Lord, Just Say The Word
“Just say the word”, is a phrase that provides assurance to someone that help will be there, all they have to do is ask. In Luke 7:1-10, a Roman centurion has such great faith in Jesus’ divine authority, that he trusted that Jesus’ word was all that was necessary to heal his servant. As you study this scripture, be assured that God’s word has the power to accomplish His purpose in our lives and that our faith in Jesus provides the healing of salvation that we need. Amen
When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” So Jesus went with them. (Luke 7:1-6a) Jesus had just finished His sermon on the Plain when a group of Jewish elders approached Him with a plea to come with them and heal the dying servant of a Roman centurion. The elders were sent by the centurion, who had heard of Jesus. Normally, Roman soldiers were viewed as oppressors and enemies of the Jewish people. But these Jewish elders vouched for this Roman centurion’s heart (“loves our nation and has built our synagogue”).
He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” (Luke 7:6b-8) When Jesus got close to the centurion’s house, He received word that the centurion didn’t want to trouble Jesus to have to come in. During that time, a Rabbi would not have likely entered the house of a Roman soldier due to the enmity between the oppressor and the oppressed. However, the impressive thing about the centurion was the faith that he demonstrated in Jesus’ authority to heal the servant without having to be in his presence!
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well. (Luke 7:9-10) While many instances are recorded in the Bible of people being amazed at Jesus, there are only a couple of instances where the Bible records that Jesus was amazed. Jesus made a point of turning to those who were following Him and praising the faith that the centurion had showed. Jesus said that he had not found such great faith even in those who were supposed to be God’s people (Israel). And in accordance with his faith, the centurion’s servant was healed!
A Roman centurion is the least likely person who would be expected to have faith in Jesus. And he certainly wouldn’t have demonstrated it publicly. But this story is an object lesson in faith. Even those who have been enemies of God can come to the Lord and have faith in Him. We don’t have Jesus physical presence here with us but His power and authority to save and heal us from our greatest malady (sin), are available to all who have faith in Him. When you humble yourself and have the faith to believe in the power and authority of Jesus, you will be made well and you will receive eternal life. The one who spoke and created everything is still able to speak into your life and make it whole. Like the centurion…. You just need faith to ask Jesus to say the word!
Blessings, Rev. Glenn
“my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” ~ Isaiah 55:11
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. ~ Romans 10:9-10
