Topical Bible: Servants: Good: Servants of Centurion

◄ Servants: Good: Servants of Centurion ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the New Testament, the account of the centurion's servant is a profound illustration of faith, authority, and compassion. This narrative is found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, where the centurion, a Roman officer, demonstrates remarkable faith in Jesus Christ, which is intricately connected to his relationship with his servant.

Biblical Account

The account is primarily recounted 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 notable for its humility and understanding of authority. He tells Jesus, "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 statement reflects the centurion's deep respect for Jesus' authority and power.

In Luke's account, the centurion sends Jewish elders to Jesus to make the request on his behalf, emphasizing his worthiness through his love for the Jewish nation and his contribution to building their synagogue (Luke 7:4-5). This detail highlights the centurion's good character and the respect he commanded among the Jewish people.

Character of the Servant

While the servant himself is not described in detail, the centurion's concern for him indicates a relationship that transcends the typical master-servant dynamic of the time. The centurion's willingness to seek out Jesus and his expression of faith on behalf of his servant suggest that the servant was valued and cared for, reflecting the centurion's benevolent leadership.

Faith and Authority

The centurion's understanding of authority is central to the narrative. As a military officer, he recognizes the power of command and applies this understanding to Jesus' spiritual authority. He acknowledges that just as he commands soldiers and they obey, Jesus can command healing with a word. 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). This commendation underscores the centurion's exemplary faith, which is rooted in his recognition of Jesus' divine authority.

Implications for Servanthood

The account of the centurion and his servant offers insights into the nature of servanthood and leadership. The centurion's care for his servant and his faith in Jesus serve as a model for Christian leaders, emphasizing the importance of compassion, humility, and faith. The servant, though not the focus of the narrative, is a recipient of divine grace through the faith of his master, illustrating the blessings that can flow from righteous leadership.

Conclusion

The account of the centurion's servant is a testament to the power of faith and the impact of godly leadership. It challenges believers to exercise faith in Christ's authority and to care for those under their charge with compassion and integrity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 8:9
For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my servant, Do this, and he does it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Way to Honor
... So according to Solomon, good servants obtained honor as the ... were far better relations
between servants and masters ... Testament we read of the centurion who so ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the way to honor.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... (7) Be careful of your servants, not only in ... and be not like the Amalekite, who forsook
his servant when he was sick; but be as the good centurion, who kept ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

'All Things are Yours'
... the Lord,' and to whom, as the centurion said, He ... of which we know nothing, all God's
servants shall, even ... host, then all weathers will be good; 'stormy winds ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/all things are yours.htm

A Soldier's Training
... of the heathen, was a Roman centurion likewise ... which makes a good soldier, and a
good Christian likewise ... duty therein, as faithful soldiers and servants of Christ ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon iv a soldiers training.htm

Julian the Apostate.
... The consequence is undeniable,"such works are good proofs of a divine ... that, beside
men-servants and maid-servants,' Cornelius, a Roman centurion at C??sarea ...
//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/the person of christ/julian the apostate.htm

John iv. 40-43
... Jesus not going, that knowledge which the centurion had of ... A fact which roused the
servants also, for they perhaps ... not only to bring him the good news, but ...
/.../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.
... that the military language of the Centurion only meant ... power who obeyed Jesus, as
soldiers or servants do their ... lay the real fitness' of this good soldier for ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xix the return to.htm

The Great Duty of Family Religion
... of Job, Joshua, and the Gentile centurion, they would ... give any countenance to children
and servants to disregard ... are all of them holy, just, and good; and the ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the great duty of family.htm

Letter Lxxi. To Lucinius.
... of my Lucinius was foreshadowed in Cornelius, "centurion of the ... anoints His body
with the ointment of good works. ... when he was assailed by the servants had to ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxxi to lucinius.htm

Matt. xviii. 21
... Since Cornelius also was a centurion, and Paul a worker ... let us bring thee to thy
fellow-servants, to Joseph ... who suffered countless things, and did good unto his ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxi matt xviii 21.htm