Redefining Worth In The Kingdom Of God
LENT DEVOTIONAL 2026 | DAY 13
Luke 7:1–35 (NIV)
By Estella Lau, Steward, Local Church Executive Committee
READ:
Luke 7:1–35 (NIV)
Luke 7:1–10 (NASB) describes how Jesus healed a centurion’s servant. The centurion sent Jewish elders to ask Jesus to heal his terminally-ill servant whom he highly valued. The elders spoke well of the centurion, saying he loved the Jewish nation and built their synagogue. As Jesus approached the house, the centurion sent friends to say he was not worthy for Jesus to enter his home and asked Him to “just say the word, and my servant shall be healed.” (v7b). The centurion understood that Jesus’ power and authority would bring about the desired outcome, comparing it to how his soldiers acted on his commands. Jesus was amazed by the centurion’s faith and humility, and his servant was healed.
In this passage, the word “worthy” stands out to me, highlighting the contrast between how worth is measured in our world and how it is understood in the Kingdom of God. The centurion, with his power and status, was well regarded by the Jewish leaders, who claimed that he was worthy of Jesus’ help (v4). Yet the centurion recognised his own unworthiness and approached Jesus with humility and deep faith, trusting fully in Jesus’ authority. It was his heart’s posture, rather than status or merit, that moved Jesus.
The world often measures worth based on appearance, position, words, or actions (vv25, 33–34). Jesus overturns these standards by seeing people as they truly are—broken and in need of His grace and redemption. This Lent, I am reminded that Jesus came for the last, the least, and the lost (vv22–23).
He alone is truly worthy, having given His life in love. I am challenged to reshape my worldview, to see others through Jesus’ eyes, and not make judgements based on their appearance or behaviour. I must guard my heart against falling into a form of religiosity and complacency like that of the Jewish leaders, who knew the Law well yet rejected God’s purpose for their lives (v30).
True discipleship is marked by humility, trust in Jesus, and a transformed way of relating to God and others. I need to guard against self-righteousness and judgement of others. To cultivate a humble dependence on God, I commit to practices such as daily examen, Scripture reading, and solitude. These life-giving habits are not meant to become empty religious routines, but are meant to reform my heart to understand God’s purpose for me.
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You that You have deemed us worthy of Your redemptive grace. Give me grace to draw closer to You and catch a glimpse of Your heartbeat for the last, the least and the lost. Amen.
[ Reflection Questions ]
1. How do you usually measure “worth”—both in yourself and in others, and how does this compare with the way Jesus defines “worth”?
2. In what areas of your life are you relying on status, knowledge, or good behaviour rather than on approaching Jesus with humble trust in His authority and grace?
3. Who might you be overlooking, judging, or keeping at a distance, and how is Jesus inviting you to see and respond to them through His eyes this Lent?
