behind the miracle

2 Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. 3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. . . . 6 And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. . . . 8 For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” 10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well. Luke 7:2-10

There is often another miracle hidden behind the un-miraculous miracles of Jesus. Behind the feeding of the 5,000 was the miracle of perfect provision. Behind the miracle of the raising of Lazarus was the hidden miracle of Jesus' tears.

The healing of the centurion's servant in Luke 7 represents yet another example of this idea. It is one of Jesus' “long-distance” miracles. What could be more un-miraculous than not even being present when the miracle occurs?

The nameless centurion was a part of a group known as “God-fearers.” That is, he was a Gentile who worshiped the God of Israel, but who was not willing to become a full proselyte by submitting to circumcision. This explains his generosity toward the Jewish community, and also why the elders would come on his behalf, asking Jesus to heal the servant.

Jesus does not hesitate for a moment, but follows the Jewish leaders in the direction of the soldier's home. But the centurion, sensitive to the fact that no Jewish person can enter the home of an “unclean Gentile,” sends a message to Jesus. He acknowledges that he is not worthy of a visit from the rabbi of Nazareth. He is a soldier, acquainted with the horrors of ancient warfare. As a Roman soldier, he would have been prepared to fall on his own sword at the command of his superior officer. He understands authority, and he recognizes that Jesus possesses a vast authority.

Jesus utters not a single word of healing. He only marvels at the faith of the Gentile God-fearer. Without being present in the home that was “not worthy” for him to enter, and—without a word—Jesus heals the servant.

Behind the un-miraculous miracle of the silent, long-distance healing lies another miracle—miraculous enough to amaze even Jesus himself. Hidden within the story is the miracle of the faith of the centurion. —Michael Card

seeking: Father, what have you just taught me about real faith? How will I live out that faith for you this moment . . . this day?

responding: Do I sense the tension between the works-righteousness rabbis and the centurion who confesses that he is not worthy? • Jesus is amazed at finding faith where he would least expect to find it. Have I ever amazed Jesus? • Do I think that part of this kind of amazing faith is a recognition of the authority of Jesus? Why?

Father, once more I ask for new eyes to see the hidden, un-miraculous ways that you're at work in the world. I confess that I have not fully bowed my knee to your awesome authority. I grieve at the thought that you often find more faith outside the “community of faith” than within it. Enable me, Lord Jesus, to amaze you!

following: God loves the miracle of real faith.

soul journey