Authority

When Jesus heard this, He was astonished and said to those following, “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.” Matthew 8:10 (nasb)

In Matthew 8 Jesus encountered a Roman centurion who had come to Him asking for help. The centurion had a servant at home who suffered terribly and was paralyzed. Being in the military, the centurion understood and had a definite working knowledge of authority. He demonstrated this by saying he was a man under authority, but also one who was in authority over others. In his position, all he had to do was to speak the word and those under him would respond. This man recognized Christ as the ultimate authority. Realizing he was not worthy for Jesus to come under his roof, he knew that if Jesus just said the word, his servant would be healed.

Christ marveled at this man’s faith. Therefore, Jesus equated the centurion’s understanding of authority with faith! If you really believe Christ and take Him at His word you will not have any trouble submitting to authorities. Jesus told the centurion, “Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed” (Matthew 8:13, nasb).

Belief and submission go hand in hand. We all act out of what we believe. If I truly believe and trust Christ, then I will not have any trouble obeying His Word and trusting Him even when I don’t see obvious evidence of His answer or presence.

Humility is also an outgrowth of submission. The centurion felt unworthy for Christ to come under his roof. The Lord opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (see James 4:6). Those who have an accurate view of God have no problem submitting to Him!

Heavenly Father, I acknowledge You as Master and the ultimate authority in my life. Please, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life” (Psalm 139:23-24, nlt ). In Jesus’ name, amen.