LUKE 7:1–10
HEALING OF THE CENTURION’S SERVANT
Text – Luke 7:1–10
1 When he had finished all his words to the people, he entered Capernaum.
2 A centurion there had a slave who was ill and about to die, and he was valuable to him.
3 When he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and save the life of his slave.
4 They approached Jesus and strongly urged him… “He deserves to have you do this for him…”
6 And Jesus went with them, but when he was only a short distance from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself… I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof…”
7 “…But say the word and let my servant be healed.”
9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed… “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”
10 When the messengers returned to the house, they found the servant in good health.
Historical and Jewish Context
A Roman centurion was a Gentile and military officer in charge of about 100 soldiers—part of the occupying force in Israel. While many Jews resented Roman rule, this centurion was respected by the Jewish elders for his generosity and goodwill, including helping build their synagogue. Jews avoided entering the homes of Gentiles due to concerns about ritual impurity (Acts 10:28), which may explain the centurion’s hesitation to have Jesus enter. His humility and faith stand in stark contrast to the religious elite who often doubted Jesus.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The centurion’s words, “I am not worthy… but say the word,” express profound humility and confidence in Christ’s authority—so much so that they are included in every Mass before Holy Communion (CCC 1386). His faith demonstrates that the grace of God is not limited by ethnicity or status but is available to all who believe (CCC 543, 2001). Jesus marvels at his faith—something rarely said of anyone else—highlighting that sincere trust and humility please God more than outward religious privilege. The miracle confirms Jesus’ divine power to heal with a word, foreshadowing the spiritual healing offered through the sacraments.
Parallels in Scripture
Matthew 8:5–13 – Parallel account with focus on faith
Acts 10:1–48 – Cornelius the centurion receives the Holy Spirit
Isaiah 55:11 – God’s word does not return void
John 4:50–53 – Jesus heals another man’s son from a distance
Romans 10:17 – Faith comes from hearing the word of Christ
Key Terms
Centurion – A Gentile military officer, representing faith outside Israel
Not Worthy – A confession of humility, recognizing Jesus’ holiness
Say the Word – Trust in the power and authority of Jesus’ word
Faith – Confident belief, not based on sight, that moves Christ to act
Healing – A sign of God’s compassion, authority, and grace
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This passage is especially significant in the Liturgy of the Eucharist, where the centurion’s words are echoed by the faithful before receiving Communion: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof…” It highlights the importance of humility and faith in approaching Christ, especially in the sacraments.
Conclusion
The centurion teaches us that true faith recognizes our unworthiness while trusting entirely in Jesus’ word. His humility and belief moved Jesus to heal. This Gentile’s example challenges all believers to approach Christ with reverent faith and confident hope in His power to save.
Reflection
Do I trust in the power of Jesus’ word, even when I cannot see the outcome?
How can I grow in the humility and faith of the centurion?
Do I approach the Eucharist aware of both my unworthiness and Christ’s mercy?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof, but I trust in Your word. Strengthen my faith, and heal all that is broken in my soul and body. Make me humble and trusting like the centurion, and lead me deeper into communion with You. Amen.