“So Jesus went with them…” Luke 7:6
It is an event in the life of Jesus that receives little attention. There are no great visuals, biting dialogue, or dramatic life changes. The Elders of the Jews are leading Jesus down the road when they are met by a group of Romans. It is not a part of the trial of Jesus, and the Romans are not a threat. It is just Jesus, out for a walk with some Jewish Elders, as they go to visit the home of a Roman.
Do you know the story?
Setting the Scene…
The Elders of the Jews have come to Jesus with a request. They “plead earnestly” with Jesus – not on behalf of just any Roman, but a Centurion, a military man.
The Dilemma
“There was a servant who the master valued highly, who was sick and about to die. The Centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant.”
The Motivation
“This man deserves to have you do this because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.”
The Unexpected Twist
As they near their destination, they are met by friends of the Centurion. Now, this impromptu gathering includes the Elders of the Jews, Romans, Jesus, probably at least some of his disciples, as well as a crowd that has followed them. The Centurian’s friends relay his reluctance to trouble Jesus, his sense of unworthiness, and his faith that Jesus can heal his servant.
The Climax
Jesus is amazed, and addressing the crowd, he commends the great faith of the absent Roman.
Biblical publishers have titled this little section “The Faith of the Centurion,” but there is something more subtle and no less powerful that takes place on that road.
It is in the gathering of these very different individuals for a common purpose. This unique image in the life of Jesus transcends stereotypes and encourages us to do the same.
Here, we see a beautiful interaction between those separated by religious, political, ethnic, and socioeconomic status – a gathering characterized by compassion, gratitude, humility, accommodation, and respect.
It is what happens when people are willing to put aside their differences, swallow their pride, and reach out to others who were different from them in so many ways.
The Conclusion
“Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.”
However, there was probably more healing that occurred that day than just the physical body of an ailing servant. It is likely that some were delivered from far more deadly diseases such as prejudice and hostility.
In the biblical example, everyone involved could have refused to participate based on “principle,” and perhaps some did just that. As a result, they lost their place in the story because they clung to a principle that served no purpose other than to divide people and provoke conflict.
The Moral
UNWRITTEN STORIES AND MISSING CHARACTERS
ARE A TRAGIC LOSS TO THE WORLD!
COMPASSION, HUMILITY, AND RESPECT CHANGE THE WORLD!
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2:3-5)
The Inspiration: Luke 7:1-10 The Faith of the Centurian
Featured Image by Eddie & Carolina Stigson on Unsplash
