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.”
Luke 7:9 NIV
A centurion with a sick servant heard that Jesus was in town. So, he sent some people to Jesus, asking him to come and heal his servant. Jesus started toward his house, but the centurion sent Jesus another message before he arrived. And it was this message that prompted Jesus’ amazement.
The centurion understood authority. He was under the authority of those above him. And he had authority over those under him. He gave a command, and they obeyed. But he recognized in Jesus an authority that exceeded his own. While the centurion could command people, Jesus had authority over sickness. Jesus only had to command, and the sickness would depart.
Jesus’ commendation of the centurion’s faith was not because he believed Jesus could heal his servant. Instead, it was because the centurion believed that Jesus’ authority exceeded his own, acknowledging that he was not worthy of having Jesus come to his house. And that distance did not limit Jesus’ authority. He could heal, even from a distance.
Jesus’ authority is not just over the health issues we face. The Scripture also records him teaching with authority, commanding evil spirits, calming storms, and feeding multitudes with very little. His authority is over all of creation.
The centurion’s great faith should serve as a model for us today. Like the centurion, we should acknowledge Jesus’ authority over us. Not just in word, but in how we live, obeying him in all we do. And having faith that he can see us safely through this life despite our trials and struggles. It is by recognizing and submitting to his authority that we can live our best lives.
