The Faith of the Centurion

In Capernaum, a centurion has a servant who is very dear to him, sick and about to die. Having heard about Jesus, he sends some elders of the Jews to ask him to come: “That he was worthy for whom he should do this: for he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.” Jesus goes with them. But when he is not far from the house, the centurion sends friends: “Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof. … But say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.” A man under authority himself, he commands soldiers and knows the force of an order. Jesus marvels at him and tells the crowd: “I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” When the messengers return to the house, they find the servant well.