Daily Bread

First, a centurion's sick servant (1-6a). In Capernaum, there was a centurion whose servant was terminally ill. A centurion was an officer in the Roman army. He was a man of authority and privilege. Warfare and power had not corrupted his conscience. This centurion highly valued his sick servant. Moreover, he loved the Jewish people and even built a synagogue for them. He sent some elders to ask Jesus to come and heal his servant. Second, 'But say the word....' (6b-10). Jesus went with the elders. But on the way, the centurion's friends came and told Jesus that his physical presence was unnecessary. The centurion recognized the authority of Jesus' word. When the centurion gave an order, his soldiers did it. The centurion believed Jesus had much greater authority. If Jesus said the word, his servant would be healed. Jesus was amazed at the centurion's great faith. Then Jesus healed the sick servant from a distance by the authority and power of his word.

Prayer: Lord, your word has authority and power over any situation. Please give me faith that amazes you.

One Word: Have great faith in Jesus' word