THE FAITH OF A CENTURION

The Character of the Centurion

The Gentile centurion demonstrated uncommon love for his servant and for the Jewish people.

Matthew 5:7 ““Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”

Matthew 5:43–44 ““You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”

Luke 7:4 “And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him,”

The Faith of the Centurion

The centurion’s faith stood in stark contrast to most of the people of Israel.

Mark 6:6 “And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.”

What was so different about this centurion’s faith?

Romans 10:2–3 “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.”

His feeling of unworthiness

See Luke 5:8, Romans 7:24, Isaiah 6:5...

Psalm 51:3 “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.”

Luke 18:13 “But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’”

His complete confidence in Christ

See Romans 4:13-25...

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Mark 1:15 “and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.””

The Response of Christ

We are not saved by our genealogy, but by grace through faith.

See Matthew 3:8-10...

Genesis 12:3 “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.””

Luke 2:32 “a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.””

Ephesians 2:8–9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”