Topical Bible: Prayer: Answered: Centurion, for his Servant

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The account of the centurion's prayer for his servant is a profound example of faith and divine intervention, as recorded in the Gospels. This narrative is found in Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10, where a Roman centurion approaches Jesus, seeking healing for his paralyzed and suffering servant.

Context and Background

The centurion was a Roman officer commanding approximately one hundred soldiers. Despite his position within the occupying Roman forces, he is depicted as a man of humility and faith, respected by the Jewish elders. His concern for his servant, who was gravely ill, demonstrates a compassionate character uncommon for someone of his rank and status.

The Centurion's Approach

In Matthew 8:5-6 , the centurion comes to Jesus in Capernaum, saying, "Lord, my servant lies at home, paralyzed and in terrible agony." His approach is marked by respect and recognition of Jesus' authority, addressing Him as "Lord." This acknowledgment is significant, as it reflects the centurion's understanding of Jesus' divine power, despite being a Gentile and a Roman officer.

Expression of Faith

The centurion's faith is further highlighted in Matthew 8:8-9 , where he responds to Jesus' willingness to come and heal the servant: "Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one to go, and he goes; and another to come, and he comes. I tell my servant to do something, and he does it." This statement reveals his deep understanding of authority and his belief in Jesus' ability to heal with merely a command.

Jesus' Response

Jesus marvels at the centurion's faith, as recorded in Matthew 8:10 : "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith." This commendation is significant, as it underscores the centurion's faith as exemplary, even surpassing that of many in Israel. Jesus' acknowledgment of the centurion's faith serves as a powerful testament to the inclusivity of God's grace and the importance of faith in receiving divine intervention.

The Answered Prayer

In Matthew 8:13 , Jesus declares, "Go! As you have believed, so will it be done for you." The servant is healed at that very moment, demonstrating the efficacy of the centurion's faith and the power of Jesus' word. This miraculous healing, performed from a distance, emphasizes the authority of Jesus over sickness and His willingness to respond to genuine faith, regardless of ethnic or social boundaries.

Theological Implications

The account of the centurion's prayer and its answer highlights several key theological themes. It illustrates the universality of Jesus' mission, extending beyond the Jewish people to include Gentiles who exhibit faith. The narrative also underscores the power of intercessory prayer, as the centurion's plea on behalf of his servant results in divine healing. Furthermore, it serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and recognition of Jesus' authority in approaching God with our requests.

This account remains a powerful example of faith in action, demonstrating that sincere belief in Jesus' power and authority can lead to miraculous outcomes, transcending cultural and societal barriers.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 8:5-13
And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came to him a centurion, beseeching him,
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Luke 7:3-10
And when he heard of Jesus, he sent to him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.
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John 4:50,51
Jesus said to him, Go your way; your son lives. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken to him, and he went his way.
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Library

Prayer and Trust
... "Then Jesus answered and said, O ... whose servant was seriously ill, and who had come
to Jesus with the prayer that He ... "And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the necessity of prayer/iii prayer and trust.htm

The Return to Capernaum - Healing of the Centurion's Servant.
... that liberty in prayer always indicated to him that his prayer had been answered. ...
was the result of the psychical influence of the Centurion's faith and of ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xix the return to.htm

Miracles Granted to the Prayer of Friends.
... could be granted on such a ground"not even to the prayer of an ... But he answered and
said ... But before they reached the house, the centurion had a fresh inroad of ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/vi miracles granted to the.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners.
... his mother had taught him this prayer of the ... been in her place we would have answered
somewhat in ... They went and delivered the centurion's message, saying, "He ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sovereign grace/chapter iv grace abounding to.htm

The Faith which Christ Praises
... The centurion answered and said ... This miracle of the healing of the centurion's servant
is the second of ... them deals with a leper, the second with the prayer of a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the faith which christ praises.htm

The Servant's Triumph
... No prayer for forgiveness comes from His lips ... Had He answered, they would have been
preserved and owed ... done nothing amiss.' Listen to the Centurion telling the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the servants triumph.htm

The Harmony of the Gospels
... different settings; for example, the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6 ... one can say that the
centurion himself sought ... identity or distinctness can be answered only after ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/iii the harmony of the.htm

A Call to Prayer and Testimony
... His centurion, in the name of the emperor, had set him ... in the Bible." To him I answered,
Your remark ... Oh, that we would incessantly use the promises in prayer! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/a call to prayer and.htm

The Heart's Desire Given to Help Mission Work in China.
... Having his prayer answered in obtaining a spiritual companion, Mr ... While reading the
account about the Centurion and the ... in the usual meeting for prayer held in ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/muller/answers to prayer/the hearts desire given to.htm

The Story of the Stranger at the Well
... "I have no husband," answered the woman ... gave them the prayer which we all know as
the Lord's Prayer. ... who had been sent, went again to the centurion's house, and ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of the stranger.htm