Introduction
After choosing the first leaders for the movement and laying out the Father’s plan for reaching the world, Jesus comes down from the mountain and returns to His home and ministry center in Capernaum. His leaders are now with Him almost 24/7. And who does the Father have waiting in the wings but a Roman centurion? Oh, the humor of our Father in Heaven! How will Jesus model His new leadership style? How will it all play out?
Reading [You can read as much as you can, depending on your availability]
Luke 7:1-10
(or)
Matthew 8:5-13
Meditating [Use these questions to start your thinking]
- What do we know about centurions?
- What character qualities do we see in this centurion?
- What is this Gentile soldier modeling for us about leadership?
- What was Jesus’ response to this centurion? Why?
- What other questions do you still have?
Sharing: Text ONE of your answers to the questions above to your team. Each team should post a sharing from a team member in the comments below.
As we begin today, I just want to remind you that we are sticking with Luke as the primary source in our chronological study, mainly because Luke tells us that it was his intent to put the events of Jesus’ life in a chronological form. You will note that Matthew, on the other hand, gives us three chapters (Matthew 5-7) of all the things Jesus had been teaching for the first two years of ministry, and then begins to tell how Jesus modelled what He taught in the following chapters. Don’t get confused; Matthew just had a different way of organizing the information. But both authors are giving an accurate account, only from different points of view.
Have you ever wondered if God gets caught off guard? I wonder if Jesus here was not caught by surprise at the Father’s sense of humour. It says in Luke 7:9 that Jesus marvelled at this centurion. I find it ironic and a bit funny that it is a Roman centurion, the enemy and a leader in one of the most brutal armies this world has ever known, that is about to be used by God to teach our next four leadership principles. He was a Roman leader, sent by Rome to maintain order, enforce the laws and collect the taxes. He will be God’s instrument of instruction for these new leaders. Notice the love this leader must have had for His slave (Luke 7:2), to send friends to find Jesus and ask for His help. Notice also that it says that this centurion loved the people of Israel and had built the synagogue in Capernaum (Luke 7:5). Principle #1: A leader loves those they are leading, hurts for them and cares for them.
Next, notice the humility of this Gentile. He sends the Jewish elders and then some friends to implore Jesus to help. But notice what he tells them to say: “‘Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you’” (Luke 7:6-7). Principle #2: A leader leads with humility, realizing that they are not worthy of the great honour of serving as a leader in the army of the Lord God of Hosts.
Thirdly, notice the faith of this foreigner. He says, “‘But say the word, and my servant will be healed’” (Luke 7:7). It shocks Jesus and He declares, “‘I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel’” (Luke 7:9). Principle #3: A leader leads by faith, trusting not in what their physical eyes see, but in the Invisible God, with whom all things are possible.
Lastly, note the understanding of the lines of authority by this soldier. He says, “‘For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me’” (Luke 7:8). This man knew that he was a leader and he knew how to lead, but he never forgot that he himself was also under authority and would need to give an account to his superiors of how he led. Principle #4: A leader never forgets that they are also under authority and will give an account for how they led the people God has placed under their care. You have authority only as you are under authority.
Love, humility, faith and authority are all principles of godly leadership, modelled by Jesus and a centurion some 2,000 years ago. What kind of leader will you be? Talk with others today about leadership and these four principles. Commit to be a leader like Jesus.
“What character qualities do we see in this centurion?”
I see humility and great faith in the centurion. Even someone with a “higher” status trusted in Jesus’ power to heal whether near or from a distance. He believed in Jesus’ authority even though he was an enemy.
Yo !
– What do we know about centurions?
That it would be very unlikely to see one hang with Jewish Leaders. Responsible for 100 army men, hence the name centurion. But because of that, we assume he should be the least trusting of Jesus, being A gentile and a Roman soldier… yet him truly believing his servant would be healed shows two things to me. That one he believed in Jesus, and also that he must have been a good man in the heart to want his servant to be healed
The thing that impressed me the most in the story is the faith the centurion has. I feel like in my life it is often easy for me to stress out and feel anxious about every little thing, but seeing how much faith the centurion have is incredible he also even thought he wasn’t worthy enough for Christ to go in his house. I need more faith like the centurion in today’s story.
From what I remembered, Romans were considered bad and did not have the best relationship with Jewish people. With centurions, they were a part of the Roman government so maybe they were incredibly against the Jewish culture and teachings. I could be wrong though. So with that in mind, I believe that reading this passage gave me hope knowing that God can reach all kinds of people. Including people who aren’t typically considered an ideal followers. It makes me reflect on how powerful God is and how oftentimes I underestimate that He is able to perform miracles. I really like this passage because the centurion showed such great and humble faith. He recognized where he stood with Jesus. He was not like the Pharisees who thought they were all that but he was coming before God with a realization that he is not worthy. He is someone that we should emulate when we come to God. To recognize how much more God is to us but also fully depend on God like He is the only one who can truly save us.