Such Great faith (Luke 7a)

Such Great faith

Luke 7:1-10

Key verse 9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel."

 

For few weeks, the subject of our messages will be on faith. We all consider that our faith in Christ is so precious.  But each has different understanding about what it means to have faith. Some consider it as a title to belong to a group of believers.  Others may take faith as a security blanket in case of serious problems of life. Since there are so many different understanding of faith, it is good to know what kind of faith Jesus was best pleased with.

Hebrews Ch.  11 records number of great men of faith. Few examples are, Seth, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses. Enoch walked with God and God was so pleased with him that God did not let him die but took him to heaven. When Noah put his faith in God’s warning of flood, he built an ark for 120 years and survived the flood that engulfed the entire human races.  Moses and the people of Israel passed through the red sea as dry ground by faith. As we noted in these examples, we can discern few things that are involved with faith: there were life threatening situations. They exercised their faith by action. They overcame the crisis and produced a good and visible result. Have your faith ever produced a visible and good outcome?  Let’s close our eyes and find if there was any? And what was it? If there weren’t any, let’s think about why!   

Jesus was so happy with the faith of a centurion and praised his faith to be one of the best even above many God’s people Israel. In his happiness Jesus healed the centurion’s servant from a life threatening sickness.  Through today’s passage, I pray that we all may come to know what it means to have a great faith and we may come to have a great faith that pleases Jesus.

V1. Jesus gave a message, that we call the sermon on the plain. Most likely it was delivered in a mountainous area where there was some level ground. Now Jesus came down to the heart of the town, Capernaum, one of the most prominent towns in Galilee.  It is a Jewish town, but there are very few gentiles and also, quite a number of Roman emissaries as well.  One among them was a Roman centurion.

Roman centurion was military officer that lead about a hundred of soldiers. They were chosen to be the centurion because of their ability to fight.  In a war, a centurion goes out in front line and his men follow him in battle. If one is to be chosen to be a centurion, then, he must be a valiant fighter. It is likely that this centurion was not exception to this. He might have involved in many wars and killed many people in those wars.  At this time of peace, at this town of Capernaum, this centurion might have been the leading officer to govern and to control the town.  

One day he found out that one of his servants got sick. So he provided everything to help care of the servant. But as days were passing, his sickness got worse. It looked as if he is about to die.  He did not know what to do. But when he heard of Jesus, particularly his power of healing and his compassion for the weak and helpless he thought that Jesus might be the only hope for his dying servant.  But there were a few problems. How can he meet Jesus and how can he make Jesus such request?  He never met Jesus and had no relationship with him whatsoever.  To seek Jesus’ help might be a great challenge for him.

The world that this centurion lived on was totally different from the world that Jesus lived. Jesus was surrounded by many who wanted to hear his message, to be healed by Jesus’ power. Almost all of them were Jews.  It is rare to find even a single gentile among the crowd.  In addition, this centurion wore distinctive clothes, a Roman uniform. It was a symbol of power and authority as a military officer. But to the Jews, it was symbol of oppression and uncleanness and ungodliness.  Can he change his clothes and wear like a Jew and make a visit to Jesus?

There was another huddle. Jesus was so powerful and full of godly spirit. In such power, and in such spirit, Jesus may know everything about him. If then, can Jesus accept or hear out his request? Simply put, Jesus is holy and this man has kept a life of many ungodly things. In many wars that participated, he killed so many people. To the eyes of Roman authorities such valiant fight was a commendable act and praise worthy. But to Jesus, such life might be considered totally ungodly and sinful.

While he was thinking through over these difficulties, days were passing and his servant whom he cared for so much was about to breathe out his last. But he could not let him go because this centurion loved and care for him so much. He felt that he had to do something whatever it took. If he could he would. So he dared to challenge all these obstacles in order to get help.

He decided to seek help from the men he knew; the elders of the town. The centurion asked them to speak on behalf of him for his servant’s healing. They were very willing.

V44 When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, "This man deserves to have you do this, 5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue."

These elders were the town leaders. They praised the centurion on what he did. He showed genuine love for the people of Israel.  Ordinary relationship between Roman officer and Jews was likely to be one of hate and distrust. Jews looked down upon Romans because they did not regard the Law of Moses. According to the Law, they were sinful and ceremonially unclean. Even entering the house of a gentile would defile Jews ceremonially. So there was an insurmountable barrier between Jews and Roman officer.   This centurion knew so well of these laws and their hate and contempt on gentiles like him. But despite of all these, this centurion respected the Jews and honored their laws and even loved them. In his love he built the Synagogue of the town. When I visited the town Capernaum, I saw the ruins of this Synagogue. We were told that what we saw was built about third century. Underneath of the existing foundation is the one that was build first century, most likely by this centurion.  It is pretty big.  I am pretty sure that it cost him quite large sum of money and efforts.  Where did such love and respect come from? Though he was a gentile, he had genuine respect to the God of Israel and did his best to help them build the synagogue.

