The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1930-11-13
Lesson for November Is
THE BELIEVING CENTURION, A
GENTLE WHOSE FAITH JESUS
COMMENDED

GENTLE WHOSE FAITH JESUS
COMMENDED
LESSON TEXT-Matthew S:5-13
GOLDEN TEXT-And they shall
come from the east and from the west,
and from the north, and from the
south, and shall sit down in the king
dom of God.
PRIMARY TOPIC-A Man Who Be-
lieved Jesus.
JUNIOR ToPIC-A Man Who Be-
lieved Jesus.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR
TOPIC-Being Fair to Other Races.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOP
IC-Overcoming Racial Prejudice.
!. Who the Centurion Was ". 81.
His name is not given. His title
was derived from the word meaning
"a hundred" He was, therefore, Off
cially the commander of hundred
men. 1.-THE ordinary duties of CEN
turion were to drill his men, inspect
their arms, food, and clothing, and to
command them in the camp and in the
field"
II. The centurion's Need wv. 8, 81.
He had very dear servant who was
previously afflicted with the palsy. and
at the point of death duke 7:2). This
slave was highly valued for this char
acter and ability. We are not told In
this account as to whether the CEN
turion had employed doctors. In all
probability they had been employed
tn DIV
centurion had, no doubt, heard of the
wonderful power Of Jesus to heal.
Therefore, he came to him as the only
one who could help.
III. The Centurion's Request wv. 5,6).
II was that Christ would come and
heal his servant duke 7:3). From
the account in Luke we learn that the
centurion first sent the leaders of the
Jews. Being a Gentle, he doubtless
believed that he could best secure the
attention and consideration of Jesus
through the mediation of the Jews
The centurion was of good report
among the Jews. The leaders who
were sent testified to the good repu-
tation which he bore in the COM
munity. They especially mentioned
his benevolent deeds to the Jews.
w. The centurion's Humility
wv. 7, 81.
AS Jesus was nearing the centurion's
house the friends were sent to say to
him that he was unworthy for him to
come under his roof, but because the
case Of his servant was so grave, he
brushed aside all difficulties and per-
sonally appealed for help. Jesus Is
pleased when men realize their utter
helplessness and appeal to him for
help.
v. The centurion's Faith wv. 800.
In spite of his unworthiness he COM
mitted his case to the Lord. He be-
iieved that If Jesus would but speak
the word, his servant would be
healed. 1t is most interesting to note
his philosophy of authority. He said,
81 am a man under authority, having
soldiers under me, and ! say to this
man, Co. and he goeth. and to an
other, Come and he cometh, and to
my servant, DO this and he doeth II"
He believed that disease was under
control, that Christ could order 1t
about just as he ordered his soldiers
about. By faith he saw Christ as COM
pletely in authority over the most VIC
lent malady as he himself was In con-
troll over the soldiers under him. His
faith was so unusual that Christ mar
yeled at it. He did not marvel in the
sense of being surprised at it, but mar
yeled at its intelligence. His faith
was based upon the true philosophy
Of the universe; namely, that the uni
verse is based upon law and Jesus
Christ is the Director and Controller
Of that law. So greatly was Christ
pleased with his faith that he de-
clared that it exceeded anything found
among the Jews, that many Gentiles
would have a place in the kingdom to
the exclusion of many Jews.
vi. Christ's Wonderful Power ". III
He said to the centurion, II will
come and heal him" ". y. Note his
perfect confidence in himself. He did
not say, 81 will come and see what
can do" but twill heal him." He
knew that all power was given unto
him by the Father. He did not need
TO 90 and touch the centurion's slave
but needed only to speak the word
and It was done. He could heal from
miles away as well as when in the
presence of sick person. How won
derful is the power of the Lord Jesus
Christ! Let us trust him at all times
and under all circumstances.