The Children's Page
Allow the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. - Mark 10:14

Once there was a Roman soldier called a centurion. He was in command of one hundred other soldiers. He had many servants. He was also very kind to his soldiers and servants. One day, a servant became very sick. The centurion wanted to help him.

He had heard about Jesus, so he sent the elders of the Jews, asking Jesus to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they begged him saying that the soldier was worthy of help from Jesus. "Because he loves our nation," they said, "and he has built us a synagogue."

Then Jesus went with them. And when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him with a message for Jesus. They said unto him, "Lord, do not trouble yourself. I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof. I am not even worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant shall be healed."

When Jesus heard these things, he was very happy about the soldier. Jesus turned around and said to the people that followed him, "I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel."

Jesus was very pleased with this man, because he had great faith in Jesus. Many of Jesus' own people would not believe Him unless He showed them a sign or miracle. This Roman soldier did not need a sign. He knew Jesus could heal people.

Do you believe in the power of Jesus? Do you believe that He did miracles and that He died and rose from the grave after three days? To believe these things and not see them is called faith (Hebrews 11:1). Faith comes from the word of God (Romans 10:17). Just as Jesus was happy because the soldier had faith in Him, Jesus is happy when you have faith in Him, too (Hebrews 11:6). Jesus said not to worry about food, clothes, or a house (Matthew 6:31-34). He said that God knows what you need before you even ask Him. Jesus also tells us to seek first the kingdom of God, and He will give us all the things we need.

Down:
1) The soldier had great _____ that Jesus could heal his servant.
2) The soldier believed that Jesus only had to say the ____ to heal his servant.