The outsider understands - E malamalama le tagata ese

Scripture Focus: Mataio 8:5-13

When he came into Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking him, and saying, “Lord, my servant lies in the house paralyzed, grievously tormented.” Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” The centurion answered, “Lord, I’m not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I am also a man under authority, having under myself soldiers. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and tell another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and tell my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to those who followed, “Most certainly I tell you, I haven’t found so great a faith, not even in Israel. I tell you that many will come from the east and the west, and will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven, but the children of the Kingdom will be thrown out into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way. Let it be done for you as you have believed.” His servant was healed in that hour.
- Matthew 8:5-13 (WEB)

Study:

This passage presents a remarkable encounter between Jesus and a Roman centurion. This centurion, a man of power and authority within the occupying Roman force, demonstrates a faith that astonishes Jesus. Unlike many Israelites, he doesn’t presume upon a special relationship with God, but humbly recognizes his own unworthiness. He understands authority – his own – and believes Jesus possesses an even greater authority, capable of healing with a mere word. This understanding, this radical faith, is something Jesus finds exceptional. The passage highlights a significant theme: the inclusivity of God’s grace. It foreshadows a future where people from all nations will join God’s kingdom, something that challenges the expectations of those who believed it was reserved only for the Jewish people. Jesus’s response underscores the importance of faith, not ethnicity or social standing, in receiving God’s blessings. The contrast between the centurion’s faith and the potential fate of “the children of the Kingdom” serves as a powerful warning to those who rely on their lineage instead of genuine belief.

Application:

The story of the centurion speaks powerfully to us today. It challenges us to examine our own faith. Do we approach God with humility, recognizing our dependence on His grace? Or do we feel entitled to His blessings, simply because of our religious background or traditions? The centurion's faith wasn't based on religious ritual or upbringing, but on recognizing Jesus' authority. We are called to a similar faith – a faith that trusts in Jesus' power and accepts His authority in our lives. It also reminds us that God’s love and salvation are available to everyone, regardless of their background or nationality. We, as followers of Christ, are called to extend that same grace and acceptance to others.

Reflection Questions:

• How does the centurion's humility contrast with the attitudes of some religious leaders in Jesus' time?
• In what ways can we sometimes take God’s grace for granted?
• What does it mean to truly acknowledge Jesus’ authority in your life?
• How can we reflect God’s inclusivity, welcoming others into His kingdom regardless of their background?

Prayer:

Dear Lord, forgive us when we approach You with pride or entitlement. Help us to cultivate a humble faith like the centurion, recognizing Your immense power and authority. Open our hearts to embrace Your inclusive love and to share it with all those around us. Amen.

Tags: Faith, Romans, Centurion, Healing, Authority, Humility, Inclusivity, Grace, Salvation, Matthew 8, Jesus, Bible Study