Act One:
“This man deserves your help!”
The learned fellows felt the captain was entitled to a miracle because he was a nice guy. “He ought to have it…” they said. A trade by barter between the mortal and the divine, it seemed.
Act Two:
“… I am certainly not worthy to come to you….”
Yes, he was a friend to the nation and put up a synagogue for them. But He didn’t bring this before the Lord.
He did bring something else, though.
Humility. Understanding. Faith.
And this is what God responded to.
Act Three:
“… Just say the word…”
Yes! The servant got well. Everyone marveled. And we have a reminder of what really counts.
Act Four:
Eh-em, there’s no act four. Just think about it.