Luk 7:3  And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.

Luk 7:4  And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:

 

You know generally, Jesus would not have paid attention to a Roman centurion. His primary assignment then was the children of Israel. However, an interesting thing happened. The Centurion was a wise man. He did not ask Jesus directly to heal his servant. He did not have a basis or influence for that. He asked the elders of the  Jews and they spoke for him. Influence was transferred to him by the elders of the Jews.