Only say the word and I will be healed Luke 7:1-10

We are not worthy of God's life transforming action. Faith trusts God can change our circumstances because of who Jesus is and what He's promised.

Luke wrote of a powerful man who trusted Jesus ability. His slave was dying so he sent to Jesus for help Luke 7:1-2.

Jesus had just preached to a great crowd on the plain (Luke 6:17-49). On His way Jewish elders came looking for Jesus on behalf of this Roman Centurion. He was an occupier who treated them well. The centurion asked them to seek Jesus' help. The local elders spoke to Jesus. They believed the centurion deserved God's help. They listed good things he'd done showing selfless love ἀγαπᾳ agapa for them as a people. He even built a synagogue Luke 7:3-5.

Do we believe like this? Do we think Jesus only acts because we are worthy? The elders made this case to Jesus. Do we believe our works make us righteous enough for God to act on our behalf? Or do we have faith to trust that God will acts in our lifetimes to reveal his glory in our world.

The centurion sent emissaries to Jesus. They came with a simple message of faith.

Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof;  therefore I did not presume to come to you. But only speak the word, and let my servant be healed. Luke 7:6b-7a NRSV.

This is faith in God's power. This is faith in Jesus as God who has ability to heal the whole world. Faith is not presumptuous or self-seeking. Faith is confidence in Jesus and what He will do to transform the world. Weekly Roman Catholics repeat this word in their liturgy. Weekly they hear this simple promise of faith. And Jesus praised this faith--this confidence in what God can do Luke 7:8-9. Faith in Christ is the starting point or miracles and the starting point of hope for the broken. Faith in Jesus was the starting point for the Centurion who's servant was healed Luke 7:10.