Sight Unseen (Luke 7:1-10)

Jesus had just finished teaching. His presence always seemed to create a buzz. People speculated whether He might be the Lord's Messiah or just a lunatic. They were amazed at Jesus' teachings and His miracles; many hoped He might meet some desperate need. In Capernaum, a Roman soldier who had earned the respect of many Jews heard the buzz. His servant was about to die. Could this Jewish teacher help him?

Many people today hear the buzz about Christ. But they hardly know where to find hope when they fail at school, their friends reject them, or they have family problems, etc. 

This passage is about Jesus and His desire to use His power for the good of others. It is also about a man who placed his hope and faith in the Messiah.  

Consider the centurion’s conviction that Jesus was a man with great authority. While the centurion’s authority was limited to giving orders to those under his command, Jesus’ authority extended in all directions. Jesus had the ability to heal—even from a distance. Jesus’ authority should give us confidence that no situation is beyond His reach. Even though He now sits at the right hand of God the Father, He can fix any situation because “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to [Him]” (Matthew 28:18). How do you recognize and respond to Jesus’ authority? What difference does His authority make in your life as you follow Him?

Jesus was amazed by the centurion’s faith. The centurion’s faith is a reminder that faith is an action word. Faith is stepping out in belief even when something seems impossible. Those who exercise trust in Jesus please Him with that trust. In fact, the Bible even says that “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Heb. 11:6). How have you exercised your faith in Christ recently?

This centurion was a Gentile. The good news of God’s salvation through Jesus is not limited to the Jews. It is available to all people, both Jews and Gentiles (Romans 3:22-30). All people must come to God through faith in His Son Jesus Christ. How are you sharing the message of God’s salvation that comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ with your friends and family? How are you inspiring them to share that message?