RPG Adults
HUMILITY THE MARK OF GREATNESS
THURSDAY, MAY 22
Luke 7:1-10
Matthew 18:1-4
“…Lord, trouble not thyself:
for I am not worthy…”
HUMILITY THE MARK OF GREATNESS
A centurion was a commander of a hundred men in the Roman army. As a high-ranking soldier, he possessed power and authority. Such a man came to Jesus for help. He had a beloved servant who was very sick and about to die. He had heard about Jesus, and requested the Jewish elders to beseech Jesus on his behalf. This reveals that he felt himself unworthy to speak to Jesus directly, and that he, though a Gentile, had a good relationship with the Jews. He loved the Jewish people, and had built a synagogue for them.
When Jesus was near his house, the centurion sent his friends to tell Jesus not to trouble Himself to come any nearer. He did not want to trouble the Lord any further, and did not consider himself worthy enough to have Jesus step into his home. He was probably aware of the fact that Jews do not enter Gentile homes for fear of being defiled. He showed himself to be very considerate. He also showed himself to be very humble. He felt totally unworthy to see Jesus face to face. He was happy if Jesus would just say a word from a distance. He truly believed that only the word of Jesus was needed to heal his servant; there was no need for Jesus to see or to touch his servant. There was also no need for him to see Jesus perform a miracle before his very eyes. That was why Jesus was so pleased with this centurion, and commended him so highly, “I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” Israel was proud, but this Gentile was humble. Israel sought His miracles, but this Gentile sought His Word. Jesus remarked that this centurion was more worthy to sit with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, than any of the Jews. Like the patriarchs, he had true faith.
THOUGHT: “Humility is the annihilation of self.” (Calvin)
PRAYER: Father, take away my pride and teach me humility.