.
