Read Luke 7:1-10

A ROMAN OFFICER DEMONSTRATES FAITH
This Roman officer was a captain in charge of 100 men. This man came to Jesus, not as a last resort or magic charm, but because he believed Jesus was sent from God. Apparently, the officer recognized that the Jews were God’s special people. It is recorded that he loved the Jews and built a synagogue. Thus, in his time of need, it was natural for Him to turn to Jesus.
Why did the officer send Jewish leaders to Jesus instead of going himself? Since he was well aware of the Jewish hatred of Roman soldiers, he may not have wanted to interrupt a Jewish gathering. As an army officer, he daily delegated work and sent groups on missions, so this is how he chose to get the message to Jesus.
The Roman officer didn’t come to Jesus, and he didn’t expect Jesus to come to him. Just as the officer did not need to be present to have his orders carried out, so Jesus did not need to be present to heal. The officer’s faith was especially amazing, because he was a gentile who had not been brought up to know a loving God.