Leadership and Authority

After choosing the first leaders for the movement and laying out the Father's plan for reaching the world, Jesus comes down from the mountain and returns to his home and ministry centre in Capernaum. His leaders are now with him almost 24/7. And who does the Father have waiting in the wings but a Roman centurion? Oh, the humour of our Father in heaven! How will Jesus model his new leadership style? How will it all play out?

Questions from your reading

• What do we know about centurions?
• What character qualities do we see in this centurion?
• What is this Gentile soldier modelling for us about leadership?
• What was Jesus’ response to this centurion? Why?
• What other questions do you still have?

Reflecting on your reading

As we begin today, remember that we are sticking with Luke as the primary source in our chronological study, mainly because Luke tells us that it was his intent to arrange the events of Jesus’ life in order. You’ll notice that Matthew, on the other hand, gives us three chapters (Matthew 5–7) of all the things Jesus had been teaching during the first two years of ministry, and then begins to show how Jesus modelled what he taught in the chapters that follow. Don’t get confused—Matthew simply had a different way of organising the material. Both authors are giving an accurate account, just from different perspectives.

Have you ever wondered if God gets caught off guard? There’s a sense that Jesus might have been surprised by the Father’s sense of humour. Luke 7:9 tells us that Jesus marvelled at this centurion. It’s ironic—and a bit amusing—that a Roman centurion, a leader in one of the most brutal armies the world has ever known, becomes the instrument through whom God will teach four key leadership principles to Jesus’ new disciples.

This centurion had been sent by Rome to maintain order, enforce laws, and collect taxes. But notice the compassion he shows—he deeply loves his servant and sends for help when the man is ill (Luke 7:2). And look again at Luke 7:5: this man even loved the people of Israel and helped fund the synagogue in Capernaum.

Principle #1: A leader loves those they lead—feeling their pain, and caring deeply for their wellbeing.

Then there’s his humility. He sends Jewish elders and later his friends to speak with Jesus, saying, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof... I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you” (Luke 7:6–7).

Principle #2: A leader leads with humility—recognising they are unworthy of the great honour of serving in the army of the Lord of hosts.

Next comes his remarkable faith. He says, “But say the word, and my servant will be healed” (Luke 7:7). Jesus is astonished, saying, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel” (Luke 7:9).

Principle #3: A leader leads by faith—trusting not in what is seen, but in the power of the Invisible God, with whom all things are possible.

Finally, observe his understanding of authority: “For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me” (Luke 7:8). He knows how to lead, but he also knows how to be led. He understands accountability.

Principle #4: A leader remembers they too are under authority—and will one day give an account for how they led those entrusted to their care. You have authority only to the degree that you remain under authority.

Applying what you’ve read

Love, humility, faith, and accountability—these are the marks of godly leadership, demonstrated by both Jesus and a Roman centurion nearly 2,000 years ago.

Talk with your disciple today about leadership and these four principles. Commit together to lead like Jesus.