The Lutheran Hour

"It’s No Trouble"

#71-40
Presented on The Lutheran Hour on June 13, 2004
Speaker: Rev. Ken Klaus
Copyright 2025 Lutheran Hour Ministries

Text: Text: Luke 7:6b

Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Those words which describe our Lord, are power and peace to all who come to the Savior. With humility we say, “Jesus, You have the power to heal my soul, transform my life. Dear Savior, come.”

This past week, at least for a while, I felt very old. No, I didn’t celebrate my birthday. That’s still half a year away. And it wasn’t that I got my first invitation from the American Association of Retired Persons. They’ve been mailing me since I was 32. Nor did I feel old this past week because I experienced some aches and pains from muscles that I didn’t know existed. Those have been around for a good many years as well. No, I felt old this past week because I started to look back fondly upon the past, and found myself yearning for a return to the “good old days.”

The change in my chronology was caused by a friend’s e-mail concerning the comedy that takes place in some of our country’s courtrooms. His letter shared the story of a lady in Austin, Texas, who was given three quarters of a million dollars to compensate her for a broken ankle. She suffered her injury when she tripped over a little boy who was running through a furniture store. The child was her own. Now I know there are two sides to a story and this e-mail might not have told both sides, but it seems strange to me. The letter talked about a Los Angeles man who had his hand run over while he was stealing the hubcaps off his neighbor’s car. He was given $74,000 to cover his medical expenses. That seemed really crazy. Yes, I know that the world has always had silliness; still, I ended up longing for the good old days.

Some of you know what I mean when I talk about the good old days. The good old days were when athletes stood respectfully, and stopped chewing their chaw as the National Anthem was played; when they never attacked umps and refs. The good old days were when people were scandalized by the long hair of the Beatles, and not by a costume reveal that went too far at a Super Bowl halftime. The good old days were when you knew someone with a tattoo had lived their life, at least for a few hours, on the wrong side of the tracks; when Saturday cartoons were filled with the “beep-beep” of a road runner and not witches’ spells and wizards’ sorceries.

Some of you remember the good old days. They were when the Revolutionary War’s Nathan Hale was considered a hero and not just a pawn of the military-industrial complex; when his words, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country,” were considered honorable and not laughable. Some of you may remember and admire the courage of a woman like the Civil War’s Barbara Fritchie. Barbara was willing to die rather than strike the Union’s flag. If you remember Barbara, you will also remember and admire the equally honorable conduct of the Confederacy’s Stonewall Jackson, who ordered his men to leave the flag and Barbara unharmed. Some of you remember the good old days when Teddy Roosevelt’s comment, “To walk softly and carry a big stick,” would not have been rewritten to, “you walk softly or I’ll hit you with my big stick.” Some of you remember how, after you had seen a car that carried a POW license plate or a truck that displayed the symbol of a purple heart, you spent a respectful second in consideration and admiration of someone who had suffered to defend his country. Some of you remember.

And some of you don’t. If you don’t remember these things, you will have a difficult time understanding the rest of what I’m going to say today. You will have a difficult time because this message talks about values like respect, humility, and compassion. These things were qualities of a man or a woman, which were once held in high regard, but often today are maligned and misunderstood. You will have a difficult time understanding the story I’m going to tell about Capernaum’s centurion whose compassion for his sick slave had him seek out the Savior, Jesus.

Allow me, just for a moment or two to tell you about Centurions. Promoted from within the ranks for leadership skills, bravery, and integrity, a Centurion was the heart and hands of Rome’s military war machine. Holding the equivalent rank of a Master Sergeant today, to the hundred or so men under his command, he would have been a soldier’s soldier; to a conquered people, he would have exemplified the power of Rome and her emperor. Enlisting in the army for a 20-year hitch, many Centurions stayed longer. When they retired, they were given a generous mustering-out bonus, often got married, and just as often became influential citizens of the cities where they had been stationed.

