Luke 7:1-10
"Uncommon Faith" • 11.10.09 • Jesus Christ: The Man Of God, Session #7
Intro.
- There are a few moments in scripture when Jesus is caught by surprise. Such an instance is seen in our section today. Listen to Jesus' words:
• Luke 7:9 : "When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, 'I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!'"
- Uncommon faith. Jesus calls it "great faith." He discovered it through an uncommon source, in that it was found outside of Israel, the place where faith was supposed to flourish.
- This faith belonged to an unnamed, but remarkable man.
- Before we get into this section, I feel compelled to remind us that Jesus is the one that we are studying. He is the one that we wish to please.
- When we run across sections like this, sometimes such good examples can cloud our view. This study is about Jesus in that what He sees, He applauds, and that is what we want to emulate.
- We'll note that this man is a centurion. Centurions were men among men.
- I found a few notes on Centurions that will help us gain an appreciation for this man.
˚ "The Roman Centurion was often of the humblest origin; he had been promoted from the ranks simply on account of bravery and military efficiency. At the drill, on the march, and in battle, they were at the same time the role models and the leaders of the soldiers."
˚ "The centurion in the infantry is chosen for his size, strength and dexterity in throwing his missile weapons and for his skill in the use of his sword and shield; in short for his expertness in all the exercises. He is to be vigilant, temperate, active and readier to execute the orders he receives than to talk"
- Basically, he's a guy that could take each of us out...collectively!
- A centurion was a Captain, responsible for 80 to 100 men of similar stature. These men made up the occupying force in Israel.
- Most centurions were taskmasters, who could easily "request" that any Jewish person carry his equipment for a mile that extended as long as the soldier wanted relief.
- Needless to say, the occupying enforcers were not highly regarded.
- This man was different and it was his faith that led the way. We'll tie it up at the end of this message. Let's take a look beginning at verse 2.
Text
• Luke 7:2,3 : "And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant." : The centurion came through the Jewish eldership, on behalf of his servant. The special nature of the servant caused the centurion to respond. This centurion had a soft spot for this particular man.
- Culturally, the man that was so highly esteemed was a lowly servant. A slave in Roman society was little more than a tool, the lowest form of property, and was easily replaced.
˚ "Under Roman law, a master had the right to kill his slave, and it was expected that he would do so if the slave became ill or injured to the point where he could not work."
- This slave was in a privileged place. He was esteemed, honored, valued. Something about this servant sparked a genuine love and concern for his well being.
- This man was miserably ill and at the point of death. Luke does not record details for us, odd seeing that he's a doctor, but Matthew notes that this man was paralyzed and "grievously tormented" (Matt. 8:6).
- Watching this man suffer brought the centurion to a decision. Something had to be done for this man. Conventional medicine was helpless. Something drastic was necessary.
- Someone spoke to him about Jesus. Thank the Lord that someone thought to share Him. They said, "He was a teacher who authenticated his message with miracles and healings."
- Turn with me to Romans 10. Paul is talking about how faith is dispensed throughout the world and for all time.
• Romans 10:14-17 : "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!" But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?" So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
- The Roman Centurion had not seen Jesus act. He had not participated in a meeting. He had heard from a second hand source and that was enough for him.
- From that moment, the Centurion made a decision to reach out and believe. Something happened in his heart, the crisis made the cure feasible. His desperation led him to seek Jesus out.
• Luke 7:4,5 : "And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, 'for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue." : Luke tells us that he sent elders of the Jews.
- The elders of the Jews, the Presbytery, were willing to come and plead before Jesus for this man, as though the Centurion had gone personally.
- The fact that these Jewish men were willing to call on Jesus is one thing. The fact that they were willing to do this for a Gentile is striking. That they were willing to do this for a Centurion? Virtually unimaginable! Those who saw or heard this later would respond with shock.
- This Centurion was different than his cohorts. As the elders came before Jesus, they noted the Roman Centurion's character.
- They said that he loved the Jewish people. It's possible that this man was on the road to becoming a proselyte. His interest in their culture led him to love them.
