The Miracles of Jesus Lesson 11: Healing the

Centurion’s ServantMatthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10

The City of CapernaumThe City of Capernaum

The setting for this miracle is again in Capernaum (Luke 7:1)

Roman CenturionsRoman Centurions

A Centurion was the commander of 100 men (more or less) in the Roman Army.

Each Roman Legion had 60 Centurions. “Centurions were sometimes employed on detached

service... Men like Cornelius and Julius may have been separated from the legion to which they properly

belonged for the discharge of special duties. They and other centurions mentioned in the Gospels and Acts are represented by the sacred writers in a favorable light”

(ISBE online)

The Synagogue of The Synagogue of CapernaumCapernaum

The centurion whose servant was sick had built the synagogue. (Luke 7:5)

Synagogue

The Centurion in Luke 7:1-The Centurion in Luke 7:1-10 10 “Represented by the sacred writers in a favorable light”

The Jews said, “He loves our nation and has built our synagogue.”

Jesus said, “I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!”

Bible CenturionsBible Centurions“Represented by the sacred writers in a favorable light”

At the cross (Luke 23:47)

Cornelius (Acts 10-11)

Julius (Acts 27:3, 42-43)

Healing the Centurion’s Healing the Centurion’s ServantServantMatthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10

Details of the Miracle: A centurion comes to Jesus on behalf of his servant

The servant was dear to him but was sick and ready to die He sent Jewish elders to plead for Jesus to come

The Jews beg Jesus earnestly, declaring the centurion to be deserving, “for he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.”

Jesus says, “I will come and heal him.” The centurion asked Jesus not to trouble Himself

with actually coming to his house. The Centurion did not regard himself as worthy. He understood the nature of Jesus’ authority from his

experience as a soldier.

Healing the Centurion’s Healing the Centurion’s ServantServantMatthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10

Details of the Miracle: Jesus “marveled” at the Centurion’s faith

He says, “I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!" (Matthew 8:10)

Jesus teaches that people will come from all over to enjoy the blessings of the kingdom with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, but the “sons of the kingdom” will be cast into outer darkness. (Matthew 8:11-12) Faith determines fellowship in the kingdom!

Jesus tells the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” The centurion was blessed according to his faith!

And his servant was healed that same hour.

Lessons from Healing the Lessons from Healing the Centurion’s ServantCenturion’s Servant -- Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10

Jesus is available to those who seek Him.

Jesus has compassion on human suffering

Jesus is willing to aid “all men” no matter their culture or background. (cf. 1 Cor. 9:19-22)

You can’t always judge a man by his occupation

Lessons from Healing the Lessons from Healing the Centurion’s ServantCenturion’s Servant -- Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10

The nature of humility -- the best men have the least estimate of themselves A great man saw himself as “not worthy” (Luke

7:2-7; Matthew 8:8; 3:11; 1 Corinthians 15:9) Yet others praised him highly (Proverbs 27:2)

Great faith respects authority! (Luke 7:8-9; Matthew 8:8-10; cf. 2 Timothy 2:3-4)

Entering the kingdom requires more than having faithful ancestors (Matthew 8:11-12; cf. 3:9)

Jesus is not limited by location (Matthew 8:13)