1 00:00:00,490 --> 00:00:03,410 Speaker 1: When Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those 2 00:00:03,450 --> 00:00:07,710 Speaker 1: who followed Him, Truly I tell you, with no one 3 00:00:07,770 --> 00:00:14,060 Speaker 1: in Israel have I found such faith. Matthew 8.10 Heavenly Father, 4 00:00:14,760 --> 00:00:19,780 Speaker 1: our hearts are deeply moved. This testimony of unwavering belief 5 00:00:20,140 --> 00:00:24,390 Speaker 1: in Your power challenges us to examine the depth of 6 00:00:24,480 --> 00:00:29,730 Speaker 1: our own faith. Lord, inspire within us a faith that astonishes, 7 00:00:30,810 --> 00:00:33,550 Speaker 1: a trust in you that does not waver in the 8 00:00:33,590 --> 00:00:39,890 Speaker 1: face of trials and uncertainties. May our belief in your goodness, 9 00:00:40,390 --> 00:00:45,320 Speaker 1: your love, and your omnipotence be as profound and unwavering 10 00:00:45,720 --> 00:00:50,300 Speaker 1: as that of the centurion. Grant us the courage to 11 00:00:50,340 --> 00:00:56,150 Speaker 1: believe in the impossible, to see beyond our limitations, and 12 00:00:56,190 --> 00:01:02,130 Speaker 1: to trust in your perfect will for our lives. Convict us, 13 00:01:02,230 --> 00:01:04,710 Speaker 1: O God, to live lives that do not seek you 14 00:01:04,790 --> 00:01:08,410 Speaker 1: in moments of need, but that consistently walk in the 15 00:01:08,470 --> 00:01:14,810 Speaker 1: assurance of your presence and promises. Let our faith be 16 00:01:14,870 --> 00:01:17,890 Speaker 1: a beacon of hope and inspiration to those around us, 17 00:01:18,700 --> 00:01:26,480 Speaker 1: testifying to the greatness of your power and love. In Jesus' name. Amen. 18 00:01:29,040 --> 00:01:32,250 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 19 00:01:32,270 --> 00:01:37,660 Speaker 1: the Jesus Podcast. Stories of hope, love, and divine intervention. 20 00:01:38,440 --> 00:01:41,060 Speaker 1: We're glad you found us. Be sure to follow this 21 00:01:41,120 --> 00:01:45,340 Speaker 1: podcast so you never miss an episode. Doing so will 22 00:01:45,500 --> 00:01:48,850 Speaker 1: also help others find us, so we can spread the 23 00:01:48,890 --> 00:01:54,580 Speaker 1: story of Christ to everyone. Marcus rode atop his horse 24 00:01:54,720 --> 00:01:58,240 Speaker 1: with a hundred soldiers marching behind him in perfect sync. 25 00:01:59,340 --> 00:02:04,380 Speaker 1: His armor shone brilliantly in the afternoon sun. His polished 26 00:02:04,440 --> 00:02:08,760 Speaker 1: blade and colorful helmet was a shimmering symbol of his authority. 27 00:02:10,419 --> 00:02:13,919 Speaker 1: A cloud of dust followed them like a signal fire 28 00:02:13,980 --> 00:02:19,359 Speaker 1: of Caesar's rule through them. Directly behind Marcus was a 29 00:02:19,400 --> 00:02:25,269 Speaker 1: carriage carrying his wife and newborn daughter. She cradled the baby, 30 00:02:25,850 --> 00:02:30,450 Speaker 1: comforting her as they traveled along the bumpy road. Marcus 31 00:02:30,490 --> 00:02:34,139 Speaker 1: was returning from Rome, where he stood before Caesar himself. 32 00:02:35,320 --> 00:02:40,440 Speaker 1: His soldiers reported admirably, gaining him more favor and status 33 00:02:40,860 --> 00:02:45,560 Speaker 1: among Caesar's elite. However, the trip had left him and 34 00:02:45,600 --> 00:02:51,830 Speaker 1: his family exhausted. Tiro, their family servant, sat outside the carriage, 35 00:02:52,090 --> 00:02:52,810 Speaker 1: writing a report. 36 00:02:54,510 --> 00:02:57,630 Speaker 2: Tiro, I don't want my wife to endure more travel 37 00:02:57,669 --> 00:03:01,530 Speaker 2: than necessary. When we return to Capernaum, escort her to 38 00:03:01,550 --> 00:03:03,390 Speaker 2: the villa while I attend to my men. 39 00:03:04,110 --> 00:03:08,400 Speaker 1: Yes, of course. Tiro bowed his head and wrote something down. 40 00:03:09,080 --> 00:03:10,269 Speaker 2: And don't forget to have the. 41 00:03:10,680 --> 00:03:13,859 Speaker 3: Have the servant draw her a bath and take the 42 00:03:13,900 --> 00:03:15,760 Speaker 3: child to the nurse's quarters. 43 00:03:16,300 --> 00:03:20,760 Speaker 1: Tiro interrupted with a smile. Marcus smirked and gave his 44 00:03:20,810 --> 00:03:22,090 Speaker 1: servant a nod of approval. 