Learning from the Faith of an Ancient Soldier
By David Faust
Roman centurions were rugged warriors. Much of their work was routine (organizing camps). At times it was dangerous (leading troops into battle). And sometimes it put them into ugly and disturbing situations, like presiding at crucifixions. They were trained to fight, and they were accustomed to being in charge.
Luke 7 introduces us to a centurion who demonstrated such outstanding faith that Jesus remarked, “I have not found such great faith even in Israel” (Luke 7:9). What was so unusual about the centurion’s faith? And what can this ancient soldier teach us about fighting the good fight of faith?
Faith should humble us. The Roman army imposed its will on occupied countries. In first-century Israel, soldiers could force a Jewish passerby to carry a load for a mile. This centurion, however, didn’t throw his weight around. He didn’t flaunt his military authority and demand that Jesus comply. He felt unworthy even to have the Lord come to his home. Do we approach the Lord with humble requests or with demands and an attitude of entitlement?
Faith should move us to rely on God’s goodness. Instead of blaming the Lord for his servant’s illness, the centurion sought the Lord’s assistance. The Bible doesn’t say whether the centurion ever met Jesus face-to-face, but evidently he had heard enough about Jesus’ character and miracles that he believed in the Lord’s ability to heal his servant. Do we trust that the Lord has our best interests at heart?
Faith should make us generous. Most Jews resented the Roman troops who occupied their land, but in this case some Jewish elders came to Jesus pleading for him to help the centurion. “This man deserves for you to do this,” they insisted, “because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue” (Luke 7:5). Evidently the centurion donated money for the project when a new synagogue was built in Capernaum, or perhaps he ordered the men under his command to assist with the construction. (The Romans were skilled builders, and during peaceful times the army sometimes engaged in construction projects, building roads and public structures.) Are we generous with our money and our influence?
Faith should cause us to respect what the Lord says. The centurion was confident Jesus could perform a miracle simply by deciding to intervene—even without being physically present. Just “say the word,” the centurion begged, “and my servant will be healed” (Luke 7:7). Are we convinced that words spoken by the Lord are “alive and active” (Hebrews 4:12)?
Faith should cause us to recognize God’s presence and power in our real-life world of home and work. Do you ever struggle to see how faith relates to your everyday life? The centurion saw a connection between the Lord’s power and his work as a soldier. He understood the chain of command. If he told a soldier under his authority to “Come” or “Go,” the soldier obeyed; and if his own superior officer gave him an order, the centurion would obey. He reasoned that in the spiritual realm, Jesus is the highest-ranking officer. Do we respect the Lord’s authority in all areas of life?
This ancient centurion had a faith worth fighting for. We need his kind of courageous faith in Jesus Christ to win the spiritual battles we face today.
Personal Challenge: Do you think the Lord is amazed by the strength of your faith or disappointed by the shallowness of it? How does your faith impact your daily decisions? What will you do this week that you would not do if you did not believe in the power, presence, and goodness of the Lord?
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