JUST SAY THE WORD
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LUKE 7:1-10
LUKE 7:1-10
When He had completed all His teaching in the hearing of the people, He went to Capernaum. Now a centurion’s slave, who was highly regarded by him, was sick and about to die. When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to Him, asking Him to come and save the life of his slave. When they came to Jesus, they strongly urged Him, saying, “He is worthy for You to grant this to him; for he loves our nation, and it was he who built us our synagogue.” Now Jesus started on His way with them; but already, when He was not yet far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself further, for I am not worthy for You to enter under my roof; for that reason I did not even consider myself worthy to come to You; but just say the word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, with soldiers under myself; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” Now when Jesus heard this, He was amazed at him, and turned and said to the crowd that was following Him, “I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith.” And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
The African impala can jump to a height of over 10 feet and cover a distance of greater than 30 feet. Yet these magnificent creatures can be kept in an enclosure in any zoo with a 3-foot wall. The animals will not jump if they cannot see where their feet will fall.
Faith is the ability to trust what we cannot see, and with faith we are freed from the flimsy enclosures of life that only fear allows to entrap us.
Do you feel trapped by fear, unable to make necessary changes or take risks in your personal life? Choose to trust in God's guidance and provision, even when you cannot see the outcome. Step out in faith, knowing that God is with you every step of the way, even if the path is unclear.
The text this afternoon points us a man who had great unwavering faith in Jesus’ ability to meet his need. His story serves to say to us that…
CENTRAL IDEA
CENTRAL IDEA
Unwavering faith in Jesus pleases Him, acknowledges His authority, and leads to miraculous outcomes.
SERMON MOVEMENTS
SERMON MOVEMENTS
The Centurion at Capernaum and his Concern
The Centurion at Capernaum and his Concern
When He had completed all His teaching in the hearing of the people, He went to Capernaum. Now a centurion’s slave, who was highly regarded by him, was sick and about to die.
The centurion (hekatontárchēs) is concerned
about his slave (doulos)
who is sick (kakós)
and dying (teleutáō).
EXPLANATION:
Capernaum
Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible Capernaum
A city on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, identified with modern Tell Ḥum (Talḥum). Located just to the west of where the Jordan empties into the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum was a border town separating Herod Antipas’ and Herod Philip’s territory during Jesus’ ministry
The Gospels indicate that Jesus’ ministry centered around Capernaum, and it would not be inaccurate to label it his base of operations. Matt. 4:13 states that Jesus left Nazareth for Capernaum, and Mark 2:1 describes Jesus as being “at home” there. The Gospels record several miracles as having occurred in Capernaum, including the healing of a paralytic who was lowered through an opening in the roof where Jesus was preaching (Mark 2:1–12) and the exorcism of an unclean spirit from a man in the synagogue (1:23–28). Five of the disciples were chosen in or near Capernaum: Peter and Andrew were from Capernaum and were called to follow Jesus near there (Mark 1:16, 29), James and John were fishing nearby when they were called (1:21), and Matthew’s toll booth was apparently stationed there (Matt 9:9–13).
Centurion
Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible Centurion
The rank designated for the commander of a Roman centuria, a subdivision of a cohort. At full strength the centuria would constitute 80 soldiers (not the hundred that the name implies).
The centurion (Gk. hekatontárchēs) was the highest-ranking noncommissioned officer in both the Roman army and the auxiliary cohorts.
Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible Centurion
Although not counted among the aristocracy in Roman society, centurions were Roman citizens and often became affluent and important in local affairs (cf. Luke 7:2–5; Acts 10:2)
Slave (doulos)
Under the influence of Roman law, a slave is usually considered to be a person (male or female) owned by another, without rights, and—like any other form of personal property—to be used and disposed of in whatever way the owner may wish. In the ancient biblical East, however, slaves could and did acquire various rights before the law or by custom, and these included ownership (even of other slaves) and the power to conduct business while they were yet under their masters’ control. Slavery is attested from the earliest times throughout the ancient Near East, and owed its existence and perpetuation primarily to economic factors.
However, the text says that he was
Highly regarded (éntimos):
valuable; precious; honored by the centurion.
Well, this honored, precious, and valuable person had become
sick (kakós)
A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed. (κακῶς)
① pertaining to experiencing harm in a physical sense, bad, badly
ⓐ without expression of intensity in the idiom
However in Matthew’s account his sickness is with expression of intensity (see Matt 8:5-6)
And when Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, begging Him, and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, terribly tormented.”
Luke tells us that he was not just sick, but was dying (teleutáō). That is, he was Passing away, Departing, Almost Gone, About to Kick the bucket, Cash in, and be Pushing up daisies.
ILLUSTRATION:
APPLICATION:
The story of the Centurion at Capernaum reminds us that genuine concern and care for others transcends cultural and societal barriers. In this historical account, we see how a man in a position of power displayed deep compassion for his servant, setting an example for us to follow in our own relationships and interactions with others.
Jewish Elders and their Passionate Plea (Come)
Jewish Elders and their Passionate Plea (Come)
When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to Him, asking Him to come and save the life of his slave. When they came to Jesus, they strongly urged Him, saying, “He is worthy for You to grant this to him; for he loves our nation, and it was he who built us our synagogue.”
