Matthew 8: 1 -17
Monday, 29 April 2024
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.” – Matthew 8:8
In our reading we have a great example of faith in the story of the centurion, a person from whom we would have least expected it. A Centurion in Jesus’ day was a Roman army officer having captaincy over 100 soldiers. The Jews hated Roman soldiers for their oppression, control and persecution. But in this Roman army officer we can see the expression of genuine faith in Jesus, who by birth was a Jew; even as many Jewish religious leaders of that time showed only legalistic faith. Jesus Himself was amazed at the depth of his faith in the Son of God (V.10 ).
This centurion admits that he is not worthy – a demonstration of great humility. It reflects his conviction of the great authority and power of the Saviour, Jesus Christ to whom He had come with the request. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus says “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” Christ Jesus has absolute authority (John 17:2) over His own people (church), unsaved people, angels, demons, Satan and over the physical universe as a whole. All powers behind diseases, deaths, natural forces, etc, are subject to Christ’s authority!
The Centurion’s faith speaks of his confidence in Christ. His humility is a good example for us to follow. He acknowledged the necessity of God’s mercy and his own inability to help himself. When he said, “For I am a man under authority…” (V.9), it was the expression of his willingness of submission, obedience and also proclamation of his hope that Jesus could help him. The centurion’s faith was rewarded by Jesus granting his request of the healing of his servant. Jesus commended his great faith. Now, we who have read and understood the examples of men and women in the Bible, let us also practice the faith of Abraham, obedience of Isaac and the hope of Jacob (the patriarchs mentioned in Vs.11), in our Christian walk.
Later, Vs.12 reveals that many would be excluded from the Kingdom of God because of their lack in faith. Further it says, “…subjects of the kingdom will be thrown out side into the darkness…” No one can become part of God’s kingdom on the basis of heritage or tradition or family background. Each individual needs to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ to be saved and have an entry into heaven. Being part of a Christian family is a blessing but that is not a passport or guarantee for eternal life. Each individual needs to believe in Christ for his/her salvation and follow Christ by obeying what He commanded.
In claiming God’s promises and blessings, we are not to confine and personalize it for ourselves alone as practiced by the Jewish leaders. We should always be guided by the thought that God wants to reach out to all people in every part of the world— irrespective of caste, culture, nationality…all need to put their faith in Jesus Christ the Saviour! Romans 10: 14 says: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” That is the responsibility of the one who has received Christ that others too may put their faith in Him. Would you be a channel of His grace to others that they may know Him?
Prayer: Dear GOD help me to put my trust in Your Son, Jesus and accept Him as my Saviour and follow in His precepts and not in my perceptions. Amen.
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