Luke chapter 7 verses 1 – 10 (NIV)
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. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
Luke Christmas challenge day 7. Israel had been under roman rule for years by this time. Many people would have had terrible experiences under their oppressors, but this centurion was different. His life and example touched lives in Capernaum for good. The town’s elders therefore had no hesitation in making representation to Jesus on his behalf. His life and faith even touched the Lord Himself.
We then should never underestimate the impact of our life and example of how we live out our faith to those around us. Let it be such an example, like the centurion, that we bring pleasure to the Lord as His Ambassador.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for this reminder of the impact that our testimony can have. Help me to live out my life like the centurion, in a way that honours You. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.