LUKE 7:9

It’s amazing how you can read a passage over and over again and still miss some things. For instance, in this passage, as I read it again it finally dawned on me that the centurion never really had a face-to-face encounter with Jesus. He heard about Him and from what he heard, he was so impressed and convinced that he was able to procure the most amazing miracle on behalf of his dying servant and to receive from Jesus the highest praise of commendation for his faith. Concerning his exemplary faith, Jesus had to confess to those actively following “. . . I say unto you; I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel” (v9). In fact, Luke records for us that Jesus marveled at him (v9). Not very often in Scripture do you find Jesus marveling and being caught off guard like this. It’s no easy feat to cause the Creator of the universe to marvel. This Gentile military man succeeds in causing Jesus to do just that. He surprises Jesus.

I trust that today as Jesus amazes us with His supernatural wonders and abilities that some of us will also amaze Him with our faith in His ability to do and perform that which is humanly impossible. Our faith in His extraordinary power should also be extraordinary.

The centurion sent the elders of the Jews to make supplication on his behalf concerning his much beloved ailing servant. He sincerely considered himself unworthy to come and address Jesus for himself. Therefore, he sent others to make the request on his behalf. It is also so noteworthy that the request is not for him but for his servant whom he so dearly loved and treasured (v2). So often we act and feel entitled, and we underestimate our power and ability to come on behalf of others – the power of intercession. The servant couldn’t come, so the centurion sent for help on his behalf.

I find it so impressive Jesus’ willingness to go with this crew that came for the centurion. The text simply states, “Then Jesus went with them” (v6). Many times, those who are in power do not come to us. We have to go to them. Many times, it is as simple as just stating your case, making a request. I propound the eagerness of Jesus to meet our needs and to meet us at the point of our need.

As Jesus draws close to the centurion’s house, what transpires next in the passage is most captivating. The centurion then sends friends to Jesus, “. . . 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” (v7). What amazing faith in the power and word of Jesus. He says, Lord just say the word. Just speak the word. You don’t even have to come. If you are who you are, just speak the word only, and it shall be done. My servant shall be healed. It shall be done. Church, He has already spoken health and healing, and blessings over you. Let’s inflexibly, powerfully, unequivocally believe.

I think it’s time we start causing Jesus to marvel at our faith. The centurion heard of Jesus and believed to such an extent that he caused Jesus to marvel. I too, want Jesus to marvel at my faith. What about you? We entertain no doubt, by the amazing word of the Lord we shall be healed.