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The Roman Officer & Outsider

We are told of a Roman Officer in Matthew Chapter 8 who lived in Capernaum. Romans did not traditionally follow the Jewish faith or Jesus. It would be customary for a Roman officer to follow the worship of false Greek or Roman gods. However, this Roman officer opened his eyes and heart to the possibility that Jesus could heal his sick servant. I imagine for any Roman during this time that even speaking to Jesus would be unheard of. The Roman officer believed that Jesus had the power to heal his servant from afar and with a single word.

How much faith would you need in someone to believe they could simply speak a word and their will would be done? How much risk would you take being seen with someone most considered a rogue wanderer? This man of Roman descent and Roman belief made himself an outsider to his community and the people under his command. What awesome courage and what great faith this man had. Jesus would tell him, “I haven’t seen faith like this in all of Israel (Matthew 8:10).”

Jesus, thank you for the example given to us by this Roman officer. We admire the risk he took to save his servant. He risked his position as an officer and his reputation within his household. He had only heard of Your works from afar, yet had the faith in you to risk everything. May we have faith like this. Lord, please help us understand the spiritual things we gain by risking our earthly reputation or status. Thank you, beloved Roman officer, for being an outsider and giving us your great example of faith. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.