In Luke 7:1-10, we read about the faith of a centurion. Centurions were commanders in the Roman army who had fought hard and earned their high-ranking position.
This particular man had a servant who was sick and nearing death. The centurion had heard stories of Jesus, so he decided to send some elders to Jesus with a request to heal his servant. At no great surprise to us, upon hearing the request, Jesus responded with compassion and went with the messengers.
But before Jesus could arrive, the centurion sent another message to Jesus — this one saying, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself. I am not good enough to have you come into my house. That is why I did not even think I was fit to come to you. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed” (Luke 7:6-7 NIV).
Jesus was amazed at the faith of this centurion, and without going any further, Jesus healed the servant.
As I reflect on this short story of faith, I notice we have much in common with this centurion. Jesus is not journeying on foot to us as he was journeying to the centurion, but Jesus is just as available to us as he was to that man.
This man had only heard stories and rumors about who Jesus was and what he had done, yet he trusted and believed in his ability to heal. Without even meeting Jesus, he had amazing faith. And despite feeling unworthy of receiving Jesus’ presence, his plea for healing was answered.
We do not get the opportunity to physically walk on a road or stand in a room with Jesus, but we do get to opportunity to believe based on the stories of Jesus we read in the Bible — the same stories this Roman centurion was hearing, the same stories that built his faith in Jesus.
When we believe in Jesus as the God of the universe, he offers many things to us.
Jesus offers us the power of his healing. And he offers us his presence in spirit and in truth.
These gifts of presence and healing are not offered because we are any more or less worthy than the centurion thought he was worthy. These gifts are not offered based on merit. They are offered purely out of love. Jesus loved the centurion and his servant.
And Jesus loves you and your neighbor. And Jesus responds to our pleas for help.
Amy Christman is NextGen Kids minister at Outlook Christian Church in McCordsville. This weekly column is written by local clergy members.
