Centurion’s Servant Healed

Luke 7:1-10

1. A man who loved (v2)

The centurion shows a characteristic of love. No doubt he didn’t have to care for his servant like he did, but he loved him. This slave was likely faithful to him and so he was dear to him. As a slave owner the slave could have been seen as merely an asset, but the centurion loved the slave not because of what gain he brought to him but because he loved him as a person.

2. A man who heard (v3)

It could be that the man had just heard of Jesus and what He had done. Likely the case was that the centurion head that Jesus was in the area, and remembered what he had done. It would have taken a measure of faith for this man to send for Jesus. He had only heard and hadn’t seen. His reasons weren’t selfish, but rather that the life of his servant might be spared without a circus sideshow showcase.

3. A man who was reputable (v4-5)

This centurion would have been a Roman citizen, or working on his citizenship by serving in the military for 25 years. Though he was sent into commission from a nation outside of Israel, he had love for the Jewish people. The people claimed it not on the basis that the man supported Judaism to promote peace and his reputation, but rather that he was a man who feared God. The centurion had a name among the Jewish people as one who favoured the Jews.

4. A man understanding Lordship (v6)

Notice how the centurion addresses Christ as, “Lord.” He does this in recognition that Christ was greater than himself. A centurion held one of the highest-ranking positions in the Roman military, yet he would call Christ and view Christ as, “Lord.” This might be viewed as especially significant when we bear in mind that this man understands lordship. He was lord over a company of a hundred men, and as v8 tells us he had power. For a Roman centurion to surrender authority over himself to a Jew is remarkable.

5. A man who humbled himself (v6)

Take note of the reputation of the man from v4-5. The Jewish elders reported that he was a good man. It is marvelous to see that he does not count himself worthy for Jesus to enter under his roof. He sets the Lord Jesus on the highest of pedestals. He would likely count it an honor to have the leader of his legion or the Caesar to his home, but he would say that he is not worthy to have the Lord Jesus under his roof.

6. A man who humbled himself further (v7)

To take it to another level, he says that he didn’t come to Jesus himself, but rather sent Jewish elders to do his bidding. Centurion likely had the right to state to the Lord of who he is and what he has done for the Jewish nation, but rather he takes the low place while simply stating that he is “not worthy to come,” unto Jesus. We can be reminded that we can approach God in the name of Christ when we want to boldly present our needs (Hebrews 4:16).

7. A man who had faith (v7)

The centurion presents to us remarkable faith. He understood something that many did not: Jesus was not limited in any way. Time and space did not limit the power of the word of Christ. He could speak in one place, and have its power effect elsewhere. The centurion believe it and knew it, the power was in Christ. He had never seen it, he had never heard of a miracle being done without Jesus present in the place, but he knew He could do it.

8. A man who understood submission (v8)

He was a man of power. He had authority over a great company. He had control over servants. Though he was the one in control, he understood submission. Perhaps it was the very servant who was sick that was an example of this trait. The centurion himself reports that the servant would do whatever he told him to do. The centurion acknowledged Christ as Lord, and he would do anything that was told of him. Christ simply gave the word. By faith and without works he received it.

9. A man who was marveled at (v9)

The faith that this man had was what was lacking in Israel. They quickly claimed to be heirs of Abraham through blood. The nation overlooked the fact that heirs of Abraham are those who are partakers in faith. Abraham was a man of great faith, believing in God’s promises against all odds; so to was this centurion great in faith and come into the promise of Abraham.

10. A man who was blessed (v10)

The blessing for faith of a restored servant back to health was granted. The servant’s example to his master essentially saved his life. Complete submission to the master taught his master to submit to those over you. Life is a precious resource, and because of a faithful servant and a centurion full of faith blessing came to the house of a Gentile.

