Healing the Centurion’s Servant
Devotional on Matthew 8:5-13
Background
A centurion was a Roman military officer commanding 100 soldiers. If you’ve watched the series “The Chosen,” the way Gaius, the centurion is portrayed, it’s as one who knew the people in Capernaum well. He was the “Peacekeeper (chief of police) and enforcer of Roman law. He walked among the people every day. He’d heard some of the religious teaching and had observed the Jewish people preparing for Shabbat (the Jewish Holy Day). He understood at least peripherally their customs and traditions.
As a Gentile and an occupier of Israel, he would have been viewed with suspicion or hostility by many Jews. Yet, in scripture we see this centurion humbly approached Jesus, a Jewish rabbi, seeking healing for his servant. It was an act that defied cultural and religious barriers. His faith and recognition of Jesus’ authority were extraordinary for a man outside the covenant of Israel.
Scripture
“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 to 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 very hour.” (Matthew 8:5-13, NIV)
Reflection
The centurion’s faith was not only remarkable—it was revolutionary. Here was a man of power, yet he approached Jesus with profound humility, acknowledging his own unworthiness. He understood authority because he lived under it and exercised it daily. When he said, “Just say the word,” he recognized that Jesus’ power transcended physical presence—a belief that even Jesus’ closest followers often struggled with.
Jesus’ response is striking: He marveled at this Gentile’s faith, declaring that He had not seen such faith in all of Israel. This was a direct challenge to the religious elite who prided themselves on their heritage but lacked true belief. Jesus then made a sobering declaration: Many Gentiles (those from “the east and the west”) would enter God’s kingdom, while many of Israel’s own people—those who assumed their lineage guaranteed salvation—would be cast out.
This passage shatters the idea that God’s favor is earned by bloodline, tradition, or religious performance. True faith, like the centurion’s, submits to Christ’s authority without demanding signs. It also warns against spiritual arrogance—those who trust in their identity rather than in Christ alone will find themselves outside the kingdom.
Application
1. Faith Oversight – The centurion did not need Jesus to physically touch his servant; he believed in the power of Christ’s word alone. In our own lives, we often demand visible proof before we trust God. But true faith acts on His promises, even when we cannot yet see the outcome. Are there areas where you are waiting for “proof” before obeying? Step forward in faith, knowing His word is enough.
2. Humility Before God – The centurion, a man of rank, declared, “I am not worthy.” Pride blinds us to our need for Christ, but humility opens the door to His power. Do you approach God with a sense of entitlement, or with the reverence of one who knows they depend entirely on His grace?
3. The Danger of Presumption – Jesus warned that many who assumed they were “in” because of their heritage would be shocked to find themselves excluded. Do you rely on church attendance, family faith, or moral behavior as your assurance of salvation? Or is your confidence in Christ alone?
4. The Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone – The centurion, an outsider, was commended for his faith while many insiders were rebuked. This reminds us that God’s kingdom is not limited by race, class, or background. Who do you consider “unlikely” to receive Christ? Pray for them, remembering that faith, not pedigree, is what matters.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus,
Help me not to rely on my knowledge or traditions. Give me faith like the centurion—to believe Your word without hesitation. Help me to walk humbly, recognizing Your authority in all things. Break any pride in my heritage or works and let my trust in You alone be my confidence. Open my eyes to see Your kingdom expanding beyond human boundaries. Thank you for saying that your word heals. Speak your word into the broken, sick, or injured places in my life, that I may be healed and whole. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Journal
Where do I struggle to trust Jesus’ authority without visible proof?
Do I know someone who needs God’s word to be “sent” – do I need that word?
Have I ever assumed God’s favor based on my background rather than my faith?
Who in my life seems “unlikely” to receive God’s grace—how can I pray for them?
May this passage deepen your faith and remind you that Jesus’ power transcends every barrier.
