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Word of Authority

During the time when Jesus was on this earth, there was a Centurion in the city of Capernaum. One of his bond servants fell ill to the point of death. When he came to know that Jesus was in the city, he sent some men to request Jesus to come to his house and heal the servant. After some time, he sent some more men to implore him not to come under his roof, but just to speak word of healing. What made the centurion to change his mind?

The centurion understood the power of word spoken with authority. In his daily life he had been experiencing it when he commands the soldiers and servants under him.
"For I also am a man [daily] subject to authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my bond servant, Do this, and he does it." Luke 7:8
The same principle he applied towards Jesus. He heard about Jesus - His word carrying authority to forgive sins and heal the sick people. He must have reasoned out that if my word (from a mere human being) can carry such an authority, what about the word from Jesus? He understood the divine nature of Jesus.

This logic made the Centurion to approach Jesus with faith to request help, "But [just] speak a word, and my servant boy will be healed." Luke 7:7

When Jesus heard these words from the Centurion (Not an Israelite, a Roman military officer), He made a wonderful statement:
"Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled at him, and He turned and said to the crowd that followed Him, I tell you, not even in [all] Israel have I found such great faith [as this]." Luke 7:9
Questions To Ponder:
  1. Do you believe that Jesus' word (God's word) carries authority?
  2. Think of various situations in your daily life you can apply this truth?
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