CONNECTING POINT: Chain of Command

The term "chain of command" is well used in business, law, military, and more. Defined basically as a ladder of authority for any

organization to direct others or a system that ensures individual members stay on task and report to a supervisor. Such structure enables any organization to move forward with its mission.

A perfect example of a "chain of command" is seen in Luke chapter 7. "When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were

listening, he entered Capernaum. There a Centurion's servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. The Centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, 'This man deserves to have you do this because he loves our nation and has built our

synagogue.' So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the Centurion sent friends to him: 'Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it.'

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, 'I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.' Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well," (Luke 7:1-10).

Jesus' ministry was spreading across the region and impacting lives, not just in the Jewish community but other ethnic groups. As seen in the text one of the greatest examples of faith according to Jesus is found in the heart of all people, a Roman soldier. Wow! Again, step back for a moment to consider the context. Here

we see the teachings of Jesus in action, loving one's enemy.

This Centurion officer oversaw 100 soldiers in the Capernaum region, he understood exactly how the "chain of command"

operated. If not, he would have never been given such authority. His character also shines through; he valued those who served under him including the sick servant in need. He was also humble and "felt" undeserving to have Jesus in his home.

Here are some principles on authority:

One, Jesus's authority is superior because He was and is God. The Jewish hardliners certainly took issue with Jesus and the

authority in which He operated, they didn't misunderstand Him, they rejected Him. (See Matthew 21:23-27, Mark 11:27-33, and Luke 20:1-8.) Jesus was very clear about His claims and the

legalists knew it because only God could forgive sin (Mark 2:1-12).

Two, Jesus's authority is omnipresent because He was and is God. The miraculous healing of the Centurion's servant is significant because Jesus had the authority to heal people either in His

presence or not.

Many questions about Jesus still exist today, but we too can marvel at His superiority and omnipresence through the power of the Holy Spirit, as promised in John 14:16. I contend that Jesus can even do the miraculous today but rely heavily on His timing or will, not mine. Life continues to teach me that He is God,

and I am not.