Understanding Authority

Luke 7:1-10

Intro: All of us live under some kind of authority. God designed life to be lived that way. We live in a world today where nobody wants any authority over them. They want to be their own authority. We see lawlessness abounding all over the world and especially in America because of rebellion against authority. There is little respect even for God’s authority anymore because of the great falling away that the bible tells us about. There is a story in these scriptures today of one who understood authority and used it to his advantage.

I. The importance of authority. Luke 7:1-3 (NKJV) ¹ Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum. ²  And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. ³  So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant.

a. Society cannot exist without authority. Romans 13:1-3 (NKJV) ¹  Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. ²  Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. ³  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. God’s kingdom also can’t exist without authority.

b. There is an order of authority. The officer had heard about Jesus, so he certainly knew of Jesus ‘healing power. He sent a request for healing to Jesus apparently because he understood and believed Jesus was sent from God and acted under His authority.

c. The centurion recognized God’s total authority over all and everything. Luke 7:4-5 (NKJV) ⁴  And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, ⁵  "for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue." He had rejected all the Roman gods of his time. He was a God fearing man and showed interest in the Jewish synagogue and worship of God. He had built God’s people a synagogue. The centurion understood the importance of God’s authority over all! He recognized that Jesus had been sent by God to this earth with power no one else had.

II. We must learn to humble ourselves under God’s authority. Luke 7:6-7 (NKJV) ⁶  Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, "Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. ⁷  Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.

a. The centurion humbled himself. He felt he was not worthy for Jesus to come under his roof. Many today have an elevated view of themselves and their importance. They think God and society owes them something. God hates pride! Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. [ Proverbs 16:18]

b. The centurion understood and believed in Jesus’ authority. Luke 7:8 (NKJV)
⁸  For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

1. He was a man under another’s authority and he was also in authority over others.

He took orders from his superiors and gave orders to those under his authority. He knew how Jesus’ authority worked over spiritual matters. He knew he needed an authority that was greater than his own or any other authority. He understood that Jesus was over every other authority in this world and in the spiritual realm. Ps. 33:9 says “When God created everything, He spoke and it was done, He commanded and it stood fast.”

III. Faith that amazes Jesus. Luke 7:9 (NKJV) ⁹  When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!"

a. Jesus was amazed (He marveled) at this man’s faith in Him and His authority.

The Jews who had been looking for Jesus couldn’t see him for who he was, the One sent of God with all authority, yet this Gentile did. Jesus was amazed and exclaimed to the crowd that he had not seen faith like this in all the land of Israel. This did not mean that no one in Israel had faith, but not to this extent. Without the benefit of really knowing the Old Testament Scriptures and learning from esteemed Jewish leaders, this Gentile man understood from what he had heard the need to depend totally on Jesus’ authority and power. He knew, without a doubt, that Jesus could do what seemed impossible. He didn’t question Jesus’ power and authority. Such faith both astonished and pleased Jesus.

IV. Amazing faith in Jesus’ authority and power brings results. Luke 7:10 (NKJV) ¹⁰  And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.

A. Because of this man’s understanding and belief in the power and authority of Jesus, he was rewarded for his amazing faith. Where is your faith level in God’s supreme authority over your situation and circumstance?

Conclusion: When we exercise faith in Jesus’ supreme authority as this Roman centurion did, we will receive a like reward. There is no partiality with God.

What do you need to trust Christ for? 1 Peter 5:7 says “Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you.” Only Believe and receive. Don’t carry that burden any longer. Look to Jesus and trust in His authority over all and everything!

Invitation: God in His authority says a person must personally know His Son Jesus as their Savior to enter His Kingdom. This means confessing and repenting of your sins and asking Jesus to forgive and save you from Hell. If you have never done this, now is the time. He will give you assurance of your home in Heaven.