First Baptist Church Litchfield
Sunday Service 10/20

      • Psalm 18:1–3ESV

      • Psalm 18:6ESV

  • Lord I Lift Your Name On High
  • How Majestic Is Your Name

      • Revelation 5:9–10ESV

  • Worthy Of Worship (Judson)

      • Revelation 5:11–14ESV

  • Is He Worthy
  • Revelation Song

      • Matthew 8:5–13ESV

  • The Plight of the Sinner

    The story of Job in the Bible resonates with many of us living in a Genesis three world. Job lost everything that the world values—his children were taken by a storm, robbers killed his servants, and his fortune was stolen. He suffered with painful boils, losing his health, wealth, progeny, and legacy. Ultimately, sin and sickness were used by Satan to afflict a righteous man. However, sin and sickness were already part of Job's life before his encounter with Satan, as Satan had faced Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
    Satan deceived them into eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, which God had forbidden. Their disobedience brought a curse of sin upon mankind, leading to death and illness that darkened our world.Paul affirms this up when he says,
    Romans 5:12 ESV
    12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—
    Billy Graham was once bold to say,
    All mental disorders, all sicknesses, all perversions, all destruction, all wars find their original root in sin.
    Billy Graham
    What he refers to is that humanity's fall resulted in sin, which introduced discord, disease, and death into the world. Additionally, as we exist in a broken world stemming from Genesis three, we cannot avoid sin and suffering. This state of existence is natural for us. Sin and illness represent the darkness that currently prevails. Without God, humanity cannot find hope for healing or restoration. For the sinner, sickness and death are inevitable consequences.
    When Jesus arrives to our world, The Apostle John says,
    John 1:4–5 ESV
    4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
    Jesus is the light to our darkness and the life to our sin and sickness. Jesus himself says,
    John 8:12 ESV
    12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
    Jesus came to illuminate our darkness, revive our dying bodies, and grant eternal life to our morally lost souls. To validate his message of hope and establish his authority as the Messiah, Jesus performed healings, giving us a glimpse of life in His kingdom. Last week, we witnessed His light and life when He healed the leper. In today's passage, we will observe Jesus heal a centurion's servant. Additionally, through this healing, Jesus will unveil four truths about His healing.

