Matthew 8:5–7 (NKJV): Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, 6 saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” 7 And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” Matthew, Jesus. Matthew 8:5–7
Hey, I’m Nathan, and this is Day 4 of 30 Days Watching Jesus. Watch closely, as this respected, powerful military official, approaches Jesus. His attendants standing by respectfully as he addresses this plain-clothed, itinerant Teacher. A Teacher who’s life alone bears witness to his identity. As the Roman officer approaches this simple Teacher, you take in the immensity of the contrast: sturdy, battle-hardened Roman warrior, wearing clear evidence of his Roman status; sturdy, yet simple Man with gentle, eager face, kind eyes and no visible sign of status. Yet, beneath the visible contrast, there is another. The officer is in desperate straights—his servant is sick, and he can do nothing about it. All of his status and power gain him no advantage. To compound this, he’s an outsider, culturally undeserving of even a glance from God almighty. Yet he dares to ask for more than a glance, because he is persuaded by this humble Teacher, that there is a welcome place for him. That he, too, is welcomed by this God.
