Jesus and the Centurion

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

Steps: 11, 12

When Jesus returned to the city of Capernaum a Roman Centurion asked the Jewish elders to come and speak to Jesus for him. The elders wanted Jesus to help the Centurion for the Centurion had been helpful to them even building them a synagogue. This was unusual behavior because the anger between the Jews and the Romans was bordering on warfare between the two groups of people – one the conquering nation and the other the slaves. Jesus chose to go with the elders and on the way to the Centurions house the Centurion sent a message to Jesus saying that it was not necessary for Jesus to come to His house to heal but just say the word and Jesus’ angel ambassadors would come and heal his servant. As the leader of a large number of soldiers he knew that all he had to do is speak and his will would be done. He did not have to go and see that it was done, he trusted in his soldiers. The Centurion had the same faith in the power of God to help and to serve. When Jesus heard this He said that He had not found such great faith in all of Israel. When Jesus heard about this faith He healed the servant and it was done.

Prayer for Today: Lord, help us to develop this level of faith. Most of us need all kinds of evidence in order to believe the simplest thing. Grant us the kind of belief that when we hear these kinds of stories about Jesus that our hope will grow until we ask these blessings for ourselves and for our loved ones. Thank You that You have gone out to find us and start the healing process. Help us to trust in Your care and believe that You really want to help us with our problems. Thank You for Your love.