After all, these elders firmly believed that this centurion was different from other Romans and was worthy of Jesus’ attention and blessing. When Jesus heard this, Jesus decided to help him and made his way to the house of the centurion.

As he was in a half way, a man came from the centurion and said this word:

V6-7. "Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.

This man felt that he did not deserve to have Jesus come to his house. Simply he was unworthy to have Jesus. Why did he feel such a way? He clearly knew that Jesus would be defiled if Jesus comes to his house according to the Law. Here he accepted the Law of Moses as good and just. He was not clean and Jesus was clean. It is a remarkable understanding.  Simply the centurion felt that he could not meet up to Jesus of his holiness in his house.  Here is a clear distinction between Jesus and himself; Jesus as the holy one and himself as an unclean sinner. It is the same feeling that Simon had when he encountered Jesus’ power.

In Luke 5:1-11 when Simon saw such a large number of fish caught in the nets, he prostrate himself before Jesus and said, go away from me Lord, I am sinful man. 

To know Jesus’ holiness is to know himself a sinner. But unlikely to Simon, this centurion did not confront Jesus face to face when he expressed this feeling. He was far away; Jesus was not even in his sight at all. Yet in the mind of this centurion, there is a keen sense of Jesus’ glory and holiness, which he could not get close to.

Then, he offered a suggestion; just say the word and my servant will be healed. He believed Jesus authority and he believed that Jesus word carries that authority in power. How clearly did he see this authority and power? He unveils what went on in his heart.

V8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

In any army, authority and submission to that authority make backbone of the integrity of the entire army. So when one commander says to his subjects, it shall be carried out, immediately and completely; Yes sir!  He commanded so many times to his soldiers. They followed through his commands. Also he took the commands of his superior and did it so many times. This is the life he lives every day.  It is so clear; authority and power works to bring his subjects to obedience.  The centurion became fully cognizant of Jesus’ authority over people no matter what problem they had and where they were. When one sees things with such clarity, there will be no need of hesitation. It went beyond simple believing. He keenly sensed that the power and authority of Jesus was present in and around him!

The moment Jesus heard this, he was so amazed at this man’s faith. He turned around to his disciples and said this:

V9. "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel."

We can feel the depth of Jesus’ amazement on this man’s faith. Jesus knows all. Yet despite of the depth of his knowledge and understanding, the faith of centurion greatly was a great surprise to him.   Simply Jesus was so happy over this man. When Jesus was happy over this man, he would do whatever he asked for.

V10

Immediately after delivery of this message, the servant of the centurion went back.   The Bible does not say whether Jesus said to him any word. Whether Jesus said any word or not, one thing was clear, because of his happiness over the centurion, Jesus was more than willing to do whatever he asked for. When the servant messenger went home, the sick servant was already well.

This centurion made the best example of what it means to have faith.  In order to capture the essence of this faith, I like to sort through the faith of this man and Jesus’ happiness.

First, we must note is that Jesus was extremely happy over this man because of his faith in Jesus. When Jesus the Son of God was happy, he would do anything for us. When God is happy, he will do anything for us. So the key thing that we have to concern about is how we can please Jesus.

John 5:21 say that Jesus gives life to whom he is pleased to give it(John 5:21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it.) Hebrews 11:5 says that Enoch pleased God and was taken to heaven. (By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: "He could not be found, because God had taken him away."1 For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.)

How can we please Jesus or His father God? It is very important question that we have to ask ourselves. When we please him, he is happy to give us all blessings.  Also when we do not please him, it will cost us much of his blessings.

There is a good example on what happen to those who pleased God and those who did not please God. Though Israel received much blessing in the desert, many died because they did not please God by faith. (1 Corinthians 10: 2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. )

Faith is the most important things that we must have in order to please God.

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Second, Jesus praised him for his great faith. His faith was far better than many people of God, Israel.

he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel."(9)

Many came to Jesus in faith. So Jesus was happy to see their faith and blessed them. Not long before this, a leper came to Jesus and begged him to heal his leprosy if Jesus was willing. This leper had faith in Jesus. He did not doubt Jesus could if he would. The faith of this leper was good.  But Jesus was happier to see the faith of this Centurion than he was with the leper.

How was the faith of the leper different from the faith of this centurion? How was his faith so different or better than others? 

1.            He did not see Jesus but he believed that Jesus could heal his servant based of what he heard of Jesus.

John 20:29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

It is very interesting that Luke put the best example of faith in a gentile military officer. Very unlikely a man of faith!  But in him the true sense of power and authority became real even if he did not see Jesus. I don’t mean that he never saw Jesus before, though it was possible. But what I mean is that he was at his house and Jesus was still on the street on his way to his house. Jesus was not in his sight; but this man seemed to see everything by faith about Jesus’ power and authority; he felt that power, that authority without Jesus presence.  True faith accompanies realistic feeling of Jesus’ power and authority.

2.            He believed that Jesus had authority and power over entire sphere of the world.

In his humanity, Jesus looked as if just a person with 5’ 7” and 150 lb and his voice can reach a hundred yard and his vision reaches few miles.  All men understood Jesus’ power and authority within these perimeters.  This was the case of the four men carrying a parlayed man. This is the case of almost all that came for healings. Many failed to see Jesus beyond this. If Jesus was just a man in his human body and can influence all sicknesses within the perimeter of his visual, tactile and sound boundaries,(against the power of the words of God)  then  even if Jesus says something, the centurion cannot hear, the sick servant cannot hear, nothing would happen. But not this man, the centurion! He believed Jesus has the supreme authority of life. Jesus’ influence, his power, his authority goes far beyond the perimeters of his physical communication can reach! But this man believed that Jesus’ authority reaches far away even where Jesus could not be seen. A distance has no limit. But the centurion believed far more than this. Jesus has authority in the whole realm of human affairs regardless of where they are.  He firmly believed that Jesus has authority in the sphere of or in the realm of entire human affairs.

What does it mean? Jesus has control of the entire sphere of spiritual world as well as physical world. If he wills it shall be done! Say the word. So shall it be done! Such authority and power was recognized in

Col 1: 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 

This centurion believed and felt a glimpse of this authority and power of Jesus; Jesus is the Lord of all creation! He is the authority over every single human race!

3.            He believed that Jesus word has power and he can exercise his power through by his word.  No need to touch or transfer of his magic power to the one who needed healing. His word has power.  How did Jesus exert his authority and power? It is through his word; So to honor Jesus is to honor his word and obey it.

The word of Jesus has power because God has given him that power and he has that power.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Isa 55:11 So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.

Third, his faith is closely linked with Jesus’ heart.  His faith in Jesus came to surface because of his desire to care for a slave that he owned.  It was not for him or his personal need but for other human being. Humanly speaking his servant was just one of the many slaves that he owned.  His compassion and love for the weak and helpless was so deep enough to trouble himself so much before Jesus. He even had to put a bridge between Jesus and himself in order to get Jesus’ help. Yet he did it with all of his effort. Seldom had a man put himself in such a humble position for the sake of a helpless and hopeless man. Here in this man is the true heart that is in line with God’s love. As we studied last week, in the SOP, the second part is to love even the enemies. The essential spirit of the SOP is in this man.  In all these, his faith is truly outstanding among all characters of faith that came to Jesus. As I understood this man’s heart, I was deeply convicted of my weakness and sin. I prayed for others. But in the depth of my heart I was not willing to do anything that might sacrifice my pride. Humble plead on behalf of the weak and helpless, I did not and would not do it.  Jesus pleaded with God in his prayer on behalf of sinners.  This is the love of Jesus. This love is the essence of God’s character.  This man was moved by such love for a weak and helpless servant. If we lack this, what are we praying for?

In conclusion:

We must please him. We can do it only by faith and great faith has to have two things: giving Jesus the full honor that he is worthy of; Jesus as the creator and the sustainer of the whole creation. We must honor his will or his heart desire. His will is love, love for the weak and helpless.

When we honor God as he is worthy of, and when our desire is in line with God’s spirit, God hears our prayer. God never fails to listen to what we ask! This is great faith!  Great faith always brings godly and powerful result. It is because God is living and he is eager to give those who believes in him and wanted to do His will.

Now I want you to ask yourselves in these questions; how can I please God? What I am asking is in line with the will of God?  Some are looking for job. Some are studying hard for the finals.  As busy as we are, great faith does not lose one’s attention to the one who holds all authority of heaven and earth.