1 When he’d finished speaking to the people, Jesus left for Capernaum. 2 A centurion lived there who had a servant he greatly valued who was sick and was about to die. 3 When he heard about Jesus, the centurion sent some Jewish elders to him, asking him to come and heal his servant.

4 When the elders came to Jesus, they pleaded with him strongly, saying, "Please come and do what he asks. He deserves your help, 5 because he loves our people and he built a synagogue for us."

6 Jesus went with them and as they approached the house, the centurion sent some friends to Jesus to tell him, "Lord, please don’t trouble yourself by coming into my house, because I’m not worthy of that. 7 I didn’t even think that I was worthy to come and see you. Just give the command, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I’m under the authority of my superior officers, and I have soldiers under my authority too. I command one to go and he goes, another to come and he comes. I command my servant to do something and he does it."

9 When Jesus heard this he was astounded. He turned to the crowd that was following him, and said, "I tell you, I haven’t found trust like this even in Israel." 10 Then the centurion’s friends returned to the house and found the servant in good health.