So much so, he had no qualms about seeking their assistance in bringing to Jesus’ attention the plight of his sick servant. Yet, this centurion seems to have secured a favorable relationship with the village and the leaders therein. History often shows that people are generally not favorable to those who invade their lands and take over. “When he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.” Many are familiar with the animosity that was present in that day between the Jewish people and their oppressors of the Roman Empire. Either by way of others, or maybe even having the chance to witness it himself, he found out that Jesus heals and sought His help. Being stationed in Capernaum, Jesus’ home base of ministry, it was only a matter of time before he became exposed to His miracles and teachings. We are not sure exactly when or where he became aware of Jesus. Therefore, out of his concern he sought for the only remedy he could – Jesus. Whatever brought on this disease it seemed to progress to the point of agony, causing the centurion to believe his servant’s life was in danger. From this description, we know that he suffered from pain and was paralyzed. The point is, the individual of his concern was “sick, and ready to die.” When we read of the same account in Matthew it tells us he was, “sick of the palsy, grievously tormented,” (Matthew 8:6). Again, this is far from the idea of these soldiers we know of. With the usage of the word “dear”, it points out his genuine concern and affection for this particular servant. He had a “servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die,” (vs. This may not be the normal picture of a Roman soldier that immediately comes to mind, but it was for this man. The centurion’s position was prestigious nonetheless, he had a compassionate side and cared for those under him. And though considered not one of the people, his faith, as Jesus will note, was exhibited to a greater degree than those of His own people. He has authority (of which will be discussed later). He is a man who is a leader during the Roman occupation of the land. He is known as a “centurion,” meaning in charge of hundreds. The possessor of that “great faith” enters the scene when someone near to him falls to the afflictions of sickness and no other help will do outside of the intervention of Jesus. Therefore, this small village of only approximately 1,500 people or so became etched in history as a place where Jesus walked and taught a place where miracles were performed, and faith was noted as being great for one man. People also knew this was a place where He could probably be found and sought for Him there (see John 6:24). He is noted on several occasions as going to Capernaum (see Matthew 4:13 Luke 4:31 John 2:12, and so on). More known to us today, it was the place considered to be home-base of operations or headquarters, if you will, of Jesus’ ministry. “Capernaum,” situated on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, was known for fishing and trade. Jesus ends chapter 6 inquiring “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46), comparing the foundations of their spiritual lives.Īfter this teaching session, “when he ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.” He also pointed out “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good,” (Luke 6:45). He interjected these lessons with questions and spiritual insights including once asking “Can the blind lead the blind?” (Luke 6:39). And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.”īefore arriving at today’s lesson, Jesus taught a powerful sermon consisting of blessings and woes. And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.
Luke 7:1-3 “Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.
Ethnicity, background, and prestige all fall away in the eyes of our Savior whose only view is that of an opened heart filled with belief.
Faith in its highest form removes all worldly shackles and just rests in the truth that if it is His will, there is nothing that can hinder God from performing a miracle in one’s life. The feet of faith walk forward believing God is, “and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him,” (Hebrews 11:6). VERSE DISCOVERY: Luke 7:1-10 (KJV, Public Domain)
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