Heros of the Faith- Faith of the centerian

Faith That Astounds: Lessons from a Centurion

Bible Passage: Matthew 8:5–13, Luke 7:1–10

Summary: This passage highlights the incredible faith of a Roman Centurion whose servant was healed by Jesus. The Centurion, recognizing Jesus' authority, did not require Jesus to visit his home, but believed that a mere word would bring healing.

Application: This sermon helps teens understand that faith can be bold and powerful, regardless of background. It encourages them to trust in Jesus' authority and ability to intervene in their lives and the lives of those around them, teaching them that true faith often comes from recognizing one's own humility and need for God.

Teaching: The sermon could teach that faith is not merely about believing but about understanding Jesus' authority and power. It emphasizes that true faith may come from unexpected places and that it’s not limited to religious leaders or the 'righteous' but can be seen in sincere hearts across all walks of life.

How this passage could point to Christ: In this passage, Christ's authority is highlighted, foreshadowing His ultimate authority over sin and death. The faith of the Centurion points to the faith that all believers are called to have in Christ's power to save and heal, which is fully realized in His resurrection and lordship.

Big Idea: True faith recognizes Jesus’ authority and responds with humility, leading to remarkable outcomes in our lives.

Recommended Study: Consider using Logos to examine the cultural background of the Centurion's role in Roman society and how this impacts the understanding of faith in a Jewish context. Look into the linguistic nuances of the original text to deepen your comprehension of the authority Jesus exhibited and how this contrasts with contemporary notions of power. Exploring commentaries on faith in the Gospels can also provide insights into the perceptions of faith among different groups during Jesus' ministry.

1. Acknowledge True Authority

Matthew 8:5–9 ESV

5 When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, 6 “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” 7 And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

He reconized the one who has the Authority on earth to forgive sins

He was not worthy for the things that he had done and thought about how unworthy he was to even have him over.

he was a gentile and not a jew so there was this division but he truly belivied in the power of Jesus

In those days Jews could not acceptly enter the home of the gentiles

He believed in Jesus word that he had the authority over sickness and disease but also that he could heal at a distance.

You could explain the Centurion's acknowledgment of authority, both in his role and in Jesus, to demonstrate that faith often begins with recognizing the true power and sovereignty of Christ. This passage could illustrate how a deep understanding of authority leads to profound faith, showing teens that recognizing Jesus’ authority in their lives can lead to transformative faith.

2. Astounding Response of Faith

Matthew 8:10–13 ESV

10 When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. 11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, 12 while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13 And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.

Jesus was marveled of the faith of this man, he said that he had meant no one in Israel has had such faith

he was refering to people that claim to know God but dont pratice what it actually says

Jesus saw the faith that this man had for him, Jesus sees the faith that we have in him

Perhaps you could convey the powerful message of Jesus' response to the Centurion's faith, emphasizing that faith attracts Jesus' attention and leads to unexpected blessings. Teens could be encouraged to trust that Jesus sees their faith, even when it seems small or unconventional, and that He is always ready to respond in surprising ways.

3. Actions Speak Faith

Luke 7:1–5 ESV

1 After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. 2 Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. 3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5 for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.”

He had respect for the customs of the jewish community, they came to Jesus and said that he was worthy of this healing. that he respected the jews and was the one who helped us.

You could use the Centurion's actions toward the Jewish elders to illustrate that genuine faith is expressed through actions of humility and care. Highlighting his respect for the Jewish customs and people might show how teens can act in faith-filled compassion and humility toward others, even when they don't share the same beliefs.

4. Trust Without Agenda

Luke 7:6–10 ESV

6 And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. 8 For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” 10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.

Maybe you could emphasize how the Centurion sends friends instead of seeking Jesus himself, representing trust without personal agenda, showcasing faith in action. This illustrates to the youth that faith isn’t about showiness or personal credit but trusting in Jesus’ word and His ability to work through all situations, including those beyond our control.