Luke 7:1-10 – The Centurion

The centurion is kind. He cares for his ill servant and sends for the very best Healer. He’s treats the Jews with respect and love, building them a synagogue. Why? Why is he so kind? It’s completely out of character for a rough Roman soldier. Unbelievers are kind only when they get something out of it – even if it’s just a good feeling or a soothed conscience. But this man cares for others with no thought of return. Why? Because God has been working in his life. This kindness is the evidence of God’s grace. His knowledge of the things of God is probably small and imperfect, but it is there and is bearing fruit in his life.

The centurion is humble. The Jews tell Jesus that this soldier deserves to have Christ come to his house because he has done good things – he has earned it. But the centurion sees quite differently. He has some understanding of who Christ is and an even greater understanding of his own sin. He knows that he is unworthy, that he deserves nothing good, that he cannot earn Christ’s mercy. Again, this is evidence of the Holy Spirit in this man’s heart. We are all born proud. To recognise our sin for what it is, our inability to do anything about it, and our need of help – this is the work of God.

This centurion has a great faith. He believes that Jesus is an all-powerful Master and King, and that diseases, like obedient servants, will at once depart at His orders. We, who know so much more about who Jesus is and what He has done, can still be shamed by this centurion’s faith. Do we really believe that Christ has just to give the order and it will be done? If we do believe this, why don’t we pray more and worry less?

Questions
1. How does the centurion show kindness?
2. Why was he humble?
3. Why did Jesus not need to go to the centurion’s house?

Prayer Points
1. Give thanks for Christ’s power.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.