Luke 7:1-17
Q.1. What did the centurion request from Jesus? Why was Jesus so impressed by him? – (Lk.7:1-10)
This Gentile centurion was truly a godly man. Unlike most people in authority, this leader was concerned about his slave (Lk.7:2-3). The Jewish leaders at Capernaum were grateful to this generous Gentile centurion. They pleaded with Jesus – He is worthy for You to grant this to him; for he loves our nation and it is he who built us our synagogue (Lk.7:4-5). Jesus would have been further impressed by the centurion’s humility in that he did not make his request directly. He also stated – I am not worthy for You to come under my roof (Lk.7:6). He was a wealthy man who had paid for the building of the synagogue. His own home would likely have been grand, housing all his servants. However, none of these things caused Jesus to commend him. Rather, Jesus drew attention to his faith – I say to you, not even in Israel have I found SUCH GREAT FAITH (Lk.7:9). What impressed Jesus was that the centurion had concluded that Jesus could save his slave, even by just saying the word – and his slave would be healed (Lk.7:6-7). He understood that if a mere man like him could command his soldiers to obey his commands because of Rome’s authority, then since Jesus was part of a much greater authority, word from Him was all was needed to heal this slave. And it was so (Lk.7:8 & 10).