A Roman centurion came to Jesus to ask him to heal his sick servant. As Jesus was willing to go and heal the servant, the centurion said something remarkable, “Lord…just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” He recognized Jesus’ authority. As a soldier, he understood command; he knew that if he told his soldier to go, he would go. Likewise, he believed that when Jesus told the sickness to leave, his servant would be healed. So, he did not ask Jesus to be physically present in his house. Faith trusts in the authority of Jesus’ word. Seeing the centurion’s faith, Jesus was amazed. Jesus was amazed on only two occasions: once at the unbelief in his hometown (Mk 6:6), and once at the centurion’s faith. Although the centurion was a Gentile, he had greater faith than many Israelites who had the privilege of possessing the Scriptures. He was fit for God’s kingdom. Jesus healed the servant by the power of his word. What brings people into God’s kingdom is not background, ethnicity, religious tradition, but faith in Jesus’ authority.

Jesus visited Peter’s house and healed Peter’s mother-in-law of a fever. She recovered instantly and began to serve Jesus. True healing overflows into service. That evening, Jesus healed many who were sick, fulfilling the prophecy of suffering Christ.
Application: Lord, help me trust in your word that extends over my problems and troubles.
One Word: Just say the word