Staggering Faith!
By Dale Ebel
The Story That Stunned Christ
Luke 7:3–10 (NIV)
The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him… 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.”
Highest Praise for a Jew — and for a Gentile
Christ gave the highest praise for a Jew to John the Baptist (Matthew 11:11).
But the highest praise for a Gentile went to a Roman centurion—a career military officer overseeing one hundred soldiers. Surprisingly, this man, though part of an occupying force, had earned the respect and friendship of the people of Capernaum. His story is simply staggering.
Understanding the “Discrepancy” Between Matthew and Luke
Matthew says the centurion spoke to Christ.
Luke explains that he did so through intermediaries.
In that culture, sending emissaries was considered the same as speaking personally. This was especially true when approaching someone of high honor—precisely how the centurion approached Christ, treating Him like a commanding officer.
Matthew gives the big picture.
Luke gives the details.
Together, they present a unified, powerful story.
A Man Who Came on Behalf of Another
Most who came to Jesus Christ sought something for themselves—healing, deliverance, answers.
But the centurion came:
- not for himself
- not to promote his status
- but for his beloved servant
This reveals his character. He cared deeply about those under his leadership.
The Centurion’s Posture: Honor, Humility, and Authority
The centurion’s approach to Christ drips with respect.
He essentially says:
“Lord, I’m not worthy. Don’t trouble Yourself. Just say the word.”
Why?
Because he recognizes authority when he sees it.
As a soldier under authority, he knows how command works:
- A superior gives an order → it is carried out.
- Authority travels by word alone.
He applies this understanding to Christ:
“If You are who You say You are, You only need to speak.”
And Christ stops—astonished.
“I have not found such great faith even in Israel.”
Why Christ Called This “Great Faith”
Would you describe what the centurion said as “faith”?
To me it doesn’t fit our modern concept and vocabulary.
Yet Christ said it was the greatest example of faith He had seen.
Why?
Because the centurion:
- recognized Jesus Christ’s supreme authority
- responded with humility, submission, and trust
- believed Christ’s’ word alone was enough
- he was obedient to request with humility
This is Kingdom faith.
It is faith expressed not merely in belief, but in submission and followership.
Jesus held this Gentile soldier up as a model for His disciples — and for us.
Salvation as a Leadership Issue
Many think of salvation as forgiveness, comfort, or eternal security only.
But Christ frames it as something deeper:
Salvation restores us from rebellion into followership.
The centurion understood this instinctively.
He lived in a world shaped by authority:
- soldiers to officers
- officers to generals
- generals to Caesar
And above all, he recognized:
Christ the Messiah is the ultimate authority — the Commander of heaven and earth.
The Kingdom Matrix
This story forces a personal question:
Have we resolved the authority issues in our lives?
If Jesus Christ our King:
- We are no longer a competitor.
- We are a Kingdom Follower.
- Our life is lived under His authority.
- We live with a lifestyle of surrender.
Every believer, every servant, every disciple is a person under authority and in process.
If we are not living under Christ’s authority, now is the time to bow before the Maker of heaven and earth.
Applications for Today
1. What resonated with you most from the centurion’s story?
Write your reflections—don’t overthink it.
2. “Christ framed salvation as a leadership issue.”
How does this challenge your understanding of what it means to have faith?
3. How does this story reshape your view of salvation?
Is salvation only forgiveness—or does it include realignment with obedient followership?
4. Are you a “Kingdom Player”?
Rate yourself:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Living with you in the matrix of the Kingdom of God
Dale