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A Man Under Authority – Matt. 8
A Man Under Authority – Matt. 8
I am always impressed with the Centurion in Matthew 8. So was Jesus, and I find THAT even more impressive.
The Centurions were the backbone of the Roman army. In local occupation situations, such as the various cities of Judea, they were THE man in charge. They are mentioned several times in the New Testament and always in a good light. Notice some of the good things about this man.
His care and concern for his servant. He was willing to go to Jesus on behalf of his servant, for he recognized the suffering that he was experiencing. Impressive: the master serving the servant because he cares for him.
His respect for Jewish tradition and propriety. When Jesus offered to go with him, he responded that Jesus need not ‘come under my roof’. Jews of that day avoided Gentile dealings, especially such that would have them ‘touch’ something ‘unclean’ - which would be basically anything the Gentile had.
His utter confidence in Jesus’ power. “Only say the word.” He recognized that the power of Jesus was just as effective in His word as in His touch. Having such power to heal meant that he could heal from a distance as well as in close proximity. He recognized that such healing was in the very power of Jesus’ person and not in means or methods. “Only say the word and my servant will be healed."
His understanding of what it means to be under authority and a man OF authority. He WAS a man of authority commanding around 100 men (what an average Centurion did). Authority meant that telling one of his men to go and the man would go. Such is true of authority whether we are speaking of the Roman army or the sovereignty of God. If Jesus commanded it, it would happen; even concerning physical things such as sickness and death.
Of such a man Jesus says: “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.”
This man’s faith recognized the very power and authority of Jesus. Jesus SHOWED His authority by commanding the winds and the sea and they obeyed Him. He displayed his authority by commanding the demons and they obeyed him. He demonstrated his authority by commanding the dead to rise, and they did. Here, He showed His authority by saying: "Go; let it be done for you as you have believed." At that very moment the servant was healed.
If we have the faith of the Centurion, then when Jesus says ‘go’, we go.
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46).
Hugh DeLong