- His love for them led him to build them a synagogue, a place of worship.
- What is striking is that the they came representing the man, begging Christ earnestly.
- He did not demand or attempt to impose his will. He did not manipulate or order. He came begging that Jesus would do this.
• Luke 7:6-8 : "Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, 'Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, having 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.'" : The Centurion, again being represented by friends, sees Jesus coming and stops him.
- His attitude is not contradictory. It's not false humility. This is faith without presumption. He does not presume that Jesus needs to physically enter his home.
- That thought alone causes the Centurion to cringe. He is not worthy of Jesus. In his mind, there is no greater man. His attitude reminds me of Peter's attitude when he said, "away from me for I am a sinner." Jesus' power and holiness makes each of us keenly aware our shortcomings.
- Thankfully today, we can enter into God's presence, because of Christ, with boldness.
- Then, the Centurion mentions something that shows what sharp insight that he had. He looked at Jesus' abilities and noted that they were strikingly similar to his own.
- He was able to command people and at his word, they would simply follow that command.
- He is affirming that Jesus has the same authority over disease. He could simply speak a word and it would go and his servant would be restored as new.
- He was sure that this was the case. Sometimes I wonder if we are as confident. This is the God who created the heavens and the earth by simply speaking!
- Without lifting a finger, the cosmos, the earth, the planets and the stars, all aligned when He said so! When He thought it and spoke it, it became a reality!
- Is anything too difficult for Him? To the Centurion, he knew that it wasn't! He accurately understood the nature, both of Jesus, as well as the nature of any given problem.
- Jesus has authority to change things, simply at His word!
- That being said, let's be warned here that just because Jesus can remove our ills, does not mean that He will automatically do so at our request, even with the greatest amount of faith!
- Sometimes our illness or trouble serves to bring Him glory.
- Turn with me to II Corinthians 2. Paul is talking about a physical infirmity that he suffered.
• II Corinthians 2:7-9 : "And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
- We must understand that any miracle done will be for the purpose of giving God the glory, not because Jesus is indebted to us when we do the right thing.
- Jesus is not our genie!
• Luke 7:9 : "When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, 'I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!'" : This was such a pleasant surprise to the ears of Jesus! This brightened His day significantly. Jesus sees this faith and applauds.
- This word "marveled" caught my attention, mostly because I love words, but also because it's such an odd word. It's used 29 times in the New Testament.
- It means something that causes wonder, admiration or astonishment.
- It is categorically used along such unbelieveable events as the calming of the sea of Galilee, the withered fig tree, and the resurrection of Christ.
- The word comes up when something extraordinary has been taught. Nicodemus marveled when he was taught that he should be born again. The disciples marveled when Jesus told them that they would do greater works than He did!
- It's also employed when ubelieveable character traits are displayed. Pilate marveled at Jesus. Here Jesus marvels at the Roman Centurion's statement.
- He is in awe of the man's faith. He turns to the crowd and testifies. It goes down in the record books. Jesus commends this man's faith publically.
- Jesus points to the quantity of his faith. It was such that distinguished itself. Even the people of Israel paled in comparison to this Centurion.
- By the way, I might suggest that we notice that Jesus says that He had not found such great faith. By implication, I think it's fair to say that He is always looking for it!
- He is always looking for a man or woman, who will exercise their belief in God in as a great a way as possible.
- This Centurion did not know the right formulas or go to the right places. He was even the wrong kind of person! But his faith caught the attention of Jesus Christ and He commends it!
• Luke 7:10 : "And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick." : Matthew's account gives us a little more information on this point.
• 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." : Jesus with a word healed the servant, even at that very hour.
- Restored to wholeness, saved from the jaws of death. Nothing is said of the character of the man that was healed himself.
- Jesus willed that this servant come back to full health. It was not because of the Centurion's faith per se. His great faith opened the door for him to participate with God in this!
˚ "The scriptures clearly indicate that God answers those prayers which are in accordance to His will, not just our own. To have faith’s assurance for the desired results of our prayers, our requests must be based upon the criteria of God’s wants and desires. Prayer should not be viewed as merely a way to obtain our wishes, but a means that God uses to perpetrate His own desires."
