Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum. And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, that he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick. (Luke 7:1-10.)
Luke 7:1 records that this centurion resided in Capernaum, a town which Jesus had upbraided for its unbelief (Matt. 11:23). Though many of the Jews of Capernaum did not believe in Jesus even when he had done many mighty works in their midst, this centurion believed that Jesus could heal his sick servant. The servant of this centurion was, according to verse 2, dear to him. Many men of equal power and wealth cared little for their servants, but not him. He was so concerned for his servant that he sent the elders of the Jews to Jesus to beg Him to come and heal the servant.
The Jews recognized the goodness of the centurion. When they came to Jesus, they claimed he was worthy for this deed to be done for he had built the Jews a synagogue at his own expense (Luke 10:4-5). It is often hard for those who read the Bible to love the Jews because their sins, hypocrisy, and hard-heartedness are so clearly seen in the scriptures. If we are honest, an inspired account of our attitudes might not be as flattering as we would like to think. Moreover, some who claim to be Christians bring reproach on the name by their refusal to truly live as they should like the Jews under the former covenant who forsook God and became an object of ridicule among the nations (2 Chron. 7:20). However, this centurion was able to see past those among the Jews who did not practice what they preached. He saw value in their religion when he compared it to his pagan background. He recognized the true and living God enough to build a synagogue.
At the request, Jesus began to make his way to the centurion’s house, but as he drew near, he was met by friends of the centurion. They had a message from the centurion. He asked Jesus not to trouble himself in coming under his roof. He claimed he was a man under authority with soldiers under him. All the centurion had to do was tell one of his soldiers to do something and it was done; he did not have to do it himself. This centurion recognized that Jesus had greater authority than he. He recognized that Jesus had authority over nature; thus, he said, in effect, to Jesus, “Just say the word and it will be done,” for he had confidence in Jesus’ power.
At this message Jesus marveled. This is a rare occurrence in scripture. Usually people would marvel at what Jesus did, but rarely would Jesus marvel at others. When Jesus did marvel at others it usually was because of their unbelief (Mark 6:6). Here is an occasion where Jesus marvels at a man’s faith. The only occasion I can think of that comes close to this is that of the woman of Canaan (Matt. 15:28). With all the unbelief prevalent in Capernaum, the confidence the centurion had in Jesus was certainly something at which to marvel.
The statement “…I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee…” (Luke 7:6-7) is astounding as well. Often it is the case that men let power go to their heads. Many times, they become proud and condescending. This was especially true of Roman soldiers and officials. Pilate tried to remind Jesus of his power, but Jesus answered, “Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above” (John 19:11). This centurion recognized this great truth and was humble before Jesus the King.
We are not told the man’s name, but Jesus marveled at his faith. While many cared little for their servants, this man had concern for his. He was not a Jew, yet he built the Jews a synagogue at his own expense. Though he had one hundred men under him, he recognized that Jesus was his superior. He trusted Jesus. What a good example he is.
–Mark Day