The faith of the Centurion asks big questions of us. The way it follows Jesus’ main teaching in Luke added to his amazement at the Centurion indicates it exemplifies that teaching.
“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. [Luke 6:20]
The centurion, rich enough to build a synagogue, expresses poverty by telling Jesus,
I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. [Luke 7:6]
Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. [Luke 6:21]
This roman officer, demonstrated hunger when a “servant [he] valued highly, was sick and about to die.”
Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
He who would have seen much death was upset at its coming through this servant.
Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. [Luke 6:22]
This gentile Roman who would never have been received in a Jewish home, had shown love by building their synagogue!
The Question? Do I have faith to see through God’s eyes my need and loss? Do I have faith to believe that God has power to transform the situation with a single word?
But say the word, and my servant will be healed. [Luke 7:7]
God looks for generous hearted people, willing to risk all because God is big enough; willing to give all out of their poverty for others, even those who have illtreated them. Am I willing to be such a person?