Gentiles

The Centurion of great faith (Matthew 8:5-13) – an imaginary rendering and important point

With armour glistening in the Galilean sun, a Roman Centurion strode boldly towards Jesus. He removed his helmet and said, “Lord, my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering.” Peter and Andrew flashed their eyes at each other. They knew this soldier; he worshipped the God of Israel and had built a synagogue for the Jews in Capernaum (Lk 7:5). But Jesus didn’t need to know; he could see the Roman’s heart. “I will go and heal him,” he said. The Centurion’s eyes dropped to the ground for a moment as he scanned his mind for a solution. They both knew that a Jew entering a Gentile’s home would create unnecessary problems. The Centurion cleared his throat and said, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof.” Then putting his helmet back on, he looked directly into Jesus’ eyes as only a military man would and said, “Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” He paused to see if Jesus was understanding. Then said, “I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one ‘Go’, and he goes.” Jesus raised his eyebrows. He was astonished! He turned to his Jewish followers, and said, “I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith!” Then confronting the Centurion, he said, “Go! It will be done just as you believed.” The Centurion gave a small bow, turned on his heels and went. His servant was healed that very moment. More