Matthew’s Gospel ch8 vs5 – 13
ch27 vs54
In Matthew’s account, we find several similarities of names
or events in the earlier chapters which then match up in the latter chapters.
Examples are:
Joseph, husband of
Mary… then Joseph of Arimathea, who went to Pilate and begged the body of
Jesus.
Mary, mother of Jesus … then Mary Magdalene, who’s life was
transformed.
The wise men visited Jesus as a young child to worship Him –
with exceeding great joy … then the women visiting the tomb of Jesus and
finding it empty, ran to tell the others with great joy.
Also, in tonight’s message, we find two Centurions – both
unnamed – who can teach all of us two vital lessons:
1st Centurion in the earlier chapter had a true
appreciation of himself…
2nd Centurion in the latter chapter had a true
appreciation of The Saviour.
The 1st one counted himself “not worthy”, being
neither boastful or proud.
How different to many in our society today, which promotes
“self”!
Luke’s account tells us he was highly respected, which was
unusual for Jews concerning a Roman.
He recognised that Jesus Christ had the authority of Heaven
– much higher than his or that of Rome !
He showed great faith in Jesus Christ, “speak the word only,
and my servant shall be healed”.
An appreciation of self should also be our starting point –
do we consider ourselves “not worthy” in the sight of the righteous and holy
God?
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” –
Romans ch3 vs23.
Our root problem is sin, which separates us from holy God.
But Jesus Christ, God’s Son, tells us “I am not come to call
the righteous, but sinners to repentance” – Matthew ch9 vs13.
Two good examples of having an appreciation of self are found with:
Jacob – “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies ,
and of all the truth , which thou hast shown unto thy servant” – Genesis ch32
vs10.
John the Baptist – “there cometh one mightier than I after
me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose” –
Mark’s Gospel ch1 vs7.
Not a single one of us can get to heaven by our own efforts
or what we have done.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” –
Ephesians ch2 vs8-9.
Salvation is found in the person of The Lord Jesus Christ
alone!
The 2nd Centurion, a hardened soldier in charge
of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, stood observing all things… the crown of
thorns, His garments gambled over, the cruel treatment, the earthquake and the
supernatural hours of darkness.
He glorified God and said “Truly, this man was the Son of God”,
also calling Him “a righteous man”
He would have witnessed many crucifixions in his position,
but never one like this…Jesus Christ offered no resistance – wholly different
to the others,
Whilst Christ’s own brethren did not believe Him, neither
His own people (John ch1 vs11), yet this Roman soldier recognised Him as the
only One who was righteous, and come from Heaven.
His death was unique… “For Christ also hath once suffered
for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God…” – 1st
Peter ch3 vs18.
For everyone, there is now a way back to God!
Dear sinner, you can be cleansed of your every sin – past,
present and future – by coming tonight in faith, with a repentant heart and asking
The Lord Jesus Christ to forgive you and to be your personal Lord and Saviour.
There is no forgiveness other than Jesus Christ’s atoning
work on Calvary ’s Cross, through His cleansing
blood which was given for all!
Like the 2nd Centurion, have a true appreciation
of The Saviour.
Come to Him tonight for full and free Salvation - be saved for Eternity, and have a home with this wonderful Saviour forever in
Heaven.
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