THE FAITHFUL CENTURION
Read it
Luke 7:6-7
So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.
Discover It
In Galilee during the time of Jesus, Roman soldiers had laid siege to the nation. They were often times abusive and cruel and as such were hated by the people. But one of them, a centurion, had begun to turn his heart toward the God of Israel. And in our scripture for today he had reached out for Jesus to come and heal a beloved servant with a deadly illness. As Jesus neared this man’s house some of his friends met him with a message that in essence said, “Don’t bother coming to my house; I am not worthy; And you do not even need to come; You are powerful enough to just say the word and my servant will be healed.” Jesus was amazed and said, “I have not found such great faith even in Israel.”
Ask It
1. Why do you think Roman soldiers were cruel and abusive? Why do you think the people hated them?
2. Why do you think a few of the Roman soldiers began to be interested in God? (Hint: Read John 6:44)
3. Name some ways this Roman centurion may have heard about Jesus. (Hint: Read Luke 7:1-5)
4. Why was Jesus amazed at the faith of the Roman centurion? (Hint: Read Luke 7:6-10)
5. How should we treat our enemies? (Hint: Read Matthew 5:43-33)
Live It
1. Believe in Jesus. Even the cruel and pagan Roman soldiers began to follow the Lord because they heard his teachings, saw his miracles, and felt his Holy Spirit calling them. And you should, too!
2. Trust in Jesus. Even a Roman centurion took Jesus at his word and believed in his power. We should do no less. Take your burdens and cares to the Lord and be healed!
3. Exalt Jesus. The centurion had an exalted view of Jesus. He believed the Lord was omnipotent (could do anything), was omniscient (knew everything), and was omnipresent (existed everywhere). This is why he told Jesus to just “say the word” and his servant would be healed. We can do no less today. Put you trust in a big God who can do all things!
Pray It
Lord, You are the Almighty Creator of the heavens and the earth, the One who holds all things in Your hands. But Lord, we confess that sometimes our faith feels small, overshadowed by the challenges and uncertainties of this world. Yet, we know that You are a big God, who is able to do more than we could ever ask or think. Grant us, O Lord, a faith that matches the magnitude of Your power. Strengthen our belief in Your promises, that we may trust You in every circumstance. Help us to see beyond the limitations of our human understanding and to fix our gaze upon Your unchanging truth. Fill us with a deep assurance of Your guiding, sustaining presence that works all things together for our good. Let our faith rise like a mighty tide, sweeping away doubt and fear, and anchoring us securely in Your love. May our lives be a testament to Your faithfulness, as we step out in boldness, knowing that You are able to accomplish far more than we could ever imagine. Use us, O Lord, as instruments of Your grace and peace, that Your name may be glorified in all the earth. Amen.
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