In Matthew 8:5-13, we read about a story of significant faith and humility from an unexpected individual—a Roman centurion. This account not only emphasizes the potency of Jesus’ healing but also presents a striking contrast between the faith of a Gentile soldier and the doubt of Jesus’ own people, the Pharisees.
During the time of Jesus, Roman soldiers were a familiar presence in Judea and across the Roman Empire. These soldiers, including the centurions, were often regarded with suspicion and contempt by the Jewish community. The Romans were the ruling power, implementing laws and collecting taxes, sometimes with harsh efficiency. This naturally created tension between the Jews, who desired independence, and the Roman soldiers, who symbolized foreign rule. Despite this hatred, the centurion’s story in Matthew 8:5-13 depicts an outstanding interaction that transcends cultural and religious barriers.
Recognition of Jesus as Lord: A Centurion’s Faith
In Matthew 8:6, we read about a centurion who approaches Jesus with a request: “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” This is significant because, despite being a Gentile and a Roman officer, the centurion recognizes Jesus as “Lord.” This contrasts sharply with the attitudes of the Pharisees and many of Jesus’ own people, who often rejected and opposed Him. The centurion’s approach is humble and respectful, acknowledging Jesus’ authority and power, which the religious leaders failed to do.
Humility and Faith: Matthew 8:7-8
When Jesus offers to come and heal the servant, the centurion’s response in verse 8 is profound: ‘But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word and my servant will be healed.” This statement illustrates both the centurion’s humility and his immense faith. He understands that Jesus’ power is not limited by physical proximity. This raises an important question for us today: Are we truly prepared to welcome Jesus into our homes and lives, and do we, like the centurion, humbly acknowledge our unworthiness while still trusting in His power to intervene and transform our circumstances?
As we continue reading the book of Matthew in chapter 14, Jesus walks on the water and calls Matthew to him. “And Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus” (Matthew 14:28-29 ESV). The Bible does not tell us if Peter thought about the centurion’s faith, but I wonder if it had crossed his mind. Do you possess the faith and humility of Peter and the centurion to admit your unworthiness and ask Jesus to intervene in your life, trusting Him to perform the miracle you desperately need?
The Centurion’s Great Faith: Matthew 8:9-10
In verses 9 and 10, the centurion explains his understanding of authority by comparing it to his role as a commander. He believes that just as his orders are obeyed without question, Jesus’ command will be enough to heal his servant. Jesus marvels at this and declares that He has not found such great faith even in Israel. This is a significant statement as it highlights the centurion’s belief and contrasts it with the lack of faith among the Jewish people. The centurion says, “For I too am a man 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 this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.”
Jesus’ Explanation: Matthew 8:11-12
“I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” In verses 11 and 12, Jesus explains that many people from the East and West will be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven to dine with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. However, those who reject Him, referring to the Jews, will be cast into darkness, where there will be crying and gnashing of teeth. This is a warning that the kingdom of heaven is open to all, not just those who are ethnically or religiously part of Israel.
Jesus taught that faith, not heritage or status, determines one’s place in God’s kingdom. This was surprising for His Jewish audience, who took pride in being descendants of Abraham. His words remind us that God’s grace and acceptance are available to all who believe, regardless of their background. Just as Jesus emphasized faith over heritage and status, today’s pastors also stress that spiritual standing isn’t based on social or economic status, church attendance, or family background. This message can be surprising in communities where religious heritage and outward appearances are highly valued. However, Jesus’ words serve as a timeless reminder that God’s grace and acceptance are available to all who believe, regardless of their background. This inclusivity challenges us to examine our hearts and faith, ensuring that we do not rely on external factors but on a genuine relationship with God.
Challenge: Matthew 8:13
In verse 13, Jesus tells the centurion to go, and his servant is healed at that moment. This miraculous healing confirms the centurion’s faith and is a powerful challenge to us today. Do we have faith like the centurion? Do we believe in the power and authority of Jesus’ word? Are we humble enough to recognize our unworthiness yet bold enough to ask for His help? “And to the centurion Jesus said, ‘Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.’ And the servant was healed at that very moment.”
In conclusion, the story of the centurion’s faith is a profound lesson in humility, belief, and the universal nature of God’s kingdom. It challenges us to examine our own faith and to recognize the power of Jesus’ word in our lives. As we reflect on this passage, let us strive to have the centurion’s great faith and extend compassion and humility in our lives.