What Jesus Did! 'Trust in Authority' — Luke 7:6-8

Friday, April 21, 2023

So Jesus went with [the Jewish elders who had come on behalf of the Roman officer]. But just before they arrived at the house, the officer sent some friends to say, "Lord, don't trouble yourself by coming to my home, for I am not worthy of such an honor. I am not even worthy to come and meet you. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, 'Go,' and they go, or 'Come,' and they come. And if I say to my slaves, 'Do this,' they do it."
— Luke 7:6-8 NLT

Key Thought

It takes someone with authority to truly and fully appreciate someone else who exercises authority. Here is a man of authority who showed his faith in Jesus' authority and showed his own humility, a humility that was most unexpected for his position. He trusted in the power of Jesus and the power of Jesus' will and word. His faith was exemplary. Do we have that same faith? Do we believe in Jesus' promises and trust in his word with the same humility?

Today's Prayer

Father, I believe, but help my faith grow and mature. Help me learn to trust Jesus' promises more completely and to live so that my actions more fully match Jesus' word that sets the standard for my life. In his name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 28:18-20
  • Acts 2:33-36
  • Luke 4:36

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3 Related Resources by Heartlight

Examples from the Outside
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[The message from the Roman officer to Jesus included,] "I am not even worthy to come and meet you. Just say the word from where you are, and my..."
Grace for the Opposites
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Child of the King of Glory, Whatever your situation in life is or may have been, I want you to know that when you hurt, I care! You see, I don't..."
Surely!
Article by Phil Ware
A hardened elite soldier in Rome's army comes face-to-face with the Son of God. Phil Ware looks at the Centurions in the New Testament and reminds us that they often believed in Jesus, and one in particular, can lead us to Jesus, the cross, and our salvation.

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 7:6-8 NLT — I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers.

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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