Have Faith Like the Centurion

In the gospels, we find two occasions where Jesus is described as being amazed. One was in his hometown of Nazareth, where he was amazed at the people’s lack of faith. The other instance, found in Luke 7:1-10, presents a striking contrast—Jesus was amazed at the abundance of faith displayed by an unlikely person: a Roman centurion. 

An Unexpected Source of Faith

If you were living in first-century Israel and asked to predict who might demonstrate exemplary faith, a Roman centurion would likely be at the bottom of your list. As a military officer in the occupying army, he represented Roman oppression and pagan culture. He stood outside of any faith community of Israel.

Yet this centurion became one of the most powerful examples of having faith in the Bible. His story teaches us that genuine faith can emerge from unexpected places and people. We can have faith like He did.

The Centurion’s Remarkable Request

When his valued servant fell ill and was near death, the centurion heard about Jesus and sent Jewish elders to ask for help. This already tells us something about his character—he cared deeply for his servant at a time when servants were often considered dispensable.

As Jesus approached his house, the centurion sent friends with an extraordinary message:

“Lord, don’t trouble yourself, since I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. 7 That is why I didn’t even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I too am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” – Luke 7:6-8

What Made His Faith So Remarkable?

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and declared to the crowd, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” What aspects of the centurion’s faith impressed Jesus so deeply?

1. He recognized Jesus’ authority

The centurion understood authority. As a military commander, he knew what it meant to give and receive orders. But remarkably, he perceived that Jesus possessed an authority that transcended human hierarchies—authority over sickness, disease, and even death itself. He believed Jesus’ word carried divine power that could heal from a distance.

2. He was humble 

Take notice of the centurion’s self-assessment: “I do not deserve to have you come under my roof.” Despite his position of power, he approached Jesus with profound humility. He acknowledged his unworthiness before God. In order to have faith like the centurion, we have to be humble and recognize God’s holiness.

3. He fully trusted

There was no hesitation in the centurion’s faith. He didn’t ask Jesus to try to heal his servant or suggest alternative methods if the first attempt failed. He simply believed that Jesus’ word alone was sufficient. This complete trust is the essence of biblical faith.

What This Means to Us Today

The centurion’s story offers powerful encouragement for believers. For example, here are four ways.

Your background doesn’t determine your faith potential. If a Roman soldier could demonstrate faith that amazed Jesus, your past, cultural background, or previous religious experiences don’t limit what your faith can become.

Understanding authority is key to faith. Like the centurion, we need to grasp Jesus’ supreme authority. When we truly believe Jesus has authority over every circumstance we face, our prayers and expectations change dramatically.

Distance is no barrier to Christ’s power. The centurion believed Jesus could heal from afar, and we can trust that same power today. Physical distance doesn’t diminish Christ’s ability to work in any situation.

Humility opens the door to greater faith. The centurion’s humility and recognition of his unworthiness didn’t weaken his request—it strengthened it. Sometimes our greatest breakthroughs come when we approach God with genuine humility.

Conclusion

As we face our own challenges—whether physical illness, relational difficulties, or spiritual battles—we can learn from this Roman officer who had so little religious background yet demonstrated faith that amazed even Jesus.

What situation in your life needs the authority of Jesus right now? Like the centurion, bring it before him with humility and complete trust in his word.  At the end of this story, the servants found the child well again. The Centurion had faith and God provided. We can have faith like the Centurion, as well.