Read Luke 7:1-10

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Verse 4—"He is worthy for you to grant this to him."

The slave was a Gentile, working for a Gentile (a Roman centurion). Jesus "came to His own"—the Jews (see John 1:11). He preached in Israel to Jewish people. Romans 1:16 says this: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek" (emphasis added). According to God's plan, the early church was made up of Jews. The Gentiles became part of the church about 8 years later, when Peter preached the gospel to Cornelius (see Acts chapter 10). But because this Gentile centurion treated the Jews especially well, the Jewish elders felt he was worthy to have Jesus come and save the life of his slave.

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However, in verse 6...

The centurion states—"I am not worthy for You to come under my roof." He didn't feel worthy to have Jesus come to him, yet he wasn't afraid to ask for Jesus' help (he sent Jewish messengers to go to Jesus on his behalf).

It's doubtful that he said this because he was a Gentile.

Compare this to what John the Baptist said in Luke 3:16 (I am not fit) and also to what Peter said in 5:8 (I am a sinful man).

Like John and Peter, the centurion recognizes the purity of Jesus, and his own sinful nature. Read Isaiah 6:5-8

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Verse 7—"Just say the word and my servant will be healed"—The centurion had faith. Jesus pointed out his great faith in verse 9.

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Verse 8—The centurion recognized the authority Jesus had—he knew who Jesus was.

"just say the word"—the centurion knew that Heaven, earth and all creation were brought into being through God's word. Surely Jesus (the Word, according to John 1) could heal through just His word.

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Verse 9—The centurion demonstrated great faith.

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Miraculous healing requires faith.

The slave was healed as a result of the centurion's faith. Likewise, the paralytic was healed as a result of his friends' faith (5:20).

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What does this tell you about intercessory prayer?

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