Knowing this, you will understand it is not by accident that when the Bible speaks of Centurions, it does so with respect. The Centurion at the foot of Jesus’ cross recognized Him as the Son of God. The Centurion, Cornelius, became one of the first Gentiles converted to Christianity; while another Centurion, Julius, treated imprisoned Paul with great respect. Even among such extraordinary and exceptional comrades, Capernaum’s unnamed Centurion, because of his caring and compassion, because of his great faith, stands out as someone singular and special.

Do any of our listeners remember Chris Hughes? Known to his men as “No Slack Hughes,” he commanded the 2nd Battalion, America’s 327th Infantry Regimen, in Iraq. While seeking the support of a Muslim holy man for their stay in a southern city, Hughes and his soldiers ran into a group of angry Iraqi men who blocked their progress. Shouting, “God is great,” the group turned into a crowd; the crowd turned into a rock- throwing mob. At that point, Lieutenant Colonel Hughes could have issued the command to “open fire.” He could have been involved with a misunderstanding and a massacre. Instead, using good judgment rather than guns, creativity rather than confrontation, Hughes told his boys, “Smile, relax.” He told them to “take a knee,” and point their weapons toward the ground. Then Hughes backed his men away, turned his vehicles around and went back to their compound. When tempers had calmed, the religious leader of the community called upon his people to welcome Hughes and his soldiers.

The Capernaum Centurion would have understood the sharp style of Lieutenant Colonel Hughes. Coming to Capernaum, the Centurion might have, literally and figuratively, dug a cultural ditch to separate himself and his men, from the embittered Jewish community. Instead, the Centurion constructed a synagogue. He could have fueled the fires of hatred; instead, he learned to love the people and fostered a feeling of friendship.

Amazingly, the Centurion’s compassion was not limited to the conquered citizens of Capernaum. We are told it also included a beloved slave. Now, by Roman law, a slave was little more than a living implement for labor. A slave had no rights, and his Roman master could mistreat and even murder him without any humanitarian outcry. One ancient Roman author advised that a farmer should annually examine his tools and throw out those which were old and useless. Then he encouraged, “Do the same with your slaves.” That was advice that our Centurion was disinclined to follow.

On the contrary, against what anyone might expect, the master was inclined to help the sick slave. With that in mind, he asked Jesus to come to his home and provide a healing. Understand, as a man who was used to giving orders that would be followed to the letter, the Centurion could have dispatched a detachment to drag Jesus to him. He could have commanded the Christ come to him. But as we said, this Centurion is an exceptional man. Instead of sending soldiers with a demand, instead of going to see Jesus, himself, he asked a delegation of his Jewish friends to speak to Jesus on his behalf. Why? For two reasons I think. First, if he had gone himself, Jesus would have been placed on the spot. Jesus would have to obey. If Jesus refused, the Centurion, to preserve his authority, would have had to take some unpleasant disciplinary action. The Centurion respected Jesus far too much to do that. But there is, as I said, another reason, a second reason the Roman encouraged Jesus’ countrymen to make the request. In so doing, the Centurion increased the chances that a request made by respected community leaders would encourage Jesus to react positively.

Not surprisingly, Jesus was found to be more than receptive to this appeal for assistance. I say, “not surprisingly,” because Jesus was–and is–always receptive to those who come to Him in faith. To Jesus it was no trouble. Jesus is always ready to help those who are in pain. To help the hurting, to reclaim the lost, to bring sinners from spiritual darkness into the light of God’s saving grace was why Jesus had been born into this world of sin. Look at the record of the loving Lord Jesus: the blind that came to Him were given sight; the lame He left walking; loathed lepers were cleansed; the deaf, having met the Savior were able to hear; the dead were raised and the Gospel was preached to those who were poor (Luke 7:22). Even today, Jesus brings forgiveness to the most serious of sinners; hope to those who find themselves beyond any concept of happiness. Jesus promises a blissful eternity to those who look into the darkness of death, comfort for those who are left behind. Having carried our sins, having been our Substitute, Jesus still comes to you, to me, to any who, like the Centurion, come to Him in faith.

As Jesus walked the way which led to the Centurion’s home, a new and disheartening thought came to the Roman. He realized he was not worthy. No matter how much he loved these Jews, no matter how many good deeds he had done, how many synagogues he had built, it counted for little. The fact remained, if Jesus entered the Centurion’s home, there would be problems. The moment Jesus entered the Centurion’s home, by Jewish law He would have become “unclean.” Years later, this fear of becoming unclean would make Peter hesitate to go into the home of another Centurion, Cornelius (Acts 10).

Jesus had no such religious reservations, felt no such restrictions. Jesus came. Once again I would like to emphasize to you who are listening, there is no sin, nothing in your past or present, which can make you so unclean that Jesus will not come to help you, to forgive you, to strengthen you. This very moment He wishes to help and heal you; to wash you of your sins, and give you a new life of peace. This He will do, unless you wish to keep Him out.

Keeping Jesus out– that was what the Centurion tried to do with Jesus. No, he didn’t want to keep Jesus out of his heart. Jesus was living there already. The Centurion wanted to keep Jesus from desecrating Himself by coming into his home. Although the Jews of Jesus’ day disregarded His message, demeaned His mission, the Centurion holds Jesus in the highest regard. As if he were dealing with the most important Person in the world, which Jesus was and is, the Centurion quickly dispatched another group of people to deliver a message. The Centurion’s message went something like this, “Lord, I understand power. I wield a little bit of it myself. My power comes from Rome. When I tell one of my people to come or go, it is as if that order came right from the emperor himself. In short, my orders are followed.” Then the Centurion’s messengers said something like this, “Lord, I understand Your power, so much greater than mine, comes not from Rome but from God; I understand Your authority, even from a distance, can accomplish a miracle. For that reason, Lord, I humbly and respectfully say that it is not necessary for You to come into my unclean home.” Then the people of the Centurion concluded with a simple request, “Lord, say the word, and I know my servant will be made well.”

Remember how at the beginning of this message I said I longed for the good old days. I think sometimes, maybe God does, too. I think God longs for people who have the same attitude of awe and respect for Him as did the Centurion of Capernaum. Today, people are far more ready to make demands of God, than requests of Him. Today people command the Lord to answer their wishes and condemn Him if He does not. Today, many of us who are created, have tried to reverse roles with our Creator. We demand to be in authority and think God should be grateful if we remember to throw Him a few crumbs from the table of our busy lives and schedules. How sad are those of us who are filled with false feelings of our own importance.

Let us learn from the humble, respectful Centurion who set aside his wealth, his power, and came to Jesus in humility; who asked a favor rather than giving an order; who acknowledged Jesus’ authority and power as far greater than any in this world. When Jesus heard the Centurion’s words, the Savior reacted. The Bible says so. It says, “Jesus marveled.” You know, there is only one other time that I can find where Scripture says Jesus marveled. That other time was when Jesus encountered an overwhelming reaction of disbelief from the folks in His childhood home, Nazareth. When Jesus saw the great disbelief of His old friends, He marveled at how little they respected Him, and the Father’s mission to save them.

But here in Capernaum, having seen the faith, having heard the words of this humble Centurion, Jesus marveled for another reason. He is amazed at a great faith which produced a wonderful witness to God’s great grace. Jesus marveled at this faith which was greater than anything He had seen. Need I tell you the Centurion’s servant was made better? He was–not because the Centurion was such a good man that he had earned it; not because he had such a strong faith that God was forced into an act of mercy. No. The servant was made better because Jesus had compassion, because Jesus cared even for a sickly Roman slave, just as He cares for you and me.

