Matthew 8:8 “The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.”
As Matthew unveils the power of the Messiah he shares stories of Jesus being able to heal what many would consider impossible. In Matthew 8:1-4 he healed a leper of his leprosy. Starting in verse 5 Matthew tells us how Jesus came into the city of Capernaum and is met by a Roman centurion who comes up to Jesus to plead with Him to heal his servant who is at home (miles away) paralyzed and in terrible pain. To the request, Jesus kindly responded that He would come and heal him.
Responding to the response things get interesting as this powerful centurion responds to Jesus with a response that will cause Jesus Himself to marvel, to be amazed. Notice again our verse. “The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy (8 x 8 humility) that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant (paralyzed and miles away) will be healed.” (8 x 8 faith)
This unnamed centurion is truly amazing. Here is a man with tremendous authority and those in authority tend to be pushy and yes arrogant. Yet what we read of this man is a very humble and caring man. He has not come to Jesus for himself but for his servant. Even with his great title of centurion, he does not feel worthy to have Jesus in his home. Humility is on display.
Not only is humility on display, but faith is also on display. This centurion has already asked for the impossible in asking for the healing of one who is paralyzed. He now believes (by faith) that Jesus can do the impossible with the impossible! He believes Jesus can do the impossible with the impossible by speaking a word. Faith is on display. His faith is so strong and large that Jesus himself is taken back, and Matthew records that Jesus marveled at such great faith! This idea of marvel could be translated as amazed or astonished, amazed with admiration. In other words, Jesus was greatly impressed.
I want to be like this centurion. I want to be concerned for others. I want humility to be front and center in my interactions. I want to have great faith, believing that Jesus can do the impossible with the impossible and He can do it in the most impossible way.
I trust you will take a fresh look at the characteristics of an unnamed centurion and look to cultivate into your life the same characteristics.
Jesus did do the impossible! Matthew 8:13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.
Continue Strong with 8 x 8 humility and 8 x 8 faith,
And remember to DATE the Word