Do you believe John 3:16? Then why isn’t Mark 16:17–18 your daily life?
Hi, I’m Addison. You’re reading (or listening to) Bigger Than Me—a weekly guide devoted to removing the fears, doubts, and misconceptions that keep believers from healing the sick in everyday life.
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The fever has left the boy's body rigid.
His muscles are seized so tightly he can't lift a hand to drink.
All the Centurion can do is watch.
Physician after physician has come in, examined the servant, and walked out shaking their head.
The Centurion stares at the wall, turning the situation over in his mind again when another servant runs in, breathless. "Jesus of Nazareth is here. In the city."
Hope.
The Centurion had heard the stories.
Blind eyes opened
Lepers cleansed.
Lame walking.
This Rabbi could heal his servant without lifting a finger.
"Should I go find Him?" the other servant asks. "Ask Him to come?"
"No, I will go myself." the Centurion replies.
Word travels faster than he does. By the time the Centurion has crossed half the city, the town elders catch word of the situation.
They run to speak with the Teacher.
"This man deserves your help," the elders plead with Jesus.
"He loves our nation.”
“He built our synagogue with his own money."
Jesus sets out toward the Centurion’s house.
The Centurion closes the distance before Jesus arrives.
"Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof."
"But only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under my command. I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes. To another, 'Come,' and he comes. I tell my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
Jesus turns to the crowd following Him.
"I tell you the truth. I have not found faith like this anywhere in Israel."
"Go," He tells the Centurion. "It will be done, just as you believed."
By the time the Centurion finishes riding home, his servant is already standing.
Completely healed.
Just as Jesus said.
Bolder This Time
Most people read this story and think we know why the Centurion’s servant was healed.
The Centurion asked boldly.
He believed Jesus could heal his servant from a distance, without ever stepping through the door.
That's the kind of faith we call great.
They pray the same way for healing: hoping to ask God with enough boldness and conviction to see the same results for those we love.
It wasn't just the conviction or boldness of the centurion's request that changed things.
The Centurion recognized something in Jesus he already understood in himself — a command works because of the authority standing behind the person speaking.
That's why he knew Jesus’ word from a distance was enough. Jesus operated under the Father's authority, which meant His words carried weight that required obedience.
The same is true today.
You carry His authority into every situation.
It’s not a request.
Dear Father,
Thank You that You are the source of all authority, and that nothing operates outside of Your Word.
Thank You, Jesus, for being my King.
Thank You for showing me what it looks like to submit to and live from the Father’s authority.
Holy Spirit, thank You for living in me and pouring through me.
Thank You for reminding me of the authority I carry because of who You are in me.
I reject the lie that says my role is to ask, when You've called me to command.
I will stop treating prayer for healing like a request to You, and start moving in confidence with Your power in me, Jesus.
I will command sickness to leave and expect it to happen.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Until next time,
Addison
