By Faith

Now when Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurian came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented."  And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."  But the centurian answered and said, "Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof.  But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.  For I am also a man under authority, having soldiers under me.  And I say ot this 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 it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, "Assuredly, I say to you,, I have not found such great faith, not even in Isreal!  and I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.  But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."  Then Jesus said to the centurian, "Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you."  And his servant was healed that same hour.
Matthew 8:5-13 NKJV

I have always loved the story of this centurians fath in just what Jesus was able to do.  For having heard of the works of Christ, he knew in his heart that Jesus was able to do what he claimed.   I am sure that this centurian had heard the whispers and rumors of the very works of Jesus among the people of the area.  Remember, this is a Roman centurian, one of the hated occupiers of this area Jesus wallked.  Although we do not see much of it here, I can imagine the grumblings of a few of the populace as to just why Jesus would even help on of these hated centurians.  However, as in everything he did, the works of jesus were not clouded by politics, but made possible by his compassion for those around Him.  Had it been Ceaser himself, Christ would have found an opportunity to glorify the Father through His works.  We never learn if this centurians heart had been previously touched by Jesus, but he obviously knew of the works and reputation of this man Jesus.  So much so, tthat instead of running to find a physician, this man of Rome sought out Jesus for help.  What attracts me to this story of one mans trust is not the lesson which Jesus illustrated to those with Him on that day, but how we today can learn from the centurians faith.  For this Romans lesson to us today speaks loud and clear.  A man in authority over his soldiers and servants, he tells one to go, and he goes.  He tells another to come, and he does so.  He orders his servant to do a task, and he does it.  The centurian illustrates his trust in Jesus in the best way he knows how.  Jesus' reaction?   We see the reaction of Jesus in Matthew 8:10, for when Christ heard of this mans trust He "Marveled."  I'm sure to the surprise of many Jews among Him on that day.

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ,  who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.  Therefore God has also highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at tthe name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue shouls confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2: 5-11 NKJV

What makes the story of this Roman unique for us today?  It is his trust in someone whom he never knew.  A trust bold enough to entrust the life of his own servant in.  This was his last ditch attempt to heal his servant, and he sought out Jesus of Nazareth.  Now, I'm certain in my heart that this very opportunity for Jesus to illustrate the goodness of the Father had been planned well in advance by our Lord for our benefit.  It is that uncertain moment as we come before Jesus and ask, "Lord, if you can help me, please."  If He can help?  I do not see those words spoken by the centurian.  No, for he steps out in his trust that Jesus could do what He so often claimed He could do.  All for the glory of the Father.  We today have that opportunity to step out in trust as the centurian did, to fully place our trust in Christ Jesus.  It is indeed a step of faith, trusting in that which we cannot see.  However, as followers of Jesus, we know in our hearts tthat our trust in Christ Jesus is never misplaced.

~Scott~

~Why do you seek Him, Clavius?~