A certain centurion’s servant who was very dear to him, was sick and ready to die. So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant. Then Jesus went with them, and when He was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick. (Luke 7:2-10)
The certurion’s concern for a lowly servant was contrary to the reputation Roman army officers held in Israel. Yet, this is one of three certurion soldiers in the NT who gave evidence of genuine faith. It was out a measure of respect that the Jewish elders would be willing to bring this cause to Jesus. Like all men under conviction, the centurion felt his unworthiness to come to the Lord, but also had enough faith to believe that Christ could heal by merely speaking a word. This centurion also seen and understood Jesus’ absolute authority so that He marveled that even some of His own disciples did not see things so clearly.
Dear friend, one thing to remember even today, like it was when Jesus walked the earth: But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). A person must believe not only that the true God exists, but also He will reward men’s faith in Him with forgiveness and righteousness, because He has promised to. Not believing that God exists is equivalent to calling Him a liar (1 John 5:10).
May the Lord bless your walk today!
