Day 2 – The Roman Soldier
“After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people,he entered Capernaum. Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. 3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.”And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Therefore, I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.”
Luke 7:1-10
In this story, it is helpful to pay attention to the context and the characters.
- A Roman Centurion: he’s a non-jew, part of the oppressive government. But he’s different than most. He’s compassionate and (at least) sympathetic to their faith and life and has heard the talk about Jesus.
- The elders of the Jews: they respect this man. They like him. They are willing to go to bat for him. (v.4,5)
Now, born of compassion, urgency, and hope, this Roman is willing to risk asking Jesus for help.
What is he risking?
Is this soldier a follower of Jesus? We don’t know. It doesn’t say. But we know that this “outsider” was willing to look at and begin to understand just who Jesus was, the one who was in authority, even over sickness and death. And in his uncharacteristic humility, he submits to this authority.
I think it would be hard to “amaze” (v.9) the Creator of everything, but that is just what this willingness did!
INWARD: Father, what do you want me to know?
What stands out to you in this story as you read it? Why do you think they do?
Is there a need in your life that you need to bring to Jesus?
OUTWARD: Father, what do you want me to do?
Write a short prayer of willingness, of faith. And then pay attention to what happens – both inwardly and outwardly.
Note: I find it interesting that Jesus never goes all the way to his house. Why do you think that is?
Could it be a quiet affirmation of his “great faith” and of Jesus’ authority?
