Jesus and the Centurion

“When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel” (Matthew 8:10 KJV).

The story of Jesus and the centurion (Roman military officer commanding about 100 men) has made headlines with believers for a very obvious reason: Jesus marveled at this Roman centurion’s act of great faith. Anything whatsoever that astonishes Jesus is worth our attention! The word “marveled” in the text above implies that Jesus was amazed at the centurion’s great faith.

What was great about this man’s faith?

The key characteristic of his great faith is seen in what the centurion said: “Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed “(Matthew 8:8, KJV). The centurion said, “speak the Word only.” Great faith works with God based exclusively on His words.

We also have a similar scenario with Jairus, an Israelite spiritual leader who desperately needed healing for his daughter. He said to Jesus: “I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live” (Mark 5:23 KJV). Jairus requested that Jesus should physically visit his house and put His hands on his daughter. Was that faith? Yes. But not great faith. Great faith stands on the Word alone. God often uses intermediary physical options, like in Jairus’ case, based on the amount of faith present. When great faith comes up, He speaks the Word only and results follow. Jesus marveled at the great faith of a Gentile military commander.