What does “being under authority” have to do with great faith?

Question:        In Luke 7:8, what does “being a man under authority have to do with having great faith?

 

Answer:

The centurion, being a man of authority, compared himself to Jesus and his authority.  He did not have to physically go to a place to get something done; he merely gave an order and it was done by his soldiers; Lu.7:8, “…..and I say…..to my servant, do this, and he doeth it.”  Likewise, the centurion knew Jesus did not have to physically go to his home to heal his servant.  He knew that his servant would be healed if Jesus gave the command; Lu.7:7, “…..but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.”  Jesus stated the centurion had great faith because he knew he was unworthy or was not a righteous man, but still believed (faith) that his servant would be healed if Jesus merely spoke the word.