Opening Verse
“When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.”
Matthew 8:10 KJV
Introduction
In the New Testament, we find numerous examples of Jesus’ healing miracles. One particularly profound instance is when Jesus healed the servant of a Roman centurion. This story is not just about physical healing but also about faith and humility.
Devotional Story
A Roman centurion, an officer in the Roman army, had a servant who was very dear to him and gravely ill. Hearing about Jesus, the centurion sent some Jewish elders to Him, asking for His help. The elders pleaded earnestly with Jesus, saying that the centurion loved their nation and had even built their synagogue.
As Jesus set out towards the centurion’s house, another message arrived from the centurion. He expressed that he felt unworthy to have Jesus come under his roof. Instead, he believed that if Jesus simply spoke the word, his servant would be healed. He explained his understanding of authority, acknowledging Jesus’ supreme authority over illness.
Jesus was amazed by the centurion’s faith. He turned to the crowd following Him and declared that He had not found such great faith in all of Israel. Jesus then spoke the word, and the servant was healed at that very moment, even though Jesus never physically entered the centurion’s home.
What This Means
This story illustrates the power of faith and the authority of Jesus. The centurion’s belief in Jesus’ power was so strong that he trusted in a miracle without Jesus being physically present. It reminds us that Jesus’ power is not confined by space or proximity. Our faith, too, can move mountains and bring about miracles, even from a distance.
Think About This
- How strong is your faith in Jesus’ power?
- Do you trust that Jesus can work miracles in your life, even when you can’t see Him working?
- How can you show humility and faith like the centurion in your daily walk with Christ?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of the centurion’s faith. Help us to trust in Your power and authority over every situation in our lives. May we always come to You with humility and confidence, believing that nothing is impossible for You. Strengthen our faith and help us to witness Your miraculous works in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Closing Verse
“And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.”
Matthew 8:13 KJV