Humility and compassion. These are two attributes that seem to be sorely lacking in our society today. There are exceptions but it seems to me pride and a lack of care and concern are traits among many.
Let us consider the centurion soldier of the New Testament. The Centurion was so named because he was in charge of 100 men. Our word Century has a common derivation. We might consider the centurion soldier equivalent to our captain today. As a leader among men, he was in a position where pride could have been an issue.
There are five such men listed in Scripture.
- Matthew 8 and Luke 7 – Jesus heals a Centurion’s servant.
- Matthew 27, Mark 15, and Luke 23 – The Centurion at the crucifixion
- Acts 10 – Cornelius was a Centurion.
- Acts 22 – A Centurion rescued Paul from the scourging and likely the one who guarded Paul in Acts 24:23.
- Acts 27-28 – A Centurion accompanied Paul on the voyage to Rome and saved his life when the soldier’s plan was to kill all the prisoners.
All of the Centurions listed in Scripture seem to be men of honor. And while Cornelius may be the most famous, I would like to note the Centurion we find in Matthew 8 and Luke 7.
In Matthew 8:5-13, we have the account of Jesus healing the Centurion’s servant. Even though the Centurion was a leader of men, owner of servants, and likely enjoyed an elevated status socially among men, his humility is on full display with his attitude toward Jesus. He said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof.”
First note his compassion. He sent for Jesus, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant. He knew of Jesus and knew He could help. His concern for a lowly slave was contrary to the reputation of a Roman army officer.
Secondly, note his humility. The Centurion likely knew the Jewish law forbade a Jew from entering a Gentile’s house lest the Jew become unclean. Maybe, he felt unworthy of having Jesus suffer such an inconvenience for his sake.
Last of all, note his faith. He knew that Jesus could heal without being physically present. He said, “Only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.” Just say the word and my servant will be healed. Jesus commended his faith. He is one of 3 centurions listed in the New Testament with a genuine faith (Acts 10 and Matt 27:54).
After commending his faith, Jesus then noted a coming time when the Gentiles would be welcomed into the kingdom (verse 11).
Faith, humility and compassion. What wonderful traits to be found in a leader of men. Do our leaders today exhibit such?