But the centurion replied, “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 me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.

Matthew 8:8-10

This Roman centurion was a man who understood the chain of command. He knew that he had the full obedience of his soldiers and they recognized his authority. But he also knew that some outranked him, so when Jesus entered the picture, the centurion immediately recognized His place before Jesus. That understanding caused Jesus to marvel.

It was the faith, not the position of the centurion, that caused Jesus to marvel at this man. A glimpse into this moment reveals an affirmation to the soldier, an example to His disciples, and an encouragement to us. Jesus evaluates and celebrates the faith of men. Believe that He has the authority and sovereignty over all things and default to His leadership above all else.

DO THIS TODAY: Default to the authority of Jesus.