A Centurion’s Great Faith Luke 7: 1-10 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO

Our text is Lk 7:1-10.  In Capernaum was a centurion who loved Israel [v.5].  His servant was dying [v.2] and so the centurion asked Jesus to heal him and he did.  About this centurion Jesus said, “I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel,” [v.9].  Today, we want to talk about this centurion’s great faith.  Notice:

The Cause of his faith – Lk 7:2 – his servant was sick and ready to die. The centurion was determined to find a solution to his problem.  Generally, people don’t turn to the Lord until they have a problem.  Matt 9:12, “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.”  That’s why we preach on sin and on Hell and self-righteousness.  Until you know you have a need, you won’t have a reason to believe.  Great faith is prompted by a great need.

The Object of his faith – Lk 7:3 – “When he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him.”  The object of his faith was a man… the man Christ Jesus.  Salvation is in a man.  The centurion obviously knew of some of the mighty works that Jesus had already done in Capernaum [Mk 1:21-34; 2:1-11].  So he did not put his faith in religion [synagogue, v.5] or in religious men [elders, v.3] or in things like idols or candles or prayers [superstition].  He had to get to Jesus and so do you. Great faith has a great object and Jesus is the greatest.

The Humility of his faith – Lk 7:6-7 – “I am not worthy” – the centurion recognized the greatness of Jesus and by comparison he was nothing.  He didn’t consider his love for Israel or that he had given so much to build the synagogue or that he was a centurion or that he was good [v.4] as reasons that Jesus should have felt obligated to help him.  The centurion was approaching God manifest in the flesh and that humbled him.  Great faith produces great humility.

The Certainty of his faith – Lk 7:7-8 – “but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.”  Based on the authority of Jesus’ words, the centurion knew his servant would be healed.  In Lk 4:31-37 [Capernaum] they heard his doctrine, his word was with power and with authority.  He healed the man with palsy by speaking [Mk 2:11]. Therefore, faith does come by hearing the words of God [Rom 10:17].  When the Lord makes the promises of Rom 10:9-10, 13 you can be 100% sure that they will come to pass.  Great faith has great certainty.

The Reward of his faith – Lk 7:10 – “found the servant whole that had been sick.”  The reason he put his faith in Jesus is that he wanted his servant to be healed and Jesus healed him.  Can you imagine a reward greater than eternal life and heaven forever?  A fellow says, “I don’t believe that.”  Well, I do and most of us do and that’s why we have it and you don’t.  Heb 11:6 says that without faith it is impossible to please God.  Great faith has great reward.

Conclusion: Notice finally the sufficiency of his faith.  There was nothing else required of this centurion but that he believe [see Lk 8:49-50].  Great faith is completely sufficient.  Jesus will save you by faith if you will trust him.