Seventh Day Baptist
Christian Education Council
PO BOX 1678
Janesville, WI 53547
After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.
(ESV)
—Luke 7:1-10
by: Jasmine Lynch.
The centurion’s kindness to the Jews was demonstrated by his actions, “He loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue”(v.5, NKJV), which was then accompanied by faith in Jesus. The centurion loved his servant who “was dear to him” (v.2, NKJV). He did not allow his power or position in life to elevate him above others. He was humble and did not consider himself worthy to go to Jesus or for Jesus to come to his house. Recognizing our unworthiness, hence our need for Jesus, is true humility. In our humility, we must also recognize the power of Jesus and what He can do for us and share Him with others.