Matthew 8:8

Tuesday, 4 March 2025

 

The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. Matthew 8:8

 

“And, the centurion, having answered, he said, ‘Lord, I am not adequate that You should enter under my roof. But only You say a word, and my servant, he will be cured’” (CG).

 

In the previous verse, Jesus told the centurion that having come, He would heal his servant. Next, in response to that, it says, “And, the centurion, having answered.” As was noted in a previous commentary, Luke does not have the centurion come to Jesus but only messengers.

 

One might then say there is a contradiction in the two. How could he have answered if he stayed home? The difference is not insurmountable. Rather, Luke’s narrative says –

 

“Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, ‘Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say a word, and my servant will be healed.’” Luke 7:6, 7

 

If the elders, speaking on behalf of the centurion, implored Jesus to come, then upon His agreement to come, they would have sent a note back to the centurion telling him that Jesus was on His way. That is why it then says, “when He was already not far from the house.”

 

In other words, after agreeing, and after word had been sent, Jesus started toward the centurion’s house. However, when word came to him that Jesus was coming, he told the messenger to stop His arrival and simply give the command. Understanding that there is no contradiction, but that Matthew is focusing on different parts of the details, the narrative continues with, “he said, ‘Lord, I am not adequate that You should enter under my roof.’”

 

The word stegé, roof, is introduced. It will be seen again once in Mark and once in Luke. It is associated with the verb stegó, to bear up under, such as in endurance. One bears up under the strain of whatever he is enduring. Thus, it speaks of the roof or covering of a house.

 

This centurion did not see himself as fit to have Jesus even enter into his house, knowing he was unworthy of such an honor. He had heard of the great things Jesus had done and he perceived that He was a true man of God because only such a man could accomplish the things he had heard about. And so, to keep from bothering the Lord any further, he continues with, “But only You say a word, and my servant, he will be cured.”

 

Here is another new word, iaomai. It signifies to heal or cure. Because the word therapeuó was used in the previous verse and it was translated as “heal,” it is right to use a different word here, even if similar in meaning. That way, the reader will not miss the fact that different words are provided in the original Greek.

 

The centurion’s words are rather incredible. He had asked for healing for his servant. That alone speaks of a person who truly believes in another’s capabilities. Nobody would go to a doctor if he felt the doctor couldn’t help. It would be a pointless gesture. However, this man not only believed Jesus could heal the servant, but that He could cure him without even being in his presence. It demonstrates an amazing amount of faith.

 

Generally, a physician must look over the patient, run tests, and only then prescribe whatever cure he feels will be appropriate to the situation. This centurion knew that none of this was necessary. Jesus could see, diagnose, and heal all from a distance without ever actually being in the presence of the paralyzed servant.

 

Life application: The centurion felt his unworthiness before the Lord, understanding His greatness and capability to connect with the God of Israel in order to effect healing in his servant. His humility stands as a testimony to the man.

 

How different his attitude is to those in churches today who snap their fingers and claim healing over others, as if they have the full authority to direct Jesus to do what they wish. It is true that Hebrews 4:16 tells us that we can come boldly to the throne of grace, but this is not speaking of presumptuously. Rather, it is speaking of confidence that because of Jesus, we can “find grace to help in time of need.”

 

Grace is getting what one does not deserve. Claiming things implies that what is claimed is deserved. We may approach God boldly because of Jesus, but that doesn’t mean we don’t need to display humility before Him as we petition Him.

 

Consider carefully how people treat their relationship with the Lord. Think about the various approaches you see, and then emulate that which is good, holy, and humble. This is right in the eyes of the Lord.

 

O God, may we be people of humility as we come into Your presence. May we never display an attitude that is demeaning of Your glory. Rather, help us to remember that the universe does not revolve around us. We are the created while You are our Creator. Thank You that we may approach You because of Jesus, but may we do so with honor and respect as we do. Amen.