Centurion Faith

March 20

(Luke 7:1-8 NIV) “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.”

Most Roman Centurions were despised by the Jews, but one was different. He was a man of compassion, with concern for a servant. He respected Christ’s authority and sent Jewish elders to request healing from Jesus. He saw Christ as more than just a religious teacher. His actions demonstrated faith in the Lord’s healing power. This Centurion was a believer! He had the respect of the Jews, who told Jesus he deserved consideration because he loved Israel and had built a synagogue. This Centurion had used what power he had to honor the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He was humble, and didn’t see himself as worthy to receive Christ, but he had the faith to ask for mercy. He believed that just a word from Jesus could bring healing to someone he loved. This Centurion recognized Jesus as Lord! Will you? Do you have a “Centurion Faith” today? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day