For I too am a man under authority, and I have soldiers under my command. I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it.
In this passage the centurion explains his understanding of authority, comparing his position with Jesus’ position. He understands that just as he has authority over his soldiers and servants, so Jesus has absolute authority over life, death, and sickness. The centurion is convinced that Jesus’ word alone is enough to heal his servant, just as his commands are carried out immediately by those under him.