Expository Thoughts On Luke - Luke 7:1-10
J.C. Ryle expounds on the remarkable faith and kindness of the centurion in Luke 7:1-10, illustrating how divine grace enables faith that trusts Christ's authority and power to heal.
In this sermon, J.C. Ryle offers an expository reflection on Luke 7:1-10, focusing on the faith and kindness of the Roman centurion. Ryle highlights the miraculous healing performed by Jesus through a single word, emphasizing the centurion's remarkable trust in Christ's authority. The sermon explores how divine grace transforms hearts and inspires genuine faith expressed through compassionate actions.
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THE FAITH OF THE CENTURION
These verses describe the miraculous cure of a sick man. A centurion, or officer in the Roman army, applies to our Lord on behalf of his servant, and obtains what he requests. A greater miracle of healing than this, is nowhere recorded in the Gospels. Without even seeing the sufferer, without touch of hand or look of eye, our Lord restores health to a dying man by a single word. He speaks, and the sick man is cured. He commands, and the disease departs. We read of no prophet or apostle, who wrought miracles in this manner. We see here the finger of God!
We should notice in these verses the KINDNESS of the centurion. It is a part of his character which appears in three ways. We see it in his treatment of his servant. He cares for him tenderly when sick, and takes pains to have him restored to health. We see it again in his feeling towards the Jewish people. He did not despise them as other Gentiles commonly did. The elders of the Jews bear this strong testimony, "He loves our nation." We see it lastly in his liberal support of the Jewish place of worship at Capernaum. He did not love Israel "in word and tongue only, but in deed." The messengers he sent to our Lord supported their petition by saying, "He has built a synagogue for us."
Now where did the centurion learn this kindness? How can we account for one who was a heathen by birth, and a soldier by profession, showing such a spirit as this? Habits of mind like these were not likely to be gathered from heathen teaching, or promoted by the society of a Roman camp. Greek and Latin philosophy would not recommend them. Tribunes, consuls, prefects and emperors would not encourage them. There is but one account of the matter. The centurion was what he was "by the grace of God." The Spirit had opened the eyes of his understanding, and put a new heart within him. His knowledge of divine things no doubt was very dim. His religious views were probably built on a very imperfect acquaintance with the Old Testament Scriptures. But whatever light from above he had, it influenced his life, and one result of it was the kindness which is recorded in this passage.
Let us learn a lesson from the centurion\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Miracle of Healing
- Christ heals the centurion's servant without physical presence
- A unique miracle showing the finger of God
- No similar miracle recorded by prophets or apostles
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II. The Kindness of the Centurion
- Tender care for his servant
- Respect and love for the Jewish nation
- Support for the Jewish synagogue at Capernaum
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III. The Source of the Centurion's Kindness
- Not from heathen or military culture
- Result of the grace of God
- Spirit opened his understanding and gave him a new heart
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IV. Lessons for Believers
- Faith trusts Christ's word and authority
- Grace transforms character and actions
- Kindness as evidence of true faith
Key Quotes
“A greater miracle of healing than this, is nowhere recorded in the Gospels.” — J.C. Ryle
“The Spirit had opened the eyes of his understanding, and put a new heart within him.” — J.C. Ryle
“He did not love Israel 'in word and tongue only, but in deed.'” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Trust in Christ's authority even when circumstances seem distant or impossible.
- Allow God's grace to transform your heart and influence your actions toward others.
- Demonstrate genuine faith through kindness and support for those in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the centurion in Luke 7?
The centurion was a Roman army officer who demonstrated remarkable faith and kindness by seeking Jesus' help for his sick servant.
What makes the healing in Luke 7:1-10 unique?
Jesus healed the servant without being physically present, simply by His word, a miracle unmatched by other prophets or apostles.
How did the centurion show kindness?
He cared tenderly for his servant, respected the Jewish people, and supported their place of worship.
What enabled the centurion's faith and kindness?
The grace of God opened his understanding and gave him a new heart, influencing his life positively.
What is the main lesson from the centurion's story?
True faith trusts in Christ’s authority and is evidenced by kindness and grace in action.