So that’s the story. I’m glad you listened to a man who, for a while thought he was old. No, I don’t think I’m that old anymore. That’s because, as the sermon was being written, I remembered one of my confirmation students from a few years ago. I was telling the class about how we should live our lives in thankful service to the Savior who had bought us at the cost of His life. One of the students who was goofing around was called back to attention when I put him on the spot. I asked him, “Tell me, young sir, what would you like people a hundred years from now to say about you, and how you’ve lived your life?” I remember his reply; it came back entirely too fast. He said, “I’d like them to say, ‘My, doesn’t he look good for his age!'” Well, that’s one thing they could say. Here’s something better. A hundred years from now I’d like them to say, “He knew he was a sinner, and he knew that Jesus was his Savior.” I pray they may say the same of you. If that is your desire, call us at “The Lutheran Hour.” Amen.

Lutheran Hour Mailbox (Questions & Answers) for June 13, 2004
Topic: Moving On

ANNOUNCER: Now Pastor Ken Klaus answers questions from listeners. I’m Mark Eischer. Pastor Klaus, here’s what a listener wrote to us in an e-mail: “I’m divorced but still have strong feelings for my ex. I’ve been used because of this. How do I let go of these feelings?”

KLAUS: Difficult question. We’re given so few specifics. Before I provide any kind of answer, I would encourage this listener to visit with his or her pastor. There may be some things involved here that would completely change what I would say.

ANNOUNCER: Like what?

KLAUS: It’s possible there might be grounds for reconciliation. That would change things. “Being used” – what does that mean? I’ve known some people who really were being used by someone else and I told them to run like crazy. Other times, this feeling of being used was imaginary – nothing more than a feeling.

ANNOUNCER: So, is it really possible to give any kind of answer?

KLAUS: Only in a very general way, since we don’t know the who, what, when, why, and how. I can, however, speak to the real question this listener asks, and that is: “How do I let go of these feelings?”

ANNOUNCER: What would you say to that?

KLAUS: I have to assume that this individual asking the question wants to move from a relationship that is hurtful and harmful and move toward a life that is God-pleasing and personally fulfilling.

ANNOUNCER: Assuming that’s the case, what would you suggest?

KLAUS: Remember the words of St. Paul? He said, “For what I do is not the good I want to do …”

ANNOUNCER: “…but the evil I do not want to do, this I keep on doing.” That’s from Romans, chapter seven.

KLAUS: I believe that is the situation our listener is in. He or she wants to do the right thing, but the ability to do it always seems just out of their reach. One of the great reasons for our failure and frailty is we don’t keep our eyes fixed on our goal – a new and better life in Christ Jesus. Instead, we keep looking back over our shoulder and longing for the good old days.

ANNOUNCER: Why is that?

KLAUS: For a number of reasons. First, the good old days were comfortable. A person may not have had all that great a life, but it was the life they knew. Second, there’s the fear of moving forward into a unknown future. Third, to make a radical change in our lives, we usually have to leave behind all kinds of other peripheral matters.

ANNOUNCER: Such as?

KLAUS: Our listener may not just have to leave behind a ex-spouse. He or she may have to stop going to the places they used to go to. They may have to leave behind some friends or a life style.

ANNOUNCER: So how does one make a change for the better?

KLAUS: For the average person, it’s mighty difficult to make that kind of change. But– and this is important–with Jesus the impossible becomes possible. The author of the Bible’s book of Hebrews said it this way, “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Heb. 12:1-3). Note what the writer says: First, throw off everything that hinders; second, fix your eyes on Jesus. No more looking back and wishing for the past. Third, he says, “Remember that Jesus suffered and died to conquer the power of sin. Christ has risen and ascended to the right hand of God the Father where He intercedes on our behalf, and He’s given us the Holy Spirit. So don’t lose heart.”

ANNOUNCER: And St. Paul said, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come. All this is from God who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” That’s from 2 Cor. 5:17-18.

KLAUS: And that, I think, is the best answer we can give our listener.

ANNOUNCER: How would you summarize this today?

KLAUS: Stop looking back for the good old days which maybe weren’t all that good. Look to Jesus who came into this world to give you eternal life; but who also gives you a new and forgiven and abundant life right here, right now.