"When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. 2 There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. 3 The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, 5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” 6 So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” 10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well."
1. What is a centurion? The commander of a century in the Roman army.
2. What were the qualities of a centurion? "Centurions often suffered heavy casualties in battle, generally fighting alongside the legionaries they commanded. They usually led from the front, occupying a position at the front right of the century formation. They led and inspired their men by example. They also sought to display the skill and courage that may have gotten them to their rank in the first place. It is for these reasons that they often suffered a disproportionate number of casualties.Centurions had to be literate, have connections (letters of recommendation), be at least 30 years of age, and had already served a few years in the military."
The centurion in the infantry is chosen for his size, strength and dexterity in throwing his missile weapons and for his skill in the use of his sword and shield; in short for his expertness in all the exercises. He is to be vigilant, temperate, active and readier to execute the orders he receives than to talk; Strict in exercising and keeping up proper discipline among his soldiers, in obliging them to appear clean and well-dressed and to have their arms constantly rubbed and bright. \
(Vegetius.De Re Militari,[7] II, 14 )
(Thank you, Wikipedia.)
Did you catch that? The centurion led and inspired his men by example, suffered casualties, and had to be 30 years of age to start his service. Hmm...
3. The centurion was a man under authority, but also had authority over other men. (Luke 7:8) If you are familiar with Luke 5:24 and John 8:28-29, you will note that Jesus, too, is a man under authority who has authority over other men.
Why is this important? The modern church has feminized Christianity and Christ. While it is right and good to love Jesus and to sing to Him, our lover, this often makes men feel uncomfortable. How about worshiping and serving Jesus, a warrior who leads and inspires by example, who was willing to die while fighting alongside His men, who has authority. Sounds like a Jesus I want my son and the guys in Greek IV to worship, serve and emulate.
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