Matthew 8:5-13: The Centurion’s Servant
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Yesterday we reflected on Jesus’ openness and willingness to heal those forced to live apart from the tribe. Today we reflect on his relationships with those who were scorned as overlords. In the Message version of this familiar story, Jesus is describes as taken aback by the centurion’s words. Enter the word Under the Centurion’s Roof into the Noontime search bar and reflect.
Consider both the centurion and his servant as persons and reflect on who they might be to us today. Is the centurion a soldier, a law enforcement officer, an emergency responder? Is the servant one we would ignore when we visit a friend? Is he someone who works for us silently and unvalued? And finally, let us consider who we are: one of the privileged few elite, one of the many downtrodden, one of the scorned or one of blessed.
Image from: http://www.freebibleimages.org/photos/centurion-servant/
The Noontimes 
I think the centurion was a Roman soldier, part of the occupation army of Rome in Israel. He would be resented by most Jews in Israel; he is a foreigner who has power over Jews. His servant could also have been a Gentile. Jesus helps them and heals the servant, showing love instead of the mostly Jewish hate for such foreigners.
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Yes, the centurion was surely scorned; yet Jesus helps him. And I like to reflect on the fact that this Roman citizen went to a Jewish teacher in the first place. We know that Jesus is special, but so did this soldier. This story teaches me to look outside of the normal for sound advice and honest, reliable help. Thanks for visiting and commenting.
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…and that is what I love about Jesus…he was radical…he did not follow the status quo. He lived by one rule to do what is right and to treat all men equally. His compassion was above anything else and sadly those traits are lacking from many Christians. Oh to be like Christ…great post!
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I so agree with you! We rarely find Jesus with those who “have it all.” And when we do, he is usually calling them away from their comfort and into the world of the beatitudes. Thanks for your visit and comment.
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