1 00:00:00,470 --> 00:00:03,410 Speaker 1: When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those 2 00:00:03,450 --> 00:00:07,690 Speaker 1: who followed him, Truly I tell you, with no one 3 00:00:07,750 --> 00:00:14,030 Speaker 1: in Israel have I found such faith. Matthew 8.10 Heavenly Father, 4 00:00:14,730 --> 00:00:19,770 Speaker 1: our hearts are deeply moved. This testimony of unwavering belief 5 00:00:20,130 --> 00:00:24,349 Speaker 1: in your power challenges us to examine the depth of 6 00:00:24,450 --> 00:00:29,590 Speaker 1: our own faith. Lord, inspire within us a faith that astonishes, 7 00:00:30,790 --> 00:00:33,530 Speaker 1: a trust in you that does not waver in the 8 00:00:33,570 --> 00:00:39,890 Speaker 1: face of trials and uncertainties. May our belief in your goodness, 9 00:00:40,370 --> 00:00:45,290 Speaker 1: your love, and your omnipotence be as profound and unwavering 10 00:00:45,690 --> 00:00:50,270 Speaker 1: as that of the centurion. Grant us the courage to 11 00:00:50,310 --> 00:00:56,110 Speaker 1: believe in the impossible, to see beyond our limitations, and 12 00:00:56,150 --> 00:01:02,110 Speaker 1: to trust in your perfect will for our lives. Convict us, 13 00:01:02,210 --> 00:01:04,690 Speaker 1: O God, to live lives that do not seek you 14 00:01:04,770 --> 00:01:08,390 Speaker 1: in moments of need, but that consistently walk in the 15 00:01:08,450 --> 00:01:14,800 Speaker 1: assurance of your presence and promises. Let our faith be 16 00:01:14,860 --> 00:01:17,880 Speaker 1: a beacon of hope and inspiration to those around us, 17 00:01:18,680 --> 00:01:24,160 Speaker 1: testifying to the greatness of your power and love. In Jesus' name. 18 00:01:26,120 --> 00:01:26,460 Speaker 2: Amen. 19 00:01:29,020 --> 00:01:32,229 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 20 00:01:32,250 --> 00:01:37,640 Speaker 1: the Jesus Podcast, stories of hope, love, and divine intervention. 21 00:01:38,420 --> 00:01:41,040 Speaker 1: We're glad you found us. Be sure to follow this 22 00:01:41,100 --> 00:01:45,330 Speaker 1: podcast so you never miss an episode. Doing so will 23 00:01:45,470 --> 00:01:48,830 Speaker 1: also help others find us, so we can spread the 24 00:01:48,870 --> 00:01:54,580 Speaker 1: story of Christ to everyone. Marcus rode atop his horse 25 00:01:54,700 --> 00:01:58,240 Speaker 1: with a hundred soldiers marching behind him in perfect sync. 26 00:01:59,340 --> 00:02:04,360 Speaker 1: His armor shone brilliantly in the afternoon sun. His polished 27 00:02:04,420 --> 00:02:08,740 Speaker 1: blade and colorful helmet was a shimmering symbol of his authority. 28 00:02:10,419 --> 00:02:13,910 Speaker 1: A cloud of dust followed them like a signal fire 29 00:02:13,990 --> 00:02:19,350 Speaker 1: of Caesar's rule through them. Directly behind Marcus was a 30 00:02:19,389 --> 00:02:25,250 Speaker 1: carriage carrying his wife and newborn daughter, She cradled the baby, 31 00:02:25,830 --> 00:02:30,460 Speaker 1: comforting her as they traveled along the bumpy road. Marcus 32 00:02:30,500 --> 00:02:34,120 Speaker 1: was returning from Rome, where he stood before Caesar himself. 33 00:02:35,300 --> 00:02:40,419 Speaker 1: His soldiers purported admirably, gaining him more favor and status 34 00:02:40,840 --> 00:02:45,549 Speaker 1: among Caesar's elite. However, the trip had left him and 35 00:02:45,590 --> 00:02:51,810 Speaker 1: his family exhausted. Tiro, their family servant, sat outside the carriage, 36 00:02:52,090 --> 00:02:52,790 Speaker 1: writing a report. 37 00:02:54,490 --> 00:02:57,610 Speaker 2: Tiro, I don't want my wife to endure more travel 38 00:02:57,650 --> 00:03:01,510 Speaker 2: than necessary. When we return to Capernaum, escort her to 39 00:03:01,530 --> 00:03:03,400 Speaker 2: the villa while I attend to my men. 40 00:03:04,090 --> 00:03:08,400 Speaker 1: Yes, of course. Tiro bowed his head and wrote something down. 41 00:03:09,080 --> 00:03:10,250 Speaker 2: And don't forget to have the. 42 00:03:10,680 --> 00:03:13,840 Speaker 3: Have the servant draw her a bath and take the 43 00:03:13,900 --> 00:03:15,739 Speaker 3: child to the nurse's quarters. 44 00:03:16,280 --> 00:03:20,769 Speaker 1: Tiro interrupted with a smile. Marcus smirked and gave his 45 00:03:20,810 --> 00:03:22,090 Speaker 1: servant a nod of approval. 