What lessons from Matthew 8:9 can be applied to our daily obedience? Setting the Scene “ ‘For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one to go, and he goes; and another to come, and he comes; and I say to my servant, “Do this,” and he does it.’” (Matthew 8:9) The Roman centurion’s brief statement captures why Jesus marveled at his faith. He understood how authority works—an insight that still shapes our daily obedience. Authority Illustrated: The Centurion’s Insight • He knew he was “under authority” before he exercised authority. • He expected immediate action because his men trusted both his word and the system backing it. • He transferred that logic to Jesus: if a soldier obeys a centurion, how much more should creation obey its Lord. Lesson 1: Obedience Begins with Recognizing Jesus’ Absolute Authority • Jesus’ word carries divine weight: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” (Matthew 28:18) • Daily obedience starts by settling who is in charge. When Scripture speaks, debate ends. • Practical step: open each day with a conscious acknowledgment—“Lord, Your orders override my preferences.” Lesson 2: Submission Unlocks Faith-Filled Confidence • The centurion didn’t feel worthy for Jesus to enter his house (Matthew 8:8), yet he was bold enough to expect a miracle. • Humble submission and confident expectation live together; they’re not opposites. • James 4:7 links the two: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Victory flows from yielded hearts. Lesson 3: Speak-and-Do—Instant, Unquestioning Response • Soldiers didn’t negotiate timing or method; they moved. • Scripture portrays the same standard: “Whatever He tells you, do it.” (John 2:5) • Replace delayed obedience (“I’ll get around to it”) with prompt action—phone the person, forgive the debt, delete the temptation. Lesson 4: Order in God’s Household • Authority lines run through family (Ephesians 6:1-3), church (Hebrews 13:17), and workplace (Colossians 3:22-24). • Respecting delegated authority honors the One who delegates it. • When instructions contradict God’s Word, “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) Otherwise, compliance is part of worship. Lesson 5: Faith Manifested in Action • Jesus called the centurion’s insight “great faith.” (Matthew 8:10) • Hebrews 11 marries belief and action—Noah built, Abraham journeyed, Rahab welcomed. • Obedience is faith with work boots on. If belief remains theoretical, it isn’t biblical faith (James 2:17). Putting It into Practice Today 1. Start every decision with the question, “What has my Commander already said?” Check Scripture first. 2. Respond immediately when the Spirit brings a clear directive—apology, generosity, service. 3. Honor legitimate authorities as training for honoring Christ. 4. Keep a journal of “orders obeyed” to trace God’s faithfulness and strengthen future obedience. 5. Remember: the One who issues the command also supplies the power (Philippians 2:13). |
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