Volume 2

The Centurion's Son 201
Jesus went on for almost three hours to a hill in the
neighborhood of Engannim, a place lying almost in a line
with Ginnaea, though in another valley some hours to the
south. It was on the direct route to Nazareth through Endor
and Nairn, about seven hours from the latter.
Jesus spent the night on this hill, in the shed of a
public inn where, too, He took some refreshment brought
from Galilee by the disciples who had come thither to
meet Him. They were Andrew, the bridegroom
Nathanael, and two servants of the so-called centurion of
Capharnaunl. They urged Jesus to hurry, as the man's
son was so ill. Jesus replied that He would go at the right
time.
This centurion was a retired officer who had once been
Governor of a part of Galilee under Herod Antipas. He
was a well-disposed man and, in the late persecution, had
protected the disciples against the Pharisees; he had also
provided them with money and other necessaries. As yet,
however, he was not quite believing, although he put
faith in the miracles. He was very desirous of one in
behalf of his son, both through natural affection and also
to put the Pharisees to shame. The disciples likewise
were eager for it, saying with him: "Then the Pharisees
will be furious! Then they will see who He is that we
follow!"
It was in this spirit that Andrew and Nathanael had
undertaken the commission to Jesus, who knew well the
bottom of their heart. He gave another instruction the
next morning when the two servants of the centurion
were converted. They were pagan slaves, and had
brought food with them. They now returned with Andrew
and Nathanael to Capharnaum.