2016-10-10 [Month of Mission 2016] A Centurion

A Centurion

5 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6 "Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly." 7 Jesus said to him, "Shall I come and heal him?" 8 The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." 10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.      (Matthew8:5-10)

In this passage, the faith of a Gentile centurion is introduced in a striking contrast to the unreceptiveness of the Jews. This man clearly showed his hopes were in Jesus Christ. This centurion was a Roman military officer in charge of about one hundred men, and was stationed in or near Capernaum. This man came to Jesus to seek healing for his servant who had suffered a violent and painful paralysis. This was an unusual display of compassion as most officials would not have shown such concern for a servant. How does Jesus Respond?
Jesus Christ responds positively with compassion and offered to visit the sick servant. This is how Jesus Christ responds to us, when we approach him.
No matter how lowly your place and role in the society, Jesus loves you, Jesus didn't care that this was just a servant, He offered to help. You may never become great in the eyes of the world, but when Jesus Christ meets you, you will be valued by Him.
Jesus marvelled at the faith of this Gentile, when he showed the reality and depth of his faith. He had not found such great faith among God's chosen people Israel. When Jesus as a missionary responded to this man, He affirmed his faith. Can we imagine the joy and peace this must have brought to the Centurion?
When should we come to Jesus Christ?

• In sickness of mind, body, or spirit, we should come to Jesus Christ.
• In pain and distress, we should come to Jesus Christ the Comforter.
• In dying we should come Jesus Christ the Life giver.
• In the uncertainties of daily life, Jesus Christ is still dependable and trustworthy, full of love and compassion.

How should we come to Jesus Christ?

• Let us come in openness, simplicity and sincerity.
• Let us come in confidence and positive expectations.
• Let us come in peace and love.

Conclusion
Whenever we surrender our circumstances to Him, Jesus Christ gives us all the attention and offers to help. This is something great we need to learn, in this month of October, as it is a missions month, let us got out there, represent Him, and offer ourselves to all those who need Jesus love, prayers and support, perhaps the distressed students and parents on this campaign "fees must fall"
Amen
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Thembinkosi Nopapaza husband to Bulelwa, worshipping and serving at Johannesburg Presbyterian Church in Soweto.

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