Majestic Authority & Marvelous Faith

Sermon 26 in Series

Luke 7:1-10

[1] After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. [2] Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. [3] When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. [4] And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, [5] for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” [6] And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. [7] Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. [8] For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” [9] When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” [10] And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does the final portion of Jesus’ teaching function as a test of authenticity? As Luke transitions from Jesus’ sermon to his activity, what three features does he bring together from earlier in the Gospel?
2.   What are the problem and the plea that set up this narrative? What does Jesus’ response say about his character, disposition, and mission?
3.   How does the text describe this centurion? What does his second message to Jesus (through the friends) reveal about what God has done in his heart?
4.   In what ways does this passage point to the majesty, authority, and power of Jesus? How does it draw you to him with affectionate awe?
5.   Why is it surprising that Jesus marvels at and praises the centurion’s faith? How does his Gentile identity help us interpret this?
6.   What does this passage teach us about the importance and nature of faith? As a side note, what does it imply about parental authority?

References: Matthew 15:21-31 (corporate reading); Luke 4:23, 31, 14-15, 37; 5:15; 23:47; Acts 10:1-2; Matthew 8:6; Luke 5:8; Matthew 8:16; Psalm 107:20; Genesis 1:3; Romans 9:4-5; Romans 11:32; Matthew 25:21; Hebrews 11:6; Romans 14:23; Colossians 1:10; Matthew 8:13.