By Rev. Dr. Isaiah Robinson
Scriptural text: Luke 7:1-10
Lesson Context: The physical content of today’s lesson is the village of Capernaum. I was located on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, a freshwater lake in northern Palestine. It became something of a headquarters or base of operations for Jesus preaching and teaching tours of Galilee. Capernaum was a thriving fishing industry. It was situated on the main road from Damascus into the region. It was important enough to have to have had some Roman soldiers stationed there.
Luke portrays Jesus as the compassionate Son of God. Luke shows that Jesus was indeed human and divine, with a special love and concern for humanity.
I. Faith’s Request (Luke 7:1-5). : Great faith cares deeply for people. The Centurion was a Roman soldier in charge of a “century” at least of 100 soldiers. He was a man who cared deeply for people. He cared deeply for his servant (slave), who was sick, and ready to die. Great faith feels unworthy in approaching Jesus. He was a soldier who had heard about Jesus. What he heard made him feel unworthy. He had heard of the message of hope. Here quested help from the elders of the Jews with whom he had become friends in the community. He asked them to intercede for him with Jesus. Great faith seeks God. The Centurion was a man of faith, who loved God. Great faith is centered inJesusChrist. It is believing that Christ is, that He is sovereign Lord (Heb. 11:6). He believed that the “Word of Christ was all that was needed.” Jesus did not have to be present for the need to be met. He believed that Jesus had the power to heal his servant. He sent for Jesus because of what he had heard about Jesus.
II. Faith’s Reward (Luke 6-10): Great faith stirs the great power of Jesus. The Centurion was a man who stirred the great power of Jesus. Jesus was amazed. He embraced and commended the soldier. He embraced him for his faith. Believing, that is, true faith. Jesus commended him for his faith before others. This recognition was for spiritual grace and spiritual strength.
III. Jesus healed the servant, and His power to meet the Centurion’s request proved His Messiahship – that He was truly the Son of God. Jesus has the power to meet our needs; however, there is one prerequisite: FAITH. We must believe that Jesus can meet our needs.