45 00:03:24,030 --> 00:03:25,730 Speaker 2: Yes. Thank you, Tiro. 46 00:03:26,110 --> 00:03:28,690 Speaker 1: The legion of soldiers rounded the path to the gates. 47 00:03:29,810 --> 00:03:33,450 Speaker 1: They stopped at the barracks. Marcus' wife stepped out of 48 00:03:33,490 --> 00:03:37,530 Speaker 1: the carriage with the child to stretch. But as she 49 00:03:37,590 --> 00:03:42,230 Speaker 1: stepped out, Tiro noticed a snake slithering through the cracks 50 00:03:42,290 --> 00:03:46,230 Speaker 1: in the cobblestone. One of the horses, startled by the serpent, 51 00:03:46,610 --> 00:03:49,690 Speaker 1: rose its hooves into the air, poised to strike her 52 00:03:49,770 --> 00:03:53,750 Speaker 1: and the child. Tiro sprung into action. and swung them 53 00:03:53,850 --> 00:03:57,330 Speaker 1: both around, covering them from the horse's blow with his back. 54 00:03:58,470 --> 00:04:02,410 Speaker 1: Its hooves made a direct strike to his spine. Every 55 00:04:02,560 --> 00:04:05,920 Speaker 1: soldier could hear the crack, followed by a limp thump 56 00:04:06,300 --> 00:04:06,780 Speaker 1: on the floor. 57 00:04:07,240 --> 00:04:07,680 Speaker 2: Tiro! 58 00:04:08,100 --> 00:04:11,320 Speaker 1: Marcus shouted, dismounting his horse and running to his aid. 59 00:04:12,620 --> 00:04:17,880 Speaker 1: Tiro wasn't moving. His eyes were wide with pain. They 60 00:04:17,940 --> 00:04:21,780 Speaker 1: dragged the servant inside. Marcus held Tiro in his arms. 61 00:04:22,300 --> 00:04:23,039 Speaker 1: holding his hand. 62 00:04:23,540 --> 00:04:26,800 Speaker 2: Squeeze my hand, Tiro. Can you feel anything? 63 00:04:27,320 --> 00:04:32,060 Speaker 1: Silent tears streamed down Tiro's cheeks. His throat clenched to 64 00:04:32,120 --> 00:04:38,920 Speaker 1: say something, but nothing came out. Tiro was paralyzed, clearly 65 00:04:39,040 --> 00:04:42,419 Speaker 1: writhing in agony from the waist up, but unable to 66 00:04:42,520 --> 00:04:47,839 Speaker 1: say anything. Each breath was strained, like he was fighting 67 00:04:47,880 --> 00:04:52,919 Speaker 1: through pain simply to breathe. His body was bound up 68 00:04:53,020 --> 00:04:58,729 Speaker 1: in wired, spiked mesh, burrowing painfully into his skin. Any 69 00:04:58,810 --> 00:05:00,790 Speaker 1: moment could be his last. 70 00:05:02,370 --> 00:05:05,029 Speaker 4: If you've ever heard someone captivate a room with a speech, 71 00:05:05,390 --> 00:05:08,450 Speaker 4: you know a fraction of what people felt when they 72 00:05:08,529 --> 00:05:12,489 Speaker 4: heard Jesus. You often heard people say that Jesus spoke 73 00:05:12,610 --> 00:05:16,670 Speaker 4: with authority. As the Word of God, Jesus' words struck 74 00:05:16,690 --> 00:05:20,640 Speaker 4: the hearts and minds of listeners with striking power and weight. Today, 75 00:05:20,760 --> 00:05:23,060 Speaker 4: we have the privilege of having God's word available to 76 00:05:23,160 --> 00:05:25,359 Speaker 4: us at any given moment. If we come to him 77 00:05:25,400 --> 00:05:28,180 Speaker 4: in faith, the possibilities of what he might do in 78 00:05:28,240 --> 00:05:32,610 Speaker 4: our lives is endless. This is the Jesus Podcast, a 79 00:05:32,630 --> 00:05:35,729 Speaker 4: year of stories showcasing the depth of Christ's love and 80 00:05:35,770 --> 00:05:40,330 Speaker 4: the glory of God's truth through cinematic storytelling and honest reflection. 81 00:05:40,830 --> 00:05:43,400 Speaker 4: I'm Zach, your host from Pray.com. It's great to have 82 00:05:43,440 --> 00:05:46,279 Speaker 4: you here with us for another marvelous miracle of the Messiah. 83 00:05:46,820 --> 00:05:48,760 Speaker 4: Be sure to follow the podcast so you don't miss 84 00:05:48,860 --> 00:05:52,820 Speaker 4: out on all of Jesus' exciting adventures. As the Jews 85 00:05:52,860 --> 00:05:55,880 Speaker 4: of Jesus' time awaited the Messiah, they had come to 86 00:05:55,980 --> 00:05:58,280 Speaker 4: long for one who would break them free from the 87 00:05:58,360 --> 00:06:01,080 Speaker 4: oppression of the Roman Empire. They longed to be free 88 00:06:01,120 --> 00:06:03,750 Speaker 4: from the rule of Caesar and hail their own king 89 00:06:03,790 --> 00:06:06,510 Speaker 4: that would establish Israel as a great nation, just as 90 00:06:06,589 --> 00:06:07,670 Speaker 4: David did when he. 91 00:06:07,610 --> 00:06:08,210 Speaker 1: Walked the earth. 92 00:06:08,850 --> 00:06:12,490 Speaker 4: What they found in Jesus defied their very expectation, though. 93 00:06:12,860 --> 00:06:16,120 Speaker 4: But just because Jesus didn't stand out in his earthly appearance, 94 00:06:16,400 --> 00:06:20,339 Speaker 4: the ministry messages and miracles he brought demonstrated that he 95 00:06:20,400 --> 00:06:24,440 Speaker 4: was one who held great authority. In today's miracle, we'll 96 00:06:24,460 --> 00:06:28,320 Speaker 4: see a juxtaposition between earthly and heavenly authority. As a 97 00:06:28,360 --> 00:06:31,780 Speaker 4: Roman centurion, one with the authority to command a hundred soldiers, 98 00:06:32,339 --> 00:06:35,320 Speaker 4: seeks out the man he believed to be even greater 99 00:06:35,380 --> 00:06:38,910 Speaker 4: than himself. As we learn about another miracle, we'll discover 100 00:06:38,970 --> 00:06:41,470 Speaker 4: how our faith in God will always prove to be 101 00:06:41,510 --> 00:06:44,490 Speaker 4: a better option than holding on to faith in anything 102 00:06:44,610 --> 00:06:45,250 Speaker 4: of this world. 103 00:06:47,690 --> 00:06:50,370 Speaker 1: Marcus waited by the corner of the market beside the 104 00:06:50,410 --> 00:06:54,409 Speaker 1: wheat and barley stand. He sifted a few grains from 105 00:06:54,510 --> 00:07:00,050 Speaker 1: one poem to another, nervously looking around. People hustled by him, 106 00:07:00,610 --> 00:07:01,940 Speaker 1: unaware of who he was. 107 00:07:03,010 --> 00:07:03,240 Speaker 2: Good. 108 00:07:04,420 --> 00:07:09,540 Speaker 1: He wore plain clothes, not his usual decorated uniform. He 109 00:07:09,580 --> 00:07:13,650 Speaker 1: wanted to blend in. At the right moment, he would 110 00:07:13,710 --> 00:07:18,640 Speaker 1: reveal himself. If he had worn his uniform, silver badges, 111 00:07:18,960 --> 00:07:22,100 Speaker 1: and the royal sash, he might never curry the favor 112 00:07:22,160 --> 00:07:25,720 Speaker 1: of a certain Jew he was looking for. He was Roman, 113 00:07:25,940 --> 00:07:30,650 Speaker 1: after all. The Jews followed commands when they saw the 114 00:07:30,710 --> 00:07:34,530 Speaker 1: sword and seal of Caesar. But Marcus hadn't come to 115 00:07:34,750 --> 00:07:41,780 Speaker 1: bark orders. He needed a favor. This undercover mission... was 116 00:07:41,840 --> 00:07:46,500 Speaker 1: not political. It wasn't about him at all. It was 117 00:07:46,560 --> 00:07:52,290 Speaker 1: about Tiro. Marcus shut his eyes, unable to drown out 118 00:07:52,370 --> 00:07:57,090 Speaker 1: the memory of his servant's pain-laden eyes. He couldn't stand 119 00:07:57,130 --> 00:08:02,330 Speaker 1: the thought of Tiro dying. The market screamed and bustled 120 00:08:02,420 --> 00:08:06,060 Speaker 1: around him, but he heard none of it. He was 121 00:08:06,180 --> 00:08:11,360 Speaker 1: caught in the melee of guilt and anxious expectations. He 122 00:08:11,400 --> 00:08:17,780 Speaker 1: looked around, growing paranoid that someone would recognize him. Where 123 00:08:18,300 --> 00:08:23,850 Speaker 1: are you? Marcus whispered. He strained his neck forward, looking 124 00:08:23,930 --> 00:08:29,130 Speaker 1: around for any sign of the healer called Jesus. This 125 00:08:29,170 --> 00:08:32,630 Speaker 1: was his best answer to help his servant. A miracle. 126 00:08:34,520 --> 00:08:37,540 Speaker 1: Marcus was not a spiritual man. He was not a 127 00:08:37,600 --> 00:08:44,030 Speaker 1: philosophical type either. No, he left that to others. The world, 128 00:08:44,110 --> 00:08:49,730 Speaker 1: according to the centurion, was quite simple. Law, order, and authority. 129 00:08:51,370 --> 00:08:55,569 Speaker 1: Any sliver of religious devotion was given to Caesar or Mars, 130 00:08:56,110 --> 00:08:59,370 Speaker 1: the god of war, the one whom Marcus was named after. 131 00:09:00,530 --> 00:09:04,270 Speaker 1: Yet no prayers to Caesar or Mars had done Tiro 132 00:09:04,490 --> 00:09:09,850 Speaker 1: any good. Although Marcus was not a spiritual man, He 133 00:09:09,890 --> 00:09:14,240 Speaker 1: knew the meaning of authority. He commanded a league of soldiers, 134 00:09:14,720 --> 00:09:18,699 Speaker 1: a hundred men under his care. He was a conductor 135 00:09:18,740 --> 00:09:22,940 Speaker 1: of law, order, and battle. His life was that of 136 00:09:23,059 --> 00:09:29,280 Speaker 1: conquest and command. This was his realm. He might not 137 00:09:29,350 --> 00:09:32,650 Speaker 1: understand the spiritual realm of the Jews, but it was 138 00:09:32,770 --> 00:09:38,929 Speaker 1: clear that Jesus did. Just as Marcus could command soldiers... 