- Was he a man of faith? Was he wanting to go to Jesus? It appears that he might have been too far gone to have even considered anything.
- This man was the beneficiary of the Centurion's faith! He received a miracle that he was likely too sick to ask for himself!
Conclusion
- As we draw this message to a close, there are many lessons to be gathered from this passage. I want to pare it down to the lessons learned from each person or group in this episode.
- First, we'll start with the Centurion. I will suggest first that he teaches us that compassion for others is critical. Compassion that leads to Jesus is supernatural!
- Often, we are tempted to walk on by or give money without giving credit to Jesus Christ. Is your heart tuned for compassion? Are you sensitive to the needs of people in your life?
- At the very least, are you praying them to Jesus!?
- Jesus has planted suffering people all around you. Be responsible for that!
- Remember that you are just minutes away from the next crisis, which is a perfect time for Christ to work in the lives of your friends.
- Second, what about those Jewish elders. They told the Centurion about Jesus. They shared who Jesus was and what Jesus did. When it came time to bridge the gap, they were there.
- How important is your testimony? How vital is it that your world knows that you know Jesus and that Jesus has done something and is capable of doing it in their lives!
- How will men know to turn to Christ, if the men that Christ appoints to speak are silent! The Centurion "heard" about Jesus!
- Third, there was a servant who never comes out or says anything, but is the recipient of God's blessing. I'll ask this simply: Who are you praying will be blessed?
- Who will benefit from your relationship to Christ? Who will be healed that was sick? Who will live spiritually who is dead currently? Who will be forgiven who is now in debt?
- Finally, there is Jesus. What excited Him more than anything in this passage, was that He found extraordinary faith. Today, are you cultivating a faith that would pleasantly surprise Jesus?
- Do you believe Him more today, for more today? It's your faith that brings Jesus joy.
- What does that faith look like? It's a faith that believes that Jesus is the answer to every dilemma. It's the faith that sends for Jesus' help. It's the faith that sees something as done, even if you cannot see it right then!
"Uncommon Faith" • 11.10.09 • Jesus Christ: The Man Of God, Session #7
Intro.
- There are a few moments in scripture when Jesus is caught by surprise. Such an instance is seen in our section today. Listen to Jesus' words:
• Luke 7:9 : "When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, 'I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!'"
- Uncommon faith. Jesus calls it "great faith." He discovered it through an uncommon source, in that it was found outside of Israel, the place where faith was supposed to flourish.
- This faith belonged to an unnamed, but remarkable man.
- Before we get into this section, I feel compelled to remind us that Jesus is the one that we are studying. He is the one that we wish to please.
- When we run across sections like this, sometimes such good examples can cloud our view. This study is about Jesus in that what He sees, He applauds, and that is what we want to emulate.
- We'll note that this man is a centurion. Centurions were men among men.
- I found a few notes on Centurions that will help us gain an appreciation for this man.
˚ "The Roman Centurion was often of the humblest origin; he had been promoted from the ranks simply on account of bravery and military efficiency. At the drill, on the march, and in battle, they were at the same time the role models and the leaders of the soldiers."
˚ "The centurion in the infantry is chosen for his size, strength and dexterity in throwing his missile weapons and for his skill in the use of his sword and shield; in short for his expertness in all the exercises. He is to be vigilant, temperate, active and readier to execute the orders he receives than to talk"
- Basically, he's a guy that could take each of us out...collectively!
- A centurion was a Captain, responsible for 80 to 100 men of similar stature. These men made up the occupying force in Israel.
- Most centurions were taskmasters, who could easily "request" that any Jewish person carry his equipment for a mile that extended as long as the soldier wanted relief.
- Needless to say, the occupying enforcers were not highly regarded.
- This man was different and it was his faith that led the way. We'll tie it up at the end of this message. Let's take a look beginning at verse 2.
Text
• Luke 7:2,3 : "And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant." : The centurion came through the Jewish eldership, on behalf of his servant. The special nature of the servant caused the centurion to respond. This centurion had a soft spot for this particular man.
