555. LUK 7:1-10. THE CENTURION’S SERVANT

Luk_7:1-10. The Centurion’s Servant

"Now, when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum. And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die," &c.’97Luk_7:1-10.

Few occupations can be more unfavorable to religion than that of a soldier. The whole aspect of war is adverse to the spirit of the gospel, and practice of true religion. War is essentially an evil from beneath, an evil pandering to the worst passions of the human heart. It breathes forth malevolence and revenge: it gloats in human misery and groans. Christianity, like its divine founder, breathes universal good will. It is full of benignity, kindness, and love. It bears in its triumphant course the olive branch of peace, and it rejoices in the happiness of all classes of men. It sings, "Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth and good will towards men." Yet the army has not been utterly void of pious men. In spite of unfavorable circumstances there have been soldiers, sincere and devoted disciples of Jesus. We have several centurions referred to in the New Testament. And Colonel Gardiner and others, in modern times, have been distinguished for their eminent piety. Our text relates to one of these; one whose strong faith drew forth from Christ the highest encomium. Let us then contemplate,

I. His character and application to Christ. It is obvious,

1. That he was a Gentile. One who had not always enjoyed the advantages and privileges of the Jewish religion. No doubt of pagan origin, and most likely educated according to the system of pagan idolatry. He was a commander of a hundred men in the Roman army.

2. He was a Jewish proselyte. He had been delivered from idolatry and superstition, and had been brought to know, and love, and obey the Jehovah of Israel.

3. He had been a liberal benefactor of the Jewish religion. For the elders of the Jews said of him, "He loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue," Luk_7:5. So that his was not a cold profession, but an ardent and liberal attachment to the worship of God.

1. He was a most compassionate master. His servant is said to have been "dear unto him." No doubt he was a faithful, good servant. Perhaps an old servant. One who ever consulted his master’s interests. And had won his confidence, affection, and esteem. How delightful are such instances of reciprocated attachments between servants and masters. But this servant was now sick, grievously afflicted, ready to die. We learn from Matthew, chap. Luk_8:6, that it was a severe attack of the palsy. The centurion sympathized with his suffering servant. Did not expel him from his home, or leave him to the care of strangers, but commiserating his affliction, he personally labored to obtain for him relief. Beautiful instance of goodness and condescension!

5. He applied to Jesus on his servant’s behalf. He did so through the Jewish elders.

(1.) "He sent unto him the elders of the Jews." He deemed himself unfit to make the application, and concluded that these officials in the Jewish synagogue would do better.

(2.) He exhibited extraordinary humility. As Jesus was on his way to his house he sent servants unto him, saying, "I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof," Luk_7:6. What low thoughts of himself, and what exalted conceptions of the Redeemer! Yet abstractedly considered, how true, and not only true of the centurion, but of every fallen child of man. Yet how rare is this holiness of heart, this humility of spirit.

(3.) He exercised astonishing faith. He believed that dangerous as his servant was, Christ could heal him. He believed he could heal him without coming to him,’97without seeing him. He believed that the mandate of Christ was enough. Hence he said, "But say in a word, and my servant shall be healed." Just speak, and it shall be done. Issue thine orders, and the sickness shall depart. He illustrates the working of his faith, by stating, "I am a man of authority, having under me soldiers; and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth," &c., Luk_7:8. Hence he admitted Christ’s universal authority and power over the maladies which afflicted mankind, and he believed that the word given was enough. Marvellous faith! especially in one who had been a Gentile idolater. How it contrasted with the unbelief of the Jews. How true the Divine saying, "The first shall be last, and the last shall be first." In reference to his application to Christ, observe,

II. The success which attended it. Notice,

1. Christ assents to the first requirement. When the elders besought him to come, "Jesus at once went with them," Luk_7:6. He did not hesitate nor delay. When the nobleman sought Christ to go and heal his son, he went not, but sent his word, and healed him. When the centurion applies for his servant, he hastens towards his dwelling. Was it because the applicant was a Gentile, or because the sufferer was a servant? He came to save all, but especially the chief of sinners. He came to bless all, but especially the poor and the wretched.

2. He restored the servant. It is not said how, whether by an audible command, or by a secret conveyance of his power,’97but he did it, and he did it at once and effectually. For it is written, that "they that were sent returned to the house, and found the servant whole that had been sick," Luk_7:10.

3. He commended the centurion’s faith. Addressing the people as well as the elders of the Jews, he said, "I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel," Luk_7:9. Even the most devout and spiritual of the Jews, favored with the oracles of truth, the descendants of wrestling Jacob and prevailing Israel, had not evinced such entire and implicit faith or confidence in his healing power.

4. He indicated the salvation of many Gentiles in various parts of the earth, and the exclusion of many highly favored Jews. Luk_7:11, Luk_7:12.

Learn from the subject,

1. A lesson of humanity. Imbibe the kindly spirit of the centurion. Feel for your servants, and seek their temporal and spiritual welfare.

2. A lesson of faith. Believe in Christ heartily, fully, implicitly.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS