Luke 7:9

When Iesus heard these things, hee marueiled at him, and turned him about, and saide vnto the people that followed him, I say vnto you, I haue not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. Luke 7:9 (KJV)

In this chapter Luke recounts several significant events in the ministry of Jesus, one of which is the healing of a centurion’s servant. The centurion, a Roman military officer, first sends Jewish elders to request Jesus’ help in healing his servant. The elders convey the centurion’s belief that Jesus can heal the servant merely by speaking a word, and later the centurion sends friends who repeat his confident declaration of Jesus’ authority. This episode is part of the larger narrative found in Luke 7:1‑10, and it sets the stage for Jesus’ striking comment on faith.

When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at the centurion and turned to address the crowd that was following Him. He said, “I say unto you, I have not found so great a 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 who were 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 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.