Centurion by Jason R. Dunn

The Power of a Whisper Reading Plan
Day 22 Reading:
Matthew 8:5-13; Isaiah 58:6-12

Day 21 of the Whisper Reading Plan is set aside for worship and rest.

Pastor Lisa’s Journal
Scripture
The centurion replied to Jesus, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. – Matthew 8:8 (NIV)

Observation
Jesus raises up the unnamed Centurion as an example of great faith. In one translation, it says Jesus “marveled” at the centurion’s response, a reaction that is found nowhere else in Scripture regarding Jesus’ impression of a human being’s faith. This man had massive faith. Unwavering faith. The huge surprise of this story is that this faith is found outside the expected place- in a Gentile warrior for the Roman oppressors.

The Centurion has been awarded worldly power and position, yet approaches Jesus with great humility. He recognizes his position with the governing authorities does not name his position with the ultimate Authority, God.
I do not deserve to have you come under my roof (v. 8.)
I am a man under authority (v. 9)

Jesus taught his followers to love their enemies, to pray for those who persecute them, and to do good to those who mistreated them. The kingdom of God advances not with weapons, but with kindness, grace and mercy. He did not hesitate to hear the Centurion’s plea and was willing to enter his house.

Likewise, the Centurion is willing to cross enemy lines- social, economic, and racial lines- to see his servant receives help. The Centurion commands his troops and household, yet approaches Jesus with a servant heart. He seeks Jesus not for himself, but for his servant. The Centurion recognizes the value and humanity of this person even though his culture does not.
My servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering (v. 6)
I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” (v. 9)

The Centurion has been raised to mistrust foreigners and foreign gods, yet approaches Jesus with great trust.
But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. (v. 8.)

Application
Even with all the stumbling blocks placed before him, the Centurion still cultivates a just-say-the-word faith in Jesus. This depth and maturity of faith is available to all who follow Christ. I have no excuse except myself for falling short of this.

Every time I read the account of the centurion’s faith, I am nearly physically arrested by the desire to follow Christ like that. I want his influence to affect the entirety of my life—my values, my relationships, my vocabulary, my finances, my agenda, my physical health, my decision making, my political ideology. I want Jesus’ ways to permeate who I am across the board. More than any other desire of my heart, I want to be a just-say-the-word type of disciple, from this moment until my dying day. – Bill Hybels, The Power of a Whisper

Prayer
Just say the word, my Jesus
Just say the word
No illness is beyond your healing
No brokenness beyond your redeeming
No power above you
No person outside your embrace
Grant me a faith that is worthy of Your goodness
Your compassion
Your supremacy
Your welcome
That I may trust and respond as my brother the Centurion
Just say the word, my Jesus
Just say the word

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Click here for a powerful prayer entitled I am Not Worthy by Steve Garnaas Holmes based on Luke’s version of this story, Luke 7:1-10.

For more information on the Power of a Whisper campaign or for a copy of this reading plan, click here

As you read, you are encouraged to use the SOAP Method for keeping a spiritual journal, as taught at New Hope Christian Fellowship in Hawaii. For more information on this simple and powerful way of engaging the Word of God, please click here or use the simple instructions provided in the reading plan itself.

I look forward to reading your comments and to all that Jesus will do in you and through you as you learn to better listen and respond to God’s whispers in your life. – Lisa <><

PS- For more information on the scripture translation, art and the use of this devotional in other settings, please refer to the copyright information page.