Luke 7:7 - Exposition

But say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. The Gentile soldier's faith was really great. He had risen above the need of an outward sign, such as a touch or even the sound of a living voice. He needed no contact with the fringe of the Master's garment, asked for no handkerchief or apron that had touched his person ( Acts 19:12 ). The word the Master would speak would be enough; the result he willed would assuredly follow. "Do not come hither where my servant is, but only speak here where thou art." The centurion had a just notion of Christ's power. And our Lord greatly commended him, whereas Martha, who said, "I know whatsoever thou shalt ask of God he will give it thee" ( John 11:22 ) was reproved as having spoken amiss; and Christ thus teaches that he is the Source of blessings, which he could not be unless he were God (compare Bishop Wordsworth, in part quoting from St. Chrysostom).