139 00:09:39,460 --> 00:09:44,440 Speaker 1: Jesus had authority regarding healing. He was the master of 140 00:09:44,559 --> 00:09:49,990 Speaker 1: his world as Marcus was of his. Jesus was the 141 00:09:50,050 --> 00:09:53,570 Speaker 1: ruler of this kingdom of God he had spoken about. 142 00:09:54,710 --> 00:09:58,250 Speaker 1: That was the kingdom he needed now. Nothing the Roman 143 00:09:58,309 --> 00:10:03,860 Speaker 1: Empire had done had helped. marcus looked far down the 144 00:10:03,920 --> 00:10:09,000 Speaker 1: road a crowd had formed around a particular man this 145 00:10:09,100 --> 00:10:13,150 Speaker 1: man was calm among the chaos around him he wasn't 146 00:10:13,190 --> 00:10:17,430 Speaker 1: distracted by the marketplace vendors or flustered by the onslaught 147 00:10:17,470 --> 00:10:22,650 Speaker 1: of questions he was secure steady, like a man with 148 00:10:22,870 --> 00:10:27,969 Speaker 1: actual authority. There you are, Marcus said with wide eyes 149 00:10:28,190 --> 00:10:34,660 Speaker 1: and a smirk. The centurion slowly, calmly, waded through the 150 00:10:34,700 --> 00:10:39,580 Speaker 1: crowd to meet him in the street. He reached the 151 00:10:39,640 --> 00:10:45,140 Speaker 1: center of the crowd and met Jesus' gaze. Marcus wasn't 152 00:10:45,220 --> 00:10:48,650 Speaker 1: sure what to do at this moment. He was used 153 00:10:48,670 --> 00:10:51,720 Speaker 1: to commanding the Jews and not begging them for something. 154 00:10:52,980 --> 00:10:56,430 Speaker 1: He didn't know whether to kneel or to draw his blade. 155 00:10:58,090 --> 00:11:06,590 Speaker 1: He was suspended in an awkward space between desperation and pride. Finally, 156 00:11:06,730 --> 00:11:11,060 Speaker 1: to mark his surprise, he stretched his hands and bowed 157 00:11:11,100 --> 00:11:11,580 Speaker 1: his head. 158 00:11:12,420 --> 00:11:12,819 Speaker 2: Lord! 159 00:11:13,540 --> 00:11:17,740 Speaker 1: Now there was a title Marcus didn't expect to use. Marcus, 160 00:11:18,280 --> 00:11:25,870 Speaker 1: a Roman centurion, calling this Jewish carpenter Lord, King. But 161 00:11:25,900 --> 00:11:30,330 Speaker 1: he was a king. Anyone who could heal lepers and 162 00:11:30,370 --> 00:11:34,750 Speaker 1: restore sight to the blind was certainly a king of something. 163 00:11:35,850 --> 00:11:39,929 Speaker 1: Marcus continued, allowing his heart to speak without a filter. 164 00:11:40,710 --> 00:11:48,320 Speaker 2: Lord, my servant is paralyzed at home. He's suffering, and... 165 00:11:48,510 --> 00:11:50,360 Speaker 2: I am helpless to bring him any comfort. 166 00:11:50,960 --> 00:11:55,120 Speaker 1: Marcus' voice cracked slightly. He cleared his throat and bowed 167 00:11:55,160 --> 00:11:59,760 Speaker 1: to his knees. As Marcus spoke to Jesus, his confidence 168 00:11:59,820 --> 00:12:00,640 Speaker 1: in him grew. 169 00:12:01,300 --> 00:12:04,819 Speaker 2: My servant needs healing. He needs a miracle. 170 00:12:05,420 --> 00:12:09,660 Speaker 1: Jesus took him in with a clear, steady gaze. The 171 00:12:09,710 --> 00:12:15,969 Speaker 1: centurion's sincerity. The honorable way he addressed him. The trustworthiness 172 00:12:16,290 --> 00:12:22,150 Speaker 1: in his expressions. Here was an honest man. An honest 173 00:12:22,320 --> 00:12:27,160 Speaker 1: Gentile man. The Jewish men around him began to chatter. 174 00:12:27,600 --> 00:12:28,900 Speaker 1: Isn't that the centurion? 175 00:12:28,920 --> 00:12:33,400 Speaker 2: Why is he here? Shouldn't he ask Rome to help him? 176 00:12:33,920 --> 00:12:36,030 Speaker 3: Can't he go to his own healers? 177 00:12:36,530 --> 00:12:39,970 Speaker 1: Does he think he's a Jew? Jesus ignored their murmurs 178 00:12:40,370 --> 00:12:44,990 Speaker 1: and stepped forward. He looked down at Marcus earnestly and smiled. 179 00:12:45,350 --> 00:12:45,929 Speaker 1: Of course. 180 00:12:45,950 --> 00:12:47,930 Speaker 5: I will come with you immediately. 