Today we see a captain of the Roman army pleading with Jesus for a healing of his servant. Israel had been conquered by the Roman army which was seen as a foreign occupying force. So, we can easily say that members of the Roman army were not well liked in Israel. Plus, this captain did not practice the religion of Israel. He was a pagan Roman who probably had many gods and idols. Generally speaking, the Roman soldiers were seen as abusive and oppressive. For all those reasons, we would expect that Jesus should not respond to any requests from that captain.
Yet here we see Jesus as the embodiment of God the Father’s love, compassion, and mercy towards all. He wants to include all in his family, even those who seemingly should be excluded. This is a sign of God’s love going out to all people. Jesus says he is willing to go to the captain’s house to do a healing.
Then comes the truly unexpected part of the story. The captain has such faith in the power of Jesus’ word that he says it is not necessary for Jesus to go. The most noble part of military life is learning and living trust and obedience. Military personnel develop a trust that their superiors have a wider view to make decisions and the power to enforce their decisions and orders. This trait can be a good place for faith and confidence to grow.
Jesus then tells his disciples that he has never encountered such hope, confidence, and trust in anyone from Israel. The foreign, pagan, supposedly abusive captain had more faith than anyone in the chosen, holy, prayerful nation of Israel.
The captain is a sign of prayer. Prayer is central to Christina life. It must be a constant daily practice in our lives. Faith, hope and confidence are all tied together in prayer. Prayer is the way we begin to conform our will in hope and confidence to the will of God the Father. Just as a sergeant orders his platoon to do what a lieutenant has ordered, so will a Christian live in the will of God.
In truth I tell you, in no one in Israel have I found faith as great as this.
Image: CANVA CJ Dunn 26 October 2026 AI Generated.