Topical Bible: Master: Good Master: The Centurion

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Master: Good Master

In the New Testament, the term "Master" is often used as a title of respect and authority, particularly in reference to Jesus Christ. The phrase "Good Master" is notably used in the account of the rich young ruler who approaches Jesus with a question about eternal life. In Mark 10:17-18 , the young man addresses Jesus as "Good Teacher," to which Jesus responds, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone." This exchange highlights the recognition of Jesus' moral authority and divine nature, as well as the understanding that true goodness is an attribute of God.

The use of "Master" in this context underscores the recognition of Jesus' authority and wisdom. It reflects the cultural and religious acknowledgment of a teacher or leader who possesses profound insight and moral integrity. In the broader biblical narrative, Jesus as "Master" signifies His role as the ultimate teacher and guide, whose teachings are rooted in divine truth and righteousness.

The Centurion

The account of the centurion is a significant narrative found in the Gospels, illustrating the themes of faith, authority, and humility. In Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10 , a Roman centurion approaches Jesus, seeking healing for his servant who is gravely ill. The centurion, a man of authority himself, recognizes the supreme authority of Jesus and expresses his faith by stating, "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).

This declaration of faith is met with admiration from Jesus, who remarks, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith" (Matthew 8:10). The centurion's understanding of authority, both his own and that of Jesus, is profound. He acknowledges that just as he commands his soldiers and they obey, so too can Jesus command healing with His word alone.

The centurion's account is a powerful testament to the universality of Jesus' ministry and the inclusivity of His message. Despite being a Gentile and a Roman officer, the centurion's faith transcends cultural and religious boundaries, demonstrating that faith in Jesus is accessible to all who believe, regardless of their background.

In the conservative Christian tradition, the centurion is often seen as an exemplar of faith and humility. His recognition of Jesus' divine authority and his humble approach serve as a model for believers, emphasizing the importance of faith in Christ's power and the acknowledgment of one's own unworthiness before God. The centurion's interaction with Jesus underscores the transformative power of faith and the boundless reach of God's grace.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 7:2
And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick, and ready to die.
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Library

Matt. viii. 14
... too, others besought Him, as also in the instance of the centurion's servant. ... Thus
to him again that said, "Good Master," and had thought by such flattery to ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxvii matt viii 14.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners.
... If the master threw him a crumb, the dog would seize it ... and leave it alone, as if
it were too good for him. ... the Gospel by Luke we read of the centurion who had ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sovereign grace/chapter iv grace abounding to.htm

John iv. 40-43
... might gain from Jesus not going, that knowledge which the centurion had of ... thing,
not even so must thou cease from speaking good of thy Master, but suffer ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxv john iv 40-43.htm

The Return to Capernaum - Healing of the Centurion's Servant.
... had heard and followed the call of Jesus; and here the good Centurion had in ... demands
of those who hungered after the Bread of Life, alike Master and disciples ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xix the return to.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... The centurion calls his servant, son. ... (1) In obeying his master in licitis et ... and
honest.' Servants, be subject to your masters; not only to the good and gentle ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

The Thirty ??ons are not Typified by the Fact that Christ was ...
... still "makes His sun to rise upon the good and upon ... at a distance, cured the son
of the centurion by a ... and then possessing the full age of a Master, [3131] He ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxii the thirty aeons are.htm

J. The Death and Burial. Ch. 23:44-56
... by the accompanying signs upon the Roman centurion, the Jewish ... of honorable estate,"
and Luke as "good and righteous ... now in the hour when his Master was most ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/j the death and burial.htm

In Rome
... At Rome the centurion Julius delivered up his prisoners to ... The good account which
he gave of Paul, together with ... had become willing to follow the Master in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 43 in rome.htm

Letter xiii. --To the Church at Nicomedia .
... Jerusalem James, and we Cappadocians the centurion, who at ... who are striving to resemble
their master fail to ... beautifully disposed or to find good spring water ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/letter xiii to the church at.htm

Acts xxvi. 30-32
... place suggested this same (which the master said), "being ... Accordingly observe how
the centurion does as he bids him ... is not likely to have a good reception, when ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily liii acts xxvi 30-32.htm