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A Man Under Authority Luke 7
A Man Under Authority
Centurions were the backbone of the Roman army. They were the hands-on commanders of the men. They were also towards the bottom of the chain of authority, yet they were in charge of about 100 men under them. There are only six that are mentioned in the New Testament, yet from the record it appears that they were of good character. Cornelius is mentioned in Acts 10-11; the centurion that helped save Paul's life in Acts 22:25-26; another one that also helped save Paul in Acts 23:17-22; also Julius who guarded Paul on his journey to Rome in Acts 27. There was the centurion in charge of the squad the executed Jesus in Mark 15 and Luke 23.
Then there was the centurion we read of in Luke 7. As a commander in an occupation army, being accepted by the locals is always a problem. It is interesting to then find the Jewish people speaking so highly of him. "He is worthy". Of course there was a bit of personal benefit in their appraisal for he had built their synagogue. It is also worth noting his concern for his servant. Where people (slaves) were often considered 'property', he valued the servant.
As Jesus approaches the centurion came and explained that the Lord did not need to actually come into his house. Many of the Jewish leaders would have considered entering a gentile's house to be a matter of uncleanness. It would have been a complete broach of the social practices.
More intriguing to me is the reason that the centurion gives: "Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. For I too am a man set 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.” (Luke 7:7-8). Such a concept of authority in the military is the foundation of a functioning army, particularly was this true in the Roman army. Such is also true in the spiritual realm with God.
Jesus has authority. He has authority over demons, over nature, over sickness, and even over death. He but has to speak his will and these all obey. Such authority does not demand physical presence. Such was the observation and understanding of this gentile concerning the Jewish Messiah. Jesus marveled! He then explains: "I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith" (Luke 7:9).
Most of Israel had fallen short of such a conclusion. They saw the demonstrations of His authority and yet still refused to obey. They would call him 'Lord' but not DO what he commanded (Luke 6:46). Worse, many of them would acknowledge the power and ascribe it to Satan. They would do what was needed to NOT obey him.
The authority of Jesus is complete. He has ALL authority in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18). He is the savior to all who obey Him (Heb. 5:8-9). Whatever you do, do all in His name (Col. 3:17). Do we have the level of understanding of this centurion concerning our LORD? Hugh DeLong