46 00:03:24,030 --> 00:03:25,709 Speaker 2: Yes. Thank you, Tiro. 47 00:03:26,090 --> 00:03:28,670 Speaker 1: The legion of soldiers rounded the path to the gates. 48 00:03:29,790 --> 00:03:33,430 Speaker 1: They stopped at the barracks. Marcus' wife stepped out of 49 00:03:33,470 --> 00:03:37,510 Speaker 1: the carriage with the child to stretch. But as she 50 00:03:37,570 --> 00:03:42,220 Speaker 1: stepped out, Tiro noticed a snake slithering through the cracks 51 00:03:42,290 --> 00:03:46,220 Speaker 1: in the cobblestone. One of the horses, startled by the serpent, 52 00:03:46,600 --> 00:03:49,700 Speaker 1: rose its hooves into the air, poised to strike her 53 00:03:49,780 --> 00:03:53,730 Speaker 1: and the child. Tiro sprung into action. and swung them 54 00:03:53,850 --> 00:03:57,340 Speaker 1: both around, covering them from the horse's blow with his back. 55 00:03:58,460 --> 00:04:02,400 Speaker 1: Its hooves made a direct strike to his spine. Every 56 00:04:02,540 --> 00:04:05,900 Speaker 1: soldier could hear the crack, followed by a limp thump 57 00:04:06,280 --> 00:04:06,780 Speaker 1: on the floor. 58 00:04:07,220 --> 00:04:07,680 Speaker 2: Tiro! 59 00:04:08,080 --> 00:04:11,300 Speaker 1: Marcus shouted, dismounting his horse and running to his aid. 60 00:04:12,600 --> 00:04:17,860 Speaker 1: Tiro wasn't moving. His eyes were wide with pain. They 61 00:04:17,920 --> 00:04:21,760 Speaker 1: dragged the servant inside. Marcus held Tiro in his arms. 62 00:04:22,279 --> 00:04:23,020 Speaker 1: holding his hand. 63 00:04:23,520 --> 00:04:26,780 Speaker 2: Squeeze my hand, Tiro. Can you feel anything? 64 00:04:27,300 --> 00:04:32,039 Speaker 1: Silent tears streamed down Tiro's cheeks. His throat clenched to 65 00:04:32,100 --> 00:04:38,900 Speaker 1: say something, but nothing came out. Tiro was paralyzed, clearly 66 00:04:39,020 --> 00:04:42,400 Speaker 1: writhing in agony from the waist up, but unable to 67 00:04:42,500 --> 00:04:47,820 Speaker 1: say anything. Each breath was strained, like he was fighting 68 00:04:47,860 --> 00:04:52,909 Speaker 1: through pain simply to breathe. His body was bound up 69 00:04:53,010 --> 00:04:58,710 Speaker 1: in wired, spiked mesh, burrowing painfully into his skin. Any 70 00:04:58,790 --> 00:05:00,770 Speaker 1: moment could be his last. 71 00:05:02,370 --> 00:05:05,010 Speaker 4: If you've ever heard someone captivate a room with a speech, 72 00:05:05,370 --> 00:05:08,430 Speaker 4: you know a fraction of what people felt when they 73 00:05:08,510 --> 00:05:12,469 Speaker 4: heard Jesus. You often heard people say that Jesus spoke 74 00:05:12,589 --> 00:05:16,650 Speaker 4: with authority. As the Word of God, Jesus' words struck 75 00:05:16,690 --> 00:05:20,640 Speaker 4: the hearts and minds of listeners with striking power and weight. Today, 76 00:05:20,740 --> 00:05:23,040 Speaker 4: we have the privilege of having God's word available to 77 00:05:23,140 --> 00:05:25,370 Speaker 4: us at any given moment. If we come to him 78 00:05:25,400 --> 00:05:28,170 Speaker 4: in faith, the possibilities of what he might do in 79 00:05:28,230 --> 00:05:32,590 Speaker 4: our lives is endless. This is the Jesus Podcast, a 80 00:05:32,610 --> 00:05:35,710 Speaker 4: year of stories showcasing the depth of Christ's love and 81 00:05:35,750 --> 00:05:40,320 Speaker 4: the glory of God's truth through cinematic storytelling and honest reflection. 82 00:05:40,820 --> 00:05:43,380 Speaker 4: I'm Zach, your host from Pray.com. It's great to have 83 00:05:43,420 --> 00:05:46,260 Speaker 4: you here with us for another marvelous miracle of the Messiah. 84 00:05:46,800 --> 00:05:48,740 Speaker 4: Be sure to follow the podcast so you don't miss 85 00:05:48,839 --> 00:05:52,799 Speaker 4: out on all of Jesus' exciting adventures. As the Jews 86 00:05:52,839 --> 00:05:55,860 Speaker 4: of Jesus' time awaited the Messiah, they had come to 87 00:05:55,960 --> 00:05:58,260 Speaker 4: long for one who would break them free from the 88 00:05:58,339 --> 00:06:01,060 Speaker 4: oppression of the Roman Empire. They longed to be free 89 00:06:01,110 --> 00:06:03,750 Speaker 4: from the rule of Caesar and hail their own king 90 00:06:03,760 --> 00:06:06,510 Speaker 4: that would establish Israel as a great nation, just as 