181 00:12:48,309 --> 00:12:51,170 Speaker 1: Marcus could sense the snares of the men all around him, 182 00:12:51,830 --> 00:12:52,790 Speaker 1: their disapproval. 183 00:12:53,190 --> 00:12:58,320 Speaker 2: Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under 184 00:12:58,360 --> 00:13:02,320 Speaker 2: my roof. But only say the word and my servant 185 00:13:02,380 --> 00:13:03,040 Speaker 2: will be healed. 186 00:13:03,440 --> 00:13:05,920 Speaker 1: Marcus stood to his feet and gestured to the crowd. 187 00:13:06,360 --> 00:13:10,120 Speaker 2: I know what it would do to your reputation to 188 00:13:10,160 --> 00:13:15,130 Speaker 2: be in a Roman official's home. But I know you 189 00:13:15,170 --> 00:13:18,050 Speaker 2: don't have to visit my home to heal my servant. 190 00:13:19,809 --> 00:13:23,839 Speaker 2: I'm also a man of authority. I have soldiers under me. 191 00:13:24,540 --> 00:13:27,719 Speaker 2: When I say to one, go, he goes. And I 192 00:13:27,760 --> 00:13:31,940 Speaker 2: say to another, come, he comes. And to my servant, 193 00:13:32,120 --> 00:13:35,790 Speaker 2: do this and he does it. All you have to 194 00:13:35,830 --> 00:13:39,190 Speaker 2: do is say the word and my servant will be healed. 195 00:13:40,830 --> 00:13:42,010 Speaker 2: You're a man of authority. 196 00:13:43,050 --> 00:13:47,360 Speaker 1: Jesus cocked his head to the side and smiled. His 197 00:13:47,550 --> 00:13:57,280 Speaker 1: eyes revealed surprise. What a marvel you are! Others called 198 00:13:57,300 --> 00:14:01,100 Speaker 1: him rabbi or teacher. Some of the Pharisees called him 199 00:14:01,140 --> 00:14:05,800 Speaker 1: a sinner and demon. But this Roman called him Lord. 200 00:14:07,020 --> 00:14:11,240 Speaker 1: His understanding of authority and the kingdom of God rivaled 201 00:14:11,520 --> 00:14:17,010 Speaker 1: anyone in Judea. Jesus' own people, who followed the prophecies 202 00:14:17,070 --> 00:14:24,660 Speaker 1: of old, who professed to understand spiritual things, had no understanding. Instead, 203 00:14:25,700 --> 00:14:29,600 Speaker 1: they glared at the centurion. The kingdom of God was 204 00:14:29,680 --> 00:14:33,010 Speaker 1: not what they thought. It had nothing to do with 205 00:14:33,030 --> 00:14:37,810 Speaker 1: their religious rituals or lip service. They who professed to 206 00:14:37,850 --> 00:14:42,630 Speaker 1: have abundant knowledge had no faith, no willingness to see 207 00:14:42,650 --> 00:14:46,480 Speaker 1: the things of God at all. They could not see 208 00:14:46,520 --> 00:14:50,900 Speaker 1: the darkness inside their hearts. They were blind to the 209 00:14:50,940 --> 00:14:55,460 Speaker 1: hate inside them. In due time, their true motives would 210 00:14:55,500 --> 00:15:01,420 Speaker 1: be revealed, their true desires. They craved death more than life. 211 00:15:02,450 --> 00:15:07,130 Speaker 1: They had no belief. Yet this man, a centurion, had 212 00:15:07,270 --> 00:15:13,010 Speaker 1: grasped the depth of Jesus' true identity. He was more 213 00:15:13,190 --> 00:15:16,840 Speaker 1: than a teacher. He was more than a prophet. He 214 00:15:16,920 --> 00:15:20,700 Speaker 1: was Lord. Jesus turned to the men abruptly. 215 00:15:21,280 --> 00:15:25,060 Speaker 5: Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have 216 00:15:25,100 --> 00:15:26,260 Speaker 5: I found such faith. 217 00:15:26,900 --> 00:15:30,240 Speaker 1: Some of the men made awkward head gestures. One of 218 00:15:30,280 --> 00:15:31,540 Speaker 1: them muttered, Him? 219 00:15:31,560 --> 00:15:35,280 Speaker 2: He's a Gentile. We are the people who deserve to. 220 00:15:35,600 --> 00:15:36,160 Speaker 5: Listen to me. 221 00:15:36,610 --> 00:15:37,470 Speaker 1: Jesus interrupted. 222 00:15:37,880 --> 00:15:41,090 Speaker 5: I tell you, many strangers will come from the east 223 00:15:41,530 --> 00:15:44,960 Speaker 5: and west and recline at the table of Abraham. Isaac 224 00:15:45,480 --> 00:15:48,920 Speaker 5: and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But many sons 225 00:15:48,980 --> 00:15:52,470 Speaker 5: of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. 226 00:15:53,370 --> 00:15:57,630 Speaker 5: In that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 227 00:15:58,090 --> 00:15:59,850 Speaker 1: Jesus turned back to the centurion. 