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Narrator
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 8:10 Heavenly Father, our hearts are deeply moved. This testimony of unwavering belief in your power challenges us to examine the depth of our own faith. Lord, inspire within us a faith that astonishes, a trust in you that does not waver in the face of trials and uncertainties. May our belief in your goodness, your love, and your omnipotence be as profound and unwavering as that of the centurion. Grant us the courage to believe in the impossible, to see beyond our limitations, and to trust in your perfect will for our lives convict us, O God, to live lives that do not seek you in moments of need, but that consistently walk in the assurance of your presence and promises. Let our faith be a beacon of hope and inspiration to those around us, testifying to the greatness of your power and love. In Jesus name, Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast stories of hope, love and Divine Intervention. We're glad you found us. Be sure to follow this podcast so you never miss an episode. Doing so will also help others find us so we can spread the story of Christ to everyone.
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Narrator
Marcus rode atop his horse with a hundred soldiers marching behind him in perfect sync. His armor shone brilliantly in the afternoon sun. His polished blade and colorful helmet was a shimmering symbol of his authority. A cloud of dust followed them like a signal fire of Caesar's rule through them. Directly behind Marcus, was a carriage carrying his wife and newborn daughter. She cradled the baby, comforting her as they traveled along the bumpy road. Marcus was returning from Rome, where he stood before Caesar himself, his soldiers reported, admirably gaining him more favor and status among Caesar's elite. However, the trip had left him and his family exhausted. Tiro, their family servant, sat outside the carriage, writing a report.
Marcus
Tiro, I don't want my wife to endure more travel than necessary. When we return to Capernaum, escort her to the villa while I attend to my men.
Narrator
Yes, of course. Tiro bowed his head and wrote something down.
Marcus
And don't forget to have the have
Tiro
the servant draw her a bath and take the child to the nurse's quarters.
Narrator
Tiro interrupted with a smile. Marcus smirked and gave his servant a nod of approval.
Marcus
Yes, thank you, Tiro.
Narrator
The legion of soldiers rounded the path to the gates. They stopped at the barracks. Marcus wife stepped out of the carriage with the child to stretch, but as she stepped out, Tiro noticed a snake slithering through the cracks in the cobblestone. One of the horses, startled by the serpent, rose its hooves into the air, poised to strike her and the child. Tero sprung into action and swung them both around, covering them from the horse's blow with his back. Its hooves made a direct stroke right to his spine. Every soldier could hear the crack, followed by a limp thump on the floor.
Marcus
Tiro.
Narrator
Marcus shouted, dismounting his horse and running to his aid. Tiro wasn't moving. His eyes were wide with pain. They dragged the servant inside. Marcus held Tiro in his arms, holding his hand.
Marcus
Squeeze my hand, Tiro. Can you?
Narrator
Silent tears streamed down Tiro's cheeks. His throat clenched to say something, but nothing came out. Tiro was paralyzed, clearly writhing in agony from the waist up but unable to say anything. Each breath was strained, like he was fighting through pain, simply to breathe. His body was bound up and wired, spiked mesh burrowing painfully into his skin. Any moment could be his last.
Zach (Podcast Host)
If you've ever heard someone captivate a room with a speech, you know a fraction of what people felt when they heard Jesus. You often heard people say that Jesus spoke with authority as the Word of God. Jesus's words struck the hearts and minds of listeners with striking power and weight. Today we have the privilege of having God's Word available to us at any given moment. If we come to him in faith, the possibilities of what he might do in our lives is endless. This is the Jesus Podcast, a year of stories showcasing the depth of Christ's love and the glory of God's truth through cinematic storytelling and honest reflection. I'm Zach, your host from pray.com it's great to have you here with us for another marvelous miracle of the Messiah. Be sure to follow the podcast so you don't miss out on all of Jesus exciting adventures as the Jews of Jesus time awaited the Messiah they had come to long for one who would break them. Free from the oppression of the Roman Empire, they longed to be free from the rule of Caesar and hail their own king that would establish Israel as a great nation, just as David did when he walked the earth. What they found in Jesus defied their very expectation, though. But just because Jesus didn't stand out in his earthly appearance, the ministry messages and miracles he brought demonstrated that he was one who held great authority. In today's miracle, we'll see a juxtaposition between earthly and heavenly authority as a Roman centurion, one with authority to command a hundred soldiers, seeks out the man he believed to be even greater than himself. As we learn about another miracle, we'll discover how our faith in God will always prove to be a better option and than holding on to faith in anything of this world.