Luke 1

Here are a few thoughts on Luke 1:

v2 – Luke wrote his gospel based on research from those people who had first hand account of the cross

v3 – Luke’s research was then confirmed in revelation from above (“from the very first” anothen – from above [John 3:31, 19:11; Jas 1:17]). His gospel was not merely research, but was also inspired.

v9 – Since Zacharias’ lot was to burn incense, we can conclude that he was one of the anointed priests of the time. (Exodus 30:30, 1 Samuel 2:28)

v10 – Seeing Zacharias was in alone, with the rest of the attendees standing outside of the holy place, it may indicate that he was the high priest of the time [In post exile days, the high priest didn’t serve until death, thus his retirement from the office in v23].

v13 – John – “Jehovah is gracious.” His name is given as such for five reasons:

1. The Lord was gracious to answer the prayer of Zacharias. Whenever God answers a prayer, He is showing grace toward us.

2. The Lord was gracious to give Zacharias and Elizabeth a son. It is much the same as Hannah given a son, and more so that of Abraham and Sarah giving birth to a son. Children in this culture were seen as a blessing from God, while those who were barren were not blessed (v25).

3. The Lord was gracious to not only give a son, but also to set him apart from the womb by filling him with the Holy Spirit. This is much the same way Jeremiah: “before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5)

4. The Lord was gracious to give the people of Israel this man John who was chosen by God for a particular purpose, brought the people of Israel baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. (3:3) He would turn a people who were caught up in tradition and ritual to actual worship and following of the Lord their God (v16)

5. The Lord was gracious to give John who would “go forth before him in the spirit and power of Elias.” This was the one who was to “prepare the way of the Lord,” and to “make his paths straight.” (3:4) It was necessary for John to come before the Lord Jesus to prepare the people for the Christ.

v17 – This first line of the verse is a quotation from Malachi 4:5-6:

Malachi 4:5-6 - Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

Luke 1:17 - And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

Perhaps Malachi 4:6 is in three stages:

1. Coming as Man – to turn the heart of the fathers to the children. Those in the Judaic system, which had become complicated with extra rules beyond the Mosaic Law, would have the opportunity to be converted and become as little children so that they might see the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3). This work of John was to prepare the people for the Lord, as it says in the end of v17.

2. Coming to Air – to turn the heart of the children to their fathers. The rebellious remnant will eventually turn back to faith as their Father Abraham as they pass “through the fire, and” they will be refined “as silver is refined.” (Zechariah 13:8-9)

3. Coming to Earth – to smite the earth with a curse and final physical destruction (Zechariah 14:12, 2 Thessalonians 2:8, Revelation 19:11-21). All who are opposed to His authority will be under wrath and destruction.

The coming of John was to prepare the way of the Lord who would turn the hearts of the fathers to the children. In Malachi, Israel is viewed as a nation (heart – singular). In Luke Israel is viewed as individuals (hearts – plural) since in the dispensation of grace, each have a personal responsibility to do with Christ what they will. Under the law, Israel was viewed as a grouped nation.

John’s coming in the spirit and power of Elias was for two main purposes:

1. To turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, as noted above in “Coming as Man.”

2. To turn the disobedience to the wisdom of the just. Like the first reason there is repentance involved whereby instead of being disobedience to God the people might compare the coming Christ to the one promised by the prophets and see that He is the chosen of God. The idea is that John would make the people ready for the coming of the Lord to earth as the end of v17 says.

v18 – the doubt of Zacharias is a reminder of the doubt of Sarah. Zachariah no doubt remembered well the story of Abraham and Sarah given a son though they were old, but doubted still. Often the Lord wants to give us things that are great, but we still doubt Him and His ability to work in our life above all odds.

v19 – Zacharias is somewhat of a picture of those who hear the gospel message. Gabriel, “man of God,” is sent with glad tidings (gospel) from the presence of God (Holy Scripture), yet the message is doubted though they know of and have witnessed the power of God working in the lives of others.

v36 – Elizabeth was from the tribe of Levi (v5) and Mary traces back to Judah (3:33) meaning that their mothers were sisters.

