Just Say the Word — The Centurion's Faith
An October 18, 2026 worship message from Matthew 8:5–13 on the centurion’s faith, the authority of Jesus’ word, a personal testimony about prayer, and the call to hear and follow Scripture.
Pastor Peter Sunagawa · Original worship video in Japanese
Open original video on YouTube ↗Watch the worship message
This English page is a thematic reading guide to the original Japanese sermon, not a complete translation. The Japanese page contains the extended edited transcript.
Message outline
- Hope amid uncertainty
- The centurion and his suffering servant
- “Just say the word”
- An illustration about military orders
- Trusting Jesus' authority
- A hospital visit and a prayer request
- An apology and renewed prayer
- Psalm 103 and a testimony about healing
- Whose voice will we follow?
- Peace and a future hope
- Salvation through Christ and closing
Hope amid uncertainty
The pastor opens by reflecting on the end times, the hope of heaven, and the importance of God's word, drawing on Ezra.
The centurion and his suffering servant
In Matthew 8:5–13, a Roman centurion approaches Jesus on behalf of a servant who is suffering. The pastor reflects on the centurion's humility and care for the person under his authority.
“Just say the word”
The centurion asks Jesus to speak a word of healing. The message highlights his trust in Jesus' authority without requiring Jesus to enter his home.
An illustration about military orders
The pastor tells the story of Japanese soldier Hiroo Onoda, who stayed in the Philippines after World War II, as an illustration of taking an order from a recognized authority. The story is used as an analogy, not as an endorsement of war.
Trusting Jesus' authority
Returning to the centurion, the pastor asks listeners how deeply they trust the words of Jesus.
A hospital visit and a prayer request
The pastor recalls visiting an acquaintance with advanced cancer who had asked many people for prayer. The account is presented as his personal testimony.
An apology and renewed prayer
He recounts a difficult conversation, apologizing, and returning with another pastor to pray with the patient.
Psalm 103 and a testimony about healing
The pastor describes reading Psalm 103:1–5 and recounts what he understood to be an answer to prayer, including the reactions of people around the patient. These are the speaker's reported experiences, not independently verified medical findings.
Whose voice will we follow?
The message encourages listeners to hear Scripture and follow Jesus' teaching, with a focus on trust and obedience.
Peace and a future hope
The pastor turns to Jeremiah 29:11 to speak about God's plans of peace, hope, and a future.
Salvation through Christ and closing
With Acts 4:12, the sermon ends by affirming salvation through Jesus Christ and encouraging listeners in their daily walk.
Explore more messages
Messages and Morning Word →The edited sermon transcript is available on the Japanese detail page.