228 00:16:00,050 --> 00:16:03,890 Speaker 5: Go, let it be done for you as you have believed. 229 00:16:04,250 --> 00:16:09,140 Speaker 1: The centurion turned away, relieved, and slowly took the path home. 230 00:16:10,560 --> 00:16:13,160 Speaker 1: Hours later, he ducked under the portico of his home, 231 00:16:13,850 --> 00:16:19,950 Speaker 1: and peered into the window. Inside, his servant was sitting up, 232 00:16:20,590 --> 00:16:24,830 Speaker 1: drinking some broth, surrounded by the other attendants in his house. 233 00:16:26,110 --> 00:16:28,640 Speaker 1: His wife rushed up to him, wrapped him in a 234 00:16:28,700 --> 00:16:31,100 Speaker 1: white shawl with their child on her hip. 235 00:16:31,600 --> 00:16:36,440 Speaker 4: Marcus, you missed it! The most amazing thing has happened! 236 00:16:37,080 --> 00:16:38,760 Speaker 4: He's broken out of his shell! 237 00:16:39,380 --> 00:16:41,180 Speaker 3: He isn't paralyzed anymore! 238 00:16:41,660 --> 00:16:45,320 Speaker 1: Marcus held her, and rocked her a bit, curled her 239 00:16:45,380 --> 00:16:49,060 Speaker 1: long brown hair over her shoulder, and kissed her forehead. 240 00:16:49,600 --> 00:16:49,960 Speaker 2: I know. 241 00:16:50,360 --> 00:16:52,960 Speaker 1: She pulled back from him, and he took their daughter 242 00:16:53,100 --> 00:16:53,620 Speaker 1: in his arms. 243 00:16:54,160 --> 00:16:54,600 Speaker 2: You knew? 244 00:16:54,940 --> 00:16:59,600 Speaker 1: He nodded, walked past marble archways and sculptures, and stood 245 00:16:59,820 --> 00:17:00,640 Speaker 1: among his servants. 246 00:17:01,060 --> 00:17:05,159 Speaker 2: A man with greater authority than I did this. I 247 00:17:05,200 --> 00:17:07,869 Speaker 2: have a feeling we will be hearing of many more 248 00:17:07,940 --> 00:17:08,880 Speaker 2: miracles like this. 249 00:17:09,480 --> 00:17:14,800 Speaker 1: The servant stood when Marcus approached. He bowed, tears forming 250 00:17:14,820 --> 00:17:15,360 Speaker 1: in his eyes. 251 00:17:16,080 --> 00:17:21,430 Speaker 3: Zane is gone, and I can move freely. I'm ready 252 00:17:21,450 --> 00:17:23,490 Speaker 3: to serve you again, Master Marcus. 253 00:17:23,850 --> 00:17:27,129 Speaker 1: Tiro couldn't help but laugh and patted his legs. 254 00:17:28,470 --> 00:17:32,590 Speaker 3: It's like I was never paralyzed at all. Why, it 255 00:17:32,650 --> 00:17:35,410 Speaker 3: broke all at once, just an hour or so ago. 256 00:17:35,830 --> 00:17:40,050 Speaker 1: The centurion exchanged a glance with his wife. right on time. 257 00:17:48,740 --> 00:17:51,220 Speaker 4: Whether we've been in a place of authority or have 258 00:17:51,260 --> 00:17:54,199 Speaker 4: to submit to someone who was, we've likely had our 259 00:17:54,240 --> 00:17:57,479 Speaker 4: share of good experiences and bad. From parents to teachers 260 00:17:57,520 --> 00:18:00,060 Speaker 4: to bosses, authority is a natural part of any area 261 00:18:00,080 --> 00:18:03,230 Speaker 4: of our lives. For the Jews during Jesus' time, authority 262 00:18:03,270 --> 00:18:06,909 Speaker 4: was a touchy subject. After the Roman Empire's expansion to 263 00:18:06,970 --> 00:18:11,210 Speaker 4: include the Israelites, Authority was most often associated with oppression 264 00:18:11,330 --> 00:18:15,830 Speaker 4: and subjugation and unfair rule. This is why it seems 265 00:18:16,010 --> 00:18:19,520 Speaker 4: startling that a Roman centurion, a commander who had authority 266 00:18:19,640 --> 00:18:23,060 Speaker 4: over a hundred Roman soldiers, would make himself subject to 267 00:18:23,100 --> 00:18:27,159 Speaker 4: a Jewish rabbi. However, while many came to Jesus for 268 00:18:27,220 --> 00:18:31,010 Speaker 4: healing out of desperation or marvel at his miracles, the 269 00:18:31,050 --> 00:18:34,389 Speaker 4: Roman centurion came with a much different heart. After he 270 00:18:34,450 --> 00:18:37,190 Speaker 4: makes his request known to Jesus, the Lord notes him 271 00:18:37,550 --> 00:18:39,730 Speaker 4: as being a man of faith. His faith in the 272 00:18:39,770 --> 00:18:43,040 Speaker 4: miraculous powers of the Messiah ran so deep that even 273 00:18:43,130 --> 00:18:46,859 Speaker 4: Jesus was moved by the centurion's words. We read in 274 00:18:46,920 --> 00:18:49,780 Speaker 4: Matthew 8, When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and 275 00:18:49,840 --> 00:18:52,260 Speaker 4: said to those following him, Truly I tell you, I 276 00:18:52,280 --> 00:18:55,080 Speaker 4: have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 277 00:18:55,760 --> 00:18:58,500 Speaker 4: How could a man with no Jewish background or upbringing 278 00:18:58,780 --> 00:19:00,860 Speaker 4: have such a profound faith in Jesus? 