Subscription Lists
Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
We come to Mathew Chapter 8 verse 5 - Jesus now enters Capernaum. It will be a familiar passage for many but there are times when lessons need refreshing.
Much of the ministry of Jesus has been spontaneous, as those in need met him, or came to him, or he would be walking along the road. Jesus was not limited to certain times and places and settings, but he was available all the time when he was in public. In Capernaum, a Centurion's servant is lying sick, and this servant is highly thought of by his master.
It was most unusual to care for, or be concerned about, a slave who was far below you. The Roman Army Officer would be quite powerful, with position and influence and authority. He would be a man of strong character - an R.S.M of a man - with leadership qualities and be reasonably wealthy. He would be able to afford as many slaves and servants as he needed.
However, there was a crisis in his home. This personal servant is about to die. He asks some elders of the Jews to go and find Jesus. He wants Jesus to come and heal his servant. Consider what he is doing - a military man - with a sick servant - asking Jewish elders to go and get Jesus Christ. When a crisis arises, it is good to turn to Jesus. A crisis brings a strong man to find and invite Jesus Christ.
They found Jesus and pleaded with him, to go to the house of this Gentile - to the home of an officer of the occupying army in their land. Jesus did not refuse to hear them. He did not argue with them, or reason with them, or suggest that this man better mend his ways and sort out this and that.
The Roman Centurion had shown a love for Israel - he had built a synagogue - showing his love in a tangible way - he had been generous.
God always sees generosity and rewards it in some way.
The Centurion has a degree of faith in Jesus, and he does something about it. His position in life did not prevent him from seeking Jesus publicly and openly. There is quite a complexity of compassion in this passage – and there is an amazing respect for each other all-round.
Why is there so much grace in this passage? This follows teaching – and I had never seen that before.
The Centurion had only heard of Jesus. We never know what may happen ‘second hand’. Do you think someone may have been praying for this man’s heart to be prised open?
Jesus agrees to go. When Jesus is nearing the Centurion’s house, he sends friends to say to Jesus, “Don't trouble yourself - don't waste your time coming the whole way - you are a busy man, and I don't deserve you to come under my roof. I am not worthy. Just say a word and my servant will be healed.” This is amazing humility and understanding.
Some people do feel unworthy. He was a man of authority and under authority. When I give an order, it is to be obeyed immediately. He knew what it was to obey commands, as well as give commands.
He recognises Jesus Christ is man under authority, and with authority.
Authority comes from participating in authority and submitting to authority. He could see that Jesus was in perfect submission to the Father - and so had perfect authority. He believed that Jesus could say to this disease "Quick march", and it would have to go - leave - move out - disappear.
He so believed in the power of the Word of God. The miracle begins when he places himself under the authority of Jesus Christ - who had perfect love - perfect submission - perfect power - perfect authority.
Many today have very little sense of authority, and find it hard to recognise authority, and to submit to authority is even harder.
This Roman Centurion understood the nature of authority. His heart was open.
Jesus marvelled. He was surprised, and Jesus admired such faith. The only other place where it is recorded that Jesus was surprised was when he visited his home town of Nazareth and could do no powerful work there. He marvelled because of their unbelief.
This man, called Jesus, has a potential which I cannot explain, but I recognise it. He is different from every other man. The servant is healed. The word means WHOLE.
What you do with your problem is far more important than what your problem does to you.
Invite him – call upon him – speak to Jesus – time and time again.
“Our loving gracious heavenly Father – we have so much to learn – help us understand as we make time to read and study the Scriptures – the Bible. We thank You and praise You that You have given us all we need to know about this life and the life yet to come. Thank You for the forgiveness of sin. As we repent and believe and confess, reassure us that our sins are forgiven, through Jesus Christ our Saviour.” Amen.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "Word from Scotland" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.