Narrator
Marcus waited by the corner of the market beside the wheat and barley stand. He sifted a few grains from one palm to another, nervously looking around. People hustled by him, unaware of who he was. Good. He wore plain clothes, not his usual decorated uniform. He wanted to blend in. At the right moment, he would reveal himself. If he had worn his uniform, silver badges and the royal sash, he might never curry the favor of a certain Jew he was looking for. He was Roman, after all. The Jews followed commands when they saw the sword and seal of Caesar. But Marcus. Marcus hadn't come to bark orders. He needed a favor. This undercover mission was not political. It wasn't about him at all. It was about Tiro. Marcus shut his eyes, unable to drown out the memory of his servant's pain laden eyes. He couldn't stand the thought of Tiro dying. The market screamed and bustled around him, but he heard none of it. He was caught in the melee of guilt and anxious expectation. He looked around, growing paranoid that someone would recognize him.
Marcus
Where are you?
Narrator
Marcus whispered. He strained his neck forward, looking around for any sign of the healer called Jesus. This was his best answer. To help his servant. A miracle. Marcus was not a spiritual man. He was not a philosophical type either. No, he left that to others. The world according to the Centurion was quite simple. Law, order, and authority. Any sliver of religious devotion was given to Caesar or Mars, the God of war, the one whom Marcus was named after. Yet no prayers to Caesar or Mars had done Tiro any good. Although Marcus was not a spiritual man, he knew the meaning of authority. He commanded a league of soldiers, a hundred men under his care. He was a conductor of law, order and battle. His life was that of conquest and command. This was his realm. He might not understand the spiritual realm of the Jews, but it was clear that Jesus did. Just as Marcus could command soldiers, Jesus had authority regarding healing. He was the master of his work as Marcus was of his. Jesus was the ruler of this kingdom of God he had spoken about. That was the kingdom he needed now. Nothing the Roman Empire had done had helped. Marcus looked far down the road. A crowd had formed around a particular man. This man was calm among the chaos around him. He wasn't distracted by the marketplace vendors or flustered by the onslaught of questions. He was secure, steady, like a man with actual authority. There you are, marcus said with wide eyes and a smirk. The Centurion slowly, calmly waited through the crowd to meet him in the street. He reached the center of the crowd and met Jesus gaze. Marcus wasn't sure what to do at this moment. He was used to commanding the Jews, not begging them for something. He didn't know whether to kneel or to draw his blade. He was suspended in an awkward space between desperation and. And pride. Finally, to Marcus surprise, he stretched his hands and bowed his head.
Marcus
Lord.
Narrator
Now there was a title Marcus didn't expect to use. Marcus, a Roman centurion calling this Jewish carpenter Lord King. But he was a king. Anyone who could heal lepers and restore sight to the blind was certainly a king of something. Marcus continued, allowing his heart to speak without a filter.
Marcus
Lord, my servant is paralyzed at home. He's suffering and I am helpless to bring him any comfort.
Narrator
Marcus voice cracked slightly. He cleared his throat and bowed to his knees. As Marcus spoke to Jesus, his confidence in him grew.
Marcus
My servant needs healing. He needs a miracle.
Narrator
Jesus took him in with a clear, steady gaze. The centurion's sincerity, the honorable way he addressed him, the trustworthiness in his expressions. Here was an honest man. An honest Gentile man. The Jewish men around him began to chatter.
Tiro
Isn't that the centurion?
Marcus
Why is he here? Shouldn't he ask Rome to help him?
Tiro
Can't he go to his own healers? Does he think he's a Jew?
Narrator
Jesus ignored their murmurs and stepped forward. He looked down at Marcus earnestly and smiled.
Jesus
Of course I will come with you.
Narrator
Immediately, Marcus could sense the sneers of the men all around him, their disapproval.
Marcus
Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. But only say the word and my servant will be healed.
Narrator
Marcus stood to his feet and gestured to the crowd.