91 00:06:06,570 --> 00:06:09,549 Speaker 4: David did when he walked the earth. What they found 92 00:06:09,610 --> 00:06:13,580 Speaker 4: in Jesus defied their very expectation, though. But just because 93 00:06:13,640 --> 00:06:17,060 Speaker 4: Jesus didn't stand out in his earthly appearance, the ministry 94 00:06:17,140 --> 00:06:20,839 Speaker 4: messages and miracles he brought demonstrated that he was one 95 00:06:20,920 --> 00:06:24,640 Speaker 4: who held great authority. In today's miracle, we'll see a 96 00:06:24,700 --> 00:06:29,270 Speaker 4: juxtaposition between earthly and heavenly authority. As a Roman centurion, 97 00:06:29,510 --> 00:06:32,950 Speaker 4: one with authority to command a hundred soldiers, seeks out 98 00:06:33,110 --> 00:06:35,969 Speaker 4: the man he believed to be even greater than himself. 99 00:06:36,750 --> 00:06:39,330 Speaker 4: As we learn about another miracle, we'll discover how our 100 00:06:39,390 --> 00:06:41,770 Speaker 4: faith in God will always prove to be a better 101 00:06:41,950 --> 00:06:45,229 Speaker 4: option than holding on to faith in anything of this world. 102 00:06:47,670 --> 00:06:50,349 Speaker 1: Marcus waited by the corner of the market beside the 103 00:06:50,410 --> 00:06:54,410 Speaker 1: wheat and barley stand. He sifted a few grains from 104 00:06:54,490 --> 00:07:00,060 Speaker 1: one poem to another, nervously looking around. People hustled by him, 105 00:07:00,600 --> 00:07:01,940 Speaker 1: unaware of who he was. 106 00:07:03,000 --> 00:07:03,220 Speaker 3: Good. 107 00:07:04,400 --> 00:07:09,520 Speaker 1: He wore plain clothes, not his usual decorated uniform. He 108 00:07:09,560 --> 00:07:13,640 Speaker 1: wanted to blend in. At the right moment, he would 109 00:07:13,700 --> 00:07:18,620 Speaker 1: reveal himself. If he had worn his uniform, silver badges, 110 00:07:18,900 --> 00:07:22,080 Speaker 1: and the royal sash, he might never curry the favor 111 00:07:22,140 --> 00:07:25,700 Speaker 1: of a certain Jew he was looking for. He was Roman, 112 00:07:25,920 --> 00:07:30,620 Speaker 1: after all. The Jews followed commands when they saw the 113 00:07:30,680 --> 00:07:34,530 Speaker 1: sword and seal of Caesar. But Marcus hadn't come to 114 00:07:34,730 --> 00:07:41,760 Speaker 1: bark orders. He needed a favor. This undercover mission was 115 00:07:41,820 --> 00:07:46,490 Speaker 1: not political. It wasn't about him at all. It was 116 00:07:46,570 --> 00:07:52,290 Speaker 1: about Tiro. Marcus shut his eyes, unable to drown out 117 00:07:52,350 --> 00:07:57,070 Speaker 1: the memory of his servant's pain-laden eyes. He couldn't stand 118 00:07:57,120 --> 00:08:02,340 Speaker 1: the thought of Tiro dying. The market screamed and bustled 119 00:08:02,400 --> 00:08:06,040 Speaker 1: around him, but he heard none of it. He was 120 00:08:06,180 --> 00:08:11,340 Speaker 1: caught in the melee of guilt and anxious expectations. He 121 00:08:11,380 --> 00:08:17,750 Speaker 1: looked around, growing paranoid that someone would recognize him. Where 122 00:08:18,290 --> 00:08:23,850 Speaker 1: are you? Marcus whispered. He strained his neck forward, looking 123 00:08:23,910 --> 00:08:29,110 Speaker 1: around for any sign of the healer called Jesus. This 124 00:08:29,150 --> 00:08:32,630 Speaker 1: was his best answer to help his servant. A miracle. 125 00:08:34,510 --> 00:08:37,520 Speaker 1: Marcus was not a spiritual man. He was not a 126 00:08:37,580 --> 00:08:44,030 Speaker 1: philosophical type either. No, he left that to others. The world, 127 00:08:44,090 --> 00:08:49,710 Speaker 1: according to the centurion, was quite simple. Law, order, and authority. 128 00:08:51,350 --> 00:08:55,550 Speaker 1: Any sliver of religious devotion was given to Caesar or Mars, 129 00:08:56,120 --> 00:08:59,380 Speaker 1: the god of war, the one whom Marcus was named after. 130 00:09:00,520 --> 00:09:04,260 Speaker 1: Yet no prayers to Caesar or Mars had done Tyro 131 00:09:04,480 --> 00:09:09,830 Speaker 1: any good. Although Marcus was not a spiritual man, He 132 00:09:09,890 --> 00:09:14,220 Speaker 1: knew the meaning of authority. He commanded a league of soldiers, 133 00:09:14,700 --> 00:09:18,699 Speaker 1: a hundred men under his care. He was a conductor 134 00:09:18,720 --> 00:09:22,920 Speaker 1: of law, order, and battle. His life was that of 135 00:09:23,040 --> 00:09:29,290 Speaker 1: conquest and command. This was his realm. He might not 136 00:09:29,330 --> 00:09:32,650 Speaker 1: understand the spiritual realm of the Jews, but it was 137 00:09:32,750 --> 00:09:38,910 Speaker 1: clear that Jesus did. Just as Marcus could command soldiers... 