**Hey Salt & Light Daily Readers**
Join me in warmly welcoming our guest writer for this week’s edition of The Salt & Light Daily, Levi H. Moore. Levi resides in Kansas City, Missouri, and he is passionate about making the academic side of theology, ministry, and living the Christian faith accessible. Levi is in his final year of PhD (Biblical Theology) coursework before writing his dissertation.
Thanks to Levi for providing his perspective on this next section in the Book of Luke. –Paul
Devotional: Luke 7:1-10
“After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.”
–Luke 7:1–10 (ESV)
The Authority of Humble Faith (Luke 7:1-10)
Having concluded one of His greatest sermons, where Jesus told His disciples and other followers to love their enemies (Luke 6:27-36), Jesus now lives out the very message of His sermon by loving one who was in every way at enmity with Him and Israel.
This study explores the story and theological significance of Luke 7:1-10, aiming to demonstrate how humility, authority, and faith are interconnected.
1. Authority: A Foundation of Faith
Luke presents us with a picture of human and divine authority in his telling us how Jesus healed the servant of a centurion. While the servant is mentioned throughout the story, the centurion is the focus. He was a man of recognized authority within the Roman army, so he had a unique lens through which to understand Jesus’ authority. The centurion's understanding of authority lies in the hierarchy of delegated power:
“For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” –Luke 7:8
He recognizes that, just as his authority is effective because it is derived from a higher power, Jesus’ authority is effective because it is derived from God the Father, who sent Him.
The centurion comprehends that Jesus’ word carries power in and of itself, capable of transcending any barrier or limitation. This is why he believes Jesus can heal his servant with a word. The healing of the servant from a distance demonstrates Jesus’ absolute authority over illness and the natural world, confirming his identity as the Divine Messiah because it was created through Him (John 1:1-3). This act underscores a core theological truth: Jesus’ authority is universally applicable and eternally valid.
It is not enough to simply acknowledge Jesus’ existence. The centurion knew He existed, but true faith involves recognizing and submitting to His authority. The centurion’s faith is exemplary because it is rooted in this recognition.
2. Humility: The Path to Grace
The centurion’s distant encounter with Jesus is marked by faith in Christ’s words and surprising humility. Despite his position of power as a Roman officer, he considers himself unworthy to have Jesus enter his home. As a Gentile and a representative of the occupying force, he acknowledges his unworthiness to come before a Jewish teacher. In his humility, he recognizes his limitations and dependence on a higher power and does not presume to assert his earthly authority to achieve his desires.
This humility is significant because it aligns with a central tenet of the Christian faith:
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” –James 4:6
While James applies this to believers empowered by the Spirit, the timeless truth remains constant: God extends His unmerited favor (i.e., His grace) toward those who approach Him in genuine humility. The centurion exemplifies this, and his humble faith was met with divine grace in the healing of his servant (Luke 7:10).
His humility is further demonstrated by his decision to send messengers to Jesus rather than presuming upon Jesus’ presence. This act reveals a sensitivity to social and religious customs and a willingness to defer to established practices. The contrast between the centurion’s humility and the potential arrogance associated with his Roman status underscores the transformative power of faith. True faith leads to recognizing one’s limitations and relying on God’s grace. This humility, coupled with faith, makes the centurion’s faith so remarkable in the eyes of Jesus.
For the Ploughman
Luke 7:1-10 teaches us that true faith is grounded in recognizing Jesus’ absolute authority and is expressed through genuine humility. The centurion’s example challenges us to examine our understanding of authority and our posture of humility before God.
Here are some ways in which we can move toward a stronger faith:
Recognize Jesus’ Authority: Reflect on how this authority extends over your life, work, relationships, and personal struggles.
Practice Humility: Acknowledge your dependence on God's grace and that true strength lies in submission to His will.
Trust in His Word: Remember that His promises are true and His commands are effective, even when circumstances seem impossible.
Closing Prayer
“May that good Spirit of Jesus Christ open the eyes of our minds, that we may see and approve things that are excellent. May he persuade our hearts to receive the truth in the love of it, and direct our steps to walk in the paths of mercy and truth, that we may be saved. Amen.” —William Ames
Until next time, keep your hand on the plow and break up the fallow ground!
More about the Guest Writer:
Levi resides in Kansas City, Missouri, where he is pursuing a PhD (Biblical Theology) at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has his own Substack (The Ploughman Post), where he writes about theology, ministry, church history, spiritual disciplines, and societal issues, from the academy to the ploughman (i.e., the common laborer in the fields).
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