"Now when he had
ended all his sayings
in the audience of the
people, he entered
into Capernaum.
And a certain
centurion's servant,
who was dear unto
him, was sick, and
ready to die.
And when he heard
of Jesus, he sent unto
him the elders of the
Jews, beseeching him
that he would come and heal his servant."
Luke 7:1-3
This servant was dear to this centurion because
he had treated him like family. Many of them
treated their servants well and like family. So
the centurion was glad to hear Jesus was in the
area and had heard of the many healing taking
place in His ministry.
By sending the elders to Jesus and asking Him
just to speak the word and his servant would be
healed showed Jesus the faith he had in Him.
In fact, Jesus said He had not seen such faith
as this man had.
Of course, Jesus spoke the word that he was
healed and the servant lived.