Faith Focus
Matthew 8:5-13
Introduction: Thursday, last week I had a phone call from Angie to tell me that her operation had been delayed from 15th to 24th March. At first, I was angry and then later came to the realisation that God must have some reason for the delay. Quickly after that came the putting aside of the desire to know the reason. After all, if we have put our faith in God we know he will bring all things together for our good in Jesus’ name. He alone knows all the facts and we need to put our faith in his perfect timing and plan.
Then on Friday morning, there was the news of the earthquake and Tsunami in Japan, followed by the reality that people in Indonesia were waiting for the Tsunami to reach them. The force of a 7.2m tidal wave sweeping away boats, cars, houses, factories and everything else that was in its path was shocking. Then there was the allied whirlpool, which was drawing everything into its vortex.
There are so many things in our world that are beyond our control and that of all humanity that we need to be sure our faith focus is Jesus. He alone has the power and resources to meet our every need. But it does mean that we have to put aside personal preference and agenda if we are to completely focus on Him.
Now let’s turn to the story of the Centurion, the servant and Jesus…
Character of the man (vs.5-6; Luke 7:2-5): Romans, like Pontius Pilate are often portrayed as aggressive, merciless occupiers of the promised land. Remember that Roman soldiers could just pick out some random person and demand they carry their baggage for a mile. It is in this context that Jesus told his followers, “if you are forced to carry a bag a mile, then carry it two”(Matthew 5:41). This man is different, he cares for his household, as shown by the fact that he is affected by the sickness of one of his servants, admittedly one whom the centurion valued highly (Luke 7:2).
The Luke account tells us that he also took a benevolent interest in the local people, contributing to their well-being. His approach was a little like that of the British army in Basra and Afghanistan in recent times…defeat the men of violence, but work with the ordinary people. In fact the centurion had arranged the building of a synagogue and was so popular with the local Jews, that according to Luke he could ask elders to see Jesus on his behalf (Luke 7:3). Even at this level there is a challenge to us as strangers/citizens of heaven living in a foreign land. The challenge is two-fold: how can we utilise our God given resources for the benefit of those amongst whom we live; how can those with whom we come into contact hear about Jesus – The centurion heard of Jesus (Luke 7:3).
Authority of the man (v.5,9; Luke 7:6): As a centurion he was responsible for the well-being and fighting efficiency of one hundred soldiers as well as those in his household. He received and gave commands with the authority of the Roman Emperor and was used to having people do his will immediately. He had also by reputation gained some level of influence over the elders of the local synagogue. In the same way he would immediately carry out orders given by his superiors. He knew his place in the organised structure of the Roman army and as a member of the conquering, overwhelming military force. This man had rights, but he also had responsibilities, which is why his household and local Jewish leaders probably respected him.
How do we, you and I, handle authority? This might be a question to consider in the lead up to next Thursday’s members’ meeting. Hopefully the members will be prayerfully considering Arthur and Sue, who have been prepared to be nominated for the diaconate and seeking our Lord’s will regarding the vote that will need to be held. You see, if you are a member you have the right to attend the church meeting, to vote on the members of the diaconate and other issues on the agenda – but you also have the responsibility to join with the other members’ to seek the Lord’s will.
This leads us nicely to…
Authority of Jesus (v.8; Luke 7:6-7): In Matthew’s account the centurion approached Jesus soon after the latter had entered Capernaum seeking help for his severely ill servant. Luke’s account suggests that the centurion sent Jewish elders to Jesus. There are several significant common points in the accounts:-
- The Centurion recognises Jesus as a superior power – the power to heal his servant
- He acknowledges that he is not worthy of Jesus coming into his house – after all he is a gentile (dog to the Jews) and does not want the reputation of this Jewish teacher to be affected by entering his home.
- He expresses publically His faith that Jesus’ authority over illness and death is such that by just saying the word where they are, his servant back home will be healed.
This man is not worried about what people think about him, but intends to do all he can for his seriously servant, whilst being concerned for Jesus’ reputation.
Let’s just spend a few moments thinking quietly about this man’s faith…
Challenge of Jesus (vs.10-12; Luke 7:9): was to the people of Israel…God’s people…thus it is also to us who make up the Christian church. How does our faith, yours and mine, measure up against that of the Roman centurion? He came to Jesus physically…we can come to Jesus in prayer. Of course we can come together physically, by attending the prayer meetings we organise. One of the disappointments since starting the healing services has been the small number attending and because of my illness, I count myself amongst the disappointment. In the context of communion we could be taking the opportunity to pray for the sick of the church, the healing of our nation, the protection of the persecuted church, a greater awareness of the call and authority of Jesus in the areas we live. The centurion came to Jesus because he wanted to see his servant healed and believed that Jesus had the authority to do it. Contrast his faith with the Jewish leaders who portrayed Jesus as a blasphemer and tried to undermine his ministry because they were worried it would challenge their position of authority in the community. What holds you and me back from coming to Jesus openly when we can, rather than just when we want to. My prayer is that Jesus will increase your faith and mine individually and collectively through a fresh outpouring and infilling of the Holy Spirit, so that we get our faith focus right.
In Matthew’s account there is also a warning to his chosen people that others might take their place in the family of God through active faith in Jesus. Thus Jesus’ challenge is to active faith, through which He can change things and reveal His kingdom in our generation.
Confirmation of Jesus (v.13; Luke 7:10): This is just what he did, by healing the servant. Jesus sent told the centurion his servant was healed. When he arrived home, the centurion found that his servant had recovered at the very time Jesus had spoken words of healing in Capernaum. There have been many examples of this happening in the past and present and there will be in the future. A lady had an appointment with a surgeon to discuss a lump on the breast in preparation for surgery. That morning a prayer meeting was held in her church. At a certain time one of the congregation stated that they should stop praying for healing and start thanking God for the healing. The minister agreed and at the same time the woman felt she was healed and the scan she had that morning was completely clear. Of course this doesn’t happen all the time, but God can work in this way.
Conclusion: Our key verse for the year talks about Faith Focus – ”Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and now sits at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). Like the centurion we need to approach Jesus with our concerns, tell Him about them, expect Him to answer and accept His answer in faith. John Wimber, one of the advocates of ‘Power Healing’ said that faith is spelt R.I.S.K. If we are to be a people of faith then we also need to be risk takers, offering what we believe to be our God-given gifts, which includes time, to His service…beginning with the family of God expressed by the local church in its mission to reveal Jesus to the world. Amen.
Questions for further reflection
In who, or what do we put our trust? Does it vary in different situations?
Is trust the same as faith?
In whom do you put your faith? Does this vary in different situations?
Read Luke’s account of this story in chapter 7.
Think about the similarities/differences.
Why was Jesus so amazed by the Centurion? Explore this fully. Have you ever been amazed by someone else’s faith? Think about why?
What lessons can we learn as individuals and as a church from the Centurion and Jesus’ implied challenge to His followers (us)?