For I also am a man placed under authority, having under myself soldiers. I tell this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes. I say to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it. Luke 7:8 WEB

In chapter seven of Luke’s gospel account, Jesus entered Capernaum. In this chapter, Luke relates three famous stories, two healings and the forgiveness of a woman of great sin. Also, Luke presents a question from John the Baptist’s followers asking if Jesus is the Messiah. Through his healings and forgiveness of sins, Jesus demonstrates his authority, showing himself as the promised Savior. 

This first miraculous account of the chapter involves a centurion, a man under authority in Rome, whose valued servant was sick and dying. The centurion reportedly loved Israel and even helped build the synagogue in Capernaum on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Hearing of the miraculous work of Christ, the centurion sent some Jewish elders to ask Jesus to heal his servant.

Say the Word

When Christ came near his house, the centurion sent friends to meet with him. The centurion did not feel worthy of meeting with Christ but his faith was great. Luke 7:7 records the centurion’s message to Christ, “Say the word, and my servant will be healed. WEB” 

The centurion understood power structures. A man under authority, he knew the power of those that commanded him and the authority he held over those in his charge. In this, he knew that Jesus performed miracles by the power of God who sent him. As a man under authority, he knew God’s supreme authority over the natural world he created. 

This understanding impressed Jesus. The Lord marveled at the centurion’s faith. Jesus remarked to the large crowd of Jewish people who followed him in Luke 7:9, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith, no, not in Israel. WEB” Returning to the house, the messengers found the servant healed.

Yesterday’s Devotional: The Good News