Faith, like the Centurion’s

This Roman Centurion, captain of 1000, unlike most others, has a deep love and respect for the Jews. The Bible records in the Luke passage that he built the synagogue in Jerusalem. He also has knowledge of a similar prior incident in John 4:46-54, where Jesus healed the royal official’s son, close to death.

Why did Jesus marvel at this Centurion’s faith and say he had never seen such faith anywhere in Israel?

The Centurion knows deep inside that Jesus is Lord. That is the faith that many Jews, even today, do not carry. That is the faith Jesus applauds. He feels unworthy to even talk to Him and sends others to do so. He feels unworthy to call Jesus to his home and therefore asks Him to say the word and heal his servant.

The Centurion’s Conviction

He knows who Jesus is:

· Position – He bows down before the Lord, acknowledging His superiority.

· Protocols – Holy Jews don’t go to Gentile’s houses; don’t even talk to them. So, he does not even invite him home. (Christ is about to change that)

· Power – of the word. He knows the power of his own word, much more, the Word of the Lord

He knows who he is:

• Nothing before Christ – he puts aside his merits and contributions.
• Not worthy or holy, he lays aside his social authority and surrenders to Christ’s spiritual authority.
• Not excluded from Christ’s divine healing – he strips himself of everything before Christ heals his servant.

The Jews Delusion

On the flip side, many of God's chosen people think they are entitled to God’s blessings, are included in spiritual privileges, and are more righteous than the rest of the world.

Christ’s Conclusion

Christ highlights that the best of the Jews lacked the Centurion’s faith. Many Gentiles will enjoy the Kingdom. Many “sons of the kingdom” will be cast out.

It all depends on our faith. Our perception of who we are and who Christ is. More importantly, the extent to which that perception changes our behaviors and actions.

Protocols will be broken when perceptions change.

Do we fall into the same trap as the Jews? Have we lost the wonder of Christ’s power and position? Or do we see with the eyes of faith and are commended by God?