Faith That Matters (2) - Yielded Faith - Luke 7:1-10 - January 28, 2024

 

Faith That Matters (2) – Yielded Faith – Luke 7:1-10 – January 28, 2024

Faith acknowledges the authority of JESUS.

Our focus scripture is Luke 7:1-10.

When have you been glad that you listened to an authority figure?

Let’s read Luke 7:1-5:

A Centurion’s Faith

7 When he (JESUS) had concluded saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum (JESUS’ Chosen Hometown during HIS ministry upon earth.). ² A centurion’s servant, who was highly valued by him (the centurion), was sick and about to die. ³ When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him (JESUS), requesting him to come and save the life of his servant. ⁴ When they reached Jesus, they (the Jewish elders) pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He (the Centurion) is worthy for you to grant this, ⁵ because he loves our nation and has built us a synagogue.”

As many know, the Centurion was in the Roman Army and oversaw one hundred or more soldiers. The Centurian was the military authority for an assigned area. When he said jump, his soldiers jumped.

This Centurian had great authority in his assigned area, but this Centurion also had a good heart. He loved the people he and his soldiers protected. He was smart.

But notice, the centurion had authority from Rome, but he also had faith. He heard about JESUS and took a step of faith to send delegates from the local Synagogue to represent him and ask JESUS to heal his servant. The Centurian had faith in JESUS, and he asked the representatives from the Synagogue to go to JESUS and ask HIM to heal his servant. They would also witness faith in action.

When the Centurian heard about JESUS and the miracles that were taking place through HIM, he knew that JESUS had a special relationship with the GOD of the Israelites. Authority understands authority and respects authority. WOW! That is rich.

The Centurian recognized the authority of JESUS. So, it is likely that the Centurion thought how best to approach JESUS.

³ When the centurion heard about Jesus, he (the Centurian) sent some Jewish elders to him (JESUS), requesting him to come and save the life of his servant. ⁴ When they reached Jesus, they said “He (the Centurion) is worthy for you to grant this, ⁵ because he loves our nation and has built us a synagogue.”

Being a former lobbyist, when you have an issue, you need to present to those who have authority to do what you ask. You think about your issue and go with your best team to get what you want. Often, you do not have a second opportunity. The old saying is “put your best foot forward.”

Let’s read Luke 7:6-8:

⁶ Jesus went with them, and when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell him, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, since I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. ⁷ That is why I didn’t even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.^[a] 8 For I too am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

This was the confession of the Centurion’s faith in JESUS. He got it!

When we walk with JESUS, we must have the faith that our FATHER has it, no matter what the “it” is. Often, Satan will attempt to whisper in our ears/mind that we cannot trust GOD. The sad thing is that many of us believe it, until we recognize where our negative thoughts are coming from and refocus our thought life and consider trusting GOD/JESUS for our path forward in life.

This was a teaching moment for JESUS and those in HIS group and HE is still teaching today. GOD is our authority when we have placed our faith in JESUS. The next time negative thoughts come into your mind, rebuke it/them, and say “No! I am trusting JESUS! Assuming you are a Christian.

How did JESUS react to the Centurion’s statement?

Let’s read Luke 7:9-10:

⁹ Jesus heard this and was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found so great a faith even in Israel.” ¹⁰ When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant in good health.

This is the faith and trust JESUS desires for all Spirit-born people to have.

When we accept JESUS as our Savior, that is the beginning of our walk of faith with JESUS. We have much to learn and all Christians are taught by the Holy Spirit.

When a baby is born into a family, the baby must be nurtured, loved, cared for, fed, trained, exercised, taught how to do life and so much more. The same is for new-born Christians. If they are not cared for, they wither and die. That is why, we, as Spirit-born people, must be available to mentor the newborn Christian to guide him/her to build upon the solid foundation, using the materials GOD desires for us to use, as we go through life.

Consider 1 Corinthians 3:10-17:

¹⁰ According to God’s grace that was given to me, I have laid a foundation as a skilled master builder,^[d] and another builds on it. But each one is to be careful how he builds on it. ¹¹ For no one can lay any foundation other than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ. ¹² If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, ¹³ each one’s work will become obvious. For the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. ¹⁴ If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward. ¹⁵ If anyone’s work is burned up, he will experience^[e] loss, but he himself will be saved—but only as through fire.

¹⁶ Don’t you yourselves know that you are God’s temple and that the Spirit of God lives in you? ¹⁷ If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and that is what you are.

Blessings!!!