Many of us, when we pray, address Jesus as “Lord.” But what do we mean when we say this? The New Testament word that we translate as Lord can mean something as simple as “sir,” but it’s quite clear from the way people speak to Jesus in the Gospels that they meant more than that. “Lord” is a word that recognizes authority. The story of the centurion who came to Jesus in Matthew 8:5-13 gives us a window on just how far Jesus’ authority reaches. As we consider what this story highlights—the centurion’s need, his faith, and his reward—we can and should reflect on our own need, our own faith, and the reward for which we hope.
The Centurion’s Need (vv. 5-6)
The centurion, an officer in the Roman army, approaches Jesus because he has a great personal need. His servant or son (the word could mean either) is sick and he is clearly distressed about this. This person is dear to him and he fears losing him. He seeks out Jesus (whom he addresses as “Lord”) to try to get help.
Many of our stresses and worries come from our fear of losing someone or something dear to us. And these things may drive us to Jesus to seek help.
1. Consider a time when you were worried over the thought of losing someone/thing dear to you? What were some of the feelings you experienced? What did you do about it? Did you approach Jesus about this need?
2. What needs or concerns do you have now? What gives you confidence that Jesus has the authority to do something about them or through them? (See Matthew 28:18, Romans 8:35-39)
The Centurion’s Faith (vv. 7-10)
The centurion, as a Roman person, was a Gentile (a non-Jew). Many Jewish people in the first century would have been hesitant to enter the home of a Gentile for fear of becoming ritually unclean or inadvertently coming into contact with idolatry. Jesus raises a question to the centurion, “Shall I come [i.e., to the centurion’s house] and heal him?” This may be a way to see whether the centurion will seek to provide reasons for Jesus to do this favour for him.
3. How do we know that Jesus is not hesitant to cross the traditional boundaries that concerned most of his fellow Jews? (See Matthew 8:1-4.)
4. How does the centurion respond to Jesus’ probing question (v. 8)?
5. What are some things that we might be tempted to think will earn us good standing in the Lord’s eyes?
The centurion speaks with great confidence about Jesus’ authority, drawing parallels with his own experience of giving orders to his subordinates.
6. To whom or to what does the centurion assume that Jesus is able to “give orders” and exercise his authority? Is it difficult for you to consider Jesus’ authority over such things?
Jesus is amazed by the centurion’s faith, commending it as being exemplary. Biblical faith consists in recognizing our own unworthiness and being confident in Jesus’ power.
7. Is faith just a different (and easier) kind of “work” that the Lord requires of us? If not, how does biblical faith differ from works? How might biblical faith be more of a challenge to us than dependence on good works?
The Centurion’s Reward (verses 11-13)
After commending the centurion for his faith, Jesus shows that he is not primarily teaching people how to get him to do favours for them, but rather has something grander in mind. He speaks of the ultimate reward of being invited to God’s great feast “with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven” (v. 11). His authority, or Lordship, is not limited to the trials of everyday life but embraces our eternal destiny as well. But being able to embrace this hope requires letting go of personal presumption and self-confidence. Jesus says that the “subjects of the kingdom” or “sons of the kingdom” (i.e., those who assume that their birthright or status guarantees them present and future blessing) will be left out in the dark, away from this feast. It is a feast for the unworthy, just as Jesus often said: he came to help those who know they need help, like a doctor coming to heal the sick, not those who think they are well.
8. What practices can you implement in daily life to guard against presumption and self-righteousness, remembering that you are in need of the Lord’s great help and power? (Food for thought: some of these practices might have to do with remembering your own unworthiness, and some with remembering his authority.)
9. If this feast in the kingdom of heaven is for those who are needy and unworthy, how might this impact your way of thinking about other people?
10. In what ways does hope of being with the Lord at that great “feast of the unworthy” give you comfort or resilience for daily life?
11. Do you think this invitation to the unworthy means that ethics and obedience to the Lord is unimportant? See Matthew 28:19-20.
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