FEBRUARY 10-14, 2025
Faith Like a Centurion
SERMON BY: REV. MEG PETERS
The account of the Roman Centurion in Luke 7:1-10 presents a powerful example of faith working through community relationships. As a military commander of 100 men, the Centurion was a person of considerable authority, yet he showed exceptional humility and genuine care for others, including building a synagogue for the Jewish people and showing deep concern for his ill servant - an unusual attitude for his time and position.What makes this story particularly significant is how the entire healing takes place through community involvement, with the Centurion sending Jewish elders and friends to communicate with Jesus on his behalf. This demonstrates that faith often
operates through our relationships and community connections, rather than requiring direct, face-to-face encounters. The Centurion's actions also challenge social hierarchies of the time, showing that true worth comes from God's love rather than social status or position.The story provides a powerful model for modern believers on how to advocate for those without voice in society. It teaches that faith should move us to action on behalf of others, particularly those who are marginalized or unable to speak for themselves. The Centurion's example shows that authentic faith manifests in practical care for others and trust in God's power to work through various channels.
STAY CONNECTED WITH CENTENARY
FAITH IN ACTON
DEVOTION
Have you ever noticed how some of the most powerful acts of faith happen through other people? In the story of the Roman Centurion, we see a military commander - someone with significant authority - who doesn't hesitate to reach out for help when his servant falls ill. But what's remarkable isn't just that he asked for help; it's how he did it. He sent others to speak to Jesus on his behalf, showing us that faith often works through community. This powerful man humbled himself and trusted in both his community and in Jesus's ability to heal, even from a distance. His actions remind us that true faith isn't about position or power - it's about trust and humility.
QUESTION
When was the last time you needed to rely on others to help you reach out to God? How did that experience affect your faith?
QUOTE
"Faith is alive in the context of community."
PRAYER
Luke 7:1-3
When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. There a centurion's servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant.
Lord, help me to embrace humility and trust in both You and the community You've placed around me. Give me the courage to reach out when I need help, and the wisdom to see that depending on others isn't weakness, but strength. Amen.
SEEING WITHOUT SEEING
DEVOTION
Sometimes we think we need to see something to believe it. But faith often works in exactly the opposite way. The Roman Centurion demonstrated extraordinary faith by believing Jesus could heal his servant without even being physically present. He understood that Jesus's power wasn't limited by distance or physical presence. This military commander, used to dealing with tangible authority and direct commands, grasped something profound about spiritual authority - that it transcends our physical limitations. His faith challenges us to trust in God's power even when we can't see it working with our physical eyes.
QUESTION
What situations in your life require you to trust God without seeing the immediate results?
QUOTE
Luke 7:9
When Jesus heard this, he 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.'
"You do not have to see Jesus to see him working."
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, strengthen my faith to trust You even when I can't see You working. Help me to remember that Your power isn't limited by what I can see or understand. Increase my faith to believe in Your promises. Amen.
SPEAKING FOR THE VOICELESS
DEVOTION
In a world where status and influence often determine who gets heard, the Centurion's story offers a powerful counter-cultural example. Here was a man of authority who used his position not for personal gain, but to advocate for someone who had no voice in society - his servant. This wasn't just about getting help for a valuable worker; it was about recognizing the inherent worth of another human being, regardless of their social status. His actions challenge us to consider how we use our own influence and privileges to help those who might otherwise go unheard.
QUESTION
What opportunities do you have to speak up for those who might not be able to speak for themselves?
QUOTE
The men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
"No questions asked, no papers needed, no proof of citizenship. All of these people were thought of, were healed, were helped because someone acted on their behalf when they could not."
PRAYER
God, open my eyes to see those around me who need an advocate. Give me courage to use whatever influence I have to help others, and help me to value every person as You do. Amen.
TRUE WORTH
DEVOTION
In a society that often measures worth by achievements, possessions, or status, the Centurion's story presents a different perspective. Despite his position of authority, he demonstrated remarkable humility, considering himself unworthy to approach Jesus directly. Yet it was precisely this humility, combined with his faith and compassion, that Jesus praised. This reminds us that our true worth isn't found in our social status, our achievements, or what we own, but in how we reflect God's love to others.
QUESTION
How do you measure your own worth, and how does that align with how God values you?
QUOTE
So he went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: 'Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof.'
"Our worth is not in what we own or who it is we are above."
PRAYER
Lord, help me to find my worth in You rather than in worldly measures. Give me the humility to serve others and the wisdom to see their value through Your eyes. Amen.
COMMUNITY OF FAITH
DEVOTION
The healing in this story happens through a chain of relationships - the Centurion reaches out to the Jewish elders, who approach Jesus, who responds to their request. It's a beautiful picture of how faith works through community. Sometimes we need others to carry our needs to God when we feel unable to do so ourselves. Other times, we're called to be the ones who intercede for others. This reminds us that faith isn't just an individual journey - it's meant to be lived out in community, where we support and uplift each other
QUESTION
How has your faith community supported you in times of need, and how can you better support others in their faith journey?
QUOTE
Luke 7:4-5
When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, 'This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.'
"Sometimes, whether we are seventh graders on a confirmation retreat or high schoolers learning to drive, or adults who have been working for years and do our best to have it all together all of the time, we need our community to ask questions to God on our behalf."
PRAYER
Father, thank You for the gift of community. Help me to be both willing to receive support from others and ready to support those around me. Show me how to be a faithful member of Your body. Amen..
We invite you to be a part of our weekly churchwide dinner and faith formation evening on Wednesdays.
Dinner begins at 5:15PM and spriritual formation classes begin at 7:00PM.
Learn more by clicking on the Noursish logo to the left.
Church Office: (336) 724-6311 Website: www.centenary-ws.org
Stephen Ministry Congregation