August 5 Daily Devotional

Matthew 8; Luke 7; John 4

In the days of Jesus the land of Canaan was a part of the Roman empire. For the purpose of maintaining order, the Roman government kept garrisons of soldiers in the chief cities of the country. Thus, Capernaum had a company of soldiers (about one hundred men). The captain of such a company of soldiers was called a centurion.

Now the centurion in Capernaum—we do not know his name—had a servant who was dear to him. This servant of his became sick. His condition was so serious that he was at the point of death. And when the centurion heard of Jesus, “he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him, that he would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: for he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. And Jesus went with them. And when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee; but say the word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth: and to the other, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.”

When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at the faith of this centurion. This man, a Gentile, brought up in darkness and the superstition of idolatry, was acceptable to God, and believed in the salvation offered in Christ. He realized his sinfulness, and trusted in the only foundation, the rock of the ages. Jesus turned and said to the people that followed him, “I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel! and I say unto you, that many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven; but the children of the kingdom (those of Israel not accepting the salvation in Christ) shall be cast out into the outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee.” The faith of the centurion was not in vain. His servant was healed in the selfsame hour. They that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.