Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Healing the Centurion's Servant


Wednesday, March 7 – Read Luke 7:1-10

A Roman military officer in charge of 100 soldiers hears of Jesus and asks Jewish elders to intercede with Jesus to heal a valued slave. The officer has built a synagogue for the local Jews and is considered by them to be a friend – something remarkable since the Romans were occupying the nation of Israel. When Jesus goes to help, the officer sends more friends to say he is not worthy to host Jesus, but that being a man of authority he knows that Jesus can simply say the word and the healing will be done. Jesus marvels at the Centurion’s faith and heals his slave.

Reflection Questions: Two kinds of authority are contrasted here, the military authority of the State and the divine authority of God. Which authority is greater? Why does Jesus break national and religious barriers to help a non-Jew?

Prayer: Dear God, your loving power breaks all barriers. Today, help me open a door that has been keeping me apart from someone different from me. Give me Jesus’ healing heart. Amen.

No comments:

Post a Comment