He sent (pémpō)
Jewish elders (presbúteros)
to ask (erōtáō)
Jesus to come (érchomai)
and save (diasṓzō) him.
They strongly urged (parakaléō) him,
citing the worthiness (áxios) of the centurion to be
granted (paréchō) the request.
They provide their reasons of his worthiness:
1) He loves (agapaō) our nation
2) He built (oikodoméō) us a synagogue.
Friends and a Revised Request (Don’t Come)
Friends and a Revised Request (Don’t Come)
Now Jesus started on His way with them; but already, when He was not yet far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself further, for I am not worthy for You to enter under my roof; for that reason I did not even consider myself worthy to come to You; but just say the word, and my servant shall be healed.
As Jesus neared the house the centurion sent another group of people to speak to Him on his behalf.
The text designates them as friends ( phílos) : one who is on intimate terms or in close association.
to express his humility - trouble yourself no further(skúllō)
renouncing any claim to merit (hikanós)given to him by the Jewish elders.
He maintains that he needs the Lord’s help...
But just say the word (lógos)and my servant (país)
will be healed (iáomai)
See Psalm 107:20
He sent His word and healed them, And saved them from their destruction.
ILLUSTRATION:
This healing was in answer to prayer. The people were sore sick, and nigh unto death. They could not eat. Their appetite was so far gone that their soul abhorred all manner of meat. Then they cried unto the Lord. That is an expressive word, ‘cried’; for a prayer that is natural, scarcely articulate, has few words, or none. They cried, and as soon as they cried, this was the result—‘He sent his word, and healed them.’ Now, it may be very encouraging to some, if they will notice what kind of prayer it was which brought so wonderful an answer.
APPLICATION:
In moments of uncertainty and fear in your personal life, remember that Christ is the anchor of your soul. Reflect on how Psalm 107:20 points to Jesus as the one who can speak healing and peace into your situation.
Acknowledgment of Authority
Acknowledgment of Authority
For I also am a man placed under authority, with soldiers under myself; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.”
They say to Jesus that the centurion believes that Jesus has the authority (exousía) to send His word to do the healing.
Explanation:
AUTHORITY. The NT word is exousia, meaning rightful, actual and unimpeded power to act, or to possess, control, use or dispose of, something or somebody. Whereas dynamis means physical power simply, exousia properly signifies power that is in some sense lawful. exousia may be used with the stress on either the rightfulness of power really held, or the reality of power rightfully possessed.
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus' authority is a central theme, manifesting in various ways throughout his ministry. Jesus demonstrates his authority through healing, forgiving sins, and commanding demons.
The centurion acknowledges this authority and states “I too am a man under authority.”
How is the centurion's acknowledgment of Jesus' authority significant in the narrative of Luke 7:1-10?
He is recognized as "the Holy One of God" by demons and claims to be "Lord of the Sabbath"[1]. Luke emphasizes Jesus' divine status by applying Old Testament references to Yahweh directly to Jesus, particularly in the use of "name" theology[1]. The Gospel portrays Jesus as having authority that amazes people, sometimes leading to hostility and questioning from religious leaders[2]. This authority is closely tied to Jesus' identity as the "son of man," a title he uses frequently to describe himself[3]. As the son of man, Jesus has the power to forgive sins, authority over the Sabbath, and will come to transform history[3]. The Gospel also presents Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God, with his divine sonship affirmed at his baptism and transfiguration[3]. Luke's narrative shows Jesus' authority over Satan, which begins during his ministry and is extended to his disciples[4]. This authority is seen as part of the fulfillment of messianic expectations and the restoration of humanity's role in creation[4].
Application:
When facing challenges at home, acknowledge the Lord's authority by starting each day with prayer and reading the Bible. Trust that God is in control of your circumstances and seek His guidance in decision-making.
When dealing with family conflicts, acknowledge the Lord's authority by practicing patience, forgiveness, and humility. Reflect the love and grace of God in your interactions with your family members.
In the workplace, acknowledge the Lord's authority by demonstrating integrity, honesty, and diligence in your work. Trust in God's provision and seek opportunities to be a light for Christ in your workplace.
When facing difficult colleagues or stressful situations at work, acknowledge the Lord's authority by praying for wisdom and strength. Surrender your concerns to God and rely on His peace to guide you through challenges.
In public settings, acknowledge the Lord's authority by being a positive example of Christ's love and compassion. Show kindness towards others, engage in acts of service, and share the message of hope found in Jesus Christ.
Perhaps conclude with Jesus' marvel at the centurion's faith and the healing of the servant as a result, highlighting that faith that amazes Jesus leads to miraculous outcomes. This encourages believers to cultivate such faith in their lives.
MIRACULOUS OUTCOMES OCCURED
MIRACULOUS OUTCOMES OCCURED
Jesus marveled (thaumázō) at
his great faith
and praised him for it.
The text concludes that when the friends returned they discovered that the slave was in good health (hugiaínō).
SEE PS 107:20
He sent His word and healed them, And saved them from their destruction.