138 00:09:39,440 --> 00:09:44,420 Speaker 1: Jesus had authority regarding healing. He was the master of 139 00:09:44,570 --> 00:09:49,970 Speaker 1: his world as Marcus was of his. Jesus was the 140 00:09:50,030 --> 00:09:53,570 Speaker 1: ruler of this kingdom of God he had spoken about. 141 00:09:54,710 --> 00:09:58,230 Speaker 1: That was the kingdom he needed now. Nothing the Roman 142 00:09:58,290 --> 00:10:03,860 Speaker 1: Empire had done had helped. marcus looked far down the 143 00:10:03,900 --> 00:10:09,010 Speaker 1: road a crowd had formed around a particular man this 144 00:10:09,090 --> 00:10:13,130 Speaker 1: man was calm among the chaos around him he wasn't 145 00:10:13,170 --> 00:10:17,449 Speaker 1: distracted by the marketplace vendors or flustered by the onslaught 146 00:10:17,470 --> 00:10:22,630 Speaker 1: of questions he was secure steady, like a man with 147 00:10:22,850 --> 00:10:27,949 Speaker 1: actual authority. There you are, Marcus said with wide eyes 148 00:10:28,170 --> 00:10:34,640 Speaker 1: and a smirk. The centurion slowly, calmly, waded through the 149 00:10:34,679 --> 00:10:39,560 Speaker 1: crowd to meet him in the street. He reached the 150 00:10:39,620 --> 00:10:45,130 Speaker 1: center of the crowd and met Jesus' gaze. Marcus wasn't 151 00:10:45,210 --> 00:10:48,630 Speaker 1: sure what to do at this moment. He was used 152 00:10:48,650 --> 00:10:53,060 Speaker 1: to commanding the Jews. not begging them for something. He 153 00:10:53,100 --> 00:10:56,410 Speaker 1: didn't know whether to kneel or to draw his blade. 154 00:10:58,070 --> 00:11:06,550 Speaker 1: He was suspended in an awkward space between desperation and pride. Finally, 155 00:11:06,710 --> 00:11:11,040 Speaker 1: to mark a surprise, he stretched his hands and bowed 156 00:11:11,080 --> 00:11:11,400 Speaker 1: his head. 157 00:11:12,400 --> 00:11:12,800 Speaker 4: Lord! 158 00:11:13,520 --> 00:11:17,740 Speaker 1: Now there was a title Marcus didn't expect to use. Marcus, 159 00:11:18,260 --> 00:11:25,870 Speaker 1: a Roman centurion, calling this Jewish carpenter Lord, King. But 160 00:11:25,910 --> 00:11:30,310 Speaker 1: he was a king. Anyone who could heal lepers and 161 00:11:30,370 --> 00:11:34,710 Speaker 1: restore sight to the blind was certainly a king of something. 162 00:11:35,840 --> 00:11:39,939 Speaker 1: Marcus continued, allowing his heart to speak without a filter. 163 00:11:40,700 --> 00:11:47,650 Speaker 2: Lord, my servant is paralyzed at home. He's suffering, and... 164 00:11:48,500 --> 00:11:50,340 Speaker 2: I am helpless to bring him any comfort. 165 00:11:50,940 --> 00:11:55,100 Speaker 1: Marcus' voice cracked slightly. He cleared his throat and bowed 166 00:11:55,140 --> 00:11:59,739 Speaker 1: to his knees. As Marcus spoke to Jesus, his confidence 167 00:11:59,800 --> 00:12:00,640 Speaker 1: in him grew. 168 00:12:01,280 --> 00:12:04,809 Speaker 2: My servant needs healing. He needs a miracle. 169 00:12:05,410 --> 00:12:09,650 Speaker 1: Jesus took him in with a clear, steady gaze. The 170 00:12:09,690 --> 00:12:15,949 Speaker 1: centurion's sincerity. The honorable way he addressed him. The trustworthiness 171 00:12:16,270 --> 00:12:22,140 Speaker 1: in his expressions. Here was an honest man. An honest 172 00:12:22,320 --> 00:12:27,160 Speaker 1: Gentile man. The Jewish men around him began to chatter. 173 00:12:27,580 --> 00:12:28,880 Speaker 1: Isn't that the centurion? 174 00:12:28,900 --> 00:12:33,380 Speaker 2: Why is he here? Shouldn't he ask Rome to help him? 175 00:12:33,900 --> 00:12:36,020 Speaker 3: Can't he go to his own healers? 176 00:12:36,500 --> 00:12:39,960 Speaker 1: Does he think he's a Jew? Jesus ignored their murmurs 177 00:12:40,350 --> 00:12:44,950 Speaker 1: and stepped forward. He looked down at Marcus earnestly and smiled. 178 00:12:45,350 --> 00:12:45,910 Speaker 1: Of course. 179 00:12:45,929 --> 00:12:47,910 Speaker 5: I will come with you immediately. 