A Centurion

Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented. 

Matthew 8:5-6 

Faith knows no nationality. The text before us speaks of a centurion of the Roman army. He was not of the nation of Israel, but rather an officer in the occupying army of Imperial Rome. Rome despised Israel, as the attitude of Pilate reflects. Therefore, it is rather remarkable that this centurion came to Jesus. Herein we see the exceptional Person Christ is, as well as the sovereign plan of God. This centurion is one of the few people whose faith Christ commends. God has, throughout history chosen unusual people to display faith. We may look back in history to people like Ruth and Rahab to find other examples of those who in the sovereign plan of God demonstrated that God grants faith to people whom others would judge as very unlikely candidates for grace.  In this case, the centurion steps up to show what Christ would later describe as greater faith than He had found anywhere in Israel. We ought not feel as if we are to unworthy to have great faith in Christ. We may consider ourselves to be outsiders, yet Christ makes Himself available to those who are unlikely candidates for grace. 

Our Great and Gracious God, 
we rejoice that You condescend to those of us who are of low estate. 
We praise You that You choose whom You will, 
even those that others would pass over. 

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning