True Humility

How does Jesus’s life change the way you live your life?

Centurions:

Commanded 80-100 enlisted soldiers

Promoted based on merit

Upper ranks very well paid

The Centurion:

Born a pagan

Worked his way to success

Left home to go to a foreign land

Befriended foreign people who hated him

Gave his wealth to build a place of worship for those people

Is the only one standing between a loved servant and death

Where do you find this passage taking you so far?

Hebrews 4:12: The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

The word “amazed” that Jesus uses is only used in a positive way once in all of the four gospels.

Excerpt from Jesus Storybook Bible ch. 1:

“So God breathed life into Adam and Eve. When they opened their eyes, the first thing they ever saw was God’s face. And when God saw them he was like a new dad. “You look like me,” he said.

Jesus

Left home

Had all the power, authority, and honor, but made himself nothing

Gave up heavenly riches to befriend a world that hated him

Is the only one who stands between those he loves and certain death

In what was the Centurion’s faith?

Romans 1:19-20 (MSG) But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can't see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being.

Steps Toward True Humility:

Where have you been blind to your own or others’ need for Jesus because of your or their goodness?

For recovering achievement-aholics: Meditate on Romans 2:4 - “The kindness of God is intended to lead you to repentance” - and ask yourself where God’s goodness illuminates your pride