Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises. (Romans 9:4) In the ancient world, a covenant was nothing like the casual agreements we make today. It was serious enough that breaking one could cost you your life. Covenants were usually sealed in blood; the two parties would cut their hands or wrists and mingle their blood as the binding sign that the deal was done. G

When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick. (Luke 7:9-10) By the time the messengers returned to the house, the servant was already healed. Jesus did not go lay hands on the servant or have everyone pray for hours. In fact, there was no visible

Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my serva