The Centurion’s Lifestyle of Faith

When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this

Luke 7:4

The healing of the Centurion’s servant is perhaps my favourite healing account of Jesus ever. I’m not sure if I’m just fascinated by the man’s faith or by his lifestyle. Perhaps it’s because both are linked, as far as this centurion is concerned. 

Let’s start with his lifestyle. A centurion is a high ranking military officer presiding over a century (100 men). At this level, it would be understandable if this man was a mean, no-nonsense man. Yet, the bible records that this centurion had an unusual attitude towards his slave. Under Roman law, a master had the right to kill his slave, and it was expected that he would do so if the slave became ill or injured to the point where he could not work. Instead, this man was busy trying to move heaven and earth to save his dying slave. 

Secondly, a Centurion is not only a gentile, but a Roman soldier, and an instrument of Israel’s oppression. Ordinarily, this man should represent Israel’s definition of ultimate enmity while he is supposed to be strongly opposed to the jews but he appears as a devout, kind, humble man – yet, all the same he was a centurion. 

Finally, the elders of Israel who clearly don’t like Jesus because of the claim to be the Messiah ended up being the ones that came to beg Jesus on behalf of this Centurion who was supposed to be their arch-enemy; what a twist! The bible says “When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” (Luke 7:4-5). 

This man’s life of faith is a challenge to everyone. His humanity, his humility, his patriotism and his devotion to God which can be attested to by all men, even his enemies. If a similar survey is conducted about your conduct, in your neighbourhood what are we likely to find? No wonder Jesus wasted no time in moving to action on this man’s case. Our faith must be reflected in our attitude, else we won’t be any different from the unbelievers around us.

PRAYER