MANY TIMES, we approach God with the thought that he will grant any request we put to Him. But that’s not how God does his things.
“Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right” ― Max Lucado.
He is bound by His word.
The Narrative
IN CAPERNAUM, Jesus just delivered one of his famous sermons.
And as he walked, a delegation of Jewish leaders came to him with an urgent plea.
They wanted him to come quickly and heal a centurion’s servant who was on his death bed.
It seemed strange having a master plead for his servant.
A Little Unusual
THE REQUEST was a little odd because Jewish leaders are never fond of Roman soldiers.
They realized this, so they said, “He deserves this. He loves our people. He even built our meeting place.” (Luke 7:4-5)
It was also unusual that a Roman soldier will be fond of Jews.
Jesus understood everything. He knew that the Father was at work, and he just preached on loving one’s enemies. (Luke 6:27-35)
Jesus knew he needed to encourage this, so he followed them to go to the centurion’s house.
A Little Hesitation
AS THEY APPROACHED, there were hush discussions. The elders seemed confused.
And the representative from the centurion said to Jesus, “Master, you don’t have to go to all this trouble. I’m not that good a person, you know. I’d be embarrassed for you to come to my house, even embarrassed to come to you in person. Just give the order, and my servant will get well. I’m a man under orders; I also give orders. I tell one soldier, ‘Go,’ and he goes; another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” (Luke 7:6-8)
The centurion understood that he wasn’t worthy of having Jesus come to his home. He knew he was a sinner—and humbled himself before God (James 4:10).
A Marvel
JESUS THOUGHT QUIETLY. He marvelled at the centurion's faith.
This man was a Roman soldier, a representative of the enemy of Israel. But he understood certain things that even the elders in Israel didn’t.
He turned and looked at the elders, then, he looked at his disciples. And he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” (Luke 7:9)
The centurion was an unlikely candidate for a hero of faith. He was a pagan, a distinguished brutal Roman soldier stationed there to ensure that the Jews complied to the emperor’s laws.
We do not know what happened to him. But, all he heard made him trust Jesus for what he had not seen.
He became a foreshadowing of the grace of God to the Gentiles. (Matthew 8:11)
Faith in Christ is longing for God
What is Faith?
TO HAVE FAITH IN GOD means you believe in Him and to trust Him is to do what he says.
The centurion did not qualify by race or selection, but by faith. He believed that Jesus had authority—that is faith.
God looks for those who look for Him. (Psalm 14:2) Today, you can look for Him.
BRINGING IT TOGETHER
THE CENTURION’S NARRATIVE is a reminder that God is not impressed with titles or achievements, but the heart. (I Samuel 16:7)
God moves people from the profane to the sacred—contrasting light with darkness and complete strangers becoming friends.
For you to stand the test of time, you must walk by faith. God is not done answering, and you shouldn't be done praying.