In the time of Jesus, the land of Israel was ruled by Rome. Roman soldiers marched on its roads and guarded its towns. Some of the most important soldiers were called centurions.
A hundred men. The word centurion comes from the Latin word for a hundred. A centurion was an officer in charge of a group of about a hundred soldiers.
Tough leaders. Centurions trained their men, kept them in line and led them into battle. Most of them had served as ordinary soldiers for years before they were put in charge.
Feared by many. Most people in Israel did not want Roman soldiers in their land. A soldier could make a person carry his heavy pack. Jesus taught, “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two” (Matthew 5:41).
Soldiers who asked John. When John the Baptist preached, soldiers asked him what they should do. He told them, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages” (Luke 3:14). His answer shows that some soldiers bullied people to get money.
Gentiles. Most Roman soldiers were Gentiles, people who were not Jewish. Many of them worshiped the false gods of Rome.
A different centurion. The centurion in Capernaum was not like the soldiers people feared. The Jewish elders said, “he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue” (Luke 7:5).
He cared about God's Word. Somehow this Gentile soldier had come to love the God of Israel and His people. A synagogue was the place where God's Word was read every Sabbath, and he wanted his town to have one.
God was at work. Long before, God promised that His Servant would be “a light to the Gentiles” (Isaiah 49:6). In a Roman soldier's heart, that light was already shining.
No one is too far. Some people in Israel might have thought a Roman soldier was too far from God. But God reaches people in every place and every job.
Every nation. Paul wrote, “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him” (Romans 10:12).
Pray for those who serve. The Bible tells us to pray “for all men” (1 Timothy 2:1), including kings and everyone in charge. Soldiers, police officers and leaders need Jesus too.
What to do. This week, pray for someone who serves in the army, the police or the government. Ask God to help that person know Jesus.
The centurion in Capernaum is not the only centurion in the Bible who met the good news. Other centurions met Jesus or His followers too.
At the cross. When Jesus was crucified, a centurion was in charge of the soldiers there. He watched how Jesus suffered and how He died.
What he saw. Darkness covered the land for three hours. When Jesus died, “the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked” (Matthew 27:51).
What he said. The centurion said that this Man truly was the Son of God (Mark 15:39). He praised God and said Jesus was a righteous Man (Luke 23:47).
Love for His enemies. The soldiers had hurt Jesus and made fun of Him. Yet Jesus died for sinners like them, and the officer in charge spoke the truth about who He is.
Cornelius. Years later, a centurion named Cornelius lived in the city of Caesarea. He and his whole household feared God. He gave generously to the poor and prayed to God always (Acts 10:1-2).
An angel's message. An angel told Cornelius to send for Peter (Acts 10:3-6). At the same time, God was teaching Peter that the good news of Jesus was for Gentiles too.
The Holy Spirit came. While Peter was telling them about Jesus, the Holy Spirit came on everyone who heard (Acts 10:44). Then Cornelius and the others were baptized (Acts 10:48).
Julius. Another centurion, named Julius, guarded Paul on a ship going to Rome. He was kind to Paul and let him visit his friends (Acts 27:1-3).
Saved in the storm. When the ship was wrecked, the soldiers planned to kill the prisoners so none would escape. Julius stopped them because he wanted to save Paul. God used a kind centurion to protect Paul. Everyone reached land safely (Acts 27:42-44).
A different kind of King. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight” (John 18:36). Soldiers who served Caesar met a King who rules hearts.
To the end of the earth. Jesus told His followers they would be His witnesses “to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Roman soldiers who met the good news are part of that story.
What to do. Think of someone who seems far from God. Pray for that person, and look for a kind way to tell them about Jesus.
Complete all sections to finish!
Read each section and answer the questions correctly.