Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum. And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick. Luke 7:1-10
How many of us, just need a word from the Lord? Well you have it, just open up your bibles, phone or wherever you use to read the words of God. In the Gospel of Luke, beginning with Chapter 7:2, we discover the "Centurion's servant" and The Centurion Commander's tender concern for a lowly slave was contrary to the reputation Roman army officers had acquired in Israel. Yet, this is one of 3 centurions featured in the New Testament who gave evidence of genuine faith. A centurion was like a captain over about 100 men. He was probably in the Roman legion. This centurion here, and probably the same person in Matthew, is the first mention of a person with this rank. The servant was loved by this centurion. Possibly, he was his aide or something. Many times, a servant living in your home becomes like a member of the family. That is probably what is intended here. The bible tells us that the "Elders of the Jews": (Matthew 8:5-13), does not mention that the centurion appealed to Jesus through these intermediaries. It is a measure of the respect this man had in the community that Jewish elders would be willing to bring his cause to Jesus. This Centurion loved the Jewish nation and was somehow personally responsible for the building of the local synagogue (verse 5). He obviously was being drawn to Christ by God Himself (John 6:44-45). Like all men under conviction, he deeply sensed his own unworthiness and that is why he used intermediaries rather than speaking to Jesus personally (verses 6-7). This centurion had heard of all the wonderful miracles that Jesus had performed, and he believed that Jesus was no mere man. He felt that Jesus had powers beyond a normal man. He sent the elders to speak to Jesus, because he thought they would have more influence in getting Jesus to come to help his servant than he would. This centurion believes in his heart, that Jesus heals. He knows in his heart that Jesus will help his servant. Faith in God, starts, in the Heart of the believer.
The centurion, undoubtedly familiar with this law, felt unworthy of having Jesus suffer such an inconvenience for his sake. He also had faith enough to know that Christ could heal by merely speaking a word. This centurion was a humble man. He feels unworthy for Jesus to come into his house. This centurion realizes that Jesus is truly God the Son with all power and authority of the Father. He was so humble that he sent friends that he thought to be more worthy than himself. Humility is displayed, here, this is hard even today for Christians to display. We, will not humble overselves but instead we, walk in pride in hopes someone would observe of, for WHAT. The bible tells us "But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." This centurion is not only humble, but very wise. He, more than the scribes that he sent or in fact more than most of the religious people of his day, realizes that Jesus has authority over everything in this universe. He believes that Jesus has authority over disease as well. Jesus still has that same authority, whether. it be sickness or death, Jesus has the final word. The Centurion knows that his authority over his men is minor compared to the authority of Jesus, but he does understand authority and how it works.
Jesus recognizes the magnitude of this centurion's faith. Faith like this is the kind that moves mountains. In a sense, Jesus is saying to this people: "You should have this kind of faith". He was especially speaking to these scribes who have no faith at all.
This kind of faith, is the God kind of faith. The healing that was displayed, was an instant healing. Even before they got back to the house, he was healed; even though he had been sick to death. What a Mighty God we Serve. There are two things to notice about the God kind of faith. First, a man believes with his heart. Second, he believes with his words. It isn't enough just to believe in your heart. In order to get God to work for you, you must believe with your words also. Jesus said, "Whosoever shall say … and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith" (Mark 11:23). This is the unalterable law of faith. This is the God kind of faith!
