Luke 7 records Jesus' healing of a certain centurion's servant. In verse 9 we learn that Jesus marveled at the faith of this centurion and said of him, I have not found SO GREAT FAITH, no, not in Israel. What was it about this man that caused Jesus Christ to say that about him and have it recorded for us in scripture? Let's take a look.
What stands out to me in this passage is the man's estimation of himself. From these verses we learn that he was a centurion (vv. 2, 8). He held sway with the elders of the Jews (v. 3). The elders told Jesus how great of a man he was – one who loved their nation and built them a synagogue (v. 5). And based on all of this, they deemed him worthy of the miracle he was requesting – the healing of his servant (v. 4). Contrast all that with what the man says of himself:Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. (vv. 6-7)
Verse 8 seems to point back again to the greatness of the man, but don't forget to notice the crucial first phrase: For I also am a man set under authority.
This centurion approached the Savior far differently than many do today. He approached with humility. His request was not a demand. It was a plea based solely on the goodness and mercy of Jesus, not on his own goodness or merit. He did not believe he deserved the miracle. He did not believe he deserved the honor of having Jesus in his home. But he trusted that Jesus had the power to right the situation. And, of course, he was absolutely right.
Jacob, in one of his better moments, evidenced a similar condition of heart. In Genesis 32:10 he confessed, I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant…
Now, if we were honest, we'd realize the same is true of us. We don't deserve a thing that God has given us. But He's given us SO MUCH. So when we go to Him with our prayers and our supplications and our problems and our burdens and our troubles, let's go with the attitude this centurion had. "Lord, I don't deserve what I'm asking for, but I know You're good, and I know You're all-powerful, and would You please work Your will in my life in this situation?"
The Lord certainly takes note of THAT type of faith (Hebrews 11:6).
EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT devotional. This really blessed me. Do you believe,the Bible also teaches that this is the way a sinner must approach Jesus Christ for Salvation? In all humility, undeserving, coupled with repentance and Faith?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. Mark 10:15
ReplyDelete