Say the Word
By: Greg Mohr
April 2023
And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant. . . . Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.”
Luke 7:2–3 and 6–7, New King James Version
This is a powerful example of someone who simply believed the authority of Jesus’ word. The Roman centurion in this story had a servant who was special to him and was at the point of death. Apparently, the medical doctors of that day were unable to improve his condition. This centurion was a wealthy man who had built the Jews a synagogue and would certainly have paid for the best doctors to cure his servant who was so dear to him.
Someone must have told the centurion about Jesus and the many miracles of healing He had performed. Since he had been so generous to the Jews, he had favor with them and asked them to bring this Healer to his house to heal his servant. The elders of the Jews went to Jesus and tried to convince Him to come based on the centurion’s good works. I don’t believe Jesus came for that reason. I believe Jesus responded to the centurion’s faith. Jesus always responds to people who hear about Him and ask for healing.
Before Jesus got to his house, this centurion received a revelation. He must have thought something along these lines: The reason I have asked Jesus to come and heal my servant is that I believe He has authority over sickness and disease. I understand how authority works. I am a man under authority, and I have several soldiers and servants under my authority. All that is necessary for me to exercise my authority is to speak a command to one of my servants, and they obey me without question. If Jesus really has authority over sickness and disease, He doesn’t have to come to my house. All that is necessary is for Him to speak the Word, and sickness and disease will obey Him without question.
Jesus responded to this centurion’s revelation by declaring the man’s trust in Jesus’ word alone to heal his servant was great faith. The servant was healed by Jesus simply saying the Word over him. Too many times we complicate God’s healing power. We want some special manifestation of the Spirit or some powerful feeling to confirm we are healed. When we understand what this man, who was not even in covenant with God, understood, we will see consistent results.
Just say the Word. Exalt the truth of God’s Word above the facts of what we see in the natural realm. All that we see in the physical is temporary and subject to change. God’s Word is eternal and unchanging. When we say the Word, sickness, disease, demons, and lack must flee. The Word on our lips has final authority in our darkest circumstance.
Speak the Word boldly into every situation that opposes God’s will for your life and those you love.
