Oftentimes we mistakenly associate intricate theological knowledge with great faith. The centurion didn’t have access to a library of books to learn systematic theology. He had only heard of Jesus, yet he knew exactly who Jesus is with real and genuine faith. Jesus was astonished and amazed, meaning Jesus was pleased by His faith. There is no reason for Jesus to be surprised by anything since he is God who is omniscient. Yet how wonderful to know that a plain and sincere faith is the faith that our Savior desires.
How do we know that the centurion’s faith was genuine? In verse 2, it says he was highly regarded by the elders. The centurion’s faith was a working faith, that was not just in word but in good deeds. For example, he built their synagogue. Socially the Jews and Gentiles could not mix, the Jews despised the Gentiles, let alone respect them. While the Jews looked down on foreigners there was also anti-semitism spreading among the Romans. So this Roman commander had no reason to be kind to the Jews. Despite the social climate, this centurion was different because he was transformed by his faith (Luke 6:27-29, James 2:18). His faith was working especially in this situation of need and trouble by humbly turning to Jesus for the healing of his slave.
The Jewish elders say the centurion is worthy because he helped them build the synagogue (Luke 7:4). Contrarily, the centurion says he is not worthy. This is what makes the centurion so special. He is a man of humility. He knows he is not worthy of Jesus Christ. Faith and humility are always interconnected. In other words, pride makes faith impossible (Luke 18:13). Those who are humble, realize their sinfulness and ask for forgiveness. Graciously, God always answers repentance right away with forgiveness. We are all not worthy and should have faith in Jesus with humility (Luke 7:44-45).
The key to obtaining humility is to listen to the words of Jesus. At the very beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3, Luke 6:20). Without this, we cannot move forward in our faith. Humility is realizing we are nothing before almighty God. God is superior to us in all aspects and we desperately need Him. Jesus himself is the perfect example of humility who gave up everything in obedience to God the Father. So humility makes faith possible and until we are humble our faith is not practical and only until then God is pleased.
Sometimes, in our pride, we attempt to handle our problems on our own. This is the opposite of faith. Unless we are humble can we understand that only Jesus is Lord and faithfully turn to Him (Luke 8:23-24). The centurion, based on his own position, addresses Jesus as Lord because He understands the authority that Jesus has over all things (Philippians 2:9-10). When we are humble, we worship Jesus as Lord and God (Luke 5:8, Luke 24:52). We also trust in Him, His power, and goodness (Romans 8:28). When we trust in our Lord, we can have peace and joy in the face of all our problems. Because who is greater than our Lord? What problem is greater than our Lord? Nothing. So we can smile in any trial because Jesus is Lord. This is our obedience and sanctification and our Christlikeness.
The humble see Jesus as Creator (Luke 7:7). When God spoke, the universe was made. The centurion knew Jesus could heal just by speaking because he knew Jesus is the Creator. Jesus can make something out of nothing. He is the source of all things. We need this understanding. This doctrine must be more than knowledge but true understanding through humility. Why else would our prayers be answered except for the fact that Jesus is the Creator? Our own words are powerless if Jesus were not behind them.
Lastly, the humble understand that Jesus has all authority (Luke 7:8). In the hierarchy of this world, the centurion places Jesus above everything, even above nature, angels, demons, and disease (Matthew 28:18, Matthew 8:27). Jesus never had to ask permission from anyone or anything. There is nothing in this universe that Jesus must adhere to or abide by. He stands alone at the top, even death cannot resist his authority. When he commands the dead Lazarus to come out, even death cannot resist a single moment. When we are humble then we experience the blessed authority of Jesus over all things in our life.
Life is full of difficulties. Many of us are overwhelmed and tired. Look at Noah, God told Noah to build a giant ark. How many of us would complain that it is too difficult. Yet by faith, Noah did it (Hebrews 11:7). When we are humble, we see that God is able and put our faith in Him. Humility amplifies our knowledge of God and produces a faith that pleases God.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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