MATTITHYAHU (MATTHEW) 7:5-13 / LUKE 7:2 - ARE WE AS FAITHFUL AS THE CENTURION WAS? THIS MIRACLE REVEALS THAT FAITH IS SOMETIMES FOUND WHERE WE LEAST EXPECT IT. “And when Yahushua Messiah had entered Kephar Nahum, a Captain (Roman Centurion) came to Him, appealing to Him, saying, “Master, my servant is lying in the house paralyzed, grievously tortured.” And Yahushua said to him, “I shall come and heal him.” And the captain answering, said, “Master, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only say a word, and my servant shall be healed. “For I too am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” And when Yahushua heard, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Truly, I say to you, not even in Yisrael (Israel) have I found such great belief! “And I say to you that many shall come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, and Issac, and Jacob in the reign of the heavens, but the sons of the reign shall be cast out into outer darkness – there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” And Yahushua said to the captain, “Go, and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that hour.” The servants master was a centurion, a Roman soldier in charge of one hundred soldiers of the Roman garrison in Capernaum. Several centurions recognized Messiahs special purpose and honored Him (Mark 15:39; Acts 10:1; 22:25-26; 27:1, 43; 28:16). Why do Matthews and Lukes accounts differ? Although Matthew and Luke generally agree in their accounts of this incident, some differences occur. Matthew, a Yahudim (Jew), seems to have Israel in mind as he records Messiahs somber warning to the nation not to neglect personal responsibility and to put their faith and hope in Alahim instead of civil and religious institutions of man. They were in serious need of humility (Romans 12:16). On the other hand, Luke, a Greek, had fellow Gentiles in mind, so excluding the warning to Israel, he instead encourages the proud Gentiles to ask for the help they needed for their problems. He does this by showing that a centurion was able to persuade the Yahudim Elders to help in pleading to Yahushua for his servant. Humility is necessary for happiness in life (Psalm 69:32). The centurions servant was dear to him. His affection for his young servant suggests that he thought of him with respect and as important. The centurions character reveals that he not only thought of his servant as valuable, but also that he was concerned for his well-being as a key member of his household. Apparently, the servant was cherished by the centurion because he had endeared himself to his master through noble service. He must have been diligent and faithful to his master since he received his masters esteem and concern. A good employee has a good relationship with his employer and vice-versa. Ready to die (Luke 7:2) reveals how grave the danger was for him. Yahushua acts at the proper time to save us from suffering and danger: For when we were still without strength, in due time Messiah died for the wicked (Romans 5:6). The Centurions attitude shows that he was a man who loved those under his authority. In addition, he loved the Yahudim, which was quite unusual since the Romans did not normally even like the Yahudim. His love for the Yahudites was more than just talk; it was combined with action. He gave generously of his resources to build a synagogue for them in Capernaum. Likewise, Yahuah expects LOVE to flow from His Set - apart Ones in generous and caring actions. He sets the example for us in that Alahim demonstrates His LOVE by giving. He gave us the greatest gift of all: Yahushua Messiah, our Savior (Yahuchanon/John 3:16). Never has there been a GREATER LOVE!!!
Posted on: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 20:39:16 +0000