Just Say the Word

 

When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.”

 

Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?”

The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. (v. 5-8)

Whenever Jesus interacts with someone, I find a lesson is being taught, or a behavior improved. Today's text is no exception. The topic is The Faith of the Centurion. When I read these words the first couple times I was impressed with the unquestioning faith of this Centurion.

As I studied and read a few commentaries I learned a few things to consider and think through and practice.

1. God has His remnants among all sorts of people.
2. Even though Roman soldiers were the enemy, and this centurion was a Roman soldier - Christ favored him. Teaching us to do good to our enemies.
3. Now Simeon's words were being fulfilled, that He should be a light to the Gentiles.
4. The Centurion approached Jesus as a humble suitor and not a might Roman soldier.
5. The Centurion cared for his servant and in turn the servant responded to his master with loyalty and obedience. Jesus (the Master) was treating the Centurion (His servant), in a like manner.
6. The great faith of this soldier knew that the power of Christ knows no limits -- nearness and distance were all the same to Jesus.
7. He knew Jesus could cure with one Word.

Does this passage have you asking yourself about the strength of your faith? Are you moved to learn from this teaching of Jesus? Dear Jesus, show me how to love my enemies and be a light that guides them to you. Make me humble and obedient to your will.  Amen.

Comment below, or here.

Matthew 8:5-13

The Story - Chapter 27- The Resurrection

Matthew 27:51 (NIV) "At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split." 

Dear God,

Holy Week is a time for Christians the world over to pause. This week is set aside as one to be pondered. Most weeks we busily go about our business, we may not even take a moment from our day to consider Your Son and the gift He gave us. But this week is different.

Father, remind us each day this week of just who Jesus was and is to us today. Open our hearts and our minds to truth and show us the light of Jesus' goodness and love.

Give us boldness to proclaim as did the centurion, "Surely he was the Son of God!" (Matthew 27:54) Amen.

Read Matthew 27:51-61 here

Listen to Matthew 27:52-61 here