A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

THE FAITH OF THE CENTURION

Matthew 8:13 “Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment.” (Read Matthew 8:5-13) 

People from a diversity of backgrounds came to Jesus. Yesterday’s devotion was about a leper, an outcast from society, coming to Jesus for assistance. Today’s devotional verses focus upon a Roman Centurion coming to Jesus, not for himself, but that Jesus would heal his servant. Once again, the Centurion represents someone who you would least expect to come to Jesus (a Jew) for help.   

The Centurion, self-described himself as a man of authority. Nevertheless, he had no answers and no power to heal his paralyzed servant. He came to Jesus and said, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” (verse 8) He recognized and believed Jesus had authority that even included authority over the paralysis of his servant.  

Jesus said of the Centurion, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” Jesus then said to the Centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment.” 

Jesus invites you to come to Him when you are weak, alone, helpless and in despair. He says to you, “Ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7) His invitation is to all. To lepers, Centurions and to you. Your place or condition in this life has no bearing upon how Jesus will respond to you. Note that Jesus did not heal the servant because the man making the request was a Centurion. Jesus said, “I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. . . Let it be done just as you believed it would.” (Matthew 8:10,13) Trust in the Lord with all your heart . . .  

Prayer: Lord, send Your Spirit into my heart to strengthen my faith and trust in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Consider how the birds above
Feed day by day with carefree ease
Does God not keep them in His love?
Are we not worth much more than these? 

The lilies grow, they do not toil;
How fair is their fragility
If God clothes these, which quickly spoil,
Will He not clothe both you and me? 

Set not your heart on food or drink,
Nor be weighed down by worldly care;
About such things the godless think,
Yet never thank the Lord in prayer. 

Be on your guard against all greed,
For life is more than what we own.
Our Father knows our ev’ry need
Before our needs to us are known. 

Be not afraid to suffer loss
Of all the things for which you pray,
For He who faced for you the cross
Will give you strength to live each day. 

Seek firs God’s reign, His boundless grace,
His holy name in all you do;
Christ first and last in ev’ry place;
All else will then be given you.

Consider How the Birds Above - LSB 736