‍ A ROMAN CENTURION

In the Roman world the position of centurion was very important. He was an officer in charge of a hundred soldiers. In a certain sense, he was the backbone of the Roman army, the cement which held the army together. Polybius, an ancient writer, describes what a centurion should be: "They must not be so much venturesome seekers after danger as men who can command, steady in action, and reliable; they ought not to be over-anxious to rush into the fight, but when hard pressed, they must be ready to hold their ground, and die at their posts."

The centurion who approached Jesus was not only courageous, but faith-filled as well. He risked the ridicule of his peers as well as mockery from the Jews by seeking help from a traveling preacher from Galilee. Nonetheless, the centurion approached Jesus with great confidence and humility. He was a remarkable man because he loved his slave. In the Roman world slaves were treated poorly, something to be used for work and pleasure and for bartering and trade. This centurion was a man of great compassion and exceptional faith. He wanted Jesus to heal his beloved slave. He recognizes that he is unworthy of Jesus to enter his home but knows he can cure whenever he desires. Jesus commends him for his faith and ultimately grants him his request. 

 

Are we willing to suffer ridicule in the practice of our faith? And when you need help, do you approach the Lord Jesus with expectant faith? Jesus speaks to his disciples in response to the dramatic request made by a Roman centurion, a person despised by many because he was an outsider, not one of the "chosen ones" of Israel. In Jesus' time the Jews hated the Romans because they represented everything they stood against, including foreign domination and pagan beliefs and practices. But Jesus said, “I tell you, many will come from east and west and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.” 

 

Do we believe in God's promises and do we seek his kingdom first in our life? The gospels are written to remind us that the Lord Jesus wants us to actively seek him and the coming of his kingdom in our lives. The Lord will surely reward those who seek his will. He says about the Centurion, “ Truly I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” We can approach the Lord Jesus with expectant faith, like that of the centurion in Matthew’s Gospel (Matthew 8:5-13), knowing that he will show us his mercy and give us his help.