Topical Bible: Love: Centurion for his Servant

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The account of the centurion's love for his servant is a profound illustration of faith, humility, and compassion, as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. This narrative highlights the centurion's deep concern for his servant, demonstrating a love that transcends social and cultural barriers.

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, yet expresses confidence in Jesus' authority to heal with just a word. Jesus responds to the centurion's faith, saying, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith" (Matthew 8:10). The servant is healed at that very moment.

Luke's account provides additional details, noting that the centurion sent Jewish elders to Jesus on his behalf, who testified to the centurion's love for the Jewish nation and his role in building their synagogue. This further underscores the centurion's character and the respect he commanded among the Jewish people.

Cultural and Historical Context

The centurion was a Roman officer, typically commanding a hundred soldiers. As a Gentile and a representative of the occupying Roman forces, he would have been viewed with suspicion or hostility by many Jews. Despite this, the centurion's actions reveal a man of compassion and respect for the Jewish faith and people. His love for his servant is evident in his willingness to seek help from Jesus, a Jewish teacher, breaking through cultural and religious barriers.

Theological Significance

The centurion's love for his servant is a testament to the universal nature of God's love and the power of faith. His actions exemplify the Christian virtues of humility, compassion, and faith. The centurion's recognition of Jesus' authority and his belief in Jesus' power to heal from a distance reflect a profound understanding of divine authority, which Jesus commends.

This narrative also foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in the kingdom of God, as Jesus' ministry extends beyond the Jewish people. The centurion's faith serves as a model for all believers, illustrating that faith is not confined to ethnic or religious boundaries but is accessible to all who recognize and trust in Jesus' authority.

Practical Application

The account of the centurion and his servant encourages believers to demonstrate love and compassion across cultural and social divides. It challenges Christians to exercise faith in Jesus' power and authority, trusting in His ability to intervene in their lives and the lives of others. The centurion's example calls for humility and a recognition of one's own unworthiness, coupled with a confident faith in Christ's mercy and grace.

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 Return to Capernaum - Healing of the Centurion's Servant.
... The Centurion was simply one who had learned to love ... in his official position, but
from love and reverence ... perhaps in C??sarea; or in his family relationships ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xix the return to.htm

The Centurion
... But the centurion, born in heathenism, educated in the idolatry of imperial Rome ...
all along the way the people came, longing for His words of love and pity ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 32 the centurion.htm

Healing of the Heathen Centurion's Slave at Capernaum. --The ...
... His love and care for a faithful slave [419] shows how ... The centurion heard that Christ,
in compliance with the request ... he not have employed one of his hosts of ...
/.../section 160 healing of the.htm

In Rome
... At Rome the centurion Julius delivered up his prisoners ... in my prayers, hearing of
thy love and faith ... was greatly incensed because of the conduct of his servant. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 43 in rome.htm

The Servant of the Lord
... Thus the kindly centurion, when he would bespeak our Lord's ... of the Messiah when He
assumed His throne ... in turning away single souls from their love and practice ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the servant of the lord.htm

The Faith which Christ Praises
... 'Speak the word and my servant shall be healed,' said the centurion. ... we had made
this man to walk?' Christ takes as His due all the honour, love, and trust ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the faith which christ praises.htm

The Servant's Triumph
... done nothing amiss.' Listen to the Centurion telling the ... fault in Him,' while those
that love Him rejoice ... that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the servants triumph.htm

Letter Xlii. To Chilo, his Disciple.
... for God, when afterwards from his mad love of women ... invite you with many pleas to
enter his house, let ... be told to follow the faith of the centurion, who, when ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter xlii to chilo his.htm

The Servant and the Slaves
... Thus the kindly centurion, who besought Jesus to come and heal ... my will, and fill
my heart with Thy love; and then ... He will bring you to share in His temper of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the servant and the slaves.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... Know them which labour among you and are over you in the Lord, and esteem them very
highly in love for their work's ... The centurion calls his servant, son. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm