Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 8:9

"For I also am a man under authority, having under myself soldiers: and I say to this one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it." — Matthew 8:9 (ASV)

Having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my servant, Do this, and he does it.

He did not further explain. It is a pity sometimes when we explain things to God in prayer, as I am afraid we often do, God knows what we mean. And so here he did not explain his meaning; we can see it clearly enough. "You too, O Christ, are under the authority of God, and sent by him, and you have the powers of nature under your control. You have but to say the word, and they go; do this, and they do it."

Having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my servant, Do this, and he does it.

He left the Saviour to infer what he meant: namely, that Christ, who acted under the authority of God, could readily speak to palsies and fevers, and say to them, "Go," and they would go, just as quickly as a soldier would obey his officer's command.

Brother, you are a Christian, and you have known the Lord for twenty years—do you have as much faith as this Roman centurion had?

Do you believe that your Master's word can remove sickness, that he can clear difficulties, that he can supply needs, that he can break bonds, that he can send, by whichever angel or man he chooses, whatever blessing he pleases?

Oh, that we did all believe as truly as this man did!