After Jesus had finished speaking, he went
to Capernaum, where a centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and at
the point of death. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the
Jews to him, asking him to come and save his servant. When the elders came to
Jesus, they pleaded with him, saying, “This man is worthy of your help; he
loves our nation, and built our synagogue for us.”
Jesus went with
them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying,
“Master, don’t trouble yourself, for I am not worthy for you to come under my
roof. I’m not even worthy to come to you; say the word, and my servant will be
healed. For I also am a man with authority over soldiers. I tell this one,
‘Go!’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do
this,’ and he does it.”
When Jesus was told this, he marveled
at what he heard, and turned and said to the multitude who followed him, “I
tell you, I have not found such great faith anywhere in Israel.” Those who were
sent returned to the house and found the servant was now well.
It is remarkable that leaders of a synagogue would speak
highly of a Roman officer, given the hatred Jews felt toward their oppressors,
but this was an unusual man. He could have heartlessly replaced his servant
with another; instead, he wanted the servant to be healed. Have your preconceived
ideas toward people of a different race, religion, ethnic group, political
party or sexual orientation been at odds with someone you’ve come to know? How
has that affected you?
Prayer: Bring into my life, Lord, those who will challenge my
prejudices.
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