Eld Chew Chong Kiat

Introduction

Faith is a gift from God. It is marvelous, and by it, God is glorified. Let us consider the account of Jesus healing a centurion’s paralyzed servant in Capernaum.

As an aside, the accounts recorded by Matthew and Luke appear different. Did the centurion go in person to meet Jesus? Matthew’s account seems to imply so, while Luke explains that the centurion, feeling unworthy, sent the elders of the Jews to speak on his behalf.

In his commentary on Matthew, Albert Barnes pointed out a Jewish maxim—now also recognized in law: “What a man does by another, he does himself.” So, although the centurion made his request through the elders, Matthew recorded it as if he had made the request directly. There is no contradiction.

Let us now study this account and reflect on the marvel of faith.

1. The Wonder of the Centurion's Faith

This centurion, though not part of the commonwealth of Israel, believed that Jesus is God. Though he did not possess the privileges of the Jews—to whom were entrusted the revelations of God and the ordinances that pointed to the Messiah—the crumbs of grace that fell from their table were enough for him. He believed, while the vast majority of Israel remained in unbelief.

The marvel of his faith is seen in his request to our Lord: "Say in a word, and my servant shall be healed" (Luke 7:7b). He recognized Jesus as one possessing authority over disease, just as he himself had authority over his soldiers. “Say in a word” demonstrates the power of God’s Word over his servant’s paralysis. It emphasizes God's omnipotence. Christ did not have to be present to do the healing. This demonstrates the omnipresence of Christ. The centurion saw clearly that Jesus of Nazareth was God incarnate!

His faith shone all the more brightly against the backdrop of widespread unbelief among the Jews, which grieved the heart of the Saviour.

This faith is a gift from God to all whom He calls—not of works. Not all men have this faith. If God has worked such faith in us, let us marvel and rejoice! It does not matter if we did not enjoy the same privileges as others—such as growing up in a Christian home, learning the word of truth from childhood, or being part of a faithful ministry of God's truth and ordinances—as long as we possess this gift of faith.

In contrast, we must stand in fear if we have enjoyed these privileges and yet believe not. Heed Jesus’s solemn warning in Matthew 8:11–12: "And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

The Jews were the children of the kingdom by virtue of God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—but they entered not into the kingdom because of unbelief. As a nation, Israel had everything ordained by God to help them recognise the Saviour when He came. In contrast, all Gentiles near and far were rooted in idolatry. Yet Jesus said that Gentiles from the east and west, believing the gospel of the kingdom, inherited the blessings with the faithful patriarchs.

Likewise, many children of Christian parents enjoy rich spiritual privileges in the church and covenant home, and yet have no faith—and will perish. Others may spend years in the house of God, the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Tim 3:15), partaking of the ordinances—and tragically, they remain without faith and will one day hear the Saviour say: "Depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:23)

This centurion was blessed because he believed. Whatever light he had, he received and believed. His request was granted, and his faith honoured. That is the marvel of faith—a childlike faith. Taking God at His word without doubt, trusting that what is spoken shall be done. Do not mistake childish faith to be childlike, simple faith. How strong and mature is the faith of this centurion! Do you have such faith?

2. The Humility of the Centurion

The centurion’s faith was evident in his humility. See what he said of himself: "I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof... neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee" (Luke 7:6–7). This was in stark contrast to the elders’ testimony, who said, "He is worthy for whom you should do this." Being a man of stature and prestige did not make him arrogant.

Humility is one of the strongest evidences of genuine faith. A true sight of our depravity and wretchedness will compel us to seek Christ to make us whole. In this man, Luke 18:14 is exemplified: "Everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

He was honoured by Christ and held up as an example of faith. Would you be exalted? Then walk with Christ through the valley of humility. What do you have that is not from Him? Therefore, give Him the glory. Do you possess such humility?

3. The Kindness of the Centurion

The marvel of the centurion’s faith is also seen in his kindness. Though a man of great authority, he did not abuse it. He was not harsh toward his servant, but sought healing for him with great care and compassion humbly appealing through the elders because he considered himself unworthy.

He showed remarkable kindness to the Jews, even as a Gentile Roman officer. The elders testified: "He loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue" (Luke 7:5)—likely at his own expense, out of love for the Lord and His Word.

We are called to show this same kindness in a harsh and self-serving world. Wherever God has placed us, let others see the kindness of God through us. Do you use your influence and power to bless others, especially the lowly and unseen? Or are we kind only to those who are kind to us or whom we can benefit from?

4. The Power of God Is Not Limited by Means

Lastly, the marvel of the centurion’s faith is revealed in the healing itself. The servant, grievously tormented and at the point of death (Matthew 8:6; Luke 7:2), was healed “in a word” (Luke 7:7).

Upon hearing the request, Jesus set out to meet the man (Matthew 8:7). That was Jesus’s modus operandi hitherto, perhaps to aid the weaker faith of those involved. God can work with or without means. By His words, the heaven and earth were created out of nothing, He could heal a servant by merely saying a word.

The centurion believed this. Do we?

Are we limited in our faith in God’s power by what our eyes can see and our minds can conceive? Naaman the leprous general was offended when Elijah did not come to him and stand and call upon the name of the LORD and strike his hands over his leprosy to heal him. (2Kings 5). It was not how he envisaged himself being healed, he had certain expectations of how it should be done. Are we like Naaman or the centurion? Do we doubt God when things do not go as we expect?

God’s ways are not our ways. He will do His will—His way. Let us be still, fear not and believe—and we shall see the salvation of God!

Amen.