IT TAKES ONE TO KNOW ONE
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, as I read of the miracles you performed in Scripture, give me great vision for what you can do in and through my life today.
Read LUKE 7:1-10
The Faith of the Centurion
7 When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, 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.”
9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” 10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Who is the most influential person you have ever met? Perhaps a political figure, a military leader, or even a powerful personality. Imagine how people felt when they encountered the authority of Jesus.In this chapter, we see Jesus caring for outsiders. First comes a centurion. Actually, he does not come to Jesus. Jesus finished preaching and entered Capernaum. The centurion heard about Jesus and sent two delegations to ask for his help. The first group told Jesus how much the centurion loved the nation of Israel, provided for the town’s synagogue, and deserved Jesus’ help.
If the first group built up the centurion, the second delegation offered a humbler, balancing perspective. This was the first encounter between Jesus and a gentile in Luke’s gospel. And this gentile knew that he was not worthy of being in Jesus’ presence. He also knew that Jesus was a man of immense authority. Jesus could merely say the word, and his command would be fulfilled. It takes one to know one, and this military leader knew that Jesus had great authority!
Jesus was impressed by this faith. The man’s servant was healed, but more than that, his faith in Jesus had proved to be an example to the Jewish people.
Apply
We know far better than the centurion did how much authority Jesus has. Dwell on his authority for a few moments and then pray for some situations weighing on your heart today.
Closing prayer
I pray, Lord Jesus, for the nations, that as your power is displayed in indisputable and undeniable ways, many will come to you in faith.
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