Just One Word from Jesus is All You Need! Matthew 8:5-13

 The Faith of the Centurion

Jesus healed people in many ways.  Today he will heal someone even when he is not present with them.  This passage also shows us that both Gentiles and Jews will inherit the kingdom. 

5 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 

Capernaum was a place Jesus lived and dwelt. (Matthew 4:13)  A centurion was a Roman officer in charge of many men, usually about 60-80. The Roman military were seen as oppressors by the Jews, so it is most unusual this Roman soldier would not only approach Jesus, but also ask him for help. 

6 “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.”

The centurion calls him "Lord" showing Jesus respect.  The fact that he is concerned about his servant is admirable and shows his compassion for others.  He was a good man. 

7 Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?”

Jesus shows his openness to healing a Gentile and even offers to come to his house, which was unheard for a Jew, especially a rabbi. 

8 The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.

The centurion recognizes Jesus' authority and humbly refuses to let Jesus come into his home.  We see the amazing faith the man has in Jesus when he says, "Just say the word and my servant will be healed".  He had not only heard about Jesus' miracles being from his hometown but believed in him. 

9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. 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.”

The centurion was familiar with the chain of command in the Roman military system.  He recognizes the authority of the rabbi in the Jewish faith.  That he recognizes Jesus' authority as a religious leader. shows he is familiar with the Jewish faith and the authority of the rabbis. 

10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 

Jesus is very impressed with the centurion's faith, especially because he is a Gentile. He did not grow up learning about the Messiah.  He wasn't schooled in the Old Testament.  Yet, he had faith because of what he had seen and heard about Jesus. 

11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 

This is a clear reference to the fact that Gentiles will be in heaven, and they are part of the promise God made to Abraham that through him all nations would be blessed.  It also shows us that although Abraham, Issac and Jacob were not present when Jesus came, their faith saved them.  "The righteous shall live by faith."  Romans 1:17.  "Abraham believed in the Lord and it was credited to him as righteousness."  Genesis 15:6

12 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Just as believing Gentiles would enter the kingdom by faith in Jesus, the Jews who rejected Jesus would not enter the kingdom and be thrown into a place of utter darkness. 

"Weeping" suggests sorrow and "gnashing of teeth" suffering.  The grammar points the fact that this is not just for a moment but is ongoing for all time.  Quite a bad place to end up. 

13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment.

Since the centurion requested Jesus to just "say the word", Jesus gives him his word the servant would be he healed at that moment.  And sure enough his servant is healed instantly.  

Jesus shows that his Word is powerful at any time or place, especially when it is received in faith.  

Why is the centurion's faith such a great example for us?  The fact that Jesus' recognized this great faith of a Gentile over against those in Israel tells us what about Jesus' plan for salvation?  How can this story inspire you to have great faith like the centurion?  Notice how much the centurion cares for others not himself!  Who do you care about todayt who needs Jesus' healing word?