In the land of Israel, there was a centurion, a Roman officer who commanded a hundred soldiers. He was a man of authority, but he had a servant who was very dear to him. One day, the servant fell ill, and his condition was so severe that he was near death. The centurion, though a foreigner, had heard of Jesus, the great healer and teacher, and he believed that Jesus could save his servant.
The centurion sent some Jewish elders to Jesus, asking for help. The elders came to Jesus and spoke highly of the centurion, saying that he was a good man who had built a synagogue for the Jewish people. Jesus agreed to go with them to heal the servant.
But before Jesus could reach the centurion’s house, the centurion sent friends to tell Jesus, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.” The centurion understood that Jesus had the power to heal with just a word, and he trusted that his faith would be enough.
Jesus was amazed at the centurion’s faith. He turned to the crowd that was following him and said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” And then, with just a word, Jesus healed the centurion’s servant. When the friends returned to the centurion’s house, they found the servant well and healthy.
This story shows us the power of faith and the great love of Jesus, who is willing to heal and help those who believe in him, no matter who they are or where they come from.