The Humble Centurion

Thistlebend Quiet eMoment

by Laurie Aker

Focus Scripture: Luke 7:1-10 ESV

1After he had finished all his sayings  
in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.
2 Now a centurion had a servant who was sick  
and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. 
3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him  
elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant.
4 And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly,  
saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, 
5 for he loves our nation,  
and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” 
6 And Jesus went with them.  
When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends,  
saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself,
for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. 
7 Therefore I did not presume to come to you.  
But say the word, and let my servant be healed.
8 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.” 
9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him,  
and turning to the crowd that followed him, said,  
“I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”
10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house,  
they found the servant well.
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Where is humility?

Where is respect for authority?

Luke 7:6
“Lord, do not trouble yourself,
for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.”

Respect and honor for authority
has all but disappeared in our culture.
Instead, we are accustomed to hearing,
“Where are my rights?”

But this man was different.
He understood coming up under authority.
A centurion was a man of authority and power.
He was an officer in the Roman army
commanding a “century” which was
typically 60, 80, or 100 men.
He was a man of authority
who understood coming up under authority.
He gave full respect to the true Authority, Jesus Christ.

Where is the one who willingly and gracefully
comes up under their superiors in thought, word, and deed?

Where are those who honor their leaders
in their hearts and in their actions?

TAKING GOD’S WORD TO HEART

What is true humility?
Not proud, not haughty, not assertive.
Considering others higher than yourselves.
Submissive.

What is true respect for authority?
Willing, humble submission (outwardly and inwardly) to authority.

Contemplate these things today:

Are you humble?
Do you respect authority?
Do you consider others higher than yourself?
Do you truly submit yourself to your Commander, Jesus Christ?
Do you honor your parents? Your leaders? Your boss?

Do you respect and submit to your husband?

True submission to Jesus and His authority
demonstrates grace that has been given by God.
If you find yourself lacking,
seek God’s mercy and forgiveness.
Confess your sin and repent and ask Him to
grant His grace and a humble heart.
Ask Him to show you how to submit to authority.

MEDITATE or MEMORIZE

Write out the following verse from Luke 7 and recite it 3 times.
Take it with you throughout the day.

9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him,  
and turning to the crowd that followed him, said,  
“I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”

PRAYER

Lord God, it is so hard to submit in a culture
that tells us not to. Please grant your grace
so that we might willingly submit to authority.

In His hands for His glory,

Laurie
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