For January 13, 2012
Prepare: When did I last see my faith bringing good to someone in need?
Read: Luke 7:1-10
The Centurion's concern for his servant stands as a striking challenge to today's world, where there are still bonded-labourers, mistreated subordinates and oppressed workers.
Man of Character: Living at a time when servants or slaves were considered as 'living tools', this centurion was different. He valued the servant highly and did not want him to die. He knew that Jesus alone could save him and feeling himself unworthy, he sent some Jewish elders to approach Jesus on his behalf.
The Jews hated the gentiles and this was reciprocated by the gentiles. However, in this instance, the Jewish elders were only too pleased to take the message to Jesus and they pleaded earnestly with Him. The centurion was a friend of the Jewish nation and had a synagogue built for them. Like Cornelius in the Book of Acts, this unnamed man was a God-fearing gentile. What is our attitude towards individuals who work for us and for people of other faiths? What are the ways in which we could bring them to God?
Man of Faith and Humility: His addressing Jesus as 'Lord' indicates that the centurion believed in the divine Lordship of Jesus and His power over disease. The sincerity, sensitivity, humanity, love and faith in the gentile Roman officer amazed Jesus and evoked a great testimony. Indeed the centurion had a much better understanding about Jesus, than the Jewish religious authorities.
Respond: Lord, open the eyes of my understanding that I may exercise my faith in You for the welfare of others.
Prepare: When did I last see my faith bringing good to someone in need?
Read: Luke 7:1-10
The Centurion's concern for his servant stands as a striking challenge to today's world, where there are still bonded-labourers, mistreated subordinates and oppressed workers.
Man of Character: Living at a time when servants or slaves were considered as 'living tools', this centurion was different. He valued the servant highly and did not want him to die. He knew that Jesus alone could save him and feeling himself unworthy, he sent some Jewish elders to approach Jesus on his behalf.
The Jews hated the gentiles and this was reciprocated by the gentiles. However, in this instance, the Jewish elders were only too pleased to take the message to Jesus and they pleaded earnestly with Him. The centurion was a friend of the Jewish nation and had a synagogue built for them. Like Cornelius in the Book of Acts, this unnamed man was a God-fearing gentile. What is our attitude towards individuals who work for us and for people of other faiths? What are the ways in which we could bring them to God?
Man of Faith and Humility: His addressing Jesus as 'Lord' indicates that the centurion believed in the divine Lordship of Jesus and His power over disease. The sincerity, sensitivity, humanity, love and faith in the gentile Roman officer amazed Jesus and evoked a great testimony. Indeed the centurion had a much better understanding about Jesus, than the Jewish religious authorities.
Respond: Lord, open the eyes of my understanding that I may exercise my faith in You for the welfare of others.
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