Day 28

Luke 7:1–10 (NIV)

¹ When Jesus had finished saying all this in the hearing of the people, 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.

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passage

Read the Passage

Who is in the passage?

What action verbs do you see?

What other words stick out in your mind

Questions

How does this story relate to the previous verses in Luke 6:43-45?

What amazes God about the faith of the centurion?

What can you apply in your life from this story of faith?

Notes

This account and the account of Matthew have the same meaning the difference is in Matt 8:5-13 the centurion comes to meet Jesus. In this account he doesn't. I have not seen good explanation to explain the difference. Main point is the meaning is the same. I would take the Luke account to be more accurate because of the detail. Matt chose to not have the elders in the story perhaps looking at them as speaking on the behalf of the centurion therefore it is the centurion interacting with Jesus

Centurion would be Gentile commander over 60 to 70 men at this time (used to be over 100, hence the name)

vs 1 hearing of the people- interesting transition from Jesus' sermon. Luke making note that the people heard Jesus' words but it does not mean they put them into practice which is the point Jesus was making

vs 2 What we know about the Centurion

· cared for his servant that was dying

· good connection with Jews, even built synagogue (probably put a lot of money into it. Not unusual for gentile leaders to give to Jewish causes but not to this degree)

· had heard of Jesus' miracle healing

· Felt he not worthy of Jesus in his house vs 6 (Jewish leaders of the local synagogue think he is worthy vs 4)

· Understands Jesus' authority (even without meeting him)

· Amazes Jesus because of his faith

vs 3 reminds me of seek you will find, ask and it will be given (Matt 7:7)

Centurion shows humility and lets his reputation speak for itself (reminds me of Luke 6:43-45). He very well may have thought that Jesus as a Jew would not come to his house because as a Gentile he would have food consider unclean and offensive to a Jew. Interesting that the Jewish leaders did not let this keep them from asking Jesus to go.

vs 9 What amazes Jesus? so far everyone thinks Jesus has to physically touch people to make them well (Luke 6:19). This Gentile understands that Jesus' power not in his touch but who he is. Jesus more than a miracle worker he is powerful in Himself.

People had put Jesus into a box of what he could do (do I do the same?) The centurion shows that there is no box that holds Jesus. It is all about humility (realizing who you are in comparison with Jesus) and understanding Jesus' power. Then seeking and asking for his help.