April 14
Lesson 7 (KJV)
Faith of a Centurion
Devotional Reading: Zechariah 8:18–23
Background Scripture: Luke 7:1–10
Luke 7:1–10
1 Now, when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.
2 And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick and ready to die.
3 And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.
4 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:
5 For he loveth our nation, and he built us a synagogue.
6 Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:
7 Wherefore neither thought I worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
8 For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
Key Text
Wherefore neither thought I worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.—Luke 7:7
Examining Our Faith
Unit II: The Measure of Faith
Lessons 6–9
Lesson Aims
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Identify the reason for Jesus’ amazement.
2. Explain the role of the town of Capernaum in Jesus’ ministry.
3. Brainstorm ways to exhibit faith as analogous to the centurion's.
Lesson Outline
Introduction
A. Remote Everything
B. Lesson Context
I. Desperate Need (Luke 7:1–5)
A. Situation in Capernaum (v. 1)
B. Request and Endorsement (vv. 2–3)
C. Insistent Elders (vv. 4–5)
Credit Check
II. Unmatched Faith (Luke 7:6–10)
A. Insightful Centurion (vv. 6–8)
First Resort or Last Resort?
B. Astonished Jesus (v. 9)
C. Remote Healing (v. 10)
Conclusion
A. Centurion Faith
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember
How to Say It
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Capernaum |
Kuh-per-nay-um. |
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centurion |
sen-ture-ee-un. |
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Damascus |
Duh-mass-kus. |
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Herod Antipas |
Hair-ud An-tih-pus. |
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Levi |
Lee-vye. |
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Nazareth |
Naz-uh-reth. |
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synagogue |
sin-uh-gog. |
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tetrarch |
teh-trark or tee-trark. |
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What Do You Think? In what ways can your congregation act as a go-between in connecting resources to those in need? Digging Deeper How can your congregation partner with other congregations in this regard? |
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What Do You Think? How will you show humility as you come before God in prayer? Digging Deeper In what ways is humility crucial for your formation into Christlikeness? How does James 4:6–10 inform your response? |
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What Do You Think? How can you use the leadership positions in which God has placed you to worship and serve Him? Digging Deeper How do you discern the limitations of your leadership and use those limitations as an opportunity to depend on God? |
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What Do You Think? How can you demonstrate “great faith” in your neighborhood? Your city? Your country? Digging Deeper What distractions must you remove to live with “great faith”? |
Conclusion
A. Centurion Faith
When we offer up intercessory prayer for the healing of a friend or family member, are we exercising the faith of the centurion? Without a doubt, any forthcoming healing will be a “remote healing” since Jesus is not here in the flesh, so that is not the issue.
The issue, instead, is believing in Jesus’ authority. That’s the essence of what we might call “Centurion Faith.” Our intercessory prayers must have more than a “maybe” or “hope so” tone. When we fix our eyes on Jesus, we demonstrate “Centurion Faith” that God will answer our prayers. When we are distracted from Him and wring our hands in despair, nothing good happens (Matthew 14:25–31). Jesus taught, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive” (21:22).
The centurion’s background speaks loudly. He had cultivated friendships within his community for years. He had treated his neighbors with respect and honor, not pulling his rank as a Roman officer to get his way. In many ways, the significant gap between the Jews and Gentiles of Jesus’ day was bridged on that day in Capernaum. The centurion had used his wealth and influence to protect the Jews and provide a gathering place for their study of Scripture. He played “the long game” most sincerely and authentically possible. When his household was in need, his character and actions were remembered. Can the same be said of ours?
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What Do You Think? How will you have “Centurion Faith” when it seems that God doesn’t answer your prayers in a preferred or expected way? Digging Deeper What about in situations when God’s presence seems altogether gone? |
B. Prayer
Heavenly Father, our lives constantly need Your support and healing. Our churches and homes need Your presence. May we honor You in all ways and never doubt. May we have a simple faith like the centurion! We pray in the name of Jesus, Your Son. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
Have “Centurion Faith”!
Involvement Learning
Enhance your lesson with KJV Bible Student (from your curriculum supplier) and the reproducible activity page (at www.standardlesson.com or in the back of the KJV Standard Lesson Commentary Deluxe Edition).
Mark S. Krause, Petra L. Miller, and Mark Taylor, Wood Andrew, “Faith of a Centurion,” in The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2023–2024, ed. Jane Ann Kenney, Ronald L. Nickelson, and Taylor Z. Stamps, vol. 71, The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary (Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing, 2024), 287–288.
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