Daily Bread

1. Just say the word (1-9)

The centurion was a Gentile, a soldier in the Roman army of occupation. But he had a compassionate shepherd's heart for his servant, and he believed that Jesus had authority to heal. He humbled himself and asked Jesus for help. He had a soldier's simple understanding of authority and obedience; he knew the power of the word. So he said, 'Just say the word and my servant will be healed.'

2. Such great faith (10-13)

Jesus was astonished by this centurion's faith in the power of Jesus' word. This was the kind of faith the people of Israel should have had. Jesus looked at this man and saw the whole Gentile world. Someday Gentiles with faith like his would come from every part of the world to take their places at the great heavenly banquet. And those with human privilege, but with hard and unbelieving hearts, would be thrown into outer darkness. Jesus spoke a gracious and powerful word of command and blessing, and the servant was healed.


Prayer: Lord, help me to humbly accept the authority of your word and obey joyfully.

One Word: 'Just say the word'