Encounters with Jesus : a centurion

Saturday July 17, 2021

Encounters with Jesus : a centurion

"Lord, do not take so much trouble, for I am not worthy for you to come under my roof. This is also why I did not see fit to go in person to you." Luke 7.6-7

Who sent this message to Jesus, in such humble terms ? An officer in the Roman army ! He was among the "winners," those who held the people of Israel in submission to the mighty legions of the Empire. But he recognizes in Jesus an authority far superior to that of an army : the authority to stop the process of death in this slave who is dear to him (Luke 7,7).

This man is used to being in charge, as he says himself. He has his place in a hierarchy where his superiors give him the right to do so. The soldiers under his command obey him. But he has no power over sickness and death. No man has any, by the way. It is therefore by faith that he recognizes in Jesus the one who alone can give life to his slave who is about to die.

Luke included this account in his gospel so that his readers might ask the question : "Does my faith resemble that of the centurion ?" Did we understand that Jesus is Lord, that he has all authority ? That's right, we are not worthy for him to come to us. But in his grace he wants to come to us to bring us life. So let's not be afraid to approach him !

Allan Kitt

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Proposed reading : Gospel according to Luke, chapter 7, verses 1 to 10.

Source (Live Today)