The Bible makes Jesus’ mission clear: to declare the Good News to everyone. Like many of His encounters and statements, Christ’s interaction with the Roman Centurion would have challenged Jews and encouraged Gentiles.
Many people today would view the Roman Centurion as a representative of an oppressive system and colonial power. This is how Jews at the time would have viewed him as well. So, when the Gospels record that Jesus praises the Centurion's faith, this would have been shocking and revolutionary. The story’s complexity teaches us much about ourselves, Jesus, and the Good News for all people.
A Roman centurion was pivotal in the Roman military, commanding respect and authority. Centurions were the backbone of the Roman legions, serving as mid-level officers responsible for leading a centuria that comprised approximately 80 to 100 soldiers. They maintained discipline, trained soldiers, and led them into battle. The centurion position of a centurion brought prestige and responsibility, often requiring years of service to attain.
Centurions played a crucial role, ensuring commander’s orders were executed efficiently, and soldiers were well-prepared for combat. Their duties extended beyond the battlefield; centurions were involved in logistical planning, overseeing construction projects, and acting as intermediaries between the common soldiers and higher-ranking officers. They were known for their strict discipline and could administer punishments to maintain order within the ranks.
In the Roman Empire, centurions often found themselves involved in civil duties, such as policing and maintaining public order. Their presence was instrumental in securing the empire’s vast territories and ensuring Rome’s rule and stability. Being a centurion often allowed a way to attain higher ranks within the military or politics.
Since the Romans controlled Israel during Jesus’ time, the New Testament references them. Acts 10:1-2 mentions one notable centurion, Cornelius: “At Caesarea, there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.” Scripture depicts Cornelius as a righteous and God-fearing man, ultimately becoming a Gentile convert to Christianity after receiving a vision from God and a visit from the Apostle Peter.
Another centurion appears during Jesus’ crucifixion. In Matthew 27:54, the centurion overseeing the crucifixion is moved by the events he witnesses: “When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, ‘Surely he was the Son of God!’” The centurion recognizes Jesus’ divine nature, symbolizing how the Gentiles would also declare Jesus as God’s Son.
The Bible also mentions a Roman centurion and his servant. His story is found in Luke 7:1-10: “When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. There, a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, ‘This man deserves to have you do this because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.’ So Jesus went with them.” This passage records
In Acts 27:43, a centurion named Julius shows kindness and respect toward the Apostle Paul during a perilous sea voyage: “But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land.” Julius’ actions testify to the honorable conduct often attributed to centurions, reflecting their capacity for compassion and justice even within their military roles.
John the Baptist even instructed soldiers not to abuse their position. “Then some soldiers asked him, ‘And what should we do?’ He replied, ‘Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.’” (Luke 3:14). While not specifically about centurions, these signs of repentance would have absolutely applied to them.
The Pharisees approached Jesus to help the Roman centurion with his servant because they recognized the centurion’s significant contributions and believed his request was worthy of Jesus’ attention.
Despite the typical hatred between the Jewish people and their Roman occupiers, this centurion had earned the respect and goodwill of the Jewish community. The centurion’s notable acts, such as building the synagogue, showcased his genuine support and respect for the Jewish faith and its people. His respect and benevolence likely motivated the Pharisees to advocate on his behalf.
The interaction is found in Luke 7:1-10: “When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. There, a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, ‘This man deserves to have you do this because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.’ So Jesus went with them.” A centurion would have been used to ordering Jews around. Yet he humbly asks Jesus for help, showing his belief in a greater authority than Rome. In response to the centurion's faith, Jesus heals the servant.
The Jewish willingness to intercede for a Roman centurion indicates their great respect and admiration for him. The centurion wasn’t merely an occupying authority; he had integrated into the community and supported their religious practices. By building the synagogue, he had demonstrated his reverence for their faith and earned their respect.
Also, the Pharisees likely believed that Jesus might have been more inclined to help if he had known about the centurion’s good deeds. Under normal circumstances, a Jewish teacher like Jesus might be expected to be hesitant to aid a Roman soldier, given the broader context of Roman occupation and resulting tensions. While we can understand their perception, Jesus showed in other encounters the willingness to touch the “unclean,” like lepers and Gentiles.
The centurion’s actions and words provide timeless principles that can guide modern believers on their spiritual journeys.
First, the centurion shows us how God responds to acts and prayers of faith. True faith doesn’t require physical evidence but relies on God’s word and promises, as evidenced throughout all the people mentioned in Hebrews 11. Those faith heroes heard God’s word and lived obediently within their time and situation. Today, we can do the same through the Spirit and the Scripture and see God perform amazing things.
Second, the centurion’s faith gives us a lesson in humility. Despite his high Roman military rank, he acknowledges his unworthiness before Jesus, a poor non-citizen without worldly titles. We need humility in our relationship with God. Regardless of our achievements or status, we must approach God humbly and acknowledge his supremacy. Humility allows us to fully rely on God’s grace and power rather than our own abilities.
Third, the centurion’s statements teach us about God’s authority over all creation. The centurion recognizes that just as his commands are obeyed without question, Jesus’ commands over sickness and health are absolute. We serve a Christ with authority over all aspects of life. His authority holds power over all circumstances, and trusting his command brings miraculous changes. This teaches us to intercede and pray for God’s will in every situation.
Fourth, the centurion’s care for his servant shows the value of compassion and intercession. Despite being a man of power, he deeply cares for his servant and seeks help on his behalf. As Jesus followers, we should care for others and intercede for needy people. The centurion’s actions reflect the Christian call to love and serve others selflessly, following Jesus’ example.
Nothing we can do impresses God. Our faith is what is important to Him. On the surface, the centurion should have been disqualified due to his race and association with an oppressive empire. Yet Christ was impressed with his faith and worked a miracle. Any and all can come to God, no matter who they are or where they come from. Jesus says in Matthew 8:11, right after affirming the centurion’s faith, “Many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.”
Faith transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries. God’s kingdom remains open to all who believe. The Father’s inclusivity encourages us to share the Gospel with all people, no matter who they are or where they come from.
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Photo Credit: Public domain print based on Bernardino Passeri illustration
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