A Soldier And A Slave – Read Luke 7:1-10
Contemplation
We are walking into a town called Capernaum – near where Jesus grew up. Suddenly some important people in the community come bustling up the street to Jesus. They are finely dressed and their clothes smell new, not like the dust and dirt of the street around.
They ask Jesus to come to the house of a soldier. The people around Jesus are shocked! The soldiers are from Rome – far away – and they are ruling the country for the Romans. Why would Jewish leaders ask for this favour? The important people explain that this man is different because he really seems to care for the people. He even built a synagogue for them to come together and worship God. We walk along the street towards the house through the busy streets – full of people shouting and calling, walking, running. As we come to the big house, we see soldiers around.
Suddenly some men come out. They speak our language in a Roman accent. “Don’t bother coming in. We know that the Jews have rules about mixing with us foreigners. Our friend says you can just order the man to be well from a distance – just like he gives orders to his men!” Jesus is amazed. He says he’s never seen faith like this from his own people. He prays and suddenly there’s a shout of joy from the house. The man is well again.
Talk to Jesus, the people around him, the servant and the centurion (soldier). How are they?
I can’t meet Jesus face to face in person yet. Do I believe I can talk to him and ask him things?