Luke 7:9
When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
Luke 7:9 (KJV)
Context
Luke places this moment within the healing of a centurion’s servant (Luke 7:1-10). The centurion, a Roman military officer, sends Jewish elders to ask Jesus to heal his servant, who is dear to him. The elders convey the centurion’s belief that Jesus can heal the servant by merely speaking a word. This episode sets the stage for Jesus’ striking comment on faith.
Meaning
When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at the centurion and turned to address the crowd following him. He said, “I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” This public declaration highlights three key observations: first, the centurion’s trust in Jesus’ power impressed him; second, Jesus deliberately addresses those following him, using the moment as a teaching opportunity; third, he declares the centurion’s faith to be exceptional, surpassing that found among the people of Israel.
The centurion’s faith is remarkable because he is a Gentile, and Jesus commends his faith as greater than any found in Israel. The centurion understands authority: he recognizes that Jesus has authority over sickness and can heal from a distance, just as the centurion has authority over soldiers under him. This faith is expressed through humility and trust in Jesus’ word alone.
Biblical connections
The parallel account in Matthew 8:10 records the same saying, with Jesus using “Verily” (Amen) to solemnly affirm the truth of his statement. This connection underscores the importance Jesus places on genuine faith.
Application
The passage teaches several important themes. Faith in Jesus is the primary focus; the centurion’s belief that a spoken word could heal demonstrates his understanding of Jesus’ authority and shows that genuine faith can cross cultural and religious boundaries. The astonishing nature of this faith challenges believers to aspire to a similar level of trust, encouraging confidence in the power and authority of Christ beyond limited expectations. Jesus’ public recognition of the centurion’s faith underscores the importance of affirming genuine faith wherever it is found, regardless of background. Finally, the statement that such faith was not found in Israel reveals the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom, indicating that faith and belief in Jesus are open to all who genuinely trust in him, not confined to a particular nationality or religious heritage.
Reflection
Jesus marvels at the centurion’s great humility, modesty, the strength of his faith, and his manner of reasoning. This verse highlights that true faith is not limited by ethnicity or religious background but is recognized and commended by Jesus. It also demonstrates Jesus’ willingness to respond to faith wherever it is found.
