The Centurion's Servant Is Healed

Jesus entered Capernaum. In Matthew, a centurion came asking for help because his servant was at home, paralysed and suffering badly. Jesus answered that he would come and heal him. Luke adds that this servant was dear to the centurion and was close to death.

Luke explains that the centurion first sent elders of the Jews to Jesus. They earnestly asked him to come and save the servant. They said the centurion loved their nation and had built their synagogue. Jesus went with them toward the house.

Before Jesus arrived, Luke says the centurion sent friends with another message. He did not think himself worthy to have Jesus under his roof, or even worthy to come himself. He believed Jesus only needed to speak, because he understood authority from life among soldiers and servants.

Matthew presents the centurion speaking these same humble words directly to Jesus. Jesus marvelled and told the people following him that he had not found such great faith even in Israel. Matthew also records Jesus warning that some who expected a place in the kingdom would be shut out, while many would come from east and west. Then Jesus said it would be done according to the centurion's faith. The servant was healed, and in Luke the messengers returned and found him well.