The Submitted Heart of Christmas
Key Thought | True faith recognizes both our humanity and Christ’s authority. When we fix our eyes on who Jesus is, not just where we want Him to take us, our posture shifts from striving to surrender.
Key Scripture | “But say the word, and my servant will be healed… When Jesus heard this, He marveled at him.” —Luke 7:7, 9
As we approach the Christmas season and everything it brings, it’s easy to lose focus on the wonder of Christ’s birth. Personally, I’ve already felt the pressure, feeling behind on buying gifts, preparing for guests, or simply trying to show up on time to all the places we need to be.
Recently, while reading through Luke, I found myself reminded not only of Jesus’ birth, which naturally becomes our focus in December, but also the incredible power that marked His earthly ministry. We tend to picture the infant in the manger, the wise men, the gifts, and the details surrounding His arrival. But we don’t always think “healer,” “authority,” or “power” when we picture a newborn baby. Yet that tiny child grew up to heal the sick, challenge corrupt leadership, reveal the Father’s heart, and ultimately lay down His life for the world. Jesus operated in humble, submitted, unwavering authority.
One story especially captured my attention. A centurion had a servant who was sick and near death. The centurion sent Jewish leaders to ask Jesus to come and heal him. They pleaded on his behalf, saying, “He is worthy for You to grant this, because he loves our nation and has built us a synagogue” (Luke 7:4–5).
Jesus agreed, but before He even reached the house, the centurion sent friends to say, “Lord, don’t trouble Yourself, since I am not worthy to have You come under my roof… But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under my command” (Luke 7:6–8).
Jesus was amazed.
He said, “I tell you, I have not found so great a faith even in Israel.” And when they returned home, the servant was completely healed.
At first glance, it might seem like the centurion was acting out of insecurity or self-incrimination, downplaying his worth and keeping Jesus at a distance. Many of us fall into that mindset. We discount ourselves because of how we see ourselves, even though the people around us often recognize value we fail to acknowledge.
But that wasn’t what the centurion was doing. His humility came from a clear understanding of authority. He understood his own humanity, and because of that, he had the right perspective of Jesus’ holiness.
Jesus had just invited the disciples to follow Him, and yet He declared that this centurion, a Gentile soldier, had greater faith than anyone He’d met in Israel. Imagine what the disciples must have felt. What a powerful firsthand lesson in humility and perspective.
The centurion knew how to be in authority, how to submit to authority, and how to honor authority.
As we interact with coworkers, friends, and family during the holidays, this story teaches us something vital: We can lead from any seat—top, middle, or bottom of the org chart—with clarity about who Jesus is and what He can accomplish with a submitted heart. We can choose to love even the people who stretch us, challenge us, or expose the places in us still growing.
And through it all, we rest in this truth:
The infant who came in a manger and grew into a man, the One who became our Brother and also our King, is present and near this holiday season.
When loneliness creeps in, remember the manger led to the cross.
When anger rises, remember honor is always the better path.
When gratitude fills your heart, let it overflow and thank Him for every moment.
Prayer | Lord Jesus, help me enter this season with a submitted heart and a clear focus on who You are. Teach me to walk in humility, honor, and faith like the centurion. Keep my eyes from distraction and my heart from self-doubt. Let Your presence steady me in every moment, both the peaceful ones and the stressful ones. Amen.
Reflection
Key Scripture | “But say the word, and my servant will be healed… When Jesus heard this, He marveled at him.” —Luke 7:7, 9
As we approach the Christmas season and everything it brings, it’s easy to lose focus on the wonder of Christ’s birth. Personally, I’ve already felt the pressure, feeling behind on buying gifts, preparing for guests, or simply trying to show up on time to all the places we need to be.
Recently, while reading through Luke, I found myself reminded not only of Jesus’ birth, which naturally becomes our focus in December, but also the incredible power that marked His earthly ministry. We tend to picture the infant in the manger, the wise men, the gifts, and the details surrounding His arrival. But we don’t always think “healer,” “authority,” or “power” when we picture a newborn baby. Yet that tiny child grew up to heal the sick, challenge corrupt leadership, reveal the Father’s heart, and ultimately lay down His life for the world. Jesus operated in humble, submitted, unwavering authority.
One story especially captured my attention. A centurion had a servant who was sick and near death. The centurion sent Jewish leaders to ask Jesus to come and heal him. They pleaded on his behalf, saying, “He is worthy for You to grant this, because he loves our nation and has built us a synagogue” (Luke 7:4–5).
Jesus agreed, but before He even reached the house, the centurion sent friends to say, “Lord, don’t trouble Yourself, since I am not worthy to have You come under my roof… But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under my command” (Luke 7:6–8).
Jesus was amazed.
He said, “I tell you, I have not found so great a faith even in Israel.” And when they returned home, the servant was completely healed.
At first glance, it might seem like the centurion was acting out of insecurity or self-incrimination, downplaying his worth and keeping Jesus at a distance. Many of us fall into that mindset. We discount ourselves because of how we see ourselves, even though the people around us often recognize value we fail to acknowledge.
But that wasn’t what the centurion was doing. His humility came from a clear understanding of authority. He understood his own humanity, and because of that, he had the right perspective of Jesus’ holiness.
Jesus had just invited the disciples to follow Him, and yet He declared that this centurion, a Gentile soldier, had greater faith than anyone He’d met in Israel. Imagine what the disciples must have felt. What a powerful firsthand lesson in humility and perspective.
The centurion knew how to be in authority, how to submit to authority, and how to honor authority.
As we interact with coworkers, friends, and family during the holidays, this story teaches us something vital: We can lead from any seat—top, middle, or bottom of the org chart—with clarity about who Jesus is and what He can accomplish with a submitted heart. We can choose to love even the people who stretch us, challenge us, or expose the places in us still growing.
And through it all, we rest in this truth:
The infant who came in a manger and grew into a man, the One who became our Brother and also our King, is present and near this holiday season.
When loneliness creeps in, remember the manger led to the cross.
When anger rises, remember honor is always the better path.
When gratitude fills your heart, let it overflow and thank Him for every moment.
Prayer | Lord Jesus, help me enter this season with a submitted heart and a clear focus on who You are. Teach me to walk in humility, honor, and faith like the centurion. Keep my eyes from distraction and my heart from self-doubt. Let Your presence steady me in every moment, both the peaceful ones and the stressful ones. Amen.
Reflection
- What areas of your life feel hardest to submit to Jesus’ authority right now?
- Where might distraction, insecurity, or busyness be pulling your focus away from Christ this season?
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Posted in Devotional
Posted in Christmas, Advent, Submission, faith, Humility, Stress, Spiritual Focus
Posted in Christmas, Advent, Submission, faith, Humility, Stress, Spiritual Focus
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