The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.”
Matthew 8:8 NKJV
Are you confident in God’s promises and Word? In this passage, we see the centurion, a Roman military officer, displaying extraordinary faith. He tells Jesus that He doesn’t need to physically come to his house to heal his servant. Instead, he believes that Jesus’ word alone has the power to heal from any distance. Though the centurion acknowledges his own unworthiness, he demonstrates great confidence in Jesus’ authority and power.
As believers, God wants us to fully trust in His Word. Even when there are no visible signs, we must maintain unwavering confidence in Him. God is not a man who lies or fails to keep His promises. If we desire to walk closely with God and experience His manifestations in every area of life, we must place our complete faith in Him.
In Matthew 8:5-13, the centurion approaches Jesus to request healing for his paralysed servant. When Jesus offers to come and heal the servant, the centurion humbly declines. He said Jesus can simply “speak the word” to bring healing. This faith is remarkable, especially considering the centurion was not part of the Jewish community. Jesus was astonished by the centurion’s faith. So, He said, “Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel” (v10). This story shows us that genuine faith—rather than background or status—pleases God. The centurion’s example teaches us that believing in the authority and power of God’s Word is essential for experiencing His miracles.
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (KJV). The centurion’s faith aligns perfectly with this definition. He didn’t need to see Jesus physically lay hands on his servant; he trusted in the power of Jesus’ Word alone. Likewise, Psalm 107:20 reminds us of God’s healing power through His Word: “He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions” (KJV). This verse reinforces the centurion’s belief in the sufficiency of God’s spoken word to accomplish great things.
Just as the centurion believed in the power of Jesus’ Word to heal, we too can trust in the promises and truth of God’s Word, the Bible. Whether we are praying for healing, guidance, or provision, faith in God’s Word is essential. God requires only a small measure of faith to answer our prayers. Remember, it is through faith that we obtain good reports and see the fulfilment of His promises.
In conclusion, the centurion’s faith reminds us of the importance of trusting in God’s Word. His story demonstrates that faith in God’s promises can transcend circumstances, and it pleases God when we believe without seeing physical proof. As believers, we must rely on the authority and power of God’s Word in every aspect of life. By holding onto His promises, we position ourselves to experience His miracles, blessings, and provision. Let this be a reminder to trust fully in God, knowing that His Word is enough to meet every need.