Have you ever wondered, “Why am I here? What’s my purpose?”
Many of us grapple with these questions throughout life, whether we’re starting a new job, navigating a new relationship, becoming a parent, or even joining a new church. In our search for meaning, we can easily get lost in society’s expectations, work’s opinions, or even our own.
These questions aren’t new, as we’ve seen studying the Gospel of Luke. People in Jesus’ time were also searching for their place and purpose.
Today, as we read Luke 7, we encounter an unexpected figure—a Roman centurion—whose story powerfully addresses these questions and offers us a model of faith, humility, generosity, and inclusivity. The lessons we learn from him can guide us in finding our place and purpose in God’s kingdom.
The Centurion’s Faith and Humility
In Luke 7’s cultural context, Roman centurions were influential military officers who commanded about 100 soldiers. To the Jewish people, they represented oppression and foreign domination. Yet this particular centurion was different. He didn’t rely on his wealth, status, or power but instead reached out to Jesus, a Jewish rabbi, for help. This act alone would have been surprising at that time.
The centurion’s servant, whom he highly valued, was gravely ill. Rather than seeking help through traditional means or using his wealth to find a physician, the centurion sent respected Jewish elders to ask Jesus for healing. The elders vouched for him, saying, “If anyone deserves your help, he does, for he loves the Jewish people and even built a synagogue for us.”
This centurion wasn’t just powerful—he was compassionate. He cared deeply about his servant, a slave who was considered property. Instead of replacing him, the centurion sought healing. His compassion transcended cultural and social boundaries, and his humility set him apart. Despite his high status, he sent messengers to Jesus, saying, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.” He believed in Jesus’ authority so strongly that he told Him, “Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.”
Jesus was astonished at the centurion’s faith, declaring, “I tell you, I haven’t seen faith like this in all of Israel.” What a profound statement! In this story, we see how faith, humility, and recognition of Jesus’ authority align perfectly with the centurion’s life—and Jesus praises him for it.
Crossing Boundaries of Status, Race, and Power
This encounter between Jesus and the centurion wasn’t just a story of faith but also a story of breaking boundaries. The centurion was a Roman officer, a Gentile, and part of the occupying force oppressing the Jewish people. Yet, he reached across cultural, ethnic, and religious boundaries to seek help from Jesus, a Jewish rabbi. This act of crossing boundaries challenges us today as we think about our own lives.
We live in a world still divided by lines of race, status, and culture. The centurion’s actions prompt us to ask: What boundaries do we need to cross today to show love, generosity, and humility? The biblical audience of Luke’s Gospel would have been shocked by the centurion’s actions. Still, they point to the heart of God’s kingdom—a kingdom where love, compassion, and humility transcend all divisions.
In today’s world, what might this look like?
It could mean stepping out of your comfort zone to care for someone from a different background or using your resources to support a cause or community that doesn’t benefit you. It’s about recognizing the humanity in others and acting with compassion, just as the centurion did.
Generosity in Action
The centurion didn’t just cross boundaries with his words—he showed generosity through his actions. He used his resources to build a synagogue for the Jewish people, a minority group under Roman occupation. He didn’t have to do this, but his generosity reflected a heart that valued others. He didn’t simply say he loved people; he demonstrated it by providing something they needed.
Generosity, as modeled by the centurion, is about more than just writing a check or making a donation. It’s about valuing people and investing in their well-being, even when there’s nothing in it for you. The centurion could have used his wealth to make his life more comfortable, but instead, he chose to uplift others. His actions were not about personal gain but about contributing to the good of the community.
Today, we might think we’re generous because we give a percentage of our income to charity or our local church. But true generosity asks us to go further. It challenges us to ask: How am I using my time, influence, and resources to build up others, especially those who may never be able to repay me?
Living Generously and Inclusively Today
This story prompts us to consider how we can apply the centurion’s example of generosity and inclusivity. Here are a few ways to think about it:
- Generosity is about more than money. It’s about how we use our time, energy, and influence. How are you using your resources to help those different from you or to build bridges across cultural and social divides?
- Inclusivity requires stepping out of our comfort zones. Who outside of your usual circle can you show hospitality to? How can you invite someone into your life in a way that reflects the love of Christ?
- Be mindful of cultural differences. As you extend generosity and hospitality, do so with cultural awareness and humility. For those of us in majority cultures, it’s essential to recognize the potential stress or discomfort others may experience in navigating spaces dominated by different norms.
Generosity and inclusivity go hand in hand. The centurion didn’t just use his wealth for himself—he used it to build a synagogue, a place of worship for people who were not like him. His inclusivity wasn’t just about words; it was about action. He didn’t let social or cultural boundaries stop him from caring for those around him.
Using Power and Privilege for God’s Kingdom
Like the centurion, many of us live in positions of privilege. Whether we realize it or not, we hold influence in our workplaces, communities, and social circles. The question is: How will we use that influence? Will we use it to protect our comfort, or will we use it to serve others and advance God’s kingdom?
This is not about feeling guilty for our privilege but about feeling responsible for how we use it. The centurion used his position and resources not for personal gain but to care for others and build something lasting for the community. We are called to do the same.
Conclusion: Finding Your Place and Purpose
The centurion’s story in Luke 7 offers a powerful reminder that finding our place and purpose in God’s kingdom requires more than introspection. It requires action. We are called to cross boundaries, extend generosity, and use our influence for the good of others. Imagine what our communities would look like if we all lived like this centurion—using our resources to lift others up and build bridges across divides.
As you reflect on this story, ask yourself: How can I be more generous? How can I be more inclusive? How can I use my power and privilege for the sake of God’s kingdom? If we take these questions seriously, we will not only find our place and purpose but also transform the world around us in ways that reflect Christ’s love and bring glory to his name.