- Culturally, the man that was so highly esteemed was a lowly servant. A slave in Roman society was little more than a tool, the lowest form of property, and was easily replaced.
˚ "Under Roman law, a master had the right to kill his slave, and it was expected that he would do so if the slave became ill or injured to the point where he could not work."
David Guzik
- This slave was in a privileged place. He was esteemed, honored, valued. Something about this servant sparked a genuine love and concern for his well being.
- This man was miserably ill and at the point of death. Luke does not record details for us, odd seeing that he's a doctor, but Matthew notes that this man was paralyzed and "grievously tormented" (Matt. 8:6).
- Watching this man suffer brought the centurion to a decision. Something had to be done for this man. Conventional medicine was helpless. Something drastic was necessary.
- Someone spoke to him about Jesus. Thank the Lord that someone thought to share Him. They said, "He was a teacher who authenticated his message with miracles and healings."
- Turn with me to Romans 10. Paul is talking about how faith is dispensed throughout the world and for all time.
• Romans 10:14-17 : "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!" But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?" So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
- The Roman Centurion had not seen Jesus act. He had not participated in a meeting. He had heard from a second hand source and that was enough for him.
- From that moment, the Centurion made a decision to reach out and believe. Something happened in his heart, the crisis made the cure feasible. His desperation led him to seek Jesus out.
• Luke 7:4,5 : "And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, 'for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue." : Luke tells us that he sent elders of the Jews.
- The elders of the Jews, the Presbytery, were willing to come and plead before Jesus for this man, as though the Centurion had gone personally.
- The fact that these Jewish men were willing to call on Jesus is one thing. The fact that they were willing to do this for a Gentile is striking. That they were willing to do this for a Centurion? Virtually unimaginable! Those who saw or heard this later would respond with shock.
- This Centurion was different than his cohorts. As the elders came before Jesus, they noted the Roman Centurion's character.
- They said that he loved the Jewish people. It's possible that this man was on the road to becoming a proselyte. His interest in their culture led him to love them.
- His love for them led him to build them a synagogue, a place of worship.
- What is striking is that the they came representing the man, begging Christ earnestly.
- He did not demand or attempt to impose his will. He did not manipulate or order. He came begging that Jesus would do this.
• Luke 7:6-8 : "Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, 'Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, having 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.'" : The Centurion, again being represented by friends, sees Jesus coming and stops him.
- His attitude is not contradictory. It's not false humility. This is faith without presumption. He does not presume that Jesus needs to physically enter his home.
- That thought alone causes the Centurion to cringe. He is not worthy of Jesus. In his mind, there is no greater man. His attitude reminds me of Peter's attitude when he said, "away from me for I am a sinner." Jesus' power and holiness makes each of us keenly aware our shortcomings.
- Thankfully today, we can enter into God's presence, because of Christ, with boldness.
- Then, the Centurion mentions something that shows what sharp insight that he had. He looked at Jesus' abilities and noted that they were strikingly similar to his own.
- He was able to command people and at his word, they would simply follow that command.
- He is affirming that Jesus has the same authority over disease. He could simply speak a word and it would go and his servant would be restored as new.
- He was sure that this was the case. Sometimes I wonder if we are as confident. This is the God who created the heavens and the earth by simply speaking!
- Without lifting a finger, the cosmos, the earth, the planets and the stars, all aligned when He said so! When He thought it and spoke it, it became a reality!
- Is anything too difficult for Him? To the Centurion, he knew that it wasn't! He accurately understood the nature, both of Jesus, as well as the nature of any given problem.
- Jesus has authority to change things, simply at His word!
- That being said, let's be warned here that just because Jesus can remove our ills, does not mean that He will automatically do so at our request, even with the greatest amount of faith!
- Sometimes our illness or trouble serves to bring Him glory.
- Turn with me to II Corinthians 2. Paul is talking about a physical infirmity that he suffered.
• II Corinthians 2:7-9 : "And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
- We must understand that any miracle done will be for the purpose of giving God the glory, not because Jesus is indebted to us when we do the right thing.
- Jesus is not our genie!
