Topical Bible: Humility: Centurion

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the New Testament, the figure of the centurion emerges as a powerful example of humility, particularly in the accounts found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. The centurion, a Roman officer commanding approximately one hundred soldiers, is depicted as a man of authority and influence. Despite his position, he demonstrates profound humility, a virtue highly esteemed in Christian teachings.

The Centurion of Capernaum

The most notable account of a centurion's humility is found in Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10. In these passages, a centurion approaches Jesus in Capernaum, seeking healing for his paralyzed servant. The centurion's request is marked by a deep sense of unworthiness and faith. He tells Jesus, "Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed" (Matthew 8:8). This statement reflects his recognition of Jesus' authority and his own humility, acknowledging that he is not deserving of Jesus' presence in his home.

Jesus responds to the centurion's faith and humility with admiration, saying, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith" (Matthew 8:10). The centurion's understanding of authority, both his own and that of Jesus, underscores his humility. He recognizes that Jesus' power transcends physical presence, and his faith is rewarded as his servant is healed at that very moment.

The Centurion at the Crucifixion

Another centurion is mentioned in the context of Jesus' crucifixion. In Matthew 27:54, as Jesus breathes His last, the centurion and those with him witness the earthquake and the events surrounding Jesus' death. The centurion exclaims, "Truly this was the Son of God!" (Matthew 27:54). This declaration is significant, as it comes from a Roman officer, a representative of the occupying power, acknowledging the divine nature of Jesus. The centurion's statement is an act of humility, recognizing a truth that transcends his own cultural and religious background.

Theological Implications

The humility of the centurion is a profound lesson in the Christian faith. It illustrates the importance of recognizing one's own limitations and the supremacy of Christ. The centurion's faith and humility are commended by Jesus, serving as a model for believers. His account emphasizes that true authority and power are found in submission to God, and that humility is a pathway to receiving God's grace and favor.

In the broader biblical narrative, the centurion's humility contrasts with the pride and self-righteousness often exhibited by the religious leaders of the time. His example serves as a reminder that God's kingdom is open to all who approach with a humble heart, regardless of their social or ethnic background. The centurion's faith and humility are celebrated as virtues that align with the teachings of Jesus, who Himself exemplified ultimate humility through His incarnation and sacrificial death.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 8:8
The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Healing of the Heathen Centurion's Slave at Capernaum. --The ...
... According to Strauss, the humility with which the centurion himself addressed Christ
(Matt., viii., 8) gave rise to the conclusion that a heathen who had had ...
/.../section 160 healing of the.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. viii. 8, "I am not Worthy that ...
... heart. Zacch??us again received the Lord both in house and heart. [2169]
Yet the centurion's faith is praised for its humility. For ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xii on the words.htm

Humility.
... fact that he was a man in authority which made the Centurion humble, and ... thus he
remained till his senses returned, and he acknowledged with humility, that his ...
/.../baring-gould/the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/liv humility.htm

Wherefore a Few Witnesses, which the Lord Deigns to Suggest to My ...
... of that Centurion He on this account chiefly praised, and said that He had not found
in Israel so great faith, because he believed with so great humility as to ...
/.../augustine/of holy virginity /section 32 wherefore a few.htm

Matt. viii. 5
... For here, when not summoned to the house, of His own accord He saith, He will come,
that thou mightest learn the centurion's faith and great humility; but in ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxvi matt viii 5.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xv. 21,"Jesus Went Out Thence ...
... This humility did the woman show forth when she said, "Truth, Lord," "I am a dog,
I desire only the crumbs." In this humility also did the Centurion please Him ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxvii on the words.htm

The Gospel of Luke
... He cures the centurion s servant, raises the widow's son, and gives instruction ... a
Pharisee, He teaches those present true mercy, true humility, true hospitality ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the gospel of luke.htm

The Faith which Christ Praises
... 'Speak the word and my servant shall be healed,' said the centurion. ... of its conception,
great in the firmness of its affiance, great in the humility with which ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the faith which christ praises.htm

Whether it is Lawful to Abstain Altogether from Communion?
... Consequently, humility is not praiseworthy if anyone abstains altogether from Communion
against the precept of Christ and the Church. Again the Centurion was ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful to 31.htm

John Chapter iv. 43-54
... The ruler sought His presence by force; the centurion declared himself unworthy
of His presence. Here is a ceding to loftiness; there, a conceding to humility. ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xvi john chapter iv.htm