Belief in the chief
by Rachael Stelzer
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The centurion replied, ‘Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed’ (Matthew 8:8).
Read Matthew 8:5–17
This week we have seen Jesus at work in the lives of a number of different people. After teaching about the difference between true disciples and false ones, Jesus interacted with and healed a number of ‘outsiders’. After healing the man with leprosy, a Roman centurion came to Jesus to ask him to heal his paralysed servant. Jesus asked the centurion if he should come with him to his house. The centurion’s response floored Jesus.
Don’t worry about coming to my house, he said. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.
The centurion’s actions spoke volumes. His trust and respect for Jesus were rock-solid and marked him as a true disciple. His ethnicity and his politics did not disqualify him from Jesus’ assistance – his life showed the fruit of sincere faith and trust in Jesus. May we also look further than the superficial and see the fruit of faith in the lives of others.
Dear Jesus, the centurion took your breath away with his understanding of your authority and power. None of your ‘true believers’ had shown that amount of certainty in your healing power. Grant me that faith and certainty. Drive me humbly to my knees to acknowledge your sovereignty. And never let me judge others as beyond your help or love – you see the heart. Amen.
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