The Centurion

Luke 7:1-10

“7 When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. 2 There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. 3 The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, 5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” 6 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. 7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” 10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.”

Centurions were Roman Army officers who generally commanded 100 soldiers.

They occupied their positions not because of family connection, but from military prowess alone.  They were the backbone of the army.  They were steady in action, reliable, and ready at a moment’s notice to fight.  They were men who had earned the respect of their men.

The centurion in the scripture above was unusual in his love for his servant (or slave in some translations).  Servants/slaves were no more than objects or tools in ancient times.  They had no rights and were completely at the mercy of their owners.  Normally when a slave could not work, they were simply replaced.

He was unusual because he was humble, and considered himself unworthy to have someone like Christ in his home.  Needless to say, centurions were not known for their humility.

The centurion was also unusual because his religious beliefs were more than just practical aspects of his position that he used to placate the people that he subjugated. His beliefs affected the way he lived and the way he treated others.

Christ was amazed by the Centurion; not by his achievements, his title, his position, or his authority…

but by his faith, 

by his love, 

by his heart.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)