Day 29

After choosing the first leaders for the movement and laying out the Father’s plan for reaching the world, Jesus came down from the mountain and returned to His home and ministry center in Capernaum. His leaders are now with Him almost 24/7. And who does the Father have waiting in the wings but a Roman centurion. Oh, the humor! How will Jesus model His new leadership principle of living graciously?


Read Luke 7:1-10; Matthew 8:5-13

What do we know about centurions?

What character qualities do we see in this centurion?

What is this Gentile soldier modeling for us about leadership?

What was Jesus’ response to this centurion? Why?


As we begin today, I want to remind you that we are sticking with Luke as the primary source in our chronological study, mainly because Luke tells us that he intended to put the events of Jesus’ life in chronological form. On the other hand, you will note that Matthew gives us three chapters (Matthew 5-7) of all the things Jesus had been teaching for the first two years of ministry and then begins to tell how Jesus modeled what he taught in the following chapters. So don’t get confused; Matthew had a different way of organizing information. But both authors give an accurate account, only from other points of view.

Have you ever wondered if God gets caught off guard? I wonder if Jesus was surprised at the Father’s sense of humor. It says in Luke 7:9 that Jesus marveled at this centurion. I find it ironic and a bit funny that it is a Roman centurion, the enemy and a leader in one of the most brutal armies this world has ever known that is about to be used by God to teach our next four leadership principles. He was a Roman leader sent by Rome to maintain order, enforce the laws and collect taxes. He will be God’s instrument of instruction for these new leaders. Notice the love this leader must have had for His slave (Luke 7:2) to send a friend to find Jesus and ask for His help. Notice also that it says that this centurion loved the people of Israel and had built the synagogue in Capernaum (Luke 7:5).

Principle #1: A leader loves those they are leading, hurts for them, and cares for them.

Next, notice the humility of this Gentile. He sends the Jewish elders and some friends to implore Jesus to help. But see what he tells them to say: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you to come under my roof. That is, I  did not even consider myself worthy to come to you” (Luke 7:6-7)

Principle #2: A leader leads with humility, realizing they are not worthy of the great honor of serving as a leader in the army of the Lord.

Third, notice the faith of this foreigner. He says, “‘But say the word, and my servant will be healed’” (Luke 7:7). It shocks Jesus. He declares, “‘I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel’” (Luke 7:9).

Principle #3: A leader leads by faith, trusting not in what their physical eyes see but in the invisible God, with whom all things are possible.

Lastly, don’t miss the understanding of the lines of authority by this soldier. He says, “For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me’” (Luke 7:8). This man knew that he was a leader and knew how to lead, but he never forgot that he was also under the authority and would need to give an account to his superiors of how he led.

Principle #4: A leader never forgets that they are also under authority and will give an account for how they led the people God has placed under their care. You have authority only as you are under authority.

Love, humility, faith, and authority are all principles of godly leadership, modeled by Jesus and a centurion some 2,000 years ago.

We’re all leaders in some way, shape, or form.

What kind of leader will you be?