180 00:12:48,290 --> 00:12:51,160 Speaker 1: Marcus could sense the snares of the men all around him, 181 00:12:51,820 --> 00:12:52,800 Speaker 1: their disapproval. 182 00:12:53,200 --> 00:12:58,300 Speaker 2: Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under 183 00:12:58,340 --> 00:13:02,300 Speaker 2: my roof. But only say the word and my servant 184 00:13:02,380 --> 00:13:03,020 Speaker 2: will be healed. 185 00:13:03,420 --> 00:13:05,900 Speaker 1: Marcus stood to his feet and gestured to the crowd. 186 00:13:06,350 --> 00:13:10,110 Speaker 2: I know what it would do to your reputation to 187 00:13:10,150 --> 00:13:15,130 Speaker 2: be in a Roman official's home. But I know you 188 00:13:15,150 --> 00:13:18,030 Speaker 2: don't have to visit my home to heal my servant. 189 00:13:19,800 --> 00:13:23,819 Speaker 2: I'm also a man of authority. I have soldiers under me. 190 00:13:24,520 --> 00:13:27,699 Speaker 2: When I say to one, go, he goes. And I 191 00:13:27,740 --> 00:13:31,920 Speaker 2: say to another, come, he comes. And to my servant, 192 00:13:32,110 --> 00:13:35,790 Speaker 2: do this, and he does it. All you have to 193 00:13:35,830 --> 00:13:39,170 Speaker 2: do is say the word, and my servant will be healed. 194 00:13:40,809 --> 00:13:41,990 Speaker 2: You're a man of authority. 195 00:13:43,030 --> 00:13:47,340 Speaker 1: Jesus cocked his head to the side and smiled. His 196 00:13:47,530 --> 00:13:57,260 Speaker 1: eyes revealed surprise. What a marvel you are! Others called 197 00:13:57,300 --> 00:14:01,080 Speaker 1: him rabbi or teacher. Some of the Pharisees called him 198 00:14:01,140 --> 00:14:05,780 Speaker 1: a sinner and demon. But this Roman called him Lord. 199 00:14:07,000 --> 00:14:11,250 Speaker 1: His understanding of authority and the kingdom of God rivaled 200 00:14:11,510 --> 00:14:16,990 Speaker 1: anyone in Judea. Jesus' own people, who followed the prophecies 201 00:14:17,050 --> 00:14:24,660 Speaker 1: of old, who professed to understand spiritual things, had no understanding. Instead, 202 00:14:25,680 --> 00:14:29,610 Speaker 1: they glared at the centurion. The kingdom of God was 203 00:14:29,670 --> 00:14:32,990 Speaker 1: not what they thought. It had nothing to do with 204 00:14:33,010 --> 00:14:37,790 Speaker 1: their religious rituals or lip service. They who professed to 205 00:14:37,830 --> 00:14:42,610 Speaker 1: have abundant knowledge had no faith, no willingness to see 206 00:14:42,630 --> 00:14:46,480 Speaker 1: the things of God at all. They could not see 207 00:14:46,520 --> 00:14:50,880 Speaker 1: the darkness inside their hearts. They were blind to the 208 00:14:50,920 --> 00:14:55,440 Speaker 1: hate inside them. In due time, their true motives would 209 00:14:55,480 --> 00:15:01,420 Speaker 1: be revealed, their true desires. They craved death more than life. 210 00:15:02,440 --> 00:15:07,100 Speaker 1: They had no belief. Yet this man, a centurion, had 211 00:15:07,240 --> 00:15:13,000 Speaker 1: grasped the depth of Jesus' true identity. He was more 212 00:15:13,180 --> 00:15:16,820 Speaker 1: than a teacher. He was more than a prophet. He 213 00:15:16,920 --> 00:15:20,680 Speaker 1: was Lord. Jesus turned to the men abruptly. 214 00:15:21,260 --> 00:15:25,040 Speaker 5: Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have 215 00:15:25,100 --> 00:15:26,260 Speaker 5: I found such faith. 216 00:15:26,900 --> 00:15:30,250 Speaker 1: Some of the men made awkward head gestures. One of 217 00:15:30,260 --> 00:15:31,520 Speaker 1: them muttered, Him? 218 00:15:31,540 --> 00:15:35,310 Speaker 2: He's a Gentile. We are the people who deserve to... 219 00:15:35,590 --> 00:15:36,150 Speaker 2: Listen to me. 220 00:15:36,590 --> 00:15:37,450 Speaker 1: Jesus interrupted. 221 00:15:37,870 --> 00:15:41,070 Speaker 5: I tell you, many strangers will come from the east 222 00:15:41,510 --> 00:15:44,940 Speaker 5: and west and recline at the table of Abraham Isaac 223 00:15:45,470 --> 00:15:48,910 Speaker 5: and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But many sons 224 00:15:48,970 --> 00:15:52,450 Speaker 5: of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. 225 00:15:53,350 --> 00:15:57,609 Speaker 5: In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 226 00:15:58,090 --> 00:15:59,860 Speaker 1: Jesus turned back to the centurion. 