So Great Faith
Today’s Verse:
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. ~Luke 7:9
God expects us to exercise faith. Paul said that “the just shall live by faith.” He also said, “We walk by faith, not by sight.” Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Faith is the victory that overcomes the world. However, the question this morning is: how much faith do you have in God? Let us see what a Roman centurion teaches us about the kind of faith that pleases God.
We see the crisis.
“And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.” This centurion had a servant whom he was very fond of who was at the point of death. When someone close to you is dying and the doctors are unable to do anything, it makes you realize how powerless you are in the most important matter of life. This servant needed divine help.
We see the calling.
“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.” This man heard of Jesus. Faith cometh by hearing. He had a good report among the Jews and wisely used his connections to reach out to the Lord for help. The greatest exercise of faith is when we pray for things that are impossible. This Roman centurion heard enough about Jesus to convince him that Jesus was God come in the flesh. Remember this: where there is great faith, there will always be great praying.
We see the condescension.
“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:” This centurion said something about himself in front of the Jews and Jesus that was unexpected. He said that he was unworthy for Jesus to come to his house. He publicly humbled himself. God is more than pleased to hear our prayers when, instead of demanding Him to help us, we humble ourselves and place ourselves at His mercy.
We see the confidence.
“Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.” This man said, “Speak a word, and my servant shall be healed.” He had faith that Jesus was so powerful that just a spoken word from a distance would heal his servant. This man had unwavering faith in Jesus’ authority and capability. He had unusual faith that none of the Jews had. He had faith that the Lord was able to do exceeding abundantly, above all that we ask or think.
We see the commendation.
“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.” Jesus marveled at this man’s humble request and commended this man’s faith. Jesus said, “I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” The Jews had to see before they could believe. This centurion believed without seeing. He had faith to believe the incredible and to ask Jesus to do the impossible.
We see the cured.
“And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.” The centurion’s servant was completely cured! His prayer was answered. The faith of a broken and humble centurion brought Jesus to this man. Can the Lord commend you for having “so great faith”?
Have a faith-exercising God Morning!
Bible Reading: Luke 21-22