279 00:19:01,440 --> 00:19:02,320 Speaker 1: Well, it began. 280 00:19:02,740 --> 00:19:06,619 Speaker 4: by recognizing authority. As a man of authority himself, the 281 00:19:06,640 --> 00:19:10,370 Speaker 4: centurion understood that the works Jesus was doing commanded more 282 00:19:10,410 --> 00:19:15,530 Speaker 4: than just fellow men. Jesus was commanding creation itself. By 283 00:19:15,630 --> 00:19:18,370 Speaker 4: just his words, the teacher from Nazareth could give sight 284 00:19:18,390 --> 00:19:20,970 Speaker 4: to the blind, heal the lame, and reverse the effects 285 00:19:21,010 --> 00:19:25,590 Speaker 4: of disease. The authority of Jesus was simply different. What 286 00:19:25,650 --> 00:19:29,450 Speaker 4: made Jesus' authority different from anyone else's is the source. 287 00:19:29,950 --> 00:19:32,629 Speaker 4: His authority didn't come from an earthly kingdom or power. 288 00:19:33,070 --> 00:19:36,200 Speaker 4: It was not bestowed upon him from mankind or given 289 00:19:36,240 --> 00:19:40,200 Speaker 4: to him through conquest. His authority came directly from heaven 290 00:19:40,400 --> 00:19:43,060 Speaker 4: from the Father. As Jesus is praying from the Garden 291 00:19:43,080 --> 00:19:45,230 Speaker 4: of Gethsemane on the night that he would be betrayed, 292 00:19:45,869 --> 00:19:48,800 Speaker 4: he prays this in John 17, Having this type of 293 00:19:48,840 --> 00:19:50,560 Speaker 4: authority meant not only did Jesus have the right to rule, 294 00:19:50,580 --> 00:19:51,879 Speaker 4: but he was empowered to do so in such a 295 00:19:51,880 --> 00:20:09,379 Speaker 4: way that would glorify the Father in heaven. The magnitude 296 00:20:09,420 --> 00:20:13,530 Speaker 4: of Jesus' rule is unprecedented. But not only that, it 297 00:20:13,570 --> 00:20:16,770 Speaker 4: means the nature of his authority is as well. Maybe 298 00:20:16,790 --> 00:20:19,510 Speaker 4: you think about authority and think about someone having the 299 00:20:19,550 --> 00:20:22,310 Speaker 4: power to make others do what they want. Sometimes this 300 00:20:22,369 --> 00:20:25,750 Speaker 4: comes with force or severe consequences for those who don't listen. 301 00:20:26,350 --> 00:20:30,490 Speaker 4: But this isn't how Jesus exercised authority during his earthly ministry. 302 00:20:30,970 --> 00:20:33,170 Speaker 4: His authority was always used for the good of people. 303 00:20:33,700 --> 00:20:36,240 Speaker 4: We have plenty of reasons to question people of authority 304 00:20:36,260 --> 00:20:38,620 Speaker 4: in this world as we learn about leaders who used 305 00:20:38,660 --> 00:20:41,000 Speaker 4: it for personal gain or at the detriment of others. 306 00:20:41,480 --> 00:20:44,580 Speaker 4: Perhaps we even have concerns about people in authority today 307 00:20:44,700 --> 00:20:47,920 Speaker 4: in elected offices who abuse their power for the sake 308 00:20:48,240 --> 00:20:51,990 Speaker 4: of greed or avarice. But we never have to worry 309 00:20:52,030 --> 00:20:54,790 Speaker 4: about that with Jesus. The nature of his authority is 310 00:20:54,830 --> 00:20:57,970 Speaker 4: not to dominate over people for personal gain. This is 311 00:20:58,010 --> 00:21:00,889 Speaker 4: because Jesus' authority is meant to use to accomplish the 312 00:21:00,930 --> 00:21:03,490 Speaker 4: good plan of the Father. which means it will always 313 00:21:03,550 --> 00:21:05,869 Speaker 4: be for the good of those who submit themselves. 314 00:21:05,510 --> 00:21:06,190 Speaker 1: To his rule. 315 00:21:06,790 --> 00:21:09,709 Speaker 4: The use of Jesus' authority flows from his compassion for 316 00:21:09,770 --> 00:21:12,590 Speaker 4: people and is always seen as being used to love 317 00:21:12,730 --> 00:21:15,169 Speaker 4: others and protect them from the corruption of this world. 