    Jesus’ Light in Capernaum

    In verse 5, Jesus arrives in Capernaum, a city in Galilee mentioned exclusively in the Gospels, which served as a primary location for much of his ministry. Positioned on the northwest side of the Sea of Galilee (also known as Lake of Gennesaret), Capernaum was a significant settlement, home to a Roman garrison, and became known as Jesus’ “own city” after his rejection in Nazareth (Mt 9:1). Here, he felt “at home” (Mk 2:1) and performed numerous miracles (Mk 1:34), including healing the centurion’s servant (Mt 8:5), curing Peter’s mother-in-law (Mk 1:31), and casting out an unclean spirit (Mk 1:23; Lk 4:33). Despite being favored by Jesus, the city suffered a severe curse due to its lack of repentance. Jesus warned, “And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades” (Mt 11:23; Lk 10:15).
    As Jesus returns to his ministry base, he encounters a respected Roman army officer, likely commanding a hundred soldiers—the senior officer in the region.
    The centurion had probably heard of Jesus’ healing reputation. According to Luke, he was deemed worthy of Jesus’ help because he loved the Jewish people and contributed to building their synagogue (Luke 7:3-5). This respect is remarkable given that he was both a Roman official and a Gentile.
    In verse 6, the centurion mentions that his servant is ill and paralyzed. While the specific illness isn't detailed, some suggest it could be polio or a stroke, conditions without cures at that time, and Luke notes the servant is near death.
    Matthew employs an intriguing term for servant. While the New Testament commonly uses “doulos” for slave or servant, Matthew opts for “pias.” This term can mean servant but also child. Some propose that this indicates the centurion's servant might have been a child, explaining the officer’s urgent plea for Jesus’ assistance.
    Conversely, Luke uses “doulos,” aligning with his view that the patient was not a child.
    Emperor Augustus is believed to have prohibited soldiers from marrying while actively serving, suggesting the centurion might have been family-less. In such cases, servants often became surrogate family members, likely someone the centurion regarded with deep affection, akin to a brother or son.
    In verse seven, your translation likely has Jesus responding,
    Matthew 8:7 (ESV)
    7 “I will come and heal him.”
    The structure of the Greek allows for either a statement or a question. I lean toward a question; “Shall I come and heal him?” or “You want me to come and heal him?” The reason I lean this way is because the relationship between the Jews and the Greeks. It would’ve been really odd for the centurion, who knew the Jewish culture, to expect a Jew to come to his house. Jews and Gentiles did not roll that way. Jesus answering with a question of surprise seems to fit the context of of the racial tension at the time in the conversation much better.
    You can feel the same racial tension when Jesus says to the Gentile Canaanite woman who cried out to Jesus, “Have mercy on me Son of David” (Matthew 15:22). Jesus replied to her,
    Matthew 15:24 ESV
    24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
    In spite of Jesus’ strong words, she pleas again for Jesus to help her in verse 25, “Lord help me”. Jesus once again throws a racial rebuff in her direction when he asks,
    Matthew 15:26 ESV
    26 And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”
    Jesus addressed the racial tension that existed between Gentiles and Jews head-on. This tension is evident in the interactions between the Canaanite woman and the Roman centurion with Jesus. But why is this tension present in our text, and what purpose does it serve? It highlights the profound faith that both the Canaanite woman and the Roman centurion had in Jesus—a faith that truly amazed Him.
    The Canaanite woman responds to Jesus’ racial rebuff,
    Matthew 15:27 ESV
    27 She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”
    Her humble faith is remarkable. Jesus says to her,
    Matthew 15:28 ESV
    28 Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
    In the same way, when Jesus says, “And you want me to go to your house and heal your servant?” the Roman Centurion demonstrates the same kind of humble faith as the Canaanite woman.
    The centurion replies to Jesus,
    Matthew 8:8 ESV
    8 But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.
    The centurion answers similarly to the Canaanite woman. Aware of the racial tension between Jews and Gentiles, he humbles himself before the Lord. He trusts that Jesus, a Jewish Rabbi, possesses the authority to heal his servant, and Jesus is amazed by this man's humble faith, and says,
    Matthew 8:10 (CSB)
    10 …“Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with so great a faith.
    J. Vernon McGee says that
    Jesus marveled at the faith of this man. It is recorded that only on two occasions Jesus marveled. He marveled at the faith of the centurion and at the unbelief of Israel.
    J. Vernon McGee
    Verses 11-12 highlight the contrast between faith and unbelief. Jesus compares the centurion's faith to the Pharisees' skepticism. While the Pharisees considered their faith to be remarkable, Jesus pointed out that it would not earn them a place at the table.
    Matthew 8:11–12 ESV
    11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, 12 while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
    The irony is the Gentile will sit at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, while the descendents of Abraham will be condemned to hell. Jesus marveled at a gentile centurion’s faith, so much so, Jesus rewards the centurions faith in verse 13.
    Matthew 8:13 ESV
    13 And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.
    The centurion’s faith moved Jesus to heal his servant. Healing represents the essence of Jesus’ ministry. In eternity with Him, we will all experience complete restoration. Our glorified bodies will be free from sin and sickness forever. Unlike our current state, we will no longer face the threat of death. This embodies the transformative power of Jesus’ healing for humankind through his salvation.
    From Jesus’ encounter with the centurion, I learn something about Jesus healing power.

    Jesus’ healing is for the nations, reaches as far as his will ordains, has authority over sickness, and is received by faith.

    Let’s unpack four truths mentioned in this statement.

    Jesus’ healing is for the nations (Matthew 8:5,11-12)

