The Centurion's servant

Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 7:1-10

Matthew records the centurion coming to Jesus himself while Luke's account says he sent elders of the Jews. Sending people on your behalf is regarded as doing it yourself in many cultures of the world even today.

Taking our story from Matthew.

The centurion had faith in Jesus and he acted on his faith by asking him to heal his paralysed servant.

The centurion, being a man under authority understood the power of the spoken word in the natural realm (as far as the military was concerned) and hence was able to appreciate the authority of Jesus in the spiritual realm.

It can be said that this man had great faith because he had pondered on the authority of the spoken word.

In the military commands are obeyed, not debated. A military leader who understands his authority controls his troops with the word of his command.

In like manner, Jesus word is a command to the powers of darkness and a Christian who understands this can use those words of authority by faith.

Jesus words are spirit and life (John 6:63). Even nature obeys his word - (Matthew 8:23-27, Matthew 21:18-22). We too can use the authority of the spoken word by faith. Mark 11:22-24.

The spiritual realm responds to the word of faith. Lets not be careless with our speech. Put God's in your heart and faith will come out of your mouth. Our confessions are vital because they determine our salvation.

"For with the heart one believes to righteousness and with the mouth confession is made to salvation" Romans 10:10

Questions
Luke 7:1-10, Matthew 8:5-13

1. How did the centurion act on his faith ?
2. What helped the centurion to understand authority of Jesus' spoken word?
3. How can we use the authority in the word of Jesus ?
4. What did Jesus say about the centurion's faith?
5. How does a person get "great faith" ?