Jesus arrives in Capernaum
“a centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die.”
The centurion sent elders of the Jews to ask Jesus to come and heal the servant. So Jesus went with them.
This is what the scripture said:
When He was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. 7 Likewise, I did not think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I myself am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. 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.” 9 When Jesus heard these words, He marveled at him, and turned and said to the people who followed Him, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” (Luke 7:6–9, MEV)
The Roman officer understood that Jesus had the authority of heaven.
In the book of Luke Jesus gives His authority to the disciples.
19 Look, I give you authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. And nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:19–20, MEV)
The apostles ask Jesus; “Increase our faith.” And the first thing Jesus tells them is found in Luke 17:5-6
5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”
6 The Lord said, “If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. (Luke 17:5–6, MEV)
This is Faith in Christ and faith in the authority that Christ gives.
Peter and John go up to the gate of the temple called beautiful in Jerusalem and they find a crippled man there.
This is what Peter says:
Then Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but I give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:6, MEV)
Jesus taught the disciples about the Pharisees habit of placing their traditions before God’s word and Jesus made this statement:
“making the word of God of no effect through your tradition, which you have delivered. And you do many similar things.” (Mark 7:13, MEV)
This statement was not only true for the Pharisees and their many traditions but it could also be applied to any tradition, precept or general rule that we place above God’s word.
We need to put aside our traditions, gimmicks and formulas. We need to obey God’s word because it is the only true source of authority we should ever act on.
“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4, MEV)
If God said the mulberry tree would obey you, guess what, that mulberry tree has to obey you.
Why, because we have placed our faith in the authority Christ has over creation. We are partakers of His nature, and it’s by His authority alone that empowers us for His service.
Who is he who speaks and it comes to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it? (Lamentations 3:37, MEV)
so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11, MEV)
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