The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. (Luke 7:3)
Perhaps you have heard of the 10/40 Window. It’s that portion of Africa and Asia that lies from ten degrees latitude north of the equator to forty degrees latitude north of the equator. It’s a convenient way of referring to that part of the world where more than 4.4 billion live, but many of those people have never heard the gospel message even once. If they have heard of Jesus, they may think of him as a prophet. Some would be offended to hear anyone say he is the Son of God.
The centurion in today’s Scripture had heard of Jesus. Undoubtedly, he had heard of his healing ministry. Therefore, he “sent some elders of the Jews” to Jesus, “asking him to come and heal his servant.”
This tells us that the centurion was compassionate. He cared about those who worked for him. It tells us he was a man of action, who looked for solutions to problems. It also tells us that as a Roman soldier, he must have developed a good relationship with the Jews, because some Jewish elders were willing to approach Jesus on behalf of the centurion and his servant.
In your community and mine, there are likewise “good people” who have heard of Jesus but who have not yet received him as Lord of their lives. Is God calling you to be an influence for righteousness among them?
Pray that God will show you how to help others hear of Jesus.
Ron McClung is a recently retired minister in The Wesleyan Church. He and his wife, Carol, live in Michigan and look forward to spending time with their two sons, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.