    Imagine the shock that would've reverberated among the Jewish listeners as they heard Jesus’ conversation with the centurion. The Pharisees and Sadducees, staunch in their belief of being God’s chosen ones due to their lineage from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, would've been particularly taken aback. Their assumption of exclusivity, that they alone would be present at the table, was fundamentally challenged by Jesus in verses 11-12.
    In Matthew 8:11, the ‘many coming from the east and the west’ are none other than the Gentiles. In this context, the Roman centurion symbolizes all of us, regardless of our background or heritage. This is the inclusivity of Jesus' message, which welcomes and accepts all.
    Gentiles will join Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the table, which signifies the messianic banquet. For Jews, this meant the ultimate blessing of being God’s people—a gathering where they fellowshipped with God, while non-Jews remained outsiders. They believed they were included, and Gentiles excluded.
    Jesus refutes this assumption. He indicates that Gentiles will recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob while the “sons of the kingdom” will be cast into darkness. Jesus extends an invitation to Gentiles to partake in the marriage supper of the Lamb. How? By healing their sinful hearts and taking their iniquities upon himself through his death and resurrection.
    Jesus’ healing of the centurion’s servant symbolizes an invitation for all nations to experience his salvation. The Great Commission calls the nations to embrace Christ's healing love and take their seats at the table as the Bride of Christ.
    At FBCL, we joyfully advance the kingdom of God by making much of Jesus in the church, community, and home. Our vision is clear: to be mission-minded, bringing healing to the poor, the addicted, families in crisis, the educationally disadvantaged, and the unchurched. Litchfield Christian School is a vital part of this mission, a beacon of healing to the nations.
    We aim to offer every child a Christian education, enabling them to thrive within the church, community, and home. We seek Christ’s help in healing them from sin, trauma, brokenness, fear, and anxiety stemming from a world shaped by Genesis 3. We commit to journeying alongside them, daily presenting the gospel as a balm for their wounded souls.
    Our biblical counseling ministry shares this mission. We aspire to deliver the gospel truth from God’s word—truth that does not return void and discerns the thoughts and intentions of the heart—offering healing from the pains of poverty, addiction, broken families, impaired education, and separation from God. This morning Jesus is making it clear, we are to bring his healing to the nations, beginning in Litchfield, Il. We bring his healing first through the full gospel, then through the ministry of the church.

    Jesus healing has the power to reach as far as his will ordains it (Matthew 8:7-8).

    The centurion hesitated to invite Jesus into his home to heal his servant, but this did not prevent Jesus from performing the miracle. Jesus’ healing power can extend as far as his will allows, given his omnipotence.
    Omnipotence refers to God’s unlimited authority to create or cause anything to happen according to his will (Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible). Scripture consistently affirms that all power belongs to God (Ps. 147:5), that nothing is impossible for Him (Luke 1:37; Matt. 19:26), and that His power surpasses what humans can imagine (Eph. 3:20) (Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary). Jesus demonstrated his divine nature through his omnipotence over creation, as seen when he calmed storms and fed thousands with just five loaves and two fish. He also displayed his authority over the unseen realm by casting out demons and healed diseases, even from afar.
    In addition to the centurion’s servant and the Phoenician woman mentioned previously, there is another instance of Jesus healing from a distance. In John 4:46-54, an official approached Jesus because his son was severely ill. He pleaded for Jesus to come before his son died. Instead of accompanying the man, Jesus simply instructed him to “Go” and assured him that his son would live. Upon returning home, the man discovered his son was healed at that very hour.
    Jesus’ ability to heal is not constrained by space or time; he only needs to utter a word, and disease complies with his command.
    Daniel Doriani sums up this point well when he says,
    Matthew, Volumes 1 & 2 (The Centurion Knows Jesus’ Power to Heal)
    [Jesus’s] power extends wherever his will ordains it. He is omnipotent and can project his power wherever he wishes, since he is also omnipresent. He partakes of the distinctive attributes of God, for he is God.
    The implications of this are profound if you will receive it. First of all, there is no place in the universe Jesus cannot reach to bring his healing love. Secondly, your prayers are a means of healing grace for those who are far from you. Jesus being able to heal wherever his will ordains gives a great deal of significance to your prayer life.
    If I were sitting in front of my T.V. between April 11-17, 1970, I would’ve been captivated by the situation happening to the astronauts of Apollo 13. An Oxygen tank blew up and caused them to abort their mission to the moon. It took a miracle the them to return to earth. part of that miracle was the countless people praying for their safe return. Jesus can just as easily reach into space to save astronauts.
    I also read a testimony of a woman in Hawaii who was awaken at 2am, feeling compelled to pray for a missionary in Asia. Unbeknownst to the woman, the missionary was in a serious accident that night. The next morning she received a phone call about the accident. The missionary was in critical condition. She called her church together that morning and they prayed for several hours for the missionary. By the grace of God, the missionary recovered.

