Uncommon Faith

Faith Without Boundaries: Lessons from the Centurion's Faith

Summary| Reflection| Lessons

Introduction

My wife couldn’t make it today because she’s giving birth on Tuesday…Speaking of which I’ve been thinking about the ideal date-night to welcome her home cause “Valentines is coming” and as I think about this elaborate perfect date I UNDERSTAND THAT NO ONE ELSE CAN AND SHOULD PLAN THAT DATE OR HAVE IT WITH HER BECAUSE WE ARE EXCLUSIVE; THAT TYPE OF MEAL IS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE EXCLUSIVE… BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF OUR RELATIONSHIP; THERE IS A SENSE IN WHICH I CAN HAVE A MEAL WITH ANYONE ANY DAY AS A PASTOR YOU CAN’T REALLY BE EXCLUSIVE WITH YOUR CONGREGATION (PARTIALITY) BUT FOR THIS SPECIFIC EVENING THERE IS NO WAY I’M HAVING THAT DINNER WITH ANYONE ELSE…The Gospel message is a message of radical inclusivity in as far as the people it reaches And yet what makes it exclusive is that the only way to be saved is to be exclusive with JESUS…But unlike us who have lists for people who get to take us out on Valentines (We in and of ourselves don’t qualify to be exclusive with Jesus; it is only by FAITH that we are).

And THAT FRIENDS is the uncompromising truth of the Gospel.

On one hand, it extends an open invitation to all people, regardless of their background, nationality, or past. Yet, Jesus’ ministry consistently demonstrated that God’s love and salvation are not limited to a specific group of people but are available to everyone who believes. However, this inclusivity does not mean a dilution of truth or what is known as universalism.

So while the doors of gospel welcome are wide, the path to salvation remains exclusive—It is through faith in Jesus Christ alone. The centurion’s faith in Matthew 8 exemplifies both these realities. His story reveals how the grace of God reaches beyond cultural and social boundaries while affirming the singular authority of Jesus as the only way to healing, restoration, and eternal life. This tension between inclusivity and exclusivity forms the foundation of our faith and calls us to both embrace all people and yet uphold the truth of the Gospel with conviction. Francis Schaeffer profoundly stated, “Biblical truth is not merely a collection of religious platitudes; it is the exclusive and absolute truth upon which all reality is based. Yet, it is extended with open arms to all who will come.” (Francis A. Schaeffer, The God Who Is There). This perspective helps us understand that while the Gospel extends to every nation, tribe, and tongue, it remains rooted in the unshakable truth that Jesus is the only way to the Father (John 14:6).

Summary of the Narrative

In Matthew 8:5-13, a Roman centurion approaches Jesus with an urgent request: his beloved servant is paralyzed and suffering terribly. Despite being a Gentile and an officer of an occupying force, he humbly asks Jesus for healing, displaying remarkable faith. When Jesus offers to come to his home, the centurion responds with deep humility and understanding of authority, stating that Jesus need only speak the word for his servant to be healed. Jesus marvels at his faith, declaring it greater than any He had found in Israel. He then makes a prophetic statement about many coming from all nations to sit at the table in God’s kingdom while some, who assumed they belonged, would be cast out. Finally, Jesus affirms the centurion’s faith and heals his servant instantly. This passage is a profound demonstration of faith, humility, and Jesus' boundless authority and grace. It also challenges our assumptions about who belongs in the kingdom of God and calls us to trust Jesus fully.

Jus Imagine a Roman centurion (Commander of 100 soldiers) —an officer of the empire who oppressed the Jewish people—He is rushing to a Jewish rabbi for help. It seems improbable. Why would a powerful, battle-hardened man, respected in the ranks of Rome, seek out a wandering teacher in an occupied land? What could drive him to such desperation that he would lower himself to plead for a miracle? This very moment forces us to pause and consider: what kind of authority and compassion did Jesus exude that would compel such an unlikely figure to seek Him out? You see, The centurion’s actions invite us to reflect on our own faith... As reflect Do recognize Jesus' authority as he did? Do we approach Him with the same urgency and trust? Do we see our own desperate need for Jesus?

Theological Insights

### 1. The Gospel Welcome of Jesus  Matthew 8:5-7  Jesus responds immediately and willingly to help a Gentile, the Roman centurion, without any concern for the man’s nationality or status. This illustrates that Jesus' love and intention to heal and save know no boundaries, setting the stage for the inclusivity of faith. The willingness of Jesus to engage with someone outside the Jewish community reflects the heart of God’s mission. (HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT) FOR THE UNQUALIED. “The gospel is for the weary, the broken, the outcast. Jesus’ arms are open wide to all who come to Him, not because of their worthiness, but because of His grace.” – Dane Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly

-       WILLINGNESS OF JESUS

### 2. The Humility of the Centurion  Matthew 8:8-9  The centurion acknowledges Jesus' greater power with humility, despite his own authority as a military leader. Though under the lordship of Caesar, he twice calls Jesus “Lord.” His faith is also seen in his concern for his young servant, which was unusual in the Roman world, where slaves were often regarded as mere property. This high-ranking officer recognizes Jesus' divine authority, acknowledging that Christ’s word alone is sufficient to heal. His humility and desperation drive him to trust Jesus’ power without requiring His physical presence. “The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.” – Timothy Keller ### 3. The Embrace and the Warning of Exclusion  Matthew 8:10-13, Revelation 19:6-9  Jesus admires the centurion’s faith and makes a prophetic statement about people coming from all nations to the kingdom of heaven. This powerful vision foresees the inclusivity of God’s kingdom. The image of people from every nation gathering at God's table reinforces the global nature of the Gospel and the call for unity in Christ.

However, Jesus also warns in Matthew 8:12 that “the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” This sobering statement reminds us that mere religious affiliation does not guarantee a place in God’s kingdom.

GOSPEL PROMISE OF THE VICTORY BANQUET: YOU GET A SEAT AT THE TABLE (VALENTINES- YOU DON’T QUALIY; YOU ARE NOT WORTHY YET YOU ARE EXCLUSIVE NOT BY WORKS OR QUALITIES BUT BY THIS GIFT OF FAITH…) ISAIAH 25:6-9 (Nations)

Application

Are we willing to place our faith fully in Jesus, just as the centurion did? Are we actively removing barriers that might keep others from coming to Christ? The centurion’s faith challenges us to: IN LIGHT OF THIS WE ARE CHALLENGED TO? - Approach Jesus with humility, recognizing our unworthiness and His supreme authority. - Trust in Jesus' word and power, even when we cannot physically see Him working. - Reject self-righteousness and embrace the grace of Christ that welcomes the outsider. - Look forward with joy to the great wedding feast of the Lamb, where the redeemed will dine with Christ forever. “God’s providence is his purposeful sovereignty by which he will be completely successful in the achievement of his ultimate goal for the universe. God’s providence carries his plans into action, guides all things toward his ultimate goal, and leads to the final consummation.” – John Piper, Providence  Live by faith, sharing this good news, and welcoming all into the Kingdom of God. Jesus has made the way—let us walk in it with boldness and joy.