2 There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die.
We sometimes get the wrong idea about slaves in the ancient world. We bring up images of the slave trade during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries here in the west. But not all slave trade was as brutal. Here is an example of a high ranking official who had a slave. This slave’s value was great because of his work ethic and value added presence in the centurion’s area of responsibility. Fortunately for this servant his master had a humble heart. Unlike the religious leaders who came on the centurion’s behalf, he knew Jesus was of greater rank than he was. The religious leaders said the centurion deserved to have the servant healed. This centurion says he doesn’t deserve to have Jesus under his roof. That humility signals a heart open to relationship with Jesus. He recognizes Jesus’ position and voluntarily takes the lower, humble position. And think about this, the centurion is humbling himself on behalf of his slave! He is in effect saying that his slave is of more value than he is. He is willing to humble himself in order to get his slave the help he needs. That sounds a lot like Jesus. He was willing to humble himself, set aside his rights as God, and take on human form in order to keep us from something much worse than physical death. Jesus humbles Himself to restore our relationship with God. I can imagine this servant’s reaction when he finds out the actions of the centurion. This slave was probably overwhelmed with thanksgiving. He probably worked even harder for his master, knowing that the master was willing to humble himself to meet the needs of his servant. We can respond in like manner to the Lord. He was willing to humble himself on our behalf. We can respond in grateful obedience and diligence.
The Arnold Journey 