Centurion's Servant Healed

Illustration of Centurion's Servant Healed

In the Gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke, a Roman centurion in Capernaum approaches Jesus seeking healing for his paralyzed servant who is suffering greatly and near death. The centurion demonstrates remarkable faith by declaring that Jesus need only speak a word from a distance to effect the cure, comparing it to his own military authority over subordinates. Jesus marvels at this trust, noting it exceeds any he has found in Israel, and the servant is healed instantly at that moment. This event highlights Jesus' divine authority extending to Gentiles and illustrates that faith, rather than ethnic or religious status, is central to receiving God's mercy in Scripture.

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Details

Category
Healing
Testament
New Testament
Performed by
Jesus

Key Passages

The Miracle

Matthew 8:5-13

A5nd when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,

6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. 11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

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Did You Know?

1

The centurion did not ask Jesus to come to his house. He said, 'Just say the word and my servant will be healed.'

2

Jesus was amazed at his faith and said He had not found such faith even in Israel.

3

The servant was healed at that very moment, at a distance.

4

This Gentile's understanding of authority deeply impressed Jesus.