This centurion, at this point, only heard about Jesus. He heard only words about the miracles He was performing, the love He was displaying, the Message He was proclaiming; he heard only words about the authority He had over evil spirits, over nature, over illnesses, over the heart of man, just through what seemed like simple commands of His mouth. However, the centurion believed all he heard to be true of the person of Jesus. He trusted the person of Jesus. So, he acted in a faith that aligned with his belief system and trust placement.

And what was the result? He was met with experiencing the reality of Jesus and His authority on a personal level. This experience solidified his belief, trust, and faith, and was commended by the very Man he placed it all in.

This started by humbling himself and taking note of his unworthiness before Yahweh (despite his highly esteemed position and reputation amongst man), and then confessing in the depths of his heart the lordship of Jesus--not just in his own life, but in the entire creation of all things. This all sprung a flow of faith that most likely changed his life forever; a highly valued faith.

[Luke 7.1-10]

1 After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. 2 Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. 3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5 for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” 6 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. 7 Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. 8 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.” 9 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.” 10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What kinds of miracles, teachings, and stories of Jesus has this centurion probably heard at this point? What kind of authority does this show?

+ Why does the centurion send “elders of the Jews” to give this word to Jesus?

+ Why is it strange that a centurion is highly reputable amongst the Jewish people? [think of how the Roman empire treated the Jews]

+ Does it shock you that Jesus would show mercy and compassion to someone who should be considered His enemy? [Luke 6.27]

+ Think about verse 8 as an analogy. How does this look now in Jesus’ role?

+ Why was Jesus so profoundly marveled (this Greek word for “marvel” was only used twice by Jesus) at this type of faith displayed? What does it show that the faith came from outside of the Jewish people? What does this mean for us, most likely being Gentiles?

+ What are the aspects that make up faith?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Take time this morning to think about and write down a personal encounter that I have had with the person of Jesus--one that displays the reality of Him, His authority, and His lordship. How does this change the outlook of this day before me?

+ What are my beliefs of Jesus? Where do they come from? Can I trust these beliefs?

+ In examining my belief system and trust placement, do I find myself acting in faith based on the combination of these two aspects?

+ Does my faith affect the lives of others? Am I praying for/serving my family, coworkers, church, neighbors? My enemies?

+ What concrete steps can I be walking out to strengthen my belief, trust, and faith in the person of Jesus? Are there brothers/sisters that I can humbly invite into my walk to assist in this in my everyday life?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Is there a “servant” in my life that I can be petitioning to Jesus for? For Salvation? Healing? Comfort? Strengthened knees + endurance?