Luke 1:46-55 1 Samuel 2:1-10

46 And Mary said,	1 And Hannah prayed, and said,
46 My soul doth magnify the Lord,	1 My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD:
47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour	1 because I rejoice in thy salvation.
48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.	7 he bringeth low, and lifteth up.
49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.	2 There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.
50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.	9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
51 He hath shewed strength with his arm;	1 my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; 6 The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.
51 he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.	3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.
52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.	4 The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength. 8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.
53 He hath filled the hungry with good things;	5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.
53 and the rich he hath sent empty away.	7 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich:
54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; 55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.	10 The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

Listen Up: Always Something To Learn

"...but the just shall live by his faith." Habakkuk 2:4

"...as it is written, the just shall live by faith." Romans 1:17

"...for, The just shall live by faith." Galatians 3:11

It would seem that for the average individual, we have a difficulty in listening. Sometimes I'll be in a conversation and then drift off into, "mitchell-land" and think about anything except what the talker is trying to convey to me. Then they ask for a response. Now this is where I get in trouble. I can try to bluff your way by saying something generic such as, "Ya i agree," hoping that the answer is sufficient and makes sense. The other option usually is the route of admitting that you haven't been listening, which sometimes doesn't work the best because you offend the speaker. Job 33:14 reminds us that, "God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man percieveth it not." Sometimes we don't listen to God when He is speaking to us. I'm glad that God reminds us three times in three different places that the just shall live by faith, while teaching us something different about His character in each scripture. It shows us the importance of listening to God each and everytime He speaks.

Habakkuk needed to be reminded that "the just shall live by his faith." He lived in a world where he thought nothing was making sense. Israel had sinned against God, but those that were more wicked than them were prospering as a result. I know I would be crying to the Lord just as Habakkuk, "This isn't right that these sinners are benefiting because they are wickeder then I am!" He needed to be reminded just like we do so many times that "the just shall live by his faith." God is always in complete control and has the complete ages from beginning to end in His scope (Revelation 21:6). It certainly is amazing to think of that. Being reminded of the greatness of God builds up our faith in him. The God we have faith in is revealed to us as the omniscient and omnipotent God, who was revealed to Abram as Almighty God (Genesis 17:1).

The church at Rome was told by Paul about the gospel of Christ being the power of God unto salvation to every one that believed (Romans 1:16). Faith in Christ transforms a life, changing one from an enemy of God to having peace with Him (Romans 5:1, Ephesians 2:16). By that same faith we can see how righteous God is. This present world does not glorify God as He deserves, but those who have believed can see the righteousness of God and how in the end He will uphold His own while revealing His wrath that abides on the sinner presently (Romans 1:18, John 3:36). Paul felt the need to remind these at Rome that "the just shall live by faith." The God we have faith in is revealed to us as the Lord our Righteousness, which is the name whereby the Lord will be called in the Millennium (Jeremiah 23:6).

The churches of Galatia had gone down the slippery slope of legalism to the point that they had been teaching that the law must be obeyed as a requirement for the saints to live as God would require them (Galatians 3:3). Paul refutes this, first by explaining how his gospel was received independently from Christ, but yet matching that of the other apostles (Galatians 1:1-17). Then he dives into the issue of justification by faith instead of by works (Galatians 2:16). Finally, Paul compares it through the example of Ishmael and Isaac: one born of bondage as the law, one of liberty as of the promise of God (Galatians 4:22-31). It is obviously the conclusion to God being one who is only pleased by faith (Hebrews 11:6) that "the just shall live by faith." The God we have faith in is revealed to us as one who has made us free by Christ (Galatians 5:1) and a God of promise who cannot lie (Titus 1:2), as was revealed to Abram (Genesis 12:1-3).

God often teaches us something from His word. Sometimes we might think that it's just more of the same thing but by these three examples where the same scripture is used, it is evidently seen that God can teach us something new with the same phrase at three different times. Truly we need to always listen to what God is trying to tell us because He loves to reveal to us new and wondrous things about Himself through His written word. Total dependence on God in our lives will open up a new avenue whereby God can teach the just who live by faith.