318 00:21:15,750 --> 00:21:17,990 Speaker 4: This means that we should never be worried about submitting 319 00:21:18,050 --> 00:21:21,690 Speaker 4: ourselves to the authority of Jesus, wondering if he'll abuse 320 00:21:21,770 --> 00:21:25,510 Speaker 4: our submission. His authority means we can live in safety, security, 321 00:21:25,590 --> 00:21:28,720 Speaker 4: and care under the kingdom of God. At least in 322 00:21:28,760 --> 00:21:31,510 Speaker 4: the small ways he could understand without knowing the centuries 323 00:21:31,550 --> 00:21:35,389 Speaker 4: of prophecies about the Messiah, the centurion understood the goodness 324 00:21:35,430 --> 00:21:38,909 Speaker 4: of God. He had this knowledge that if he sought 325 00:21:39,150 --> 00:21:41,909 Speaker 4: Jesus out for healing, that he would receive it. He 326 00:21:41,970 --> 00:21:44,850 Speaker 4: knew that Jesus' authority was distinct and different from that 327 00:21:44,890 --> 00:21:48,620 Speaker 4: of Caesar's. This left the centurion feeling unworthy to even 328 00:21:48,670 --> 00:21:49,600 Speaker 4: have Jesus. 329 00:21:49,280 --> 00:21:49,840 Speaker 1: In his home. 330 00:21:50,280 --> 00:21:52,959 Speaker 4: But this also opened his mind to believe that Jesus 331 00:21:53,000 --> 00:21:56,320 Speaker 4: could do anything with his authority, including heal his servant 332 00:21:56,359 --> 00:21:59,830 Speaker 4: from a distance at just a word. We should view Jesus' 333 00:21:59,890 --> 00:22:02,950 Speaker 4: authority with some sense of awe. The worst thing we 334 00:22:02,990 --> 00:22:05,659 Speaker 4: could do is put limits on Jesus' authority by telling 335 00:22:05,700 --> 00:22:09,420 Speaker 4: ourselves he's not capable of something. We should never demand 336 00:22:09,460 --> 00:22:12,080 Speaker 4: Jesus to do something specific for us. We should never 337 00:22:12,400 --> 00:22:14,619 Speaker 4: fall prey to the thought that there's something he can't 338 00:22:14,660 --> 00:22:17,879 Speaker 4: do either. We should never put Jesus in a box 339 00:22:17,920 --> 00:22:21,810 Speaker 4: that only contains our expectations or our understandings. A good 340 00:22:21,850 --> 00:22:23,810 Speaker 4: way to test if we're putting Jesus in a box 341 00:22:23,850 --> 00:22:26,389 Speaker 4: is by reflecting on our prayer life. Are the requests 342 00:22:26,430 --> 00:22:29,250 Speaker 4: we make Only the ones we consider to be reasonable 343 00:22:29,710 --> 00:22:33,190 Speaker 4: or requests that we can actually do on our own? 344 00:22:33,840 --> 00:22:36,200 Speaker 4: Or are we willing to bring even the most unbelievable 345 00:22:36,580 --> 00:22:39,260 Speaker 4: and absurd requests to the God who can do anything? 346 00:22:40,359 --> 00:22:42,840 Speaker 4: Ask God big things and expect him to do something 347 00:22:43,020 --> 00:22:46,679 Speaker 4: radical in response. Jesus is bigger than any box we 348 00:22:46,700 --> 00:22:49,400 Speaker 4: could create for him. One thing we like to reflect 349 00:22:49,440 --> 00:22:52,500 Speaker 4: here at Pray.com is when is the last time you 350 00:22:52,580 --> 00:22:55,350 Speaker 4: prayed a prayer that was so big that it actually 351 00:22:55,430 --> 00:22:58,690 Speaker 4: required the strength of God and the power of God 352 00:22:58,770 --> 00:23:01,390 Speaker 4: and the miracle of God to make it happen. While 353 00:23:01,430 --> 00:23:03,810 Speaker 4: we may see the ups and downs of earthly authority, 354 00:23:04,030 --> 00:23:07,560 Speaker 4: Christ's heavenly authority is something to celebrate. We can find 355 00:23:07,640 --> 00:23:10,139 Speaker 4: peace in knowing Jesus is in full control from the 356 00:23:10,180 --> 00:23:12,440 Speaker 4: throne room of heaven. We can find strength in knowing 357 00:23:12,480 --> 00:23:14,980 Speaker 4: our King is in his rightful place and is ruling 358 00:23:15,119 --> 00:23:17,640 Speaker 4: us with his good right hand. We can find hope 359 00:23:17,680 --> 00:23:20,100 Speaker 4: in knowing that his kingdom is growing and that one 360 00:23:20,160 --> 00:23:22,830 Speaker 4: day when he comes back, he will make all things 361 00:23:22,930 --> 00:23:25,570 Speaker 4: new and we will be his citizens under his good 362 00:23:25,650 --> 00:23:26,550 Speaker 4: rule forever.