Unexpected Faith: Jesus and the Roman Centurion

By Gabi Bemis

“When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Shall I come and heal him?’ The centurion replied, ‘Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 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. I say to my servant, “Do this,” and he does it.’ When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, ‘Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ Then Jesus said to the centurion, ‘Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.’ And his servant was healed at that moment.”—Matthew 8:5–13 (NIV)

Have you ever been in a situation that challenged your expectations of others? Maybe you held a belief about a group of people, then you encountered a person who challenged all the stereotypes you had. In today’s passage, we see Jesus breaking social barriers to give us a glimpse of God’s kingdom.

Matthew is writing predominantly to a Jewish audience, yet here, a non-Jew, pagan man is introduced. His servant is paralyzed and in terrible agony, so he goes to Jesus for help.

The centurion's act of humility is striking because of his reputation among the Jewish community. Romans oppressed Jews, and those in positions of power would certainly have been seen in a negative light by the people present. Despite his title, he humbly acknowledges Jesus’ authority and power. He had a problem, and he knew only Jesus could solve it.

"Just say the word, and my servant will be healed," the centurion says. This declaration reveals the centurion's conviction in Jesus' ability to heal his servant. This demonstrates that true faith is not merely a passive belief but an active proclamation of trust.

In a society marked by cultural and religious divisions, Jesus commends the centurion, honoring his faith in the presence of the crowds that followed Him. Jesus’ statement, “I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith,” challenges the audience’s understanding of who possesses faith and who is blessed by God. Here’s a pagan man, an “unbeliever” who verbally and publicly declares his faith in Jesus and receives his miracle! Do you see the irony?

God isn’t after people who have it all together or who think they know everything about Him. Instead, He’s after those who humbly and boldly put their faith in Him. The centurion recognized his need for Jesus, and like him, we must approach God with the same humility, acknowledging our need for a Savior.

The centurion also declared his faith publicly as he spoke his faith out loud with conviction. In the same manner, we should be bold in our faith, speaking it out with confidence and placing our full trust in God and His mighty power. Whether facing sickness, challenges, or uncertainties, verbalizing our trust in God's promises not only strengthens our own faith but also serves as a testimony to others too.

Friend, where’s your faith today? Is it placed solely in Jesus and His power to come through, or is it in something else? Do you profess your faith publicly to others or express your trust in God? May we learn from this man to admit our need for God and to boldly declare our trust in Him. May we humbly yet confidently approach God’s throne of grace so we may receive mercy and find grace that will help us in our time of need.

Pause: Is there a situation in your life that needs God’s intervention? Are you trying to fix it in your own strength, or have you given it to God?

Practice: Be intentional in meeting with someone today and encouraging them in their faith walk. Speak God’s promises over their life and situation.

Pray: Father, I acknowledge my need for You today. I often place my trust in so many things, thinking I can solve my problems, but You alone are the answer. You can do all things, and I believe You will meet me like You met this centurion. Give me the boldness to speak Your truth over my life and others. Lord, I want to see You move! Amen.