Men’s Discipleship Bible Study: Week 6

The account of the Centurion is found in Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10.

About the Gospels:

The first four books of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) are collectively known as the Gospels. They are a firsthand and secondhand account from eyewitnesses to Jesus’ life, ministry, death and resurrection. All evidence points to the gospels having been written as early as 41 AD, no later than 70 AD and set in Roman-occupied Israel and surrounding area. The gospels are historical records by nature, written for an ancient Hebrew audience.

Background:

Jesus and His disciples have been traveling and teaching throughout the region and had now just entered Capernaum, where Jesus settled and dwelt when He started His ministry (Matthew 4:13). As was often the case, He was followed by large crowds as well as teachers of The Law. He taught them, healed them and answered questions as He went along. The man in the account is described as a “centurion”, a commander of around one-hundred soldiers in the Roman army.

For Discussion:

  • What is the purpose of this passage of Scripture? What was the writer trying to convey? Who was the intended reader?
  • What are some important historical, cultural and contextual considerations when reading this passage? What should we keep in mind to avoid “reading in” our own biases and preconceptions?
  • What does the narrative of the passage tell us about the kind of man The Centurion was? What does it tell us about the kind of man others saw him to be?
  • What do you observe about the spiritual attitude The Centurion displayed towards Jesus, God and the people of Israel?
  • To what degree do you think The Centurion’s understanding of spiritual authority was accurate or inaccurate?
  • Why do you think Jesus agreed to heal The Centurion’s servant?
  • What does this passage teach us about the character of Jesus? What aspects of His manhood does it illustrate? What aspects of His Godly nature does it illustrate?
  • What can we learn and apply to our lives from The Centurion’s example?
  • What can we learn and apply to our lives from the example of the elders of the Jews?