The Faith of the Centurion: Matthew 8:513

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The Faith of the CenturionMatthew 85-13

• Forest Hills Bible Chapel
• 19 November 2006

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Background of the Text

• Matthew is often thought of as The Gospel for
  the Jews. Wellyes and no.
• While Matthew begins with several ways in which
  Jesus fulfills the Old Testament, it ends with
  Make disciples of all nations. (Matt. 2819-20)
• Matthew 8 comes after Matthew 5-7 the Sermon on
  the Mount.
• Matthew 5-7 the Constitution of the Kingdom
  Matthew 8-9 the Power of the King

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Background of the Text

• Romans Centurions the backbone of the Roman
  army.
• The Roman attitude toward servants.
• Every wealthy Roman would have inanimate objects
  (possessions, tools), animate objects (goats,
  cows, etc.), and servants.
• A servant was simply a possession which could
  speak.

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Background of the Text

• The story of the Centurion is found in the middle
  of 3 stories similar to the three parables of
  last Sunday the man with leprosy, the Roman
  centurion, and the healing of Simons
  mother-in-law and others.
• These three groups lepers, Roman occupiers, and
  women were all considered inferior by the
  Pharisees.

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Lessons from a Centurion

• We must always remember that we are first and
  foremost sinners who are desperately in need of
  grace.
• Our station in life does not change the fact that
  we are desperately in need of grace.
• The Centurion breaks the mold. There are
  actually nice Gentiles out there! ?
• Jesus finds more faith in a Gentile than anywhere
  else in Israel!

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Lessons from a Centurion

• Gods great plan is to throw a banquet for His
  people.
• There are two surprises in Gods kingdom those
  who are admitted, and those who are excluded.
• A key to our success in the Christian life is our
  faith it all comes back to the power of our
  Lord.