Matthew 8:5-13 – The healing of a centurion’s servant

In the first four verses of Matthew 8, we see Jesus exercising His authority over the life of an Israelite, suffering from leprosy. Verses 5-13 tell us that He also has authority over the Gentile world.

 

A Gentile commander from Capernaum came asking Him to heal a servant of his, who was paralysed at home. Jesus’ response was immediate. He offered to go with the commander to heal that servant of his. But what the commander said was startling. It is possible that he recognized who Jesus really is. So he felt unworthy to have Jesus in his home. In saying that he was unworthy to have Jesus under his roof, he had demonstrated a level of faith that was not even found among God’s people, the Jews.

 

The commander showed that he truly understood what it meant to have authority. For he had exercised it among his soldiers, subordinates and slaves that were under him. His command was never once disobeyed. Here he recognized that like him, Jesus also has authority, the only difference is that His authority is of an infinitely higher level. His authority is over the unseen realm, but where He exercises His authority, it would have an impact in the physical world. The centurion told Jesus that He didn’t even need to be near his sick servant. All He needed to do was to give His authoritative word. Even though the paralyzed servant might be miles away, the impact of Jesus’ authority would be experienced, and that servant would surely be healed. Verse 13 tells us that it actually happened as the centurion had anticipated.

 

Although dispensation for the Gentiles’ acceptance into the Kingdom had not arrived then, this centurion’s action provided an advance sign concerning the future for the Gentiles. So the Lord followed-up by saying Gentiles from everywhere will be having fellowship with the patriarchs in the Kingdom. Many who thought that they were in the Kingdom would not be found, but instead would be cast into eternal darkness.

 

What does it mean for us now that Jesus is our Lord and has authority over our lives? Do we obey absolutely and without question? Let’s learn to say to our Lord, “Just speak the word, Lord, and count it done!”