Marcus
I know what it would do to your reputation to be in a Roman official's home. But I know you don't have to visit my home to heal my servant. I'm also a man of authority. I. I have soldiers under me. When I say to one go, he goes. And I say to another, come, he comes. And to my servant, do this and he does it. All you have to do is say the word and my servant will be healed. You're a man of authority.
Narrator
Jesus cocked his head to the side and smiled. His eyes revealed surprise and shock, a look not often shown by the Son of Man. What a marvel you are. Others called him Rabbi or teacher. Some of the Pharisees called him a sinner and demon. But this Roman called him Lord. His understanding of authority and the kingdom of God rivaled anyone in Judea. Jesus own people who followed the prophecies of old, who professed to understand spiritual things had no understanding. Instead, they glared at the centurion. The kingdom of God was not what they thought it had nothing to do with their religious rituals or lip service. They who professed to have abundant knowledge had no faith, no willingness to see the things of God at all. They could not see the darkness inside their hearts. They were blind to the hate inside them. In due time, their true motives would be revealed, their true desires. They craved death more than life. They had no belief. Yet this man, a centurion, had grasped the depth of Jesus true identity. He was more than a teacher. He was more than a prophet. He was Lord. Jesus turned to the men abruptly.
Jesus
Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.
Narrator
Some of the men made awkward head gestures. One of them muttered, him.
Marcus
He's a Gentile. We are the people who deserved Listen
Narrator
to me, jesus interrupted.
Jesus
I tell you. Many strangers will come from the east and west and recline at the table of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But many sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Narrator
Jesus turned back to the centurion.
Marcus
Go.
Jesus
Let it be done for you as you have believed.
Narrator
The centurion turned away, relieved, and slowly took the path home. Hours later he ducked under the portico of his home and peered into the window. Inside, his servant was sitting up, drinking some broth, surrounded by the other attendants in his house. His wife rushed up to him, wrapped him in a white shawl with their child on her hip.
Marcus's Wife
Marcus, you missed it. The most amazing thing has happened. He's broken out of his shell. He isn't paralyzed anymore.
Narrator
Marcus held her and rocked her a bit, curled her long brown hair over her shoulder and kissed her forehead. I know. She pulled back from him and he took their daughter in his arms.
Marcus's Wife
You knew?
Narrator
He nodded, walked past marble archways and sculptures and stood among his servants.
Marcus
A man with greater authority than I did this. I have a feeling we will be hearing of many more miracles like this.
Narrator
The servant stood when Marcus approached. He bowed, tears forming in his eyes.
Tiro
The pain is gone and I can move freely. I'm ready to serve you again, Master Marcus.
Narrator
Tiro couldn't help but laugh and patted his legs.
Tiro
It's like I was never paralyzed at all.
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Tiro
Why? It broke all at once just an hour or so ago.
Narrator
The centurion exchanged a glance with his wife.
Marcus
Right on time.
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Zach (Podcast Host)
whether we've been in a place of authority or have to submit to someone who was, we've likely had our share of good experiences and bad. From parents to teachers to bosses, authority is a natural part of any area of our lives. For the Jews during Jesus time, authority was a touchy subject. After the Roman Empire's expansion to include the Israelites, authority was most often associated with oppression and subjugation and unfair rule. This is why it seems startling that a Roman centurion, a commander who who had authority over 100 Roman soldiers would make himself subject to a Jewish rabbi. However, while many came to Jesus for healing, out of desperation or marvel at his miracles, the Roman centurion came with a much different heart. After he makes his request known to Jesus, the Lord notes him as being a man of faith. His faith in the miraculous powers of the Messiah ran so deep that even Jesus was moved by the centurion's words we read in Matthew 8. When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, truly, I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. How could a man with no Jewish background or upbringing have such a profound faith in Jesus? Well, it began by recognizing authority as a man of authority himself. The centurion understood that the works Jesus was doing commanded more than just fellow men. Jesus was commanding creation itself by just his words. The teacher from Nazareth could give sight to the blind, heal the lame, and reverse the effects of disease. The authority of Jesus was simply different. What made Jesus authority different from anyone else's is the source. His authority didn't come from an earthly kingdom or power. It was not bestowed upon him from mankind or given to him through conquest. His authority came directly from heaven, from the Father. As Jesus is praying from the Garden of Gethsemane on the night that he would be betrayed, he prays this in John 17. Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you, for you granted him authority over all people, that he might give eternal life to all those that you have given to him. Having this type of authority meant not only did Jesus have the right to rule, but but he was empowered to do so in such a way that would glorify the Father in heaven. The magnitude of Jesus rule is unprecedented. But not only that, it means the nature of his authority is as well. Maybe you think about authority and think about someone having the power to make others do what they want. Sometimes this comes with force or severe consequences for those who don't listen. But this isn't how Jesus exercised authority during his earthly ministry. His authority was always used for the good of people. We have plenty of reasons to question people of authority in this world as we learn about leaders who used it for personal gain or at the detriment of others. Perhaps we even have concerns about people in authority today in elected offices who abuse their power for the sake of greed or avarice. But we never have to worry about that with Jesus. The nature of his authority is not to dominate over people for personal gain. This is because Jesus authority is meant to use to accomplish the good plan of the Father, which means it will always be for the good of those who submit themselves to his rule. The use of Jesus authority flows from his compassion for people and is always seen as being used to love others and protect them from the corruption of this world. This means that we should never be worried about submitting ourselves to the authority of Jesus, wondering if he'll abuse our submission. His authority means we can live in safety, security and care under the kingdom of God, at least in the small ways he could understand. Without knowing the centuries of prophecies about the Messiah, the centurion understood the goodness of God. He had this knowledge that if he sought Jesus out for healing that he would receive it. He knew that Jesus authority was distinct and different from that of Caesar's. This left the centurion feeling unworthy to even have Jesus in his home. But this also opened his mind to believe that Jesus could do anything with his authority, including heal his servant from a distance. At just a word, we should view Jesus authority with some sense of awe. The worst thing we could do is put limits on Jesus authority by telling ourselves he's not capable of something. We should never demand Jesus to do something specific for us. We should never fall prey to the thought that there's something he can't do either. We should never put Jesus in a box that only contains our expectations or our understandings. A good way to test if we're putting Jesus in a box is by reflecting on our prayer life. Are there requests we make only the ones we consider to be reasonable or or requests that we can actually do on our own? Or are we willing to bring even the most unbelievable and absurd requests to the God who can do anything? Ask God big things and expect him to do something radical in response. Jesus is bigger than any box we could create for Him. One thing we like to reflect here@pray.com is when is the last time you prayed a prayer that was so big that it actually required the strength of God and the power of God and the miracle of God to make it happen? While we may see the ups and downs of earthly authority, Christ's heavenly authority is something to celebrate. We can find peace in knowing Jesus is in full control from the throne room of heaven. We can find strength in knowing our King is in his rightful place and is ruling us with his good right hand. We can find hope in knowing that his kingdom is growing and that one day when he comes back, he will make all things new and we will be his citizens under his good rule forever.
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Narrator
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Host: Zach (Pray.com)
Date: June 13, 2026
This episode revisits the story of Jesus and the Roman centurion from Matthew 8, exploring the themes of authority, faith, and humility. Through a blend of dramatized narrative and host reflection, it draws out the contrast between earthly power and the divine authority of Christ, inviting listeners to consider the depth and nature of their own faith.
[Begins at 04:28]
[09:23]
[13:48]
[15:41]
[17:57]
[18:35]
[22:38]
On Faith and Humility:
“Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. But only say the word and my servant will be healed.”
— Marcus (15:28)
Jesus’ Response:
“Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.”
— Jesus (17:57)
On Authority’s Source:
“What made Jesus authority different from anyone else's is the source. His authority didn't come from an earthly kingdom or power... His authority came directly from heaven, from the Father.”
— Zach (24:40)
On the Response to Miracles:
“A man with greater authority than I did this. I have a feeling we will be hearing of many more miracles like this.”
— Marcus (19:36)
This episode masterfully recounts the centurion’s encounter with Jesus, cleverly juxtaposing Roman and divine authority while challenging listeners to examine their own faith. Through both cinematic retelling and accessible biblical teaching, it underscores that Jesus’s power is both compassionate and unbounded—inviting us to deeper trust and expectation in our spiritual lives.