Love Then Faith

Introduction

Setting

Centurion’s Slave

Roman military

Fought like Greeks

Century (80 men)

6 centuries = cohort (480 men)

10 cohorts = legion (4,800 men)

Centurion

Risen through the ranks through valor, prowess, or intellect

In charge of century

trained, fed, and housed men

Led them in battle

Also executed people

Slave

Highly valued by centurion

Work ethic? Personality?

Like family

Sick and ready to die

Centurion Hears and Believes

Doesn’t see, only hears

What had he heard about Jesus up to this point?

But he immediately believes

If you love God, you will see His thumbprint on things.

Sends Jewish Leaders

Did he think he was too good?

Did he think Elders could convince Him better?

Did he rule them with force?

Elders come to Jesus and beg Him

He is worthy for this. Why?

He loves the Jewish nation

He loves God = Built their synagogue

Most centurions hated Jews

Thought they were better

Palestine was land of conflict

He may even had had to execute some, like Zealots

Jesus goes, but is stopped a short distance away.

Now we see why centurion didn’t come.

He didn’t consider himself worthy to be in His presence.

Under roof

Or on the road

Remember, it was just based on what he had heard.

When you love God and His people, you will recognize his thumbprint.

BUT Still wants his request.

He knew that Jesus was able

Believed that Jesus had authority over sickness, the elements, space, and time.

He believed Jesus to be God incarnate

He believed Jesus was willing

Jesus is blown away by his faith.

Not even in Israel was there faith like this.

THe people that were supposed to know Him didn’t.

Faith isn’t about evidence, necessarily. It’s about knowing God.

Faith begins with love.

When friends return to house, they find slave healed and well.

Conclusion