Luke 7

The Roman Officer vv1-16

I have been teaching our people in Compass Baptist Church to answer the reading of God’s word with four simple questions.   I will use those questions now to look at this portion of scripture.

1. What is the historical-literary context of the passage?

This next section immediately follows Christ’s famous monologue on the mount where each paragraph shares a common denominator, faith that is obediently producing behavioral fruit accepted by God (See notes on chapter six).  So most naturally, chapter seven begins with a narrative that is going to masterfully teach by real-life example of what acceptable faith is.  These teachings of Christ and historical events laid the ground work for understanding righteousness by faith as the New Testament continues to confirm.

2. What does this passage reveal about God (Theological question)?

God’s heart towards outsiders is confirmed again in this short passage as He, through Christ, graciously hours the faith of a foreigner.  Foreigners being outside of Old Covenant, could not expect any kindness from God beyond casting themselves onto His unmerited grace.  This Roman official being no exception would have found himself outside of the common wealth of Israel and have no official ties to God or divine inheritance.  However God has always shown His heart for all people made in His image, and does grant this man’s request.

Jesus honors him further by noting his exemplary faith, such is that not found “in all  Israel” (vv9).  This statement however might hold an undertone of sadness, as Israel has continued to fail in producing a loyal and intimate faithfulness to God to whom they are covenanted.

I note also that God performs what He says without fail.  He is worth of our belief and petition.  Indeed His word is to be valued above all things, sought after, kept, and guarded in the most inner sanctum of our hearts.

3. How does this passage find fulfillment in Jesus Christ?

Thematically: Perhaps the Centurion is speaking better than he knows.  In either case, his comments about authority reveal his faith that this man, Jesus, is on mission from God. Therefore, this man believes what proceeds out of Jesus’ mouth is inline with God’s word of power and authority.  A word spoken to save this servant’s life is a word that ultimately comes from God Almighty.  This theme of authority is ultimately fulfilled in Christ shown by His resurrection and ascension (Acts 7:56) which Luke will later demonstrate also in narrative form.  God’s authority has been given to Christ to wield without any obstruction.  The absoluteness of God’s power is seen on the lips of Christ now and forever more.  Just as God speaks and it is so, also Christ speaks.

Secondly is the miracle power itself, the healing of the man’s servant.  As the eyewitnesses confirm for Luke, the unseen man was healed that very hour.  The power and virtue necessary to bring regeneration to this man flowed from an inexhaustible source.  Despite Jesus’ role as a human being, still His power knows no bounds.

Roles: Much like the other miracles show, Jesus is saving, reviving, and restoring a world touched by the curse of sin.  Where sin and death has control, Jesus’ role among us is our Savior.  Has Luke will later guide to the cross so that we might find personal salvation through faith in His death and resurrection.

4.  How should I apply this passage?

We apply this passage when we forsake our doubts about this Jesus who came just so that He could die.  Whatever doubts still linger, they must not keep us from casting ourselves onto God’s mercy, for we will find no other grounds to petition Him beyond His love and grace.  We must look to Jesus as God’s chosen vessel to procure our salvation both in body and spirit.

Salvation through faith is still being developed at this point in Luke’s account.  We know through the Scriptures salvation is received by grace without works. Still even at this point in Luke’s development we can see the kind of faith that is accepted by the Lord.  The Centurion did not perform a work that availed himself to the Lord’s blessings, rather his works and seeking after Jesus only proved that he has faith already.

Therefore many of the applications that we could make that pertain to outward behavior never procure righteousness on our behalf, rather it proves we are already in possession of it.  So to add to the list many applications possible for this passage, we must perform generous works like the Centurion so that we might showcase God’s great salvation that comes through faith.