Jesus had just touched a leper and healed him. Now, He’s approached by someone unexpected—a Roman centurion, a Gentile, and a symbol of the occupying empire.
This soldier didn’t ask Jesus to come and lay hands. He believed that if Jesus just spoke, it would be enough.
And Jesus marveled.
Who Is Jesus Speaking To?
Jesus is speaking with a Roman centurion—a military officer in command of about 100 soldiers. Culturally and politically, he is an outsider. Yet, Jesus gives him His full attention, and more importantly, His praise.
What Jesus Said: Matthew 8:5–13 (NASB)
5 And when Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, begging Him, 6 and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, terribly tormented.” 7 Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” 10 Now when Jesus heard this, He was amazed and said to those who were following, “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel. 11 And I say to you that many will come from the east and west, and will recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven; 12 but the sons of the kingdom will be thrown out into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13 And Jesus said to the centurion, “Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.
The Centurion’s Faith: Humble, Bold, and Clear
This wasn’t showy faith. It was a quiet conviction in the authority of Christ.
The centurion didn’t need a sign. He didn’t need a ritual. He believed that Jesus’ spoken word held the power of healing—because he understood what authority looked like.
Action Step: Trust Jesus in His word. If He said it, it’s settled. You don’t need a sign—just the Scripture.
“I Am Not Worthy”
This Gentile officer recognized his unworthiness—a remarkable contrast to the religious leaders of the time.
His humility opened the door to divine intervention.
Action Step: Humility is the gateway to miracles. Ask: “Am I approaching Jesus from pride or from surrender?”
What Jesus Said: “I Have Not Found Such Great Faith”
Jesus was amazed—the only time in Matthew where He publicly praises someone’s great faith.
Moreover, He warns Israel that outsiders, like this centurion, would enter the kingdom, while many who assumed they belonged would not.
Action Step: Faith is not a label—it’s a lifestyle. Live like someone who trusts Jesus with everything.
The Mood of the Scene
Shocking. Powerful. Uplifting.
This moment redefines who can come to Jesus. Not based on birth, heritage, or title—but on faith.
The Centurion’s Response
He believed.
He trusted Jesus to act even without physical proof.
And the result? His servant was healed at that very moment.
What This Means for Us in 2025
We live in a world that demands instant evidence and constant validation. Yet the centurion reminds us: true faith believes before it sees.
If Jesus says it, it’s done. In your business, your family, your health, or your ministry—His Word holds creative, healing, authoritative power.
Application for Today:
- Pray with expectancy, not uncertainty.
- Meditate on God’s promises—anchor your confidence there.
- Let humility lead every request to Jesus.
- Recognize His authority over everything—speak His Word into your situation.
- Stand firm when others doubt—Jesus honors bold, quiet faith.
Final Prayer
Lord, like the centurion, I know I’m not worthy—but I trust Your word. Speak into my life. Speak healing, strength, direction, and peace. Let my faith cause You to marvel—not because of its size, but because of its surrender. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
