Where Are You, God? 30 First Encounters With Godਨਮੂਨਾ

Day 16: The Centurion - Faith from Afar

What does it take to amaze Jesus? A Roman centurion discovered the answer, and it had nothing to do with military might or political power—it had everything to do with faith.

When Jesus entered Capernaum, an unlikely figure approached Him for help. This wasn't a Jewish religious leader or fellow countryman. This was a centurion—a Roman officer commanding a hundred soldiers, representing the occupying force that many Jews despised.

The Desperate Request

The centurion's beloved servant was paralyzed and suffering terribly. In a culture where servants were often treated as disposable property, this Roman officer's genuine concern revealed his character. "Lord, my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly" (Matthew 8:6).

Unexpected Humility

Jesus' response was immediate: "Shall I come and heal him?" (Matthew 8:7). But the centurion's reply stunned everyone: "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed" (Matthew 8:8).

Here was a man accustomed to authority, yet he recognized an authority far greater than Rome's. He understood something many religious leaders missed—Jesus didn't need to be physically present to demonstrate His power.

Faith that Amazes

The centurion explained: "For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes" (Matthew 8:9). He recognized that Jesus operated under divine authority and wielded power that could heal with just a word.

Jesus' response was unprecedented: "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith" (Matthew 8:10). The Son of God was amazed—not by a miracle or theological discussion, but by the simple faith of a Gentile (non-Jewish) soldier.

Breaking Boundaries

This encounter shattered expectations. Jesus declared that faith like this centurion's would bring people "from the east and the west" to sit with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in God's kingdom (Matthew 8:11). The Gospel wasn't limited by nationality, race, or social position.

"Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would" (Matthew 8:13). The servant was healed at that very hour.

Your Authority

What barriers do you think separate you from God's power? The centurion's story reveals that faith, not proximity or perfect theology, moves Jesus' heart. Distance didn't diminish his confidence in Jesus' authority.

The same Jesus who healed from a distance is present with you today.