Military personnel do not always receive a good rap. Here in Luke’s gospel we find the story of a Roman soldier. I think it is a “God thing” that this should be the Gospel text for Memorial Day Weekend. It reminds us that our servicemen and women do a lot more than is expected of them…and many times they go far beyond…
This was a real shocker. It was surprising. It was an unthinkable story in its day and time. It is the kind of story, that “if” you were told it – you would most likely respond by saying, “No way!”
“Really?” “Are you pulling my leg?” “This didn’t really happen…did it?” It was “that kind” of a story…
Unfortunately, we have heard it before, we know what to expect and it comes off as being rather “ho-hum.”
In the way of context, centurions were the backbone of the Roman army. It is important to remember that they were the occupying army. They were the enemy. Foreigners. Aliens. Hated and despised. Unwanted.
Each one of their legions was made of sixty centuries, each commanded by a single centurion.
Centurions were considered to be veteran soldiers and held positions of high esteem, honor and prestige. They were men of high social status.
They were actually paid about fifteen times as much as the ordinary soldier.
His cuirass or his chest armor of tough molded leather, along with his transverse-plumed helmet and his wooden baton identified him as being a centurion.
Luke – the Gospel writer does not specify whether the centurion in question was “an Israelite” or a “Gentile.”
That’s a relatively new twist to think about!
Modern research has discovered that there were in fact Israelites who served in the Roman army in various ranks.
The fact that he built a synagogue with no mention of a temple in the region would suggest to some – an Israelite lineage, at very least.
But you really need to think about that one – for yourselves.
As an officer representing Rome, the centurion would often “broker imperial resources” for the local population. In this case, he has done so by building a synagogue and thus is recognized as being a “Patron.”
This was almost an unheard of act of kindness.
It was even said of him, that he loved “the Jewish people.” (Which only leads to more speculation about his possible Jewish roots or ancestry!)
The local village elders – like this guy…I mean they really like this guy! He was not like – your typical centurion.
We are given insight into the kind of man this centurion was…although he was a man of high status … he had care and concern for his servant or his slave who would have been a man of low status.
That he seeks out Jesus is interesting, too! Recall if you will – that there is a centurion present when Jesus takes his last breath!
Coincidence? Possibly? Again you decide!
We know from all the various accounts that Jesus had been gaining status and honor throughout the region as a healer, teacher and a holy man.
So the centurion has the village elders seek out this Jesus for him. And later he sends some friends of his to intercept Jesus while on his way.
He considers himself to be “unworthy” to go to Jesus himself and “unworthy” to even have Jesus enter his house.
And of course, we know that Jesus would have made himself ritually defiled and unclean “if” he had entered his house … “if” – in fact, he were a gentile.
But knowing Jesus – he goes anyway!
The centurion publicly affirms Jesus as having a “higher status” than himself – when he says, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.”
Jesus is amazed by the faith of the centurion. His faith is indeed great.
He knows, he believes that Jesus can and will heal his servant.
We are told that Jesus is not alone – for a whole crowd of people are going with him to witness this healing in person. They want to see for themselves. They want to be there. Again, the crowds are pressing around Jesus.
The faith of the centurion was such – that just a “word” from Jesus’ lips and his servant would be healed.
Jesus did not have to go. He did not have to be there in person. Just a word from his mouth and the servant would be made whole.
And it happened.
Jesus was not present. He was not there. And yet the servant was healed. It was amazing. And now the word will spread that Jesus can heal over distance and time without having to be physically present.
And amazement was everywhere.