“When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him” (Matthew 8:5).
A centurion is a Roman army officer in control of 100 men. This centurion – a pagan – implores Jesus to heal his sick servant. The humble recognition of Jesus’ supreme authority is unmistakably seen in his addressing Jesus with the title customarily reserved for Caesar.
“Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully” (v. 6).
“Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed” (v. 8).
We witness the centurion as a man of tender concern, clear thinking and genuine faith. Jesus is deeply moved by the centurion’s trust in who He is and what He can do. So, too, is Jesus stirred profoundly by the fact that the centurion asks nothing for himself but rather seeks relief for a servant who is suffering terribly.
- Who do we view Jesus to be?
- How do we address Jesus?
- What are we asking Jesus to do?
