Centurion

Jesus lived under Roman rule,
That world power that kept control through force.

How beautiful, then, to see a centurion,
Concerned for his dear servant, beseech Jesus.

As one of the ruling class, he could have commanded
Jesus come. But he didn’t. Rather,

He sent Jewish elders to put in a good word for him.
These men spoke of his worth, his love, his generosity.

Jesus went. But while he was still in the way,
Friends of the centurion came, and told Jesus to stop.

Not the command expected by the subjugator.
The worthy centurion claimed he was not worthy

To have Jesus enter his house. The commander refused
To make this an example of command.

He recognized that Jesus had authority.
And Jesus marveled at his faith, and healed the servant.