Sermon Central
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A Man Under Authority
Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Nov 18, 2002 (message contributor)
Summary: The Roman centurion was the only man that caused the Lord Jesus to "marvel". We should strive to grow in faith realizing that "without faith it is impossible to please Him".
A MAN UNDER AUTHORITY
"For I also am a man under authority, with solders under me; and I say to this one, ’Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ’Come!’ and he comes, and to my servant, ’Do this!’ and he does it." Matthew 8:9.
I COMPASSION EXPRESSED
The one showing compassion: The Roman Centurion did not send for Jesus but came to Jesus himself: "a centurion came to Him…"
The manner in which compassion was shown: "pleading with Him…"
The one for which compassion was shown: "…my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented."
The centurion’s compassion rewarded: "And Jesus said to him, I will come and heal him."
II FAITH EXPRESSED
The humble manner in which it was expressed: "The centurion answered and said, ’Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed." Matthew 8:8.
A faith that recognized the authority of the Lord Jesus: "For I also am a man under authority, with solders under me; and I say to this one, ’Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ’Come!’ and he comes, and to my servant, ’Do this!’ and he does it." Matthew 8:9.
III FAITH COMMENDED
"When Jesus heard it…" Every time we go to the Lord humbly seek- ing His blessing, He hears us. "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles." Psalm 34:17.
"He marveled…" The centurion was the only person whose faith caused Jesus to marvel. Perhaps because it was he was a Roman soldier, a Gentile or perhaps it was because it occurred so early in His ministry.
The Lord’s commendation: "…and said to those who followed, ’Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel." Matthew 8:10.
IV FAITH PROVED
After declaring that salvation is based on one’s faith and not on one’s ancestry, "Then Jesus said to the centurion, ’Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you." The proof of the centurion’s faith would be seen in what he saw when he returned to his home.
IV FAITH REWARDED
The centurion’s faith stood the test: "And his servant was healed that same hour."
