Luke 7:1-10

¹ When He had concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum.² A centurion's slave, who was highly valued by him, was sick and about to die. ³ When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to Him, requesting Him to come and save the life of his slave. ⁴ When they reached Jesus, they pleaded with Him earnestly, saying, "He is worthy for You to grant this, ⁵ because he loves our nation and has built us a synagogue."  ⁶ Jesus went with them, and when He was not far from⁷ That is why I didn't even consider myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be cured.  ⁸ For I too am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under my command.  I say to this one, 'Go!' and he goes; and to another, 'Come!' and he comes; and to my slave, 'Do this!' and he does it." the house, the centurion sent friends to tell Him, "Lord, don't trouble Yourself, since I am not worthy to have You come under my roof.

    ⁹ Jesus heard this and was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following Him, He said, "I tell you, I have not found so great a faith even in Israel!" ¹⁰ When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.

Love for others

The centurions concern for his slave contrary to the reputation of Roman soldiers.  In fact, this is the only instance recorded in scripture where someone seeks healing from Jesus for a slave.

Humility

Apparently, this gentile centurion had been very kind the Jews, going as far as to build their Synagogue.  The elders of the Jews felt compelled to bring his cause to Jesus.  They described the centurion as being worthy.  However, the centurion himself confessed, “I am not worthy.”  He did not consider himself worthy for Jesus to even enter his house.

Belief

The centurion was knowledgeable about authority, being the leader of 100 Roman soldiers.  He had ultimate authority over his subordinates.  He recognized that Jesus had this same authority over disease.  He believed that a simple word from Jesus was all that was required to heal his servant.

Jesus marveled at the simple faith of this gentile centurion.  No one in all of Israel had made such a bold confession of Christ’s supreme authority.  Here again, Luke chronicled a portrait of genuine faith coming from an unlikely source.