A Word for Today | Luke 7:1-10
Luke 7 tells of a Roman centurion who came to Jesus because his servant “who was sick and at the point of death” (Lk. 7:2). Some Jewish elders commended the man to Jesus, saying, “He is worthy” (Lk. 7:4), because he had given money for their synagogue. But Jesus saw something even more admirable: the centurion’s humility. What an example the centurion provides us: refusing any merit in the presence of the Savior, but pleading: “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof” (Lk. 7:6).
I can think of four reasons why the centurion might have been proud instead of humble. First, as a military leader, he had men to command. Second, he was part of an occupying army, able to subjugate his Jewish neighbors. Third, his conduct had won him the praise of men. Fourth, he clearly had a great deal of money, since he had built their church. Most of us have at least one of these reasons that might make us proud: authority, status, good deeds, or money we have given. But God’s grace was at work in the centurion, making him humble before Christ because of his sins. This is the right way to come before Jesus, since 1 Peter 5:5 says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
The centurion also came to Jesus with faith. He reasoned from his own experience: “I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘God,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes’” (Lk. 7:8). Recognizing Jesus as Lord, he pleaded: “Say the word, and let my servant be healed” (Lk. 7:7). R.C. Sproul observes: “Here was a man who had stood before generals, maybe even the emperor of Rome, who knew somehow that in Christ he was dealing with One who exercised consummate lordship.”[1] Jesus was delighted because faith is what He is always looking for. He said: “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith” (Lk. 7:9), and when the centurion arrived home he “found the servant well” (Lk. 7:10).
Do you see the hope this miracle provides to you? Whatever barrier there is between you and salvation is no obstacle to the Savior Jesus Christ. Do your sins testify against you? Look to Jesus in faith and you will be forgiven. Do you need help in your struggle against sin? Humble yourself and believe, asking Jesus for help. He is a Savior with authority, and all He has to do is say the word and you will be saved.
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Phillips
[1] R.C. Sproul: A Walk with Jesus, p. 119.