2 In Capernaum there was an army officer. He had a servant who was very sick; he was near death. The officer loved the servant very much.
3 When he heard about Jesus, he sent some older Jewish leaders to him. He wanted the men to ask Jesus to come and save the life of his servant.
4 The men went to Jesus. They begged Jesus to help the officer. They said, “This officer is worthy to have your help.
5 He loves our people and he built the synagogue for us.”
6 So Jesus went with them. He was coming near the officer’s house when the officer sent friends to say, “Lord, you don’t need to do anything special for me. I am not good enough for you to come into my house.
7 That is why I did not come to you myself. You need only to give the order, and my servant will be healed.
8 I know this because I am a man under the authority of other men. And I have soldiers under my authority. I tell one soldier, ‘Go,’ and he goes. And I tell another soldier, ‘Come,’ and he comes. And I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and my servant obeys me.”