Leadership Lessons From The Life Of A Centurian Who Came To Jesus. Series

Introduction:

A Roman military commander who oversaw a unit of 100 soldiers was known as a centurion. The role of a centurion held significant responsibilities and was crucial to the success of the Roman military. Here are some key aspects of their role:

a. Leadership: Centurions were expected to provide strong leadership to their soldiers.

b. They were responsible for maintaining discipline, training, and organizing their unit effectively.

c. Planning and Executing Strategies and Tactics

d. Administration: Centurions were responsible for the administrative tasks within their unit. This included overseeing the distribution of supplies, maintaining equipment, and keeping records of their soldiers.

e. Morale and Welfare: Centurions were expected to care for the well-being of their soldiers. They had to ensure their soldiers were adequately provisioned, properly rested, and motivated for battle.

f. Liaison with Higher Command: Centurions served as a vital link between the soldiers and higher-ranking officers. They conveyed orders, reported on the status of their unit, and provided feedback to their superiors.

g. Leading by Example: Centurions were expected to set an example of courage, discipline, and dedication. They were often at the forefront of battles, leading their soldiers by personal example, and demonstrating the virtues of bravery and loyalty.

Let us learn from the Leadership Qualities of the life of the Centurian who came to Jesus for the healing of his servant!

Matthew 8: 5 - 13

1. The Leader with Humility:

Vs. 5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,...

He was Humble enough to come and meet Jesus in person and could have sent subordinators or a group of the remaining 99 servants or even all 99 servants.

- Every branch that has fruit is bent, (Humility) that does not have fruit stands straight (Pride)

2. The Leader with Love and Compassion:

- for even one servant who was sick (weaker section/minority), though the other 99 were healthy

Vs. 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. Vs. 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

3. The Leader who honours the spiritual authority:

Vs. 8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

Vs. 9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

Independent Leadership is dangerous - Interdependent Leadership will always makes a Leader a strong leader.

Proverbs 27:17 - As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

Iron cannot sharpen itself; it has to have something which is far stronger to sharpen it.

A honing rod is primarily used for realigning and maintaining the existing edge of a blade, while a sharpening rod is used for more aggressive sharpening and removing metal to create a new edge.

• Difference between Permission & Information

Permission is Leader’s decision and Information is your own decision

Authorities God has placed:

• On the earth and in Heaven - God is the final Authority

• In the family - Husband to wife, Parents to Children, Among Children - Older to younger

• At Church - Pastor

• At Work - Your superior

• In the State or Country - Rulers of the land

• Leadership is always not leading, it is also about learning

• A Leader who fails to learn will fail to lead

• There’s no retirement for learning.

4. The Leader who has an outstanding Character - whose faith was commended greatly:

Vs. 10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

• Character vs Reputation

Your Private life defines your Character

Your Public life represents your Reputation

Your Character must always be more than your reputation

5. The Leader who trusts / Believes God / Relies on divine ability / not on himself

Vs. 13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the same hour.

• A leader who does not rely on God is a self-made leader.

Lady with the issue of blood, believed first then she experienced a miracle.

Some say, let God do the miracle, then I will believe in Him. Israelites did see the miracles all their lives most

tangible, yet they did not believe in God and wanted to go back to Egypt.

May the Lord establish His Leadership Qualities in us! May we submit to His doings in our lives!

God bless!

Peter Naveen

Hyderabad, India