• Luke 7:9 : "When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, 'I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!'" : This was such a pleasant surprise to the ears of Jesus! This brightened His day significantly. Jesus sees this faith and applauds.
- This word "marveled" caught my attention, mostly because I love words, but also because it's such an odd word. It's used 29 times in the New Testament.
- It means something that causes wonder, admiration or astonishment.
- It is categorically used along such unbelieveable events as the calming of the sea of Galilee, the withered fig tree, and the resurrection of Christ.
- The word comes up when something extraordinary has been taught. Nicodemus marveled when he was taught that he should be born again. The disciples marveled when Jesus told them that they would do greater works than He did!
- It's also employed when ubelieveable character traits are displayed. Pilate marveled at Jesus. Here Jesus marvels at the Roman Centurion's statement.
- He is in awe of the man's faith. He turns to the crowd and testifies. It goes down in the record books. Jesus commends this man's faith publically.
- Jesus points to the quantity of his faith. It was such that distinguished itself. Even the people of Israel paled in comparison to this Centurion.
- By the way, I might suggest that we notice that Jesus says that He had not found such great faith. By implication, I think it's fair to say that He is always looking for it!
- He is always looking for a man or woman, who will exercise their belief in God in as a great a way as possible.
- This Centurion did not know the right formulas or go to the right places. He was even the wrong kind of person! But his faith caught the attention of Jesus Christ and He commends it!
• Luke 7:10 : "And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick." : Matthew's account gives us a little more information on this point.
• 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." : Jesus with a word healed the servant, even at that very hour.
- Restored to wholeness, saved from the jaws of death. Nothing is said of the character of the man that was healed himself.
- Jesus willed that this servant come back to full health. It was not because of the Centurion's faith per se. His great faith opened the door for him to participate with God in this!
˚ "The scriptures clearly indicate that God answers those prayers which are in accordance to His will, not just our own. To have faith’s assurance for the desired results of our prayers, our requests must be based upon the criteria of God’s wants and desires. Prayer should not be viewed as merely a way to obtain our wishes, but a means that God uses to perpetrate His own desires."
- Was he a man of faith? Was he wanting to go to Jesus? It appears that he might have been too far gone to have even considered anything.
- This man was the beneficiary of the Centurion's faith! He received a miracle that he was likely too sick to ask for himself!
Conclusion
- As we draw this message to a close, there are many lessons to be gathered from this passage. I want to pare it down to the lessons learned from each person or group in this episode.
- First, we'll start with the Centurion. I will suggest first that he teaches us that compassion for others is critical. Compassion that leads to Jesus is supernatural!
- Often, we are tempted to walk on by or give money without giving credit to Jesus Christ. Is your heart tuned for compassion? Are you sensitive to the needs of people in your life?
- At the very least, are you praying them to Jesus!?
- Jesus has planted suffering people all around you. Be responsible for that!
- Remember that you are just minutes away from the next crisis, which is a perfect time for Christ to work in the lives of your friends.
- Second, what about those Jewish elders. They told the Centurion about Jesus. They shared who Jesus was and what Jesus did. When it came time to bridge the gap, they were there.
- How important is your testimony? How vital is it that your world knows that you know Jesus and that Jesus has done something and is capable of doing it in their lives!
- How will men know to turn to Christ, if the men that Christ appoints to speak are silent! The Centurion "heard" about Jesus!
- Third, there was a servant who never comes out or says anything, but is the recipient of God's blessing. I'll ask this simply: Who are you praying will be blessed?
- Who will benefit from your relationship to Christ? Who will be healed that was sick? Who will live spiritually who is dead currently? Who will be forgiven who is now in debt?
- Finally, there is Jesus. What excited Him more than anything in this passage, was that He found extraordinary faith. Today, are you cultivating a faith that would pleasantly surprise Jesus?
- Do you believe Him more today, for more today? It's your faith that brings Jesus joy.
- What does that faith look like? It's a faith that believes that Jesus is the answer to every dilemma. It's the faith that sends for Jesus' help. It's the faith that sees something as done, even if you cannot see it right then!
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