Do you want to see what my Jesus is like? You will find a most lovely series of events in His life in Luke 7. In each event you see His heart openly on display. Since I love looking at and learning more about my Savior, I thought it might be good to look at each event in that chapter. The first is the Centurion with the dying servant. [vs 1-10]
This must have been some Centurion! First, he had a good relationship with the Jewish elders where he was stationed. Jews and Romans didn’t mix; they hated each other. Yet these elders not only carry the Centurion’s message to Jesus, they plead with Him to help. “This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” [Luke 7:4-5]
Next, when the Centurion learns Jesus is on His way to His house, he sends friends to prevent Him from coming all the way. They bring an amazing message from 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. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me.” [v6-8]
That message so moved Jesus that He turns to the crowd following Him and says, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” [v9]
I have often heard the Centurion applauded for his comment that he was a man “of” authority, but I think what touched Jesus’ heart is the part of the comment that often is ignored. The Centurion knew what it was to be a man “under” authority.
As children of God we have authority, but as people of faith we understand what it means to submit to God’s authority. Jesus saw that in this Centurion, and He responded to it. What a lovely Savior we have.
