In this passage the author clearly underlines God's intention to save all humans. He begins by urging the prayer of the community on behalf of every human being. He goes on to stress that God is indeed one and, therefore, interested in the welfare of everyone, not just one particular nation. He further mentions the role of Jesus as that human being, who functions as the one mediator between God and the human race. Finally he notes the universal sweep of Jesus' saving activity, that is a ransom for all. This emphasis on universalism must have an impact on our own lives. We must ask ourselves whether or not we set limits to God's all-embracing concern by excluding people in our lives. Do we dare to be as universal as our God?

In this account of the cure of the centurion's slave Luke contrasts the attitudes of the two delegations. The first delegation, the elders of the Jews, argues that the centurion merits the healing of his slave because, though a Gentile, he has done favours for the Jewish people. The second delegation argues from the analogy of military procedure, specifically the role of authority. Here the centurion acknowledges that Jesus has power over the forces of death. The response of Jesus to the centurion's faith much challenge our own capacity to believe. We are challenged to trust that all obstacles, yes even death, are not excluded from our God's power and interest.