How is it that their enemies got it but they didn’t? Although this wasn’t an ordinary enemy.

A man did not become a Roman soldier because he was soft. It was no joke. They had to strong, violent and willing to obey orders even if it meant their own death.

Then to be a centurion, a commander of 100, was even tougher. They were expected to lead their men with strict discipline, organization, and fulfill the missions given to them. There was not to be any mercy on their enemies and only loyalty to the Caesar.

This centurion was different. He saw through to the people, something many military leaders do not have the courage to do. And he loved and supported his enemies, the Jews.

He loved the Jews. He understood them. Even though he was sent to dominate and be a charge over them, he showed them kindness. He went so far as to even build them a synagogue.

The Jews loved him as well. And when the centurion had a need, who went on his behalf? Not just any Jews, but the elders of the Jews. Read this amazing story.

After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.  Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him.  

When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.”  

And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.  Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed.  For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”  

When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”  And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.

There’s a repeated theme in the Scriptures. Why is it that the enemies and Gentiles can see Jesus for who he is, but the Jews could not?

Here was a man who was a powerful soldier and leader. Then there was Jesus who had no position or title or worldly authority. And yet the centurion saw Jesus for he who was. So much so that he himself did not feel worthy to come meet with him.

This was crazy! This no name Jew should be shaking before him in the eyes of the world, but this powerful centurion humbled himself before Jesus. He understood and responded appropriately.

Jesus is amazed at his great faith and grants his faith. He heals his servant.

If an enemy Roman could see Jesus, why couldn’t the Jews? Was it perhaps because their hearts were hard and they just didn’t want to believe?