The centurion, the character, the miracle – Part 2

Meanwhile, what this centurion avoided became the bane of Herod’s death. Herod was just on his royal apparel, when people started shouting his praises that his voice was beyond that of man, but that of God (Acts 12:20-23). He probably could have avoided instant judgement, if he had immediately warned his people to desist from ascribing heavenly prowess to him, but he enjoyed the praises. This is where man’s upbringing and individual character play a major role in doing things the right way and in the way of the Lord.

Even when Our Lord Jesus Christ was about to be arrested, He faced a situation of an overzealous disciple (Simon Peter). Simon Peter showed character of a trusted disciple, who would stand to challenge any attack or aggression against his Master. To Jesus Christ, He needed to humble Himself and endured all insults and pains, so as to receive glory from His Father.

However, to Peter, he needed to show to people that came to arrest Jesus Christ that the man they had come to arrest had servants, who could fight for Him and also show he was an obedient servant. John 18:10-11 says that “(10)Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. (11)Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?”

However, Jesus Christ would not allow any disciple to change His character and attributes, so as not to derail His mission on earth. Meanwhile, the same Peter, who behaved as a man that would die with the Messiah, later denied Him (John 18:15-27). This goes to show that several leaders’ assistants, advisers and close associates do things mostly for their own selfish interests. But any leader with godly character will always be miles ahead of an overzealous servant.

The defining moment for the Centurion (Character in action)
Here was a man, who was not aware of the hidden pride the elders had showed to Jesus Christ, when they were introducing the centurion to Him. Whilst the elders felt that the Messiah needed to know the calibre of the man that sent them, the centurion rather saw himself as nothing in the presence of the Great Healer.

The attitude of the elders could have cost the servant of the centurion the healing he got, if the centurion had not acted differently from the way the elders acted. The truth of is that our actions, words, purity of heart and characters go a long way in determining how God will answer our prayers.

Therefore, while this centurion still told the Messiah the position that he attained in the society, he quickly told Jesus Christ that all these counted for nothing, hence, he (the centurion) was not worthy to be visited by Him (Jesus Christ). This display of good character and humility was what earned the centurion’s servant the grace to be healed (vs. 10).

This is the same God that knew us before we were conceived (Jeremiah 1:5), and there is no step we will take on earth that is hidden from Him. Therefore, why the introduction of earthly certifications and achievements to the Messiah, Who knew the centurion from the beginning of his formation?

Remain permanently under God’s banner!
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