    Jesus healing power has authority over all sickness (Matthew 8:8-9)

    The centurion says,
    Matthew 8:8 ESV
    8 But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.
    Along with the centurion’s humble faith was a belief in the authority of Jesus’ power to heal. The centurion says, “just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” Then the centurion explains why he believes in Jesus’ authority.
    Matthew 8:9 ESV
    9 For I too am a man under authority, with 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.”
    Being a military man, the centurion knew the hierarchy of authority. As a senior commander, his words carried weight with the soldiers under his command. He had the power to get things done according to his will be issuing a command. The centurion believed Jesus had the same authority over sickness.
    While on earth, Jesus exercised his authority over disease everywhere he went. In Matthew 15:30-31
    Matthew 15:30–31 CSB
    30 and large crowds came to him, including the lame, the blind, the crippled, those unable to speak, and many others. They put them at his feet, and he healed them. 31 So the crowd was amazed when they saw those unable to speak talking, the crippled restored, the lame walking, and the blind seeing, and they gave glory to the God of Israel.
    He even sent his disciples out to exercise his power of healing. Luke says,
    Luke 9:1–2 ESV
    1 And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.
    I believe that Jesus continues to empower His disciples today in healing. In the early 19th century, missionaries journeyed to areas ravaged by diseases. One such figure, Dr. Samuel W. Baker, encountered immense suffering caused by cholera. He dedicated himself to helping the sick by praying, preaching God's word, and addressing their spiritual needs. Many experienced miraculous healings, resulting in entire villages turning toward Jesus. Jesus has authority over sickness, and those who serve Him can become vessels of healing and hope.

    Jesus healing is for all who will accept it by faith (Matthew 8:10)

    Jesus healed the servant who was sick because of the centurion’s faith. Jesus says
    Matthew 8:10 ESV
    10 When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.
    and then in verse,
    Matthew 8:13 ESV
    13 And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.
    “Let it be done for you as you have believed,” Jesus states, linking healing to faith. I draw two lessons from this. First, the centurion models the type of faith we should have in Jesus—the kind that makes Jesus marvel. It’s the faith that recognizes, “I am not worthy of you…. just say the word and your will shall be done.” This acknowledges my sinfulness, your divinity, and your power to cleanse, heal, and save me. A humble faith must yield to the Lord.
    ​
    Secondly, Jesus honors the centurion’s faith to bless his servant, who did not directly ask for healing. Instead, Jesus healed the servant due to the centurion’s faith. He performed a similar act when a paralyzed man was lowered through the roof by his friends, healing the man because of their belief.
    ​
    Your prayers of faith for others matter to Jesus. He values your faith and responds to your prayers for those who are ill and in need of healing.
    ​
    However, we should carefully consider God's perspective on suffering and illness. There are times when prayer leads to healing; other times, His will is to support someone through suffering or even death. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t pray for healing; our faith always surrenders to God’s will. He is wise, all-knowing, and all-powerful, aware of what is best for His children. Despite this, He delights in our faithful prayers for those seeking His healing.

    The Plight of the Redeemed Sinner

    Jesus came to earth. He lived a perfect life. He died upon the cross. He rose from the dead. Now he is in heaven seated on his throne at the right hand of the Father interceding for the saints. Jesus has made perfect healing for us through is life, death, resurrection and ascension. He can heal us from the grips of sin, sickness, death, and condemnation. His salvation ensures everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will not only be saved, but will be healed, made completely whole.
    For now we suffer momentary afflictions that wreak havoc on our bodies. Jesus’s healing is never too far away.

      • Romans 5:12ESV

      • John 1:4–5ESV

      • John 8:12ESV

      • Matthew 15:24ESV

      • Matthew 15:26ESV

      • Matthew 15:27ESV

      • Matthew 15:28ESV

      • Matthew 8:8ESV

      • Matthew 8:11–12ESV

      • Matthew 8:13ESV

      • Matthew 8:8ESV

      • Matthew 8:9ESV

      • Matthew 15:30–31ESV

      • Luke 9:1–2ESV

      • Matthew 8:10ESV

      • Matthew 8:13ESV

  • Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
First Baptist Church Litchfield
pastorjason.fbcl@gmail.com
217-324-4232
http://www.firstbaptistlitchfield.org/
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