Sunday, May 19: I myself am a man under authority

Read Luke 7:1-10

When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. There a centurion's servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, "This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue." 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. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 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."

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." Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.

Reflect

The Roman centurion must have learned a thing or two about what it meant to have authority over others, as revealed in how he cared for his servant. He understood that authority and surrender go together. Not only did he value those who served under him, but he also recognized authority in Jesus and surrendered to him. What's your relationship with authority and surrender like? Have you been in a position of power or influence over others? What did it look like?

Respond

Dear Jesus, teach us to humble ourselves. Teach us to surrender. Teach us to use our influence for good, for others. Humble us so that you, Jesus, can be lifted high! Amen.

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