Topical Bible: Kindness: Centurion to his Servant

◄ Kindness: Centurion to his Servant ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The account of the centurion and his servant is a profound illustration of kindness, faith, and humility, as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. This narrative highlights the compassionate nature of a Roman centurion towards his servant, showcasing a remarkable example of love and concern that transcends cultural and social boundaries.

Biblical Account

The account is found in Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10. In Matthew's account, the centurion approaches Jesus in Capernaum, pleading for the healing of his servant who is paralyzed and suffering terribly. The centurion's request is marked by humility and faith, as he acknowledges his unworthiness for Jesus to enter his home. Instead, he expresses confidence that Jesus can heal his servant with just a word: "But just say the word, and my servant will be healed" (Matthew 8:8).

Luke's account provides additional context, noting that the centurion sent Jewish elders to Jesus to make the request on his behalf. These elders commend the centurion to Jesus, saying, "He is worthy for You to grant this, for he loves our nation and has built our synagogue" (Luke 7:4-5). This detail underscores the centurion's respect and kindness towards the Jewish people, further highlighting his character.

Character of the Centurion

The centurion's actions reveal several key attributes:

1. Compassion: Despite his position of authority, the centurion shows deep concern for his servant, treating him with dignity and care. This compassion is noteworthy, as servants in Roman society were often regarded as mere property.

2. Humility: The centurion's humility is evident in his acknowledgment of Jesus' authority and his own unworthiness. He does not presume upon Jesus' power but approaches Him with reverence and respect.

3. Faith: Jesus marvels at the centurion's faith, stating, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith" (Matthew 8:10). The centurion's belief in Jesus' ability to heal from a distance demonstrates a profound understanding of divine authority.

Cultural and Social Context

The centurion's kindness is particularly striking given the cultural and social context of the time. As a Roman officer, he was part of the occupying force in Judea, a position that often led to tension with the local Jewish population. However, his actions reflect a bridge-building attitude, as evidenced by his support for the Jewish community and his respectful approach to Jesus.

Theological Implications

The narrative of the centurion and his servant offers rich theological insights. It exemplifies the universality of Jesus' ministry, extending grace and healing beyond the boundaries of ethnicity and social status. The centurion's faith serves as a model for believers, illustrating that true faith is not confined to religious or cultural identity but is characterized by trust in Jesus' authority and compassion for others.

Conclusion

The account of the centurion and his servant remains a timeless testament to the power of kindness, faith, and humility. It challenges believers to emulate the centurion's example by showing compassion to those under their care, regardless of societal norms or expectations. Through this narrative, the Gospel message of love and grace is vividly portrayed, inviting all to partake in the healing and transformative power of Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 7:2-6
And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick, and ready to die.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Centurion
... and treated with abuse and cruelty; but the centurion was tenderly ... that their religion
was superior to his own ... the service of God, and had shown kindness to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 32 the centurion.htm

In Rome
... At Rome the centurion Julius delivered up his prisoners ... with his usual tact and kindness,
the apostle ... greatly incensed because of the conduct of his servant. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 43 in rome.htm

How God Makes Trial of the Strength of Man's Will by Means of his ...
... come and heal him:" but when the centurion overcame this ... and that he must ever fly
to his Protector. ... something earthly, not as being equal in kindness, but as ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xiv how god makes.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... I pray thee send me good speed this day, and show kindness unto my ... his servant when
he was sick; but be as the good centurion, who kept his sick servant ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

Divine Healing.
... is recorded the healing of the centurion's servant: "Go thy ... And he gave her his hand,
and lifted her up ... barbarous people showed us no little kindness; for they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter ix divine healing.htm

The Crucifixion.
... In this heart now laid bare, That kindness back for ... It is so, indeed," replied the
centurion, pointing to ... Besides, for a complete certainty, his heart has been ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter ix the crucifixion.htm

Satan Considering the Saints
... derive instruction as to God's wisdom and love and kindness. ... supremacy and control,
and as the centurion said of ... and he doeth it, and to his servant, Go,' and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 11 1865/satan considering the saints.htm

Acts XXVIII
... Publius was not without a reward for his kindness. ... [567] It was probably the influence
of Julius, the centurion, in his favor, which obtained for Paul the ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxviii.htm

Matt. xviii. 21
... Since Cornelius also was a centurion, and Paul a worker ... not remind him of his master's
kindness, but he ... fierce than any wild beast, seizing his fellow-servant ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxi matt xviii 21.htm

Of the Navigation of King Agrippa to Rome, to Tiberius Caesar; and ...
... thou comest to it, either of my kindness to thee ... At which news the centurion was
exceedingly troubled, because he had done what might cost him his life, to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 of the navigation.htm