A Man Who Amazed Jesus

The centurion in Matthew 8:5-13 was a man who understood authority. He was in authority and under authority in his role as a Roman soldier. And Jesus was amazed at his ability to understand and trust God's authority. 

When we have no respect for authority, it's a spiritual problem.

Starting with our parents and continuing throughout life, God uses authority to teach us about our relationship with Him. We're never meant to obey ungodly commands, nor do we need to agree with those in authority, but even when we disagree we can do it respectfully.

Lest we doubt the importance of this principle we can review these Scriptures:

1. Respect for secular government authorities: 

Romans 13:1-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-3, Titus 3:1, 1 Peter 2:13-14 

See God Wins All Wrestling Matches.  

2. Respect for church leadership:
Hebrews 13:17, 1 Peter 5:5 

3. Obedience to parents when in their home. Respect (honor) for parents throughout life: 

Ephesians 6:1, Colossians 3:20, Ephesians 6:2-3 

See the Bible Love Notes collection: Honoring Parents. 

4. A wife's respect for her husband's leadership in the family: 

Genesis 3:16, Ephesians 5:22-24, Colossians 3:18, 1 Peter 3:1-6, Titus 2:3-5, 1 Corinthians 11:13, 1 Timothy 2:11-14. 

See Why Mutual Submission is an Oxymoron. 

5. Respect for older people:
1 Timothy 5:1-2

I encourage you to read the story of the Roman Centurion (Matthew 8:5-13). Because he understood military authority, he also understood Christ's authority. And Christ was amazed by the centurion's faith.

Today let's ask God to give us that kind of amazing faith.