Luke 7 - 8

Who defines the worthiness of man before God? According to Luke 7 there was a  centurion who lived in Capernaum. He was a God fearer, though apparently he would not convert to Judaism. He demonstrated his devotion to the Jewish people, if not their God, by funding the building of their synagogue. There may have been other generous acts towards the Jews but Luke only recounts this one. To the leaders of the congregation such acts of sacrifice established his worthiness before this prophet from Nazareth. His sacrifices made him worthy to receive God's attention (v 4).
I find it interesting that Jesus said nothing to the Jewish leaders. He joined them as they walked toward the centurion's house. The officer sent another message to stop Jesus. We have no idea what the Roman officer knew about the sinfulness of man and the holiness of God. But what we see from his words is his recognition of something divine in Jesus. He understood that there was no sacrifice that he could make that would justify him before God.
In verse 9 Luke states the Jesus was amazed with this one man's faith. And his commendation carried a veiled message; it is through our faith that God works justification in our lives.
Stuart