Luke 7:1-10 (Matthew 8:5-13) The centurion’s servant

Overview Background The centurion and his servant The centurion and the Jews The centurion and Jesus Jesus response to the centurion So what?

Background Differences between Matthew and Luke’s accounts Jesus had been teaching –Lord of the Sabbath –Love for enemies –Judging others –Trees and their fruit –Wise and foolish builders Jesus entered Capernaum (1) –Matthew 11:23-24

The centurion and his servant Wealthy professional career soldier from occupying force He comes to faith in the God of Israel! His life and attitudes are changed –He is respected by the Jews –He values his servant (2) Wants to help him (3) –He hears about Jesus –He sends the elders of the Jews to Jesus

The centurion and the Jews The Jews come to Jesus and plead earnestly (4) –He deserves to have you do this (5) He loves our nation He built our synagogue Their wrong desires and motives Jesus goes with them (6)

The centurion and Jesus The centurion’s humility (6) –Don’t trouble yourself –Don’t deserve to have you under my roof –This is why I didn’t come myself The centurion’s faith (7&8) –Just say the word –I too am a man under authority

Jesus response to the centurion Jesus responds to his faith by healing his servant (10) Jesus was amazed (9) Faith is a gift from God Jesus admires / acknowledged his faith Centurion had greater faith than many Jews Matthew says many Jews will be excluded

So what? Do we seize the opportunity to share our faith with everyone – even visitors? Are we willing to share the gospel with our “enemies”? Do we believe that God can save anyone? Do we truly see and value what God values? Are our lives being changed? Are we seeing other people’s lives being changed? Are we more concerned to correct people’s false ideas than to meet their needs? Are we humble yet bold like the centurion? Do we admire and acknowledge faith and service? Are we making sure that we have true faith and are not “missing the point”?