"Let it be done as you believed it would."

Matthew 8:13
"Then Jesus said to the centurion, 'Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.' And his servant was healed at that moment."

Matthew 8:2-3

"A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, 'Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.'

Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. 'I am willing,' he said. Be clean! Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy."

I am noticing more and more that the phrasing used when approaching Jesus is important; I believe these two stories were put side by side to emphasize that point. This seems to link back to "reality by agreement." It seems that Jesus was primarily called to react to scenarios he found himself in, rather than acting first. When reacting, what people asked of him was important, and how. Presumably he was able to do anything based on his fundamental link (automatic agreement) with The Father; he chose to primarily heal people of all manner of things, and to teach.

The centurion is an interesting story because it references that Jesus was "amazed." The centurion presents a complex scenario where he believes Jesus can heal the centurion's servant remotely, but also presents it as an analogy and shows humility in doing so. It seems that such a combination "amazes" Jesus somehow. It feels as though the centurion knows something not presented in the Bible. It is as if he has studied the journey of Christ and his words and, even though he is an outsider, he seems to have understood more than those who knew The Law well. I can picture him pondering this process in advance, and deciding on how he will ask for what he needs. It seems he hit the nail on the head and, while Jesus could have presumably healed the centurion's servant remotely without the the story presented, because the centurion presented such a clear story, Jesus was simply able to point out his main thesis- "Let it be done just as you believed it would." 

While it does not seem to be a requirement that Jesus do things as people believe they would happen (he's not like a genie bound to grant wishes or something), this passage makes it clear that he can do this when he wants to, and the way he speaks of the centurion to the crowd makes it seem like this is a preferred method of approach. Given that he also knows what is in the hearts of men, and he highlights the centurion's faith and not his story specifically, I feel this is evidence for the idea that if one can develop an idea, however convoluted, that fits with the will of Jesus (matching the will of God and The Word), then Jesus will agree to it, and the scenario will happen "just as you believed it would.

In fact, such complexity may have its own value, as there may be a limitation to using unlimited power, in that you must decide how to use it from within an infinite field of possibilities. It is unclear how differentiated this field would be, how difficult it might be to see possible complex solutions to things, when all solutions are available, and when simple solutions often will suffice to handle one's goals. I can imagine such a complex solution being received as a fine wine, similar in basic composition to other wines and alcohols, but with its own unique and desirable flair. While this story references healing, I believe there is no limit to how this kind of interaction might apply.

I include the story of the leper as well in order to highlight the importance of choice, or at least the appearance of choice. Regardless of if Jesus would have healed the leper if he had phrased his need differently or not, the leper specifically led with "if you are willing." Even if Jesus was certain to have healed him regardless, the idea that the man led with choice feels notable, respectful. As a man, I imagine Jesus appreciated this respect, even if it was unnecessary, and so responded in kind with "I am willing."

Ultimately, it seems like combining a cool plan with a good heart and the right attitude can unlock any door, because that is the will of Jesus, and the will of God. Notably, such an approach cannot be faked and, if done honestly, I see no reason why such a request would be denied. It feels almost too simple from this perspective, but I do not believe a relationship with God was ever meant to be difficult. 

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