For Reflection
1. What story opens the sermon?
What two dramatic examples does the preacher use to contrast passive and active faith?
Follow Along Live
SAA Alumni Sabbath - "The Centurion's Sermon," with Pastor Matthew Rajarathinam - May 16, 2026
Matthew Racharatnam
•May 16, 2026
Before You Press Play
Watch for how the centurion in Matthew 8 models humility before Jesus, moves toward Him in action, and pleads for his servant instead of himself.
My son, I sent you two boats and a helicopter.
— Faith and the rescue story
For Reflection
2. Why does the preacher move to Matthew 8?
How does the sermon connect Jesus’ healing of the leper to the centurion’s approach in Capernaum?
For Reflection
3. What first word matters?
Why does the centurion addressing Jesus as “Lord” immediately signal humility?
I am undeserving and in need of help, and Jesus is capable, and I must give my all to him unconditionally.
— The centurion’s confession
For Reflection
4. What does the centurion ask for?
How does the servant’s need reveal the centurion’s love and concern for someone else?
For Reflection
5. What does Jesus’ response reveal?
Why is Jesus’ willingness to come and heal important before the centurion even finishes speaking?
For Reflection
6. What is the posture of faith?
According to the sermon, what does it mean to come empty-handed and clear-eyed before Christ?
Faith doesn't begin with the bold request.
— Faith begins before the request
For Reflection
7. How is faith pursued?
What examples does the preacher use—such as the woman with the issue of blood, Bartimaeus, and Zacchaeus—to show that faith moves toward Jesus?
For Reflection
8. What is faith’s purpose?
How does the contrast between the centurion and the rich man show that real faith reaches outward in intercession?
Faith that never moves outward has missed its purpose because faith matures when it begins to love.
— Faith’s outward purpose
For Reflection
9. Who benefits from your faith?
If faith is not only personal, who in your life might Jesus be calling you to carry to Him?
For Reflection
10. What kind of faith are you living?
Does your life show humility, pursuit, and intercession like the centurion, or does it stay centered on yourself?
Jesus hears you, Jesus sees you, and you are not too much for Jesus.
— Jesus welcomes your approach
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Prayer
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, teach us the centurion’s humility, the courage to move toward You in faith, and the love to bring others before You in intercession. Make our faith obedient to Your word and useful for someone else. Amen.