Uncommon Faith

dated 2 May 2007

The Healing of the Centurion's Servant

One day when Jesus was in Capernaum, the elders of the Jews in that city approached him. They entreated him to come with them to the house of an important Roman soldier, a commander of a hundred soldiers, that is, a centurion. The centurion had a long-time and loyal servant, whom he loved, who was sick and dying. He had requested the elders of the Jews to speak to Jesus in his behalf, so that Jesus would come to heal his servant.

"He loves our nation Israel," one of the elders said. "He even built a synagogue for us," said another. "Oh, he's a good and honest man," further said another.

And so, Jesus was persuaded and went with them to the Centurion's house. However, when they were already near the house a group of friends of the centurion came and met them. His friends told Jesus, "Our friend does not wish to bother you, Master, as he doesn't consider himself worthy for you to visit his house. Nor does he consider himself worthy to meet up with you himself. He said, 'Kindly please just say the word that my servant will be healed. For I myself am a person of authority. If I command one soldier to do something, he would promptly do it. I believe you only have to say the word and it will be fulfilled.' "

Turning to the people with him Jesus said, " I tell you, I have not seen such great faith before, no, not in Israel."

And so, Jesus didn't have to go into the Centurion's house. The elders of Israel and the centurion's friends went back to the centurion who sent them, and found out that the servant was healed indeed.

Adapted from Luke 7:1-10

Centurion image from http://orderofcenturions.org/history.html