Jesus went with them; but just before arriving at the house, the captain sent some friends to say, “Sir, don’t inconvenience yourself by coming to my home, for I am not worthy of any such honor or even to come and meet you. Just speak a word from where you are, and my servant boy will be healed! I know, because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my men. I only need to say ‘Go!’ and they go; or ‘Come!’ and they come; and to my slave, ‘Do this or that,’ and he does it. So just say, ‘Be healed!’ and my servant will be well again!”
Jesus was amazed. Turning to the crowd he said, “Never among all the Jews in Israel have I met a man with faith like this” Luke 7:6-9
This is a great story from Luke chapter 7 about the faith and humility of a Roman centurion who had great faith in Jesus. The soldier had been recommended by Jewish leaders to Jesus because he was seen as a man sympathetic to Jews. Indeed, he even helped build a synagogue.
This leader of men however, had the humility to ask Jesus for a healing act- not for himself, but for his servant boy. He did not believe that he had the right to approach Jesus directly, but he had Jewish leaders intercede for him to Jesus.
Then, the centurion recognized his unworthiness to have Jesus even enter his home, because to do so might make Jesus ceremonially unclean. At the least, he did not want to have Jesus get into any more trouble than he probably already was with both Jewish and Roman authorities.
This reminds me of an old saying- a man of authority must also be under authority. Great leaders understand the value of accountability. This Roman soldier knew that well, and he practiced it with Jesus and others.
Jesus then honored this soldier publicly, saying “Never among all the Jews in Israel have I met a man with faith like this.” High praise indeed from Jesus.
Would that we all understand and merit such praise.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for this great example of faith and humility, Amen
Reflections of a Counselor 