227 00:16:00,050 --> 00:16:03,880 Speaker 5: Go, let it be done for you as you have believed. 228 00:16:04,260 --> 00:16:09,120 Speaker 1: The centurion turned away, relieved, and slowly took the path home. 229 00:16:10,540 --> 00:16:13,160 Speaker 1: Hours later he ducked under the portico of his home, 230 00:16:13,850 --> 00:16:19,930 Speaker 1: and peered into the window. Inside, his servant was sitting up, 231 00:16:20,590 --> 00:16:24,830 Speaker 1: drinking some broth, surrounded by the other attendants in his house. 232 00:16:26,110 --> 00:16:28,630 Speaker 1: His wife rushed up to him, wrapped him in a 233 00:16:28,670 --> 00:16:31,070 Speaker 1: white shawl with their child on her hip. 234 00:16:31,570 --> 00:16:36,430 Speaker 3: Marcus, you missed it! The most amazing thing has happened! 235 00:16:37,070 --> 00:16:38,730 Speaker 4: He's broken out of his shell! 236 00:16:39,350 --> 00:16:41,170 Speaker 5: He isn't paralyzed anymore! 237 00:16:41,630 --> 00:16:45,320 Speaker 1: Marcus held her. and rocked her a bit, curled her 238 00:16:45,380 --> 00:16:49,040 Speaker 1: long brown hair over her shoulder, and kissed her forehead. 239 00:16:49,580 --> 00:16:49,940 Speaker 2: I know. 240 00:16:50,360 --> 00:16:52,960 Speaker 1: She pulled back from him, and he took their daughter 241 00:16:53,080 --> 00:16:53,620 Speaker 1: in his arms. 242 00:16:54,160 --> 00:16:54,580 Speaker 2: You knew? 243 00:16:54,920 --> 00:16:59,600 Speaker 1: He nodded, walked past marble archways and sculptures, and stood 244 00:16:59,800 --> 00:17:00,620 Speaker 1: among his servants. 245 00:17:01,060 --> 00:17:05,149 Speaker 2: A man with greater authority than I did this. I 246 00:17:05,190 --> 00:17:07,869 Speaker 2: have a feeling we will be hearing of many more 247 00:17:07,930 --> 00:17:08,870 Speaker 2: miracles like this. 248 00:17:09,460 --> 00:17:14,790 Speaker 1: The servant stood when Marcus approached. He bowed, tears forming 249 00:17:14,810 --> 00:17:15,350 Speaker 1: in his eyes. 250 00:17:16,070 --> 00:17:21,410 Speaker 3: Zane is gone, and I can move freely. I'm ready 251 00:17:21,450 --> 00:17:23,470 Speaker 3: to serve you again, Master Marcus. 252 00:17:23,830 --> 00:17:27,109 Speaker 1: Tiro couldn't help but laugh and patted his legs. 253 00:17:28,450 --> 00:17:32,580 Speaker 3: It's like I was never paralyzed at all. Why, it 254 00:17:32,630 --> 00:17:35,440 Speaker 3: broke all at once, just an hour or so ago. 255 00:17:35,840 --> 00:17:38,760 Speaker 1: The centurion exchanged a glance with his wife. 256 00:17:39,270 --> 00:17:40,030 Speaker 2: Right on time. 257 00:17:48,720 --> 00:17:51,220 Speaker 4: Whether we've been in a place of authority or have 258 00:17:51,260 --> 00:17:54,179 Speaker 4: to submit to someone who was, we've likely had our 259 00:17:54,220 --> 00:17:57,459 Speaker 4: share of good experiences and bad. From parents to teachers 260 00:17:57,500 --> 00:18:00,060 Speaker 4: to bosses, authority is a natural part of any area 261 00:18:00,080 --> 00:18:03,200 Speaker 4: of our lives. For the Jews during Jesus' time, authority 262 00:18:03,240 --> 00:18:06,909 Speaker 4: was a touchy subject. After the Roman Empire's expansion to 263 00:18:06,950 --> 00:18:11,190 Speaker 4: include the Israelites, Authority was most often associated with oppression 264 00:18:11,310 --> 00:18:15,830 Speaker 4: and subjugation and unfair rule. This is why it seems 265 00:18:15,990 --> 00:18:19,500 Speaker 4: startling that a Roman centurion, a commander who had authority 266 00:18:19,619 --> 00:18:23,040 Speaker 4: over a hundred Roman soldiers, would make himself subject to 267 00:18:23,080 --> 00:18:27,139 Speaker 4: a Jewish rabbi. However, while many came to Jesus for 268 00:18:27,200 --> 00:18:30,989 Speaker 4: healing out of desperation or marvel at his miracles, the 269 00:18:31,050 --> 00:18:34,379 Speaker 4: Roman centurion came with a much different heart. After he 270 00:18:34,430 --> 00:18:37,180 Speaker 4: makes his request known to Jesus, the Lord notes him 271 00:18:37,540 --> 00:18:39,720 Speaker 4: as being a man of faith. His faith in the 272 00:18:39,760 --> 00:18:43,020 Speaker 4: miraculous powers of the Messiah ran so deep that even 273 00:18:43,119 --> 00:18:46,840 Speaker 4: Jesus was moved by the centurion's words. We read in 274 00:18:46,900 --> 00:18:49,760 Speaker 4: Matthew 8, When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and 275 00:18:49,820 --> 00:18:52,260 Speaker 4: said to those following him, Truly I tell you, I 276 00:18:52,260 --> 00:18:55,060 Speaker 4: have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 277 00:18:55,740 --> 00:18:58,480 Speaker 4: How could a man with no Jewish background or upbringing 278 00:18:58,780 --> 00:19:00,840 Speaker 4: have such a profound faith in Jesus? 279 00:19:01,420 --> 00:19:02,310 Speaker 1: Well, it began. 280 00:19:02,720 --> 00:19:06,609 Speaker 4: by recognizing authority. As a man of authority himself, the 281 00:19:06,650 --> 00:19:10,350 Speaker 4: centurion understood that the works Jesus was doing commanded more 282 00:19:10,390 --> 00:19:15,510 Speaker 4: than just fellow men. Jesus was commanding creation itself. By 283 00:19:15,609 --> 00:19:18,350 Speaker 4: just his words, the teacher from Nazareth could give sight 284 00:19:18,369 --> 00:19:20,950 Speaker 4: to the blind, heal the lame, and reverse the effects 285 00:19:20,990 --> 00:19:25,580 Speaker 4: of disease. The authority of Jesus was simply different. What 286 00:19:25,630 --> 00:19:29,459 Speaker 4: made Jesus' authority different from anyone else's is the source. 287 00:19:29,930 --> 00:19:32,619 Speaker 4: His authority didn't come from an earthly kingdom or power. 288 00:19:33,060 --> 00:19:36,180 Speaker 4: It was not bestowed upon him from mankind or given 289 00:19:36,220 --> 00:19:40,180 Speaker 4: to him through conquest. His authority came directly from heaven 290 00:19:40,380 --> 00:19:43,050 Speaker 4: from the Father. As Jesus is praying from the Garden 291 00:19:43,070 --> 00:19:45,210 Speaker 4: of Gethsemane on the night that he would be betrayed, 292 00:19:45,850 --> 00:19:48,699 Speaker 4: he prays this in John 17, Having this type of 293 00:19:48,820 --> 00:19:50,540 Speaker 4: authority meant not only did Jesus have the right to rule, 294 00:19:50,560 --> 00:19:51,859 Speaker 4: but he was empowered to do so in such a 295 00:19:51,859 --> 00:20:09,369 Speaker 4: way that would glorify the Father in heaven. The magnitude 296 00:20:09,410 --> 00:20:13,510 Speaker 4: of Jesus' rule is unprecedented. But not only that, it 297 00:20:13,550 --> 00:20:16,750 Speaker 4: means the nature of his authority is as well. Maybe 298 00:20:16,770 --> 00:20:19,490 Speaker 4: you think about authority and think about someone having the 299 00:20:19,530 --> 00:20:22,290 Speaker 4: power to make others do what they want. Sometimes this 300 00:20:22,350 --> 00:20:25,730 Speaker 4: comes with force or severe consequences for those who don't listen. 301 00:20:26,340 --> 00:20:30,480 Speaker 4: But this isn't how Jesus exercised authority during his earthly ministry. 302 00:20:30,980 --> 00:20:33,159 Speaker 4: His authority was always used for the good of people. 303 00:20:33,680 --> 00:20:36,220 Speaker 4: We have plenty of reasons to question people of authority 304 00:20:36,240 --> 00:20:38,600 Speaker 4: in this world as we learn about leaders who used 305 00:20:38,640 --> 00:20:40,980 Speaker 4: it for personal gain or at the detriment of others. 306 00:20:41,460 --> 00:20:44,590 Speaker 4: Perhaps we even have concerns about people in authority today 307 00:20:44,680 --> 00:20:47,910 Speaker 4: in elected offices who abuse their power for the sake 308 00:20:48,250 --> 00:20:51,970 Speaker 4: of greed or avarice. But we never have to worry 309 00:20:52,010 --> 00:20:54,770 Speaker 4: about that with Jesus. The nature of his authority is 310 00:20:54,830 --> 00:20:57,949 Speaker 4: not to dominate over people for personal gain. This is 311 00:20:57,990 --> 00:21:00,869 Speaker 4: because Jesus' authority is meant to use to accomplish the 312 00:21:00,910 --> 00:21:03,470 Speaker 4: good plan of the Father. which means it will always 313 00:21:03,530 --> 00:21:05,850 Speaker 4: be for the good of those who submit themselves. 314 00:21:05,490 --> 00:21:06,170 Speaker 1: To his rule. 315 00:21:06,770 --> 00:21:09,709 Speaker 4: The use of Jesus' authority flows from his compassion for 316 00:21:09,770 --> 00:21:12,570 Speaker 4: people and is always seen as being used to love 317 00:21:12,710 --> 00:21:15,169 Speaker 4: others and protect them from the corruption of this world. 318 00:21:15,730 --> 00:21:17,970 Speaker 4: This means that we should never be worried about submitting 319 00:21:18,030 --> 00:21:21,670 Speaker 4: ourselves to the authority of Jesus, wondering if he'll abuse 320 00:21:21,750 --> 00:21:25,490 Speaker 4: our submission. His authority means we can live in safety, security, 321 00:21:25,570 --> 00:21:28,710 Speaker 4: and care under the kingdom of God. At least in 322 00:21:28,750 --> 00:21:31,490 Speaker 4: the small ways he could understand without knowing the centuries 323 00:21:31,530 --> 00:21:35,369 Speaker 4: of prophecies about the Messiah, the centurion understood the goodness 324 00:21:35,410 --> 00:21:38,889 Speaker 4: of God. He had this knowledge that if he sought 325 00:21:39,130 --> 00:21:41,889 Speaker 4: Jesus out for healing, that he would receive it. He 326 00:21:41,950 --> 00:21:44,840 Speaker 4: knew that Jesus' authority was distinct and different from that 327 00:21:44,880 --> 00:21:48,620 Speaker 4: of Caesar's. This left the centurion feeling unworthy to even 328 00:21:48,660 --> 00:21:51,560 Speaker 4: have Jesus in his home. But this also opened his 329 00:21:51,640 --> 00:21:54,660 Speaker 4: mind to believe that Jesus could do anything with his authority, 330 00:21:54,740 --> 00:21:57,360 Speaker 4: including heal his servant from a distance at. 331 00:21:57,320 --> 00:21:57,900 Speaker 1: Just a word. 332 00:21:58,710 --> 00:22:01,669 Speaker 4: We should view Jesus' authority with some sense of awe. 333 00:22:02,170 --> 00:22:04,700 Speaker 4: The worst thing we could do is put limits on Jesus' 334 00:22:04,740 --> 00:22:08,540 Speaker 4: authority by telling ourselves he's not capable of something. We 335 00:22:08,580 --> 00:22:11,280 Speaker 4: should never demand Jesus to do something specific for us. 336 00:22:11,640 --> 00:22:13,820 Speaker 4: We should never fall prey to the thought that there's 337 00:22:13,840 --> 00:22:17,240 Speaker 4: something he can't do either. We should never put Jesus 338 00:22:17,300 --> 00:22:21,070 Speaker 4: in a box that only contains our expectations or our understandings. 339 00:22:21,590 --> 00:22:23,409 Speaker 4: A good way to test if we're putting Jesus in 340 00:22:23,450 --> 00:22:25,850 Speaker 4: a box is by reflecting on our prayer life. Are 341 00:22:25,869 --> 00:22:28,520 Speaker 4: the requests we make Only the ones we consider to 342 00:22:28,560 --> 00:22:32,720 Speaker 4: be reasonable or requests that we can actually do on 343 00:22:32,780 --> 00:22:35,240 Speaker 4: our own? Or are we willing to bring even the 344 00:22:35,280 --> 00:22:38,699 Speaker 4: most unbelievable and absurd requests to the God who can 345 00:22:38,740 --> 00:22:42,260 Speaker 4: do anything? Ask God big things and expect him to 346 00:22:42,320 --> 00:22:45,980 Speaker 4: do something radical in response. Jesus is bigger than any 347 00:22:46,060 --> 00:22:48,879 Speaker 4: box we could create for him. One thing we like 348 00:22:48,920 --> 00:22:51,879 Speaker 4: to reflect here at Pray.com is when is the last 349 00:22:51,940 --> 00:22:54,810 Speaker 4: time you prayed a prayer that was so big that 350 00:22:54,850 --> 00:22:58,210 Speaker 4: it actually required the strength of God and the power 351 00:22:58,250 --> 00:23:00,909 Speaker 4: of God and the miracle of God to make it happen. 352 00:23:01,190 --> 00:23:03,820 Speaker 4: While we may see the ups and downs of earthly authority, 353 00:23:04,020 --> 00:23:07,560 Speaker 4: Christ's heavenly authority is something to celebrate. We can find 354 00:23:07,640 --> 00:23:10,119 Speaker 4: peace in knowing Jesus is in full control from the 355 00:23:10,160 --> 00:23:12,420 Speaker 4: throne room of heaven. We can find strength in knowing 356 00:23:12,460 --> 00:23:14,959 Speaker 4: our King is in his rightful place and is ruling 357 00:23:15,100 --> 00:23:17,620 Speaker 4: us with his good right hand. We can find hope 358 00:23:17,660 --> 00:23:20,080 Speaker 4: in knowing that his kingdom is growing and that one 359 00:23:20,140 --> 00:23:22,810 Speaker 4: day when he comes back, he will make all things 360 00:23:22,910 --> 00:23:25,570 Speaker 4: new and we will be his citizens under his good 361 00:23:25,630 --> 00:23:26,530 Speaker 4: rule forever.