Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“The centurion answered, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed.’”
NL Daily Devotion for Saturday, February 4, 2023
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
Talk about humility. This guy was Roman soldier bigwig—he says he has people he commands and they do whatever he says. And at the same time he cares enough about his sick slave that he goes to Jesus for help. He has the faith that Jesus can actually heal, but also the knowledge that he’s part of the oppressor regime who makes the life of Jesus’ people miserable. While it’s unlikely given the context, just maybe he also recognizes the injustice of owning another human being, no matter how much he cares about that slave’s well-being. Mind you, it’s not like he’s renouncing his position or taking any action to rectify the oppression caused by his regime. But his complete candor comes as a total surprise to Jesus.
At this point in Matthew’s gospel, Jesus’ ministry is still fairly new. The crowds have only just begun following him. He has yet to experience the constant pestering of the Pharisees and scribes. But he says quite clearly, “in no one in Israel have I found such faith.” Obviously Jesus has seen enough to know that those who are supposedly God’s chosen have fallen egregiously short. So much so that when approached by one whom he could have blamed for the oppression of his people, he instead extends God’s reign to include the centurion. It strikes me—particularly in Matthew, where the gospel writer is so focused on using Hebrew Bible scripture to prove that Jesus is God’s messiah to an audience of Jews—that so early in his ministry Jesus blew open the door of heaven for the gentiles.
I find this story a great comfort, imperfect as I am. I know I benefit from white supremacy and the unjust systems it creates. I sometimes feel unworthy of Jesus’ help, when I know there are so many others whose suffering is greater. Jesus’ love is big enough for all of us. The doors of heaven are blown open, and Jesus is ready to welcome us in.
Have I ever found it hard to ask God for what I need or want? Why or why not?