This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Luke 7:1-10, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Jesus was in a town called Capernaum. There was a man called a centurion who had a servant who was very sick and about to die. This servant was very special to the centurion.
The centurion heard about Jesus and sent some important people called elders of the Jews to ask Jesus to heal his servant. The elders told Jesus that the centurion was a good man and he loved the Jewish people. The centurion even built a synagogue for them.
The elders said to Jesus, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.”
Jesus went with the elders to the centurion’s house. When they were close to the house, the centurion sent his friends to talk to Jesus. The friends told Jesus that the centurion didn’t want to bother him by coming to his house. The centurion said that he wasn’t worthy for Jesus to come to his house.
The centurion’s friends said to Jesus, “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 say the word, and let my servant be healed. For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
Jesus was amazed by the centurion’s faith and said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant completely healed.
Biblical Lessons
- It’s important to have compassion for others, even if they are different from us or hold a different position in society.
- We should always be willing to help those in need, even if it requires us to go out of our way or inconvenience ourselves.
- We should have humility and recognize that we are not deserving of God’s grace and mercy, but it is given to us out of His love for us.
- We should have faith and trust in God’s power and ability to heal and provide for us.
- The story also shows that Jesus’ power and authority are not limited by social status, race, or nationality. He is able to help anyone who comes to Him in faith.
Related Stories
Jesus Heals a Man with a Demon
Must-Read Christian Books
Holiness
A rich, pastoral treatment of sin, sanctification, and the fight for holiness in the Christian life, deeply rooted in Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Holiness of God
Sproul unfolds the blazing holiness of God and why a right fear of the Lord is vital to true worship.
View on Amazon
Chosen by God
A clear, pastoral explanation of biblical election and God's sovereignty in salvation.
View on Amazon
The Enemy Within
A modern, accessible summary of John Owen's teaching on indwelling sin and the believer's battle.
View on Amazon
Overcoming Sin and Temptation
A classic Puritan work on mortifying sin and living in the power of the Spirit.
View on Amazon
According to Plan
An introduction to biblical theology that shows how all Scripture points to Christ.
View on Amazon
Nine Marks of a Healthy Church
Outlines nine biblical priorities for congregations that want to be faithful and healthy.
View on Amazon
Communion with God
Explores how believers enjoy distinct fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
View on Amazon
A Body of Divinity
A warm, devotional exposition of the Westminster Shorter Catechism's doctrines.
View on Amazon
The Heidelberg Catechism
A beloved Reformation catechism that teaches comfort in Christ through a Q&A format.
View on Amazon
The Westminster Confession of Faith
A historic confession that systematically sets forth Reformed theology from Scripture.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Worship
Traces historic worship patterns and shows how to shape Christ-focused services today.
View on Amazon
The Gospel Comes with a House Key
A call to radical, everyday hospitality as a means of gospel witness and discipleship.
View on Amazon
The Glory of Christ
Calls believers to behold the glory of Christ as the great means of transformation.
View on Amazon
The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness
Shows how the gospel frees us from self-obsession to live in joy and service.
View on Amazon
Idols of the Heart
Helps believers identify and repent of heart-idols through the lens of Scripture.
View on Amazon