A Greater Authority

 

In Luke chapter 7 of the Bible it says that when Jesus arrived in Capernaum he is told that a centurion’s servant is dying. 

This centurion sent for elders of the synagogue to ask Jesus to heal his servant. These elders told Jesus that the centurion was “worthy” to be healed because of the good deeds that he had performed for their people. He even built a synagogue for them. 

Jesus went with these religious leaders to heal the centurion. But the centurion sent a message when Jesus was almost there. He said, “Don’t trouble yourself to come because I am not worthy for you to come under my roof. I know you have authority in your kingdom to make a command just as I have authority in my kingdom, and it will be done. Just say the word, and I know what you command will be done. ” (My paraphrase)

Jesus marveled at the centurion’s faith because the centurion did not have to see Jesus in person to know the command of healing would be done. (which it was ) 

The faith Jesus marveled at was that the centurion recognized a greater authority than the Roman world authority.

The centurion recognized this because he considered himself unworthy of Jesus to enter his house. The centurion recognized that the kingdom of God is greater than the authority of Rome or the world system.

The centurion saw himself as a man of worldly authority who submitted to the greater authority of the kingdom of God. The Lordship of Jesus Christ.

The centurion recognized that even though he was put in a position of prestige, (having worldly authority) he was considered unworthy in the kingdom of God. His position in the world held no weight in the kingdom of God.

This recognition of sinful human nature (being unworthy) allowed the centurion to humble himself. In other words, he put himself in a subservient position to a greater authority than the authority of Rome.

In other words, the centurion recognized that Jesus was otherworldly or from a kingdom not of this world. Therefore being familiar with authority, he knew that Jesus just had to say a word, and the healing would occur.

This is the gospel message. Recognition of one’s sinful or unworthy nature. The need to be in subjection to Jesus Christ and his authority. Trusting in Jesus Christ as the head of the kingdom of God with the power to save, deliver and heal.

Jesus marveled at the centurion’s faith because he knew the steps to salvation. Recognizing one’s unworthiness (inability to save oneself) and submitting to the authority of Jesus Christ for salvation.

What about you? Are you trusting in your “worthiness” because of all the good works you have done like the religious leaders did?

Jesus marvels at the faith of a person who recognizes their unworthiness and looks to his authority to be saved.

Call on Jesus Christ to save you, heal you and deliver you!  

The world system’s authority and prestige will never get you into heaven.

Recognizing your inability to save yourself is the first step to salvation. Once you realize this, then by calling on Jesus Christ, the King of all kings, you can be saved from your sin.

Then you will become a member of the kingdom of God! As a member of the kingdom of God, you can recieve healing, deliverance and provision.

Whoever calls on the Lord shall be saved. Roman’s 10:13

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