Matthew 8:5-12
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
In today’s passage we see Jesus returning to Capernaum, a city whose first century population is made up of Jews and Gentiles. Capernaum is also the “home base” for Jesus’ earthly ministry. Read Matthew 8:5-12 noticing anything that stands out or any questions that arise.
The original language used in this passage leaves a few details a bit unclear. The “Roman officer” may have been Roman or may have been a Gentile officer under the authority of the Jewish governor, and the “servant” in this passage may have been either an attendant of the officer or a child of the officer. Regardless of these somewhat fuzzy details, the officer is a centurion (a commander of 100 men) and he is a Gentile tasked with keeping peace in the area. And the child or servant of this officer is someone for whom he cares deeply.
In his utter distress, he humbles himself before the Jewish rabbi whose reputation for the miraculous is now well-known, and he implores Jesus to help.
Take a moment to get still and quiet. Are you in need of Jesus help in any area of your life today? Have you implored Jesus to help you yet? If not, is there anything (pride, distractions, self-reliance, etc.) that is keeping you, even subconsciously, from seeking help from Jesus?
Read Matthew 8:5-12 again noticing anything new that stands out.
The Gentile centurion recognizes the authority of Jesus even though many of Jesus’ own people remain in darkness about his power blinded by pride, religious tradition, or just plain stubbornness.
The hopeful part of this story is that anyone, regardless of ethnicity, religious affiliation, or past history is welcome to come to Jesus for help and healing. They only need to recognize his authority and trust in his power. The tragic part is that many will refuse to turn to Jesus and will remain in obscurity and hopelessness relying on hollow sources of “security” that crumble under pressure.
For the last few minutes of this time of reflection, consider inviting the Holy Spirit to accompany you as you examine the inner or outer forces that may be keeping you from freely and quickly coming to Jesus for help and healing. You can use the following questions if that is helpful:
Do I really believe that Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth?
Am I relying fully on Jesus or am I relying on Jesus + myself to navigate life?
Is Jesus my sole source of security and help or do I look to people or human-made systems for security and help?
Before you move on with your day, consider what Jesus might be inviting you to remember or do as a result of today’s meditation. Then make a plan to act on whatever Jesus is saying.
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