The Encounter:
In Capernaum, a centurion appeals to Jesus on behalf of his servant. In Luke’s account, the centurion sends Jewish elders to ask Jesus for help and later sends friends with a further message as Jesus approaches.
The Divine Intervention:
Jesus agrees to help. The centurion expresses that he is not worthy to have Jesus enter his home and asks that Jesus “only say the word”, recognizing Jesus’ authority as sufficient to heal at a distance. Jesus responds by marveling and declaring he has not found such faith in Israel, then speaks the healing.
The Immediate Result:
The servant is healed at that very hour (Matthew 8:13). In Luke, those sent return to the house and find the servant well (Luke 7:10).
This miracle reveals Jesus’ divine authority over sickness exercised through His word alone—without physical contact or proximity. It also functions as a sign of His kingdom mission extending beyond Israel: Jesus commends the centurion’s faith and speaks of many coming from the nations while warning that some who presume privilege may be excluded (Matthew 8:10–12). Christ is shown as the One whose authority is effective and universal.
A centurion was a Roman military officer (likely commanding about a hundred soldiers). In first-century Jewish–Gentile relations, entering a Gentile’s house could be socially and religiously sensitive; the centurion’s statement about unworthiness (Luke 7:6–7) underscores both the cultural distance and his exceptional recognition of Jesus’ authority.
“But only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” — Matthew 8:8
Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.
1. Where did the centurion appeal to Jesus for help for his servant?
2. What did the centurion say was sufficient for Jesus to do in order to heal his servant?