The Way
The Centurion's Faith
Only say the word
Story
In Capernaum there was a centurion. A servant he valued highly was sick and close to death. Hearing about Jesus, the centurion sent some Jewish elders to ask him to come and save his servant. The elders pleaded with Jesus earnestly. This man deserves your help. He loves our nation, and he even built our synagogue for us.
Jesus went with them, and when he was not far from the house, friends sent by the centurion brought his message. Lord, do not trouble yourself. I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Just say the word. I too am a man under orders, with soldiers under me. I tell one to go, and he goes, and another to come, and he comes.
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed, and he turned to the crowd following him. Not even in Israel have I found faith like this. When the messengers returned to the house, they found the servant already well. Jesus had not even crossed the threshold, yet a single word had reached that house before him.
Walk this scene on the map →His Words
I tell you, not even in Israel have I found faith as great as this.
Go. Let it be done for you just as you have believed.
Many will come from east and west and take their places at the feast of the kingdom of heaven with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Lord, I am not one who deserves to have you in my house. Just say one word, and my servant will be healed.
The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: Mt 8:5–13 · Lk 7:1–10
Background
A centurion commanded about a hundred soldiers. Galilee was then the territory of Herod Antipas, so this man was most likely a Gentile officer serving under Antipas.
Pause and Reflect
Do I point to what I deserve, or rely only on the grace of Jesus?