And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.
Luke 7:3
Dear Church and Friends,
We all know the truth about ourselves. Even when others speak well of us we know the reality. The elders that come to Jesus tell him why the Centurion is worthy, “For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.” This is why Jesus should pay attention to the man’s request.
He was accomplished, only the best of the Roman Legion could rise to the rank of Centurion. He was a leader of men and understood how to manage a large fighting force. He was wealthy, so much so that he was able to pay for the synagogue’s construction. He was most likely in the process of proselytizing, to convert to Judaism. The elders said, “That he was worthy for whom he should do this.”
Do those things make a man worthy? Does merit equal worthiness? The great thing about the Centurion is that he knew it didn’t. He doesn’t try to leverage his position, wealth, or good will to get what he wants. He says twice, I’m not worthy.
- Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: (7:6)
- Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. (7:7)
Jesus was amazed at this man’s faith, which begins here with his opinion of himself. He was not worthy and he knew it. The thing that sometimes hinders our faith is that we think we are deserving of his good will. Faith always starts with humility. Until you can lay aside merit and what you think you deserve, and take up humility and poverty of spirit there is no blessing. Not even if the elders brag on your goodness.
Music: Something That The World Didn’t Give Me by the Marshall Family.
Consider supporting Creek Road Baptist Church through the Amazon Smile program. Use this link to select Creek Road Baptist Church as your designated charity. Once you have made this selection simply begin using Smile.Amazon.com (instead of using Amazon.com). No credits are available using just Amazon.com. Please contact the church office or Pastor Dave if you need help or have any questions.
Prayer Request: Please pray for the following.
- Maeve Renner, the nursing home where she works has been hit hard by the Covid-19 virus. Pray for her and the residents and staff.
- Judi and Van Page, Ponca City, Okla. Judi Page is an evangelism catalyst serving through First Baptist in Ponca City, Okla. Please pray for our English as a Second Language (ESL) students during this pandemic. Many of them are fearful of catching the coronavirus. Part of their fear comes from their lack of understanding the English language. Also please pray for the civil unrest. This also makes them fearful, wondering if their lives matter. My husband, Van, and I request prayer for our own health. We are both in our 70s and part of the vulnerable age bracket. Van’s health is compromised, so I am unsure if I should continue leading classes, but I know God’s call is to follow Him. I don’t want to be motivated by fear, but faith. Thank you for your prayers.
All my best.
And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
Luke 7:10
Join the Bible Bistro Mailing List
Get notified of menu changes in the Bistro that include. . .
- New book releases.
- New teaching content.
- Changes to the website.
The Bible Bistro 