Explore the Bible
Dean, School of Christian Ministries, University of Mobile
FAITH DEMONSTRATED
Matthew 8:5–13
Anyone with connections to the military is familiar with the concept of “chain of command.” When a higher ranking person gives an order, the lower ranking officer or enlisted person obeys. Regardless of the personality of the superior officer, authority is respected. As Major Richard Winters explained to his former company commander, Captain Herbert Sobel, “You salute the rank, not the man.”
Few individuals captured Jesus’ attention: a Syro-Phoenician woman who referred to herself as a dog (Matt. 15:21–28), a Samaritan leper who returned to thank Jesus for healing him (Luke 17:12–19), men who tore a hole in a roof to bring their friend to Jesus (Mark 2:1–12) and a Roman centurion who is highlighted in this week’s passage. Genuine faith is worthy of the Master’s attention.
Ask with Humility (5–7)
Those of us who have grown up in a culture directly or indirectly influenced by Christian teaching know that intercession is an act of humility. By confessing that we are unable to meet the needs of others, we place our trust in the One who knows what they need before we ask. Roman citizens were used to calling upon their pantheon of deities to answer their requests. Here was a man, a commissioned officer, who humbled himself before Jesus and asked for the Master to heal a common house slave.
Humility from a Roman army officer? This is exactly what Jesus faced when He entered into Capernaum, that city on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. This leader of 80 or more troops, this officer of an oppressive occupying force, pled with Jesus to heal one of his household servants. No matter how much legal authority the centurion had there, he realized Jesus had greater authority.
Acknowledge His Authority (8–9)
Two issues are worth mentioning about this military officer. First he was culturally sensitive to the traditions of the Jewish people. His response to Jesus indicates that he knew Jews would not normally enter the dwelling of a Gentile. The centurion’s humility continued by taking a step-down approach to cross-cultural conflict management, allowing Jesus not to be shamed and lose face by breaking with tradition. Instead, he stated, “I am not worthy to have You come under my roof” (v. 8).
The other issue goes back to the chain of command concept mentioned earlier. He said, “Say the word and my servant will be cured” (v. 8). This man had no doubt that Jesus had the authority to speak healing to the servant, even at a distance. This officer knew healing would come, but his faith was in the authority of Jesus.
Anticipate in Faith (10–13)
The Master indicated that the centurion’s confidence in Him was remarkable: “I have not found anyone in Israel with so great a faith” (v. 10). This man would not be the only Gentile to trust Jesus: “many will come from east and west and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven” (v. 11).
Reader, be aware. Neither here nor elsewhere in Scripture are Christians told that God is obligated to give you what you want. Nowhere does the text say that if you have enough faith, God has to do what you say. On the contrary, a god who is small enough to be controlled by my whims or yours is no god at all. The centurion in our lesson recognized that Jesus is the One with the authority, not us. Jesus, not healing, must be the object of our faith.
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