Journal Luke 7 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: “Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him.
When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him (Jesus) elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. And when (the elders) came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He (the centurion) is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” And Jesus went with them.
When (Jesus) 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. Therefore, I did not presume (act presumptuously) to come to you—but say the word, and let my servant be healed…” Luke 7:2-7
Observation: Was the centurion “worthy” or “not worthy?”
Analysis: When I have read on the beginning of Luke 7, the usual expounding is about the Faith of the Centurion.
Today, I was looking inbetween the lines to see if there was something different buried there.
Lately, I have been pondering the “attitude of my heart.” Where is my heart:
- in response to Jesus?
- In response to the Gospel?
- In response to pursuing Him all my days?
- In response to pursuing humility?
- In response to pursing holiness, walking worthy?
The public gave a good report about this guy to Jesus. Jewish elders of the local synagogue were glowing in their review to Jesus: “Rabbi, you need to come and do this healing for this guy. If there was anyone who was WORTHY to receive a gift from you—this is the guy!!!” Lavish praise and recognition were poured out for the Centurion.
The centurion had a different perspective. “Oh, no, is that Jesus? Joe, Bob, Bill: run out there, please, oh please hurry. Tell him this: I did not go to you, because I am a gentile; I am NOT WORTHY to have you under my roof.
I recognize this: you have Authority!! I have authority—but not like you. I tell men to go and they obey me. You command the winds of the Earth, all of Creation, and they obey you. All you have to do is say the word and my beloved servant will be healed.”
A man can be recognized as a good man. That same man can peer into the mirror and know better.
No one is worthy to receive Redemption on their own merits, for Men do not have merits that substantial. The Worthy Son was crushed for worthless Man so Man can be redeemed.
Somehow the Centurion knew this.
Prayer: Father, only You are worthy; I only see this in a little way. Help me to see this more.
Amen
Rick Sutton