I love Luke Chapter 7! It is a chapter filled with people and Jesus’ interaction with them. I could spend weeks in Luke Chapter 7. There is the Roman Centurion, the widow of Nain, John the Baptist, and finally the Pharisee and the sinful woman with the alabaster jar who anoints the feet of Jesus.
Each interaction holds deep meaning for us. Each one reveals something beautiful in the heart of Jesus. Which one to choose this morning?
While I am always touched by the bravery of the sinful woman in the Pharisee’s house, I must say I am partial to the Roman Centurion. He was more than a sinner; he was a Gentile … Gentiles were often called dogs by the Jewish leaders, and “dog” in this society was a derogatory term. Even more, he was part of the hated Roman occupation.
There was something about this Gentile Roman Centurion, however, that endeared him to the Jewish elders who came to Jesus. They informed Jesus that this man was worthy of His attention “because he loves our nation and has built us a synagogue.” [7:5 HCSB]
Jesus does go with the elders but before the entourage reaches the Centurion’s residence, another group of people, friends of the Centurion, stop Him with the news that this Roman Centurion does not feel worthy to have Jesus come to Him. Then they relate a statement of faith that is familiar to all of us.
“Lord, don’t trouble Yourself, since I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. That is why I didn’t even consider myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be cured. For I too am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” [7:6-8 HCSB]
Jesus’ response is to note this Centurion’s faith is greater than any He has even seen in Israel. For me, there are a few words in the Centurion’s statement that we often ignore or fail to appreciate their importance. “For I too am a man placed under authority ….”
You do not become a person of authority until you learn how to be a person under authority.
Mark 10:45: For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many. [HCSB]
