The Soldier's Faith

In the town of Capernaum, there was a Roman soldier called a centurion. He was in charge of 100 soldiers! Romans were the rulers, and Jewish people didn't usually like them.

But this centurion was different. He cared about his servant, who was very sick and couldn't move.

The centurion heard that Jesus was in town. He sent some friends to ask Jesus for help.

Jesus started walking toward the centurion's house. But before He got there, the centurion sent another message:

'Lord, I don't deserve to have You come to my house. Just SAY the word, and I know my servant will be healed. I understand how authority works. I tell my soldiers to go, and they go. I tell them to come, and they come. I know that if You just give the command, sickness has to obey You!'

When Jesus heard this, He was AMAZED!

He turned to the crowd. 'Wow! I haven't found faith like this anywhere in Israel! This man really understands who I am!'

Then Jesus said, 'Go home. Because you believed, your servant is healed.'

At that very moment, the servant was completely well!

The centurion believed Jesus' word was powerful enough to heal from a distance. He didn't need Jesus to touch his servant or come to his house. He just trusted Jesus' authority.

That's the kind of faith that amazes Jesus!