In Matthew 8:5–10, we encounter a Roman centurion who understood something many in Israel didn’t—the power of authority.

“For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” (Matthew 8:9, NKJV)

Jesus marvels at his faith because it reflects a profound understanding of God’s kingdom—a structured hierarchy of authority. This wasn’t just about military command, but about divine order: from heaven to earth, from God to His people.

Authority in the Home, Church, and Society

The Bible lays out different layers of authority:

• In marriage, the husband is to lead sacrificially:

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” (Ephesians 5:25, NKJV)

Leadership here isn’t domination—it’s devotion. It’s giving one’s life in love, not demanding submission in pride.

• In government, we’re told to honor authority:

“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” (Romans 13:1, NKJV)

Even when leaders are ungodly, God is sovereign, as seen in the story of Esther.

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” (Proverbs 21:1, NKJV)

God turned the heart of King Ahasuerus to show favor to Esther, ultimately saving the Jewish people. God still moves hearts today, even in politics, business, and world affairs.

Jesus and Authority

Even Jesus, who has all authority, honored the systems He lived under:

“Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21, NKJV)

“For He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” (Matthew 7:29, NKJV)

His authority wasn’t man-given—it was divine. Yet He still paid taxes and honored earthly law.

In Philippians 2, we see Jesus’ obedience:

“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:8, NKJV)

Authority and Protection

Living under authority means living under protection. Think of a spiritual umbrella:

• When you’re under God’s appointed leadership (husband, pastor, government, employer), you’re under God’s covering.
• When you step outside that authority in rebellion or pride, you’re exposed to spiritual attack.

“Then Jesus said to the centurion, ‘Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.’ And his servant was healed that same hour.” (Matthew 8:13, NKJV)

Faith and authority go hand in hand.

Many Will Come

Jesus says:

“And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness.” (Matthew 8:11–12, NKJV)

Here, “many” refers to Gentiles—people like us who were once outside the covenant but are now welcomed in by faith. The “sons of the kingdom” refers to the Jews who rejected Christ.

The Chain of Connection

The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work in divine harmony:

• The Holy Spirit draws us.
• Through Jesus, we approach the Father.
• Jesus acts with God’s authority, never apart from it.

Let us not forget: Jesus did not act alone. He was fully submitted to the Father, modeling how we must live under God’s structure—honoring those He places above us, walking in humility, and living lives that reflect Christ’s obedience.

Written by Jeyran Main

---

🙏 Let the Journey Continue…

If this message touched your heart, there’s more where it came from. Explore other Spirit-led insights and reflections to deepen your walk with Christ.

👉 Read more from Ink and Insight

💬 What are your thoughts?

We’d love to hear from you. Share how God speaks to you, or ask a question on your heart.

📩 Message us here

📩 Have a faith question? Visit Deciphered — a place for seekers, doubters, and believers alike.