Only speak a word! - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Jesus said to the centurion, Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you. And his servant was healed that same hour.
Matthew 8:13

Only speak a word!
In Capernaum, a fishing port on the Sea of Galilee, a centurion approaches Jesus with a request: “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralysed, dreadfully tormented.” Jesus responds, “I will come and heal him.”

The officer replies, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.” Then he adds a justification to his unusual request. He says, in effect, to Jesus Christ: As an officer, I have authority over my soldiers. When I give them an order, they obey it immediately. But compared to you, I am nothing. Your authority is much greater. Whatever and whomever you command – it will happen.

Jesus is amazed by this great faith. What characterises it? And what can I learn from this faith?

1. The centurion admits to himself: I have a problem that I cannot solve. – Am I willing to admit that I cannot help myself?

2. He asks Jesus for help. – Do I seek the help of the Lord Jesus in prayer?

3. He makes himself small before Jesus: “Lord, I am not worthy …” – What do I think of myself? Am I aware that I deserve nothing?

4. He trusts completely in the power and will of the Lord to help him. – Do I give up my self-confidence and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ?

Four steps of faith. Four steps to Jesus Christ. – Why do they often seem so difficult?

Today’s reading: Exodus 25:1-22 · Luke 9:37-50