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The Humble Centurion

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One of the greatest examples of humility that we find in the Gospels – and in the entire Bible, other than in the life of Jesus – is seen in the story of the centurion who implored Jesus to heal his servant. Both Matthew and Luke record this story (Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10), and the additional details each one gives paint a picture of a leader of men who was remarkably humble – and more.

Humility

The centurion’s humility is certainly one of the most memorable aspects of the story. As the ranking officer in his unit, he was an important soldier who gave orders to many men.  Yet  this same centurion willingly humbled himself in his request to Christ, declaring “I do not deserve to have you come under my roof … I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you” (Luke 7:6–7). This attitude is all the more remarkable as we know that most Romans looked down on the Jewish people, considering them to be a relatively uncivilized nation. 

The story also shows the humility of Jesus in his willingness to go to the sick rather than having them be brought to him, but the centurion’s humility is what is highlighted. For a Roman officer to humble himself to the degree he did before one of the people he was charged to rule over was almost startling.

Strength

But humility is clearly not the only trait this centurion displayed.  As commander of at least 80 men (see our post “Ten Centurions,” here) he said that “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” (Matthew 8:9).    Centurions were often battle-hardened individuals who were not chosen for weakness of any kind – rather their strength was often deeply respected by the men they led.  This is an important fact because it shows that the biblical quality of humility so clearly demonstrated by this man is not in any way an expression of weakness. The centurion’s humility was all the more noticeable because of his strength.

Compassion

There is also another quality of this soldier that we should not overlook, and that is his compassion. Clearly, he was concerned for his servant’s welfare, but the sick man was  apparently not an indispensable or key person in his household. Luke tells us, in fact, that the sick man for whom the centurion asked Christ’s help was not an important servant, but simply a lowly slave (doulos). This centurion was obviously concerned for even the least members of his household staff.  

Faith

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the story of the humble centurion, however, is the man’s faith.  On hearing the centurion’s request that Jesus simply command that his servant be made well, Jesus responded “Let it be done just as you believed it would” (Matthew 8:13) and Luke adds the further detail that “Jesus … was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, ‘I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel’” (Luke 7:9).  As a result of the soldier’s great faith, his servant was healed at that exact moment (Matthew 8:13). 

The level of detail given in both Matthew and Luke’s accounts of this healing shows how important the story is from a New Testament perspective. While the Gospels could simply have recorded that Jesus healed the servant of a Gentile centurion, they stress that the soldier was a man of strength and compassion and of outstanding humility and faith. These are fitting goals for every soldier of Christ.

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Which would you choose? Gold bar or severe trial?
Time for a Phinehas to appear?
 

Comments 4

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Ondigo Ochieng on Wednesday, 06 March 2024 18:39
The Humble Centurion

This is a wonderful blog precisely explaining humility, strength, compassion and faith. Thank you so much for this blog.
Ondigo Ochieng-Kenya.

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This is a wonderful blog precisely explaining humility, strength, compassion and faith. Thank you so much for this blog. Ondigo Ochieng-Kenya.
Francis Gisiri Mwita on Wednesday, 06 March 2024 19:27
Wou!

Thank you so much for this wonderful sermon, I thank Abba for having led me to join LOTR, this is eyes opening sermon.

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Thank you so much for this wonderful sermon, I thank Abba for having led me to join LOTR, this is eyes opening sermon.
Ondigo Ochieng on Saturday, 23 March 2024 18:25
The Humble Centurion

This is a blog of its kind and a timely one for us today. We should possess the faith, courage and humility of a centurion in order to realize God's intervention in our lives. Thank you so much Philip for the amazing blog that you have shared with us. May the good God bless you bountifully.
Br Ondigo Ochieng-Kehancha.,Kenya.

1
This is a blog of its kind and a timely one for us today. We should possess the faith, courage and humility of a centurion in order to realize God's intervention in our lives. Thank you so much Philip for the amazing blog that you have shared with us. May the good God bless you bountifully. Br Ondigo Ochieng-Kehancha.,Kenya.
Randy Freeze on Monday, 27 May 2024 16:13

Thank you for the insightful blog post "The Humble Centurion." I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and appreciate the depth of understanding and perspective you bring to such an inspiring story. I am thankful for both your website and for Light on the Rock for sharing all this great information. Keep up the excellent work—I look forward to reading more from you!

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Thank you for the insightful blog post "The Humble Centurion." I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and appreciate the depth of understanding and perspective you bring to such an inspiring story. I am thankful for both your website and for Light on the Rock for sharing all this great information. Keep up the excellent work—I look forward to reading more from you!