Preaching Outline on Luke 7:8 – “For I also am a man subject to authority, and have soldiers under me; and I say to this one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my servant, Do this, and he does it.”
Once again, we find in the Word a surprising dialog that teaches us profound truths about authority, obedience and faith. The episode involves a Roman centurion, a Gentile man, who demonstrates an extraordinary understanding of divine and human authority. This understanding amazed the Lord Jesus himself, as we read in verse 9: “When Jesus heard this, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, he said, “I also tell you that not even in Israel have I found such great faith.”
The most striking detail lies in the expression “also” used by the centurion. He said: “I too am a man subject to authority…”. With this, he recognized that Jesus was subject to the authority of the Father, just as he himself was subject to the authority of his superiors. This statement reveals a profound humility and a clear perception of hierarchy and order.
The centurion was a man of high rank within the Roman army. He had authority over soldiers and servants, and could command and be obeyed. However, he was also subordinate to higher authorities, to whom he owed obedience. This duality – of being both submissive and a holder of authority – allowed him to understand something fundamental: authority is not arbitrary, but part of a chain of command established by God.
He explained to the Lord Jesus that his own experience with authority gave him the certainty that Jesus had absolute power. He said: “I say to this one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my servant, Do this, and he does it.” This understanding reflects an unshakeable trust in the word of the one in authority. For the centurion, all Jesus had to do was speak, and the healing would happen, because he believed in the power of Jesus’ word.
This faith based on Christ’s authority is an example for us. We often want to see miracles or tangible proof before we believe, but the centurion showed that all we need to do is trust in the word of the one who has absolute authority.
The centurion recognized that Jesus was subject to the Father’s authority. He knew that Jesus had been sent for a specific purpose: to fulfill the eternal plan of salvation described in the Scriptures (Law, Psalms and Prophets). The centurion understood that Jesus came to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, according to Matthew 15:24: “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
However, the centurion also realized something even more profound: although Jesus was subject to the Father’s authority, he had complete freedom to act within that purpose. He said, in essence: “If the Lord wills, he can heal my servant, and this will in no way interfere with the plan he came to fulfill.” This statement reveals a mature faith, which understands that God can operate beyond human expectations without compromising His purpose.
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. He saw in the centurion’s faith an absolute trust in his authority. This faith was rewarded when Jesus declared: “Go your way, and let it be done to you according to your faith.” (Luke 7:9). At that moment, the servant was healed.
This episode teaches us several important lessons about authority and faith:
The centurion in Luke 7 teaches us a powerful lesson about authority and faith. He recognized that Jesus had absolute authority and that all it took was a word from him to do the impossible. His faith amazed the Lord himself, who granted his request with miraculous speed.
May we learn from this example and cultivate an unshakeable faith in God’s authority. May we recognize His sovereignty in all areas of our lives and trust that He can do infinitely more than we ask or imagine.
May our prayer be like that of the centurion: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should come into my house, but say only a word, and my servant will be healed.” Amen!
“God’s authority is enough to solve any problem.”
Preaching Outline on Luke 7:8 – “For I also am a man subject to authority, and have soldiers under me; and I say to this one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my servant, Do this, and he does it.”