Luke 7:1-10 Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum….10 And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.

So there are several nuggets that jump out to me as I read this text again (now mind you these are just my random thoughts while walking thru the text):

1. I had to refresh my English skills to see that the Centurion did not already know Jesus (vs 2 And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die). Because Jesus was referred to as Him in vs 1 (Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum) it took me a minute to realize it was not the same him. I was reading too fast.

2. The Centurion sent Jewish Elders to Jesus; this Centurion obviously had clout because he sent Jews to do his bidding. He was also obviously responsible for building the synagogue; (And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, “for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue.”); now what’s not clear is to whom they referred because I’m not sure that the servant was even a thought in the Jewish elders eyes but this Centurion definitely was.

3. What happened between asking for Jesus to come and Jesus beginning His journey to the Centurion; that he determined Jesus should not come? Didn’t he know before he asked that he wasn’t worthy? Or is that in desperation he heard Jesus saves and immediately without thought ask for Jesus’ help only then to realize who Jesus really was. Something clicked after the centurion made his request known. Interesting

4. Then he also realized just how powerful Jesus’ authority was. The centurion noticed that in his own life authority gave him both obligations and privileges (vs 8 For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”). Now hearing the stories and understanding the authority in which Jesus had. He only needed to (But say the word, and my servant will be healed). Wow!! What an assessment.

5. After hearing the research, evaluation of the data, and final conclusion of this Centurion: Jesus (vs 9 He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!”). Now this was an incredible proclamation to the Jewish crowd because He was in no clever way saying that this outsider (most likely Roman) had greater faith than all that were in the nation of Israel. That in itself is pretty bold to declare, but also humbling as a Jew to hear.

6. Lastly, Jesus has always and will always reward Faith. (And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick). Just like He healed the servant because of the Centurion’s Faith, He will step in and change the situation we have Faith in.

7. What are your conclusions to that you’ve been researching, evaluating?? Did it end in Faith to believe Jesus is the same one they healed this servant? Increase your faith because of who Jesus is. This Bible is full of truth about Jesus, but this world is also full of people who’ve experienced Jesus for themselves. Have Faith.