JESUS HEALS Part # 5

Healing the Centurion’s Servant (Who am I ?

Matt, Ch. 8 V 5-V 13 and Luke, Ch. 7 V 1-V10

Old, New English Bible

Newcomb:

This story of Jesus’ healing is unique in several ways.

First, we will look at this Roman, Army officer, Captain over 100 or more soldiers. Mathew and Jesus see this man a part of the foreign Army from Rome. Occupying Israel. The flag, money, language and civil law are all foreign and oppressive. Israel’s citizens can be required to carry the soldier’s stuff a certain distance, even let him wear his coat. Yet, we learn how well this Centurion was respected by the Jews.

Here, we pick up Luke’s, part of the story, Ch7 V#1. When He (Jesus) had finished addressing the people he went to Capernaum. A centurion there had a servant whom he valued highly; this servant V2) was ill and near to death. Hearing about Jesus, he sent some Jewish (V3) elders with the request that he would come and save his servant’s life. V4) They approached Jesus and pressed their petition earnestly: “He deserves this favor from you.” They said, for it is he is a friend of our nation and it is he who built us our synagogue.” V5)

Jesus went with them; but when he was not far from the house, V6)

The centurion sent friends with this message; Do not trouble further, sir; it is not for me to have you under my roof, V7) and that is why I did not presume to approach you in person. But say the word and my servant will be cured. I know, for in my position I am myself *under orders, V8) with soldiers under me. I say to one, “Go” and he goes; to another “Come here”, and he comes; and to my servant,” Do this”, and he does it.’

* This man both, Takes and Gives orders. (Notice the order sent, used several times by him, in this story.

When Jesus V9 heard this, he admired the man, and, turning to the crowd that was following him, he said,

“I tell you, nowhere, even in Israel, have I found faith like this. V10)

And the messengers returned to the house and found the servant in good health.

NOTE: We are reminded that at this writing, our own soldiers stationed in the Mid-East to help keep the peace with military force, help build and outfit schools. And give new students, books and school supplies.

Now we add what we have learned about the centurion to Matthew’s story.

Matt Ch 8, V 5 –V13.

V5 When he had entered Capernaum a centurion came up to ask his help. ‘Sir, ‘ he said, V6 ‘ A boy of mine lies at home paralyzed and racked with pain.’ V7 V8 Jesus said, ‘I will come and cure him.’ But the centurion replied, ‘**Sir, who am I to have you under my roof? You need only say the word and the boy will be cured. I know, for I am myself under orders, with soldiers under me. V9) I say to one ‘Go’, and he goes; to another, “come here”, and he comes; and to my servant, “Do this’, and he does it.’ V10) Jesus heard him with astonishment, and said to the people who were following him, “ I tell you this: nowhere, even in Israel, have I found such faith.

V11) “Many, I tell you, will come from east and west to feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of Heaven. V12) But those who were born to the kingdom will be driven out into the dark, the place of wailing and grinding of teeth.’

V13) Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go home now; because of your faith, ”so let it be.” At that moment the boy recovered.

** This is the Title of a popular Hymn today.

We note that Jesus has recognized the faith of this gentile from Rome. And at his request, has healed his servant, without a touch, or

Being touched. Nor even visiting him! Not a word spoken between them. No shouted command, Just Jesus, saying,” So let it be.”

Understanding the Bond Servant: He never was a slave. No chains!

He was to work off a debt, owed by himself or his family. That is, he had been prepaid for his service. (He might stay on and receive wages after the debt was worked off.)

Jewish law provided that the servant could elect to be a bond -servant, to his employer, forever. (This was to be mutually agreeable. More like an adoption than a foster child.) In this story, the servant and Centurion were in a father and son setting. “ A boy of mine is about to die.”

Jesus is honoring the faith of the master to heal his servant! The Centurion’s faith becomes visible when see his boy recovered.

The Deity of Jesus is validated by the Super-natural power used in all these lessons for the disciples.

Recorded for us by, on site, witnesses.

WE NOTE: Perfection in all that Jesus does, says and remembers! Immediate, restorations to bodies that, require creative miracles.