Matthew 8:5-13, Evidence (3)

Ø Healing the centurion’s servant.

Centurions in the New Testament are often seen in a good light (at the cross, Mt. 27:54; Cornelius, Acts 10).  They were normally a rough lot, having financial and political privileges by their position, but committed to the Roman service until death.  And the Jews detested these symbols of the power of Rome.  Here are 3 positives about this man...

1.  His concern for his servant, v6.  Perhaps this is not unusual assuming that the servant was probably honest and hardworking.  The centurion valued him.  We often are reminded that masters had life and death power over their slaves.  You might think that would lead to a disregard for the slaves.  But you do not see that in the centurion.

2.  His sense of unworthiness, v8.  Centurions had a position of honor and authority.  Yet this one seemed to have a true humility.

3.  His genuine faith.  This, of course, is the primary quality in this man that Jesus draws to the attention of those around Him. 

1.     In Christ's ability, v8b.  His humility is really seen clearly in the way he honored the Lord Jesus.  Even though Jesus was not a Man of high rank in worldly terms, the centurion still understood that Jesus was a Man of authority.  For the centurion that meant Jesus could give orders as he did to his own subordinate soldiers and servants.

2.     That faith involves submission, v9.  The centurion didn’t say, “I believe in you, Jesus.”  He spoke of authority and submission.  It’s Jesus who pointed out the great faith in the man.  We need to have this in mind, that submission is a major factor in what it means to believe.  Eph. 2:8 points out that faith is the channel of grace for salvation.  James 4:6-7 says that God gives grace to the humble.  Therefore submit to God. 

We have said that these miracles are evidence of Jesus as the Christ.  Look at Jesus.  He is again willing to heal (v7).  He heals by the spoken word (v13).  That in itself is an indication of deity.  But what catches our attention are the words Jesus speaks to the Jewish crowd gathered around.  What He says is, first, a place in the kingdom is set for all who believe in / submit to Him.  Second, He says entrance into the kingdom is not merely by one’s biological family.  Jesus is preaching that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.  And His primary target audience is the people of Israel, who consider themselves to be sons of the kingdom. 

This, of course, would not sit well with many.  Why should they take Jesus’ word for it?  One reason is that they just witnessed an amazing work of God done by Christ.  Think about it.  The slave of a hated Roman centurion was healed of his paralysis.  And in the process Jesus acknowledged the man’s faith.  These are hard words from Jesus.  But there is every reason to accept Him and His words!  Except a man be born again he cannot enter the kingdom of God.