I.
This week we turn our attention to a Roman army officer, a Centurion. A person of responsibility in the military forces that were occupying Israel. A man who could demand respect not only from those under his command but also from those whose land he and his army were occupying.

And this man of authority sends word to Jesus asking for Jesus’ help.

Let’s read the brief account.

II.
Luke 7:1-10 (New Revised Standard Version)

After Jesus had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly, and who was ill and close to death. When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him, asking him to come and heal his slave. When they came to Jesus, they appealed to him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy of having you do this for him, for he loves our people, and it is he who built our synagogue for us.” And Jesus went with them, but when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to say to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; therefore I did not presume to come to you. But only speak the word, and let my servant be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and the slave does it.” When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, he said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.

III.
As you read over the passage a few times look for all you can learn about the Centurion.

For instance, he asked for help from Jewish leaders, he was generous (maybe), he could get others to do his bidding – among other things.

What stands out most to you about this man.

And, from what you learn of this soldier, does that come by what you hear/read him say or what others say of him?

IV.
Do you agree with Jesus that you find “faith” in this man?

What kind of “faith”?

How do you think he comes by this “faith” that Jesus seems to so highly regard?

V.
That’s probably too many questions for a Monday, but I want us to try to look deeply at the Centurion.

I’ll be back later, as we continue to spend time with the Centurion, his “friends” and with Jesus.

Charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}