What can we learn about humility from the centurion's response in Matthew 8:8?

The Centurion’s Humble Declaration

“Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” (Matthew 8:8)

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What Humility Looks Like in This Moment

• Recognizes personal unworthiness: “I am not worthy”

• Exalts Christ’s authority: “Lord… just say the word”

• Places another’s need above his own status: focuses on the servant’s healing

• Avoids demanding physical proof: trusts Jesus’ spoken word alone

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How Scripture Echoes This Humility

• God “opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6)

• “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart” (Psalm 51:17)

• Isaiah 66:2—God looks “favorably on the one who is humble and contrite in spirit”

• Luke 18:13–14—tax collector’s humble cry leads to justification

• Philippians 2:5–8—Christ Himself models self-emptying humility

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Key Lessons for Daily Life

• Authority belongs to Jesus, not us

– Submit to His Word even when we cannot see the outcome

• True humility begins with a right view of God’s holiness and our need

– No merit, résumé, or pedigree earns His favor

• Intercede for others more than for our own comfort

– Like the centurion, seek blessing for those under our care

• Believe that Christ’s spoken promises are enough

– We don’t need extra signs to trust what He has already said

• Honor Christ publicly

– The centurion’s confession before the crowd points others to Jesus

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Putting It into Practice

• Start prayer with confession of His greatness and your need

• When God’s Word speaks, obey without demanding additional evidence

• Use your influence to serve, not to be served (Matthew 20:28)

• Celebrate every answer to prayer as proof of His authority, not your worthiness

• Continually cast your cares on Him, “because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7)