“When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. 2 There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. 3 The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, 5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” 6 So Jesus went with them.
He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” 10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.” Luke 7.1-10
Jesus does not only carry with him an air of authority; he carries complete authority. He says the word in response to faith, and the sick are healed. This is a great mystery to me—Jesus has the power, but our faith makes a difference. Our response to his movement is key. It’s like we are giving permission and believing that God will move.
Does God need our permission to perform miracles? Obviously not—but God moves among people in response to their faith and asking. The Roman centurion not only asked Jesus but believed that if Jesus just said the word, his servant would be healed. There was no need to come to the house, he said; just say the word, and the healing would come. And it did. Even more amazing was that Jesus was amazed.
Could your faith amaze God? I mean, he put it in our hearts, didn’t he? But we read right here that the faith of a non-Jew—yet a believer—amazed Jesus. He even said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” This was significant and even perhaps a little surprising, as it was insulting to the Jews!
“Say the word,” the centurion said, and the healing power of God went out that very moment. Power was released, restoration came down, and heaven broke out in applause because someone believed.
I have particular prayers that I have been praying for years—primarily that those closest to me would be fully engaged in knowing, loving, and serving Jesus. I know that God can draw my family and friends to Christ. I know that with a faith response like this—just say the word—miracles can happen. And so I say the word: draw all people (especially those on my heart and mind) to you today. Do it now, Lord Jesus. Do it now.
“O Lord God, you are faithful. I am but a servant seeking to live in obedience to your name. I praise you, God, for your goodness. I celebrate the blessings of renewal and faithfulness. Even when my love fails, your love remains steadfast. Come now, Holy Spirit; fill me with your power and love. Help me live so that I expect you to do incredible deeds among us, so the world